With seniors expected to make up a quarter of the Canadian population over the next couple of decades, provincial governments will be faced with a number of tough choices and the area's MLA is trying to get a jump-start on planning.
As the Wildrose Opposition prepares a new policy platform, Innisfail/Sylvan Lake MLA Kerry Towle has embarked on a two-week cross-Alberta seniors tour to hear the concerns of the aging population.
ìThe whole purpose behind the tour is to listen to seniors,î Towle said, on stage four of the journey ñ St. Paul and Vegreville. ìWe need to start making seniors' care and their needs a priority.î
On Tuesday Feb. 19 the Wildrose seniors critic set out on the political voyage heading to Mayerthorpe and Whitecourt. On Wednesday she was hearing from seniors in Barrhead and Westlock. By Thursday she had hit Athabasca, Boyle, and Lac La Biche.
ìWhat we're hearing is the lodges are working pretty well,î she said, but noted there are gaps between the different levels of care in the system. ìI've enjoyed every part of this tour so far.î
There have been three main issues that keep coming up, she said.
ìSeniors do not want to be forced out of their community while they're waiting for long-term care placement,î she said.
A second concern is a signature subject for Towle ñ getting a higher quality of food built into the health-care system.
ìThey're tired of being fed prepackaged meals,î she said. ìThey want kitchens in the hospitals and they want fresh home-cooked meals.î
A third problem is the desire for seniors to live independently until that is no longer possible, she said.
ìThey want their abilities to stay in their homes longer,î she said. ìThey don't want to be forced into a lodge.î
Studies show when seniors are allowed to live independently for a greater time period they generally stay healthier, she added.
The rest of Towle's tour will have her meeting with more seniors, stakeholders and advocacy groups for another week.
ìI look forward to more engagement with seniors,î she said, ìand understanding their unique needs.î
