ED: The press release that follows is the government’s attempt to answer the shortfall of not including Seniors in the DSP. Quoted comments are our response. Revised May 2, 2007
Seniors want to stay in their own homes
April 19, 2007
Supports and services do exist for seniors with a disability. Seniors or family members are encouraged to contact the Office of Seniors to receive information and direction on programs and services available.
If an individual comes into the Disability Support Program before the age of 65, support will continue into his/her seniors years. The level of support will remain the same; it will not increase should the severity or prevalence of disability increase.
Response – The Policy Manual says “If an active DSP service (recurring monthly funding) exists when a person turns age 65, only that recurring amount of funding will continue;” This means if there is a need for a wheelchair, scooter, walker or other technical aid, it will not be funded. Since it is policy at the DSP to force the recurring monthly amounts downward, Seniors can expect to receive less and less each year.
The Disability Support Program does not provide for new applicants aged 65 plus.
Response: If you are disabled and below 65 apply now. If you become disabled after 65 like 45% of seniors with disabilities you are out of luck.
Seniors who require disability-related supports and do not have the financial means may apply for financial assistance; a means test is required as part of the application.
Response: Welfare is your only and not very good hope. If you go to welfare we have seen cases where they refused help because it was covered by the DSP. The two groups sit together in the same office. Good luck.
Seniors may contact other government programs for supports including the Home Oxygen Program and Seniors Drug Program (Department of Social Services and Seniors); Home Care (Department of Health); Home Adaptations for Seniors’ Independence program and Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program for Persons with Disabilities (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation) or Veterans Affairs benefit programs.
Response: HASI and Disabled RRAP are Federal CMHC programs that provide limited support. Ontario provides $15,000 for home renovations and $15,000 for vehicle modifications not dependant on age.
The Home Adaptations for Seniors’ Independence program provides a senior with an age-related disability with minor adaptations to the home, e.g. handrails, walk-in showers, bathroom grab bars and seats, etc. if eligibility exists (income-tested).
Response: HASI is limited to $3,500 in home modifications which will only fund minor home adaptation.
The Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) provides financial assistance to low-income homeowners with a disability to do work to make their home more accessible.
Response: Disabled RRAP is funded to $16,000 but limited to 35 families on PEI with a long waiting list.
Seniors may also contact community organizations that provide financial assistance and equipment loan programs including the Canadian Cancer Society, Red Cross and CNIB.
Respite care is available at nine public manors. The cost of care during the respite stay is minimal and based on assessed need.
Home Care may provide day-time in-home respite care for the 24-hour care giver, based on assessed need at no cost to a senior (for 3-4 hours at a time).
Day programs are also available for seniors at government manors. These programs are designed to promote physical and psychological well-being of seniors for a nominal fee.
For more information, please contact:
PEI Office of Seniors’ Island Information Service
PH: (902) 569-0588 Toll-free: 1-800-236-5196
Response: All it would take to help PEI’s disabled seniors population is about $5 to $8 million, not a lot considering that 45% of the disability population on PEI is over 65.
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