Sage Seniors Association

Funding needs to be prioritized for community-based senior serving (CBSS) organizations

Alberta’s seniors’ population is expected to double within the next two decades: one in five Albertans will be aged 65+ by 2046. We need to invest now to meet the growing demand.

1. Only 5-10% of older adults live in care facilities. Most older adults want to age at home as long as possible.
2. CBSS organizations are typically non-profit organizations providing incredibly cost-effective services that preserve the dignity and independence of older adults. They are often run by staff and volunteers with deep roots in the communities they serve.
3. The CBSS sector provides many of the non-medical services that account for 75% of health outcomes. Services include home-based programs (e.g. meal assistance, snow removal, assisted transportation) that are fundamental for supporting the agency of older adults so they can choose how and where they want to age and for how long.
4. The CBSS sector is under a lot of pressure related to demand for services, the complexity of needs, and the growing population of seniors. The ability to support staff and volunteers is at risk due to changes in the funding landscape.
5. Urgent investment is needed to maintain current services and build more capacity. The health of the CBSS sector and by extension of many older adults depends on the workforce. Workers are burning out and turnover is high.
6. Alberta’s healthcare system is at capacity and under incredible strain. Appropriately investing in CBSS organizations can help aging Albertans live in their own homes safely for longer, and reduce pressure on other more expensive health care services (e.g. emergency, acute, and long-term care).

TRENDS WE ARE SEEING AT SAGE:

1. Despite the fact that Sage is not a crisis centre, more clients are seeking help for essential needs such as financial security, housing, food access, and mental health. Mental health issues are increasingly linked to financial and housing stress, and food insecurity is on the rise.
2. Increasing numbers of seniors facing difficulties finding affordable, safe, and suitable housing due to housing shortages, rent increases, and financial instability. There’s also a lack of barrier-free housing options, including accommodations for pets. Evictions and safety concerns from hoarding behaviours remain prevalent, and a shortage of resources to address these issues persists.
3. Our team saw an increase in perpetual homelessness. Shelters in Edmonton generally remain inaccessible to seniors with health needs, mobility issues, or oxygen requirements, generally offering only mats on the floor.
4. The shift to digital platforms is challenging for seniors, requiring significant time from staff to assist with online forms and account setups, further straining resources.
5. Funding reductions across the social service sector have limited in-person service options for low resourced individuals. Other agencies that at one time offered drop-in support have discontinued offering those services which has increased demand at Sage.