A scheme to help seniors make changes to their homes so they can stay in them longer have been announced by the Alberta government. The Seniors’ Home Adaptation and Repair program has been hailed by the province’s minister for housing and seniors Lori Sigurdson and could be introduced in July if the bill is passed.
However, Calgary senior Bea McLaren told the Calgary Sun that the loans, which would be repaid from home equity on the owner’s death or if the home was sold, would bring “heartache down the road.” She branded the idea “outrageous” saying that the government will save money by people staying in their own homes and profit from the scheme too.
Seniors advocates believe that the program will be of benefit to many seniors; the government estimates 260,000 will be helped.
However, Calgary senior Bea McLaren told the Calgary Sun that the loans, which would be repaid from home equity on the owner’s death or if the home was sold, would bring “heartache down the road.” She branded the idea “outrageous” saying that the government will save money by people staying in their own homes and profit from the scheme too.
Seniors advocates believe that the program will be of benefit to many seniors; the government estimates 260,000 will be helped.
