By Adam Ophus

Challenges exist

Population of seniors increasing but generally happy

Jan 8, 2021 | 10:33 AM

The Clearwater Regional Family & Community Support Services (FCSS) recently brought attention to councils from the County, the Town of Rocky and the Village of Caroline, that like many municipalities, the local population of seniors is increasing and not all needs are met.

Clearwater County’s seniors’ population rose from 11.37% in 2006 to 13.32% in 2016, according to a Seniors Social Needs assessment commissioned by FCSS.

In Rocky Mountain House it rose from 12.5% in 2006 to 15.63% in 2016.

And in Caroline in 2016 seniors made up one-fifth (20.5%) of the village’s population.

A survey done as part of the FCSS assessment found that both the general community and seniors themselves placed personal safety and mental health as their main priorities.

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Seniors, however, placed affordable housing and basic needs not being met much higher than the community had.

FCSS noted the some of the main issues for seniors were transportation, isolation, mental health, and a need for more affordability of services and housing.

Their assessment did note that most seniors in the communities, were generally happy with the quality of life.

A joint letter was sent by all three municipalities on December 17 to Minister of Seniors and Housing Josephine Pon, seeking COVID incremental funding that has been provided to seniors housing management in Alberta.

It states that due to the additional measures required to adhere to the Chief Medical Officer of Health orders has come at a great cost to the Rocky Senior Housing Council Board.

“Staffing, Sanitation, food preparation and communications have all demanded greater resources.”

The letter claims that the Rocky Senior Housing Council has been tasked with finding $180,000 to fund the additional expenses.