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Provincial Government Considering New Strategies to Support Seniors in Brampton

Inbrampton.com
August 6, 2019
Dylan Olley

Senior care is an essential service that helps some of Brampton's most at-risk residents.

Many seniors face challenges accessing programs and services that help to support them. These include services maintaining their mental and physical health and overall well-being.

Social isolation is a crucial risk factor for elder abuse and hospitalization among seniors, with 30 per cent of Canadian seniors at risk of becoming socially isolated.

Being active helps to reduce risks of dementia, anxiety and depression.

Recently the provincial government concluded numerous consultations with seniors, their families and care workers on where improvements should be made. An online survey was also available.

Ontario is home to the largest community of immigrant seniors in Canada. As a result, the survey was translated into 12 additional languages to better receive feedback from diverse, ethnic, Indigenous and multicultural communities.

Over 7,800 online surveys were submitted, and more than 6,200 were from individuals 65 and older, and between the ages of 55 and 64.

"This summer I had the privilege of listening to seniors, their families, caregivers and the organizations who care for them," said Raymond Cho, the Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. "Thank you to the thousands of people who took the time to share their ideas and wisdom - whether in person or online - we heard you."

The government says the next step will be creating a strategy to help seniors:

"Our government has the highest regard for seniors and their families, and we are committed to protecting what matters most to them," said Cho. "We are carefully reviewing all of the feedback collected, and it will be used to develop a cross-government strategy to help improve the lives of seniors."

Current estimates predict that the seniors’ population will grow to over 3 million by 2023, which is about 400,000 more seniors than today.

What services do you think would help seniors in the community?