Redfords plan for senior’s care is still on the table
Posted Jan 28, 2012 7:54 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Alberta’s health minister says Premier Alison Redford’s idea to remove a cap on what seniors pay for long-term care facilities is not off the table.
Redford proposed lifting the cap during her leadership campaign, saying it would spur private sector investment in creating 1000 new continuing care beds promised by her predecessor Ed Stelmach.
The Tory government promised in its February throne speech to add 5300 continuing care beds by 2015.
Seniors who require continuing health-care usually pay about $1700 a month for accommodation or about $56 a day.
Health Minister Fred Horne tells the Calgary Herald the idea hasn’t been discussed but expects that to happen at some point.
He adds if the cap is removed they will provide financial support to low income seniors.
But NDP Leader Brian Mason says many seniors are outraged by a plan that entices the private sector to build long-term care facilities.
Mason adds the idea is based on a privatized health-care model to require seniors to pay more.
Wildrose health critic Heather Forsyth believes the plan would result in more seniors in hospital because they can’t afford the higher fees.
Liberal Leader Raj Sherman also says the potential for seniors to pay more money is despicable.
He adds we have to stop nickel and diming seniors who have built this great province.
