Office of the Seniors’ Advocate Releases Report Summarizing the Major Issues Raised by Seniors and the Advocate’s Plans

  • Office of the Seniors’ Advocate

September 25, 2019

Seniors’ Advocate Dr. Suzanne Brake today released “Long May Your Big Jib Draw: Setting Sail”. This report is a “what we’ve heard” document reflecting the major systemic issues that seniors have brought forward since the creation of the Office in November 2017. It is a result of many telephone calls, emails, consultations and public engagement sessions with seniors and their families and supporters throughout the province.

“Since my appointment as the province’s first Seniors’ Advocate, I have heard from a number of seniors. Many are happy and content, socially connected and active in their communities. But too many are struggling financially, are socially isolated and face serious health concerns.”
– Dr. Suzanne Brake

The report highlights three (3) priority areas of concern: Aging in Place, Healthcare, and Labor Force Participation. Within these three areas, there are several subcategories specifically highlighting the challenges seniors face, such as transportation, home support, homelessness, residential and health care, dental care and pension stability. Twenty-five (25) actions have been identified. The implementation of these actions can ensure an overall improvement in the health and well-being of seniors.

Moving forward, the Office of the Seniors’ Advocate will connect with government departments and agencies and key stakeholders to discuss the report and action points. The Advocate will be closely monitoring all progress to ensure changes are implemented. All reviews and updates will be made available to the public on the website of the Office of the Seniors’ Advocate.

“Our office will continue to increase public awareness and raise consciousness of systemic issues and the changes that need to be made. There has to be a collaborative, cooperative effort from all participants.”
– Dr. Suzanne Brake

Dr. Brake would like to extend a sincere thank you to all of the seniors, family members and supporters who have contacted the Office directly via telephone, email or visit, or attended a public engagement session. It is the voices of seniors themselves that are of the upmost importance when solutions are sought to make the necessary changes.

The report is available on the Office of the Seniors’ Advocate website: www.seniorsadvocatenl.ca/pdfs/LongMayYourBigJibDrawSettingSail2019.pdf .

– 30 –

Contact Information
Dr. Suzanne Brake
Seniors’ Advocate
709-729-6603, 1-833-729-6603 (toll free)
Fax: 709-729-6630
Email: seniorsadvocate@seniorsadvocatenl.ca
Web: www.seniorsadvocatenl.ca

2019 09 25 10:10 am