March 22, 1999
(Health and Community Services)

Personal care allowance for seniors in long-term care

Joan Marie Aylward, Minister of Health and Community Services, announced today that $3.5 million will be allocated over a five year period to increase personal care allowances for approximately 3,900 seniors in long-term care. This means an increase of almost 14 per cent or an extra $15 per month per person will be provided.

"As we celebrate International Year of Older Persons, it is important that we recognize the contributions of seniors but we must also address their needs," said the minister. "Over the last number of months, the premier and I have heard from resident councils and many nursing homes throughout the province regarding the need for this increase. As our population ages we will have an increasing demand on funding for health and community services but must always strive to meet the needs of our seniors."

Until today, each person occupying a bed in personal care homes, community care homes, nursing homes and residential settings such as Emmanuel House and Naomi Centre, was permitted to retain $110 per month as a clothing and personal comfort allowance. This rate was established in 1989 and the increase to $125 per month is the first since that time.

Media contact: Glenn Bruce, Communications, (709) 729-1377.

1999 03 22