PEI Disability Alert started a campaign in December 2006 to encourage the government to reform the DSP including the inclusion of seniors into program. The reasons seemed obvious – why should seniors be excluded from this important part of the disability supports network?
The CBC TV story in December tells the story from a seniors point of view. Doris Worth sums up the need succinctly. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGUlirswvI0]
The Disability Support Plan was set up in 2001 to provide for the additional needs of Islanders with disabilities “to help them to be as independent as possible and attain a satisfactory quality of life.”
Specific supports available for adults include: Assistive devices and technical aids, respite care for family caregivers, community living (home care), community access, and home and vehicle modifications.
The Regulations at 4.1.1 exclude all Islanders who are older than 64 years of age from applying, hence seniors. This is simply not fair and can only be justified as a cost saving measure.
There are 19,000 Islanders with disabilities of whom 5,100 of them are seniors (65 years and up) who require an assistive device or technical aid. 40% of all seniors have a disability, the most common one being mobility followed by hearing and vision. A 2004 government study shows that 1,300 of those disabled seniors still need some sort of assistive device.
Some of the most pressing needs are wheelchairs, scooters, grasping tools, and bathroom grab bars. Seniors also need more home care, community access support and home modifications.
It seems unconscionable for the government to not provide these supports merely because a person is 65 or older.
Until the rules change, we urge everyone who is 55 plus and has a disability to apply now to retain their qualification. The rules only say you cannot apply after 64. You should protect your rights. If you wait until you are 65, it will be too late.
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