More funds on the way for senior lodges

The Alberta government is increasing its investment in the Alberta Lodge Assistance Program with the hope of benefiting seniors across the province.

The government of Alberta is giving the Lodge Assistance Program an additional $20 million in funding through Budget 2024 to assist senior lodge operators in helping low-income residents. This raises the overall investment to $60 million and signifies a funding boost of over 50 per cent.

Airdrie has a few different senior lodges, those include Abrio Place Lodge and Diamond Jubilee Manor and Suites both with the Rocky View Foundation.

“Ensuring our seniors have access to safe, secure and affordable homes is not only a duty but a moral imperative. Seniors are pillars of our communities, and they deserve our respect and support for the contributions they've made throughout their lives," stated Jason Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services. "Our government will continue to stand up for seniors and ensure that they are supported through our programs. Senior lodges play an essential role in our housing system and empowering them to provide the services Albertans rely on is vital to supporting communities across our province.”

The oldest social housing initiative in Alberta is the Seniors Lodge Program. For independent elders, the program offers recreational opportunities, cleaning services, and meals. Funding is given to operators by the Lodge Assistance Program to help make sure they have the resources necessary to offer these services to seniors with limited incomes.

To further support seniors, Alberta’s government established a Senior's Lodge Review Panel in January to evaluate the program and suggest improvements.

The panel is actively collaborating with seniors and lodge providers to explore ways to enhance seniors' lodges and facilities, ensuring their efficiency and sustainability for the future. Airdrie Councillor Tina Petrow is on the Senior's Lodge Review Panel.

There are 11,000 senior lodge units in Alberta, of which about 4,850 are in rural communities.

Under this grant program, lodge providers can now claim $20.50 per day for each eligible low-income resident, an increase from the $13.23 provided in Budget 2023.

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