SUN organization calls for alleviation of Seniors' financial concerns

Seniors United Now press release

Seniors United Now (SUN) is supportive and appreciative of Alberta’s Property Tax Deferment Plan – an initiative which is truly beneficial to many seniors as property taxes increase this year.  In keeping with this move in the right direction, SUN encourages the Government of Alberta to introduce further modifications to the systems that affect seniors  on a daily basis.

“Utilities, transportation and other public service costs are increasing while the incomes of seniors are not increasing, and some seniors’ incomes are actually decreasing,” says John MacDonald, Executive Director of SUN.   “SUN calls again on the Government of Alberta to reconsider the qualification threshold for Alberta Seniors’ Benefits.  The thresholds are currently too low for both single seniors and senior couples.”  Without an increase in the threshold level, many seniors will not be able to stay in their own homes.  Studies have shown that seniors and society as a whole benefit when seniors live independently in their own communities.


Health care costs not covered by Alberta Health Services, such as medications, physiotherapy, vision care, dental care, and many of the sparsely covered Home Care services are a significant burden to seniors.  In many cases, it becomes a two tiered system in which only the wealthy are able to access the services they need.  Again, an increase in thresholds for Alberta Seniors Benefits would help to alleviate some of these pressures.

Current federal discussions regarding cutbacks to Old Age Security and Canada Pension Plan have caused fear and distress among seniors.  Many seniors fear that when the time comes to enter a care facility, they will not be able to meet the required expenses.  “Life in many of our care facilities is very expensive,” says MacDonald.  “The basic fees for rent and meals may be affordable, but once services such as bathing, medications, mobility assistance, laundry and grooming are added to the total, the costs of facility living are too great for some.  And we then experience again the two-tiered system where only higher income seniors receive the care they need.”

SUN reiterates its plea to the government to increase funding levels for seniors in the province of Alberta. “Seniors should be enjoying their ‘golden years’, rather than stressing over the mundane, daily costs of living.  In a great province like Alberta, seniors should not be worried about their day-to-day welfare,” says MacDonald.

For more information visit www.seniorsunitednow.com