The Ontario budget includes a program intended to help keep seniors living independently but it might not be enough.
Starting in 2019 the Seniors Healthy Home Program will give eligible households, led by seniors 75 or over, $750 so they can continue living independently. Lisa Temple, Director of Community Relations with the Mayfield Retirement Residence, says she loves the assistance but doesn’t think the money is sufficient to actually keep someone in their home.
The total investment proposed in the budget is $1 billion over three years. Temple says one of the problems with the elderly staying in their home is isolation. Spending extended periods of time alone can lead to depression and a stagnant lifestyle. Temple adds that those living alone should also have a support system in the form of friends or family for general help.
Leeds-Grenville MPP Steve Clark says the budget is an attempt to buy votes, filled with high spending and no plan to eliminate the deficit.