The Provincial Government today announced the details of the Seniors’ Health and Well-Being Plan that will guide the delivery of the supports and services necessary for seniors to maintain health, well-being, dignity, and independence to age well.
The announcement was made by the Honourable John Hogan, KC, Minister of Health and Community Services, and the Honourable Paul Pike, Minister of Children, Seniors, and Social Development. The ministers were joined by Dr. Pat Parfrey, Deputy Minister of Health Transformation, and Kimberly Leonard, CEO of SeniorsNL.
The plan focuses on improving seniors’ well-being and supporting healthy aging, establishing Centres of Excellence in Aging, and strengthening integration and service delivery across the care continuum.
The Seniors’ Health and Well-Being Plan includes initiatives to improve seniors’ well-being and support healthy aging, such as:
- A new Aging Well at Home Grant that provides $400 annually to eligible low-income seniors to help with supportive services such as snow clearing and grocery delivery.
- A new Caregiver Benefit of $400 per month for eligible caregivers who provide significant unpaid assistance to lower income seniors with complex care needs as determined by a clinical assessment.
- Increased funding for the Provincial Home Repair Program and Home Modification Program to allow them to serve more seniors.
- Enhanced immune response influenza vaccines:
- High dose influenza vaccines (Fluzone HD) for seniors aged 65 years and older in congregate living facilities
- Adjuvant vaccine (Fluad) to seniors aged 65 years and older the general population
- A $500 annual supplement for food and heating for seniors in coastal Labrador communities. Coastal Labrador residents aged 65 years and older should ensure they file their tax return as some information, such as age and address, will be used to send out the supplement. No application is required.
NL Health Services will administer the Aging Well at Home Grant and the Caregiver Benefit. To apply for the Aging Well at Home Grant, email Aging.Well@centralhealth.nl.ca or phone (709) 651-6273. Individuals interested in applying for the Caregiver Benefit can discuss the application with their case manager.
Government also continues to support the Seniors’ Social Inclusion Initiative and Age-and Dementia-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Communities Programs. These initiatives are examples of the Provincial Government’s continued commitment to improving the well-being of seniors based on recommendations from Health Accord NL, including supporting older adults to age well with dignity and autonomy.
To learn more about the Seniors’ Health and Well-Being Plan, visit www.wellbeingnl.ca.
Quotes
“The steps that our government is taking will help improve the quality of life for our seniors. Helping to cover the costs of services, such as snow clearing and home repair, through the Aging Well at Home Grant helps ensure seniors can live in their homes. The Caregiver Benefit also recognizes the valuable support caregivers provide for their loved ones. The Seniors’ Health and Well-Being Plan will bring peace of mind to seniors and their families, knowing they have the resources they need.”
Honourable John Hogan, KC
Minister of Health and Community Services
“It is important that we continue to have a strong focus on seniors and older adults to help ensure that, as we age, we can remain healthy, active, engaged and living in age-friendly communities. The Seniors’ Health and Well-Being Plan will supplement work already in place across government, ensuring a fulsome approach to how we support the independence of and provide the best care for seniors in the province.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development
“The Seniors’ Health and Well-Being Plan is at the heart of Seniors NL. We are grateful for the unwavering support the Provincial Government provides. We are pleased to collaborate with government to promote these important initiatives through our Information and Referral, Social Prescribing, Elder Abuse Prevention, Collective Impact and Partnership programs. We are dedicated to growing further partnerships, always emphasizing ‘Seniors Supporting Seniors’ whenever possible. Together, we collectively support, promote, enhance and recognize the well-being and independence of all older people across Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Kimberly Leonard
CEO, SeniorsNL
-30-
Learn more
Provincial Government to Improve Senior Care with Centres of Excellence in Aging
Provincial Home Repair Program
Follow us on X @GovNL and @HCS_GovNL
Like us on Facebook