Housing is the third key issue in an Age-Friendly survey conducted on behalf of Olds Institute's Age-Friendly committee.
The expected huge increase in seniors over the next 10 - 20 years means planning for a variety of affordable and accessible housing needs to start soon.
Although 66 per cent of respondents indicated either there is not a range of appropriate and affordable housing or they did not know of any, most comments focused on a lack of affordable housing.
People cited a shortage of long-term care options as being one of the issues and the possible involuntary separation of spouses increases their anxiety about housing.
The long waiting times for supportive housing can mean leaving Olds, which is most difficult for older seniors. The demands for assisted living are reported to exceed current supply.
One respondent said, "I find it to be challenging. Unfortunately my father had to wait at the Olds hospital for three months until available living accommodation was offered. And if I had not pushed gently he would have waited even longer. In my view this is a terrible way to treat our veterans and our seniors."
The second section of the housing issue relates to the ability to age in the right place. Questions related to four aspects of this were asked.
The need for home supports such as home maintenance and personal care for seniors and those with disabilities were included in this question. People not requiring these supports expect that there are sufficient supports.
However 57 per cent of those surveyed did not know of those supports or indicated there were not enough home supports.
People commented it was challenging and difficult to find the needed information. Some questioned the ability of those offering such supports, such as housekeeping.
There is no central list of those providing affordable home supports. Many comments stated there is a need for more flexible home care to meet needs if seniors remain in their own home or in minimum care homes.
Some services and supports are private and more costly and some are provided by Alberta government departments.
The question of housing modifications being available and affordable is an aspect of aging in the right place. Seventy-seven per cent of respondents either indicated modifications were not affordable or they did not know if they were.
Seniors say grants are not sufficient to make required changes as they need to retrofit their homes for mobility and other issues. Others state the funds are very restrictive. And some expressed frustration with the process. Seniors recognized their older homes are not appropriate for them as they age and adaptations are expensive.
Only 32 per cent of respondents believed new housing is built to accommodate individual and families at different life stages. Respondents stated houses should have wide enough hallways and bathrooms for wheelchairs and walkers. Showers should include bars for all family members.
There is not a wide range of affordable and accessible housing options to help middle-income households age in place. Some, especially those on fixed incomes, cannot afford condo fees, or property taxes, so are forced to try to find a cheaper alternative.
Seniors all have different housing needs, just as they did in their younger years. There is a request to look at a variety of housing possibilities.
The final aspect of aging in the right place is knowing about financial assistance programs and the need for that information to be easily accessible. Only 28 per cent could respond positively to this statement.
Respondents frequently stated there is a lot of information about programs and supports on Alberta Health Services' website. But that only helps if the senior or their family knows exactly what the needs are.
Many seniors advise that most information is for those accessing a computer and thus, many do not have access to this information and do not know where to find it. People with disabilities such as hearing and vision loss have a harder time finding out the required information.
The next issue in the Age-Friendly survey is about social participation.
Rita Thompson is a member of the Age-Friendly committee.
