Resolutions

Whereas there is a need for affordable Level 1 & 2 personal care home facilities in small urban and remote Saskatchewan communities; and

Whereas the long term sustainability of personal care homes in Saskatchewan, particularly in small urban and remote communities, is in jeopardy and that from 2016 to 2038, those age 55+ will rise from 42.5% to 56.8% in Saskatchewan (per Statistics Canada scenario M3); and

Whereas without change, the cost to live in existing facilities will become out of reach for the majority of seniors and the likelihood that new facilities will open in the future will be virtually eliminated; and

Whereas seniors in small urban and remote communities must drive far distances for Level 1 & 2 health care in bigger centres, enticing seniors to relocate, as these areas are more accessible with minimal driving, but are areas that do not keep seniors in their homes in small urban or remote areas; and

Whereas bigger centres have additional hours of operation, additional services, staff, and programs to keep seniors in their homes, but all of these are severely lacking or non-existent in some cases, in small urban and remote communities.

Therefore be it resolved that SUMA advocate the Government of Saskatchewan for support in funding Level 1 & 2 care home facilities in small urban and remote municipalities in Saskatchewan.

Background

Private Level 1 & 2 facilities are not funded by the Provincial Government. Most individuals need some support but are not in a bad enough state to enter a Level 3 care home, when leaving their home. Because of this, there is a gap in the system. Many seniors are leaving smaller communities for bigger centres as that is where Level 1 or 2 facilities exist, which is decreasing populations in smaller communities. There have also been many incentives in cities or bigger centres for seniors, but these initiatives are not feasible or geared towards small urban or remote areas. Having Level 1 or 2 facilities in smaller areas would help retain the population and potentially bring seniors from other smaller communities near by, which could, in turn, increase population.

Acts affected: None

Dear Randy Goulden:

Thank you for your letter regarding the adopted resolutions from Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association's (SUMA) 120^th Annual Convention

With respect to personal care homes, starting April 1, 2025, the Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability benefits for personal care home residents under 65 increased by up to $120 per month, marking the second increase in three years and totaling up to $804 per month, or 66 per cent. For seniors 65 years and over, the Personal Care Home Benefit {PCHB) program raised the income threshold by up to $1,000 making personal care homes more affordable. This is the third consecutive increase to the PCHB, resulting in a total increase of up to $1,500 per month or 75 per cent for eligible seniors, and benefiting over 2,000 seniors residing in personal care homes.

Thank you for your voice of Saskatchewan's communities and municipalities and for advocating for the most vulnerable in our province.

Sincerely,

Terry Jenson

Minister of Social Services