NATIONAL MEETING TO FOCUS ON SENIORS' ISSUES

Health Minister Dustin Duncan will discuss seniors' health issues with his federal, provincial and territorial colleagues at a national meeting on seniors' issues in Halifax November 15 and 16.

"As Saskatchewan encourages and takes advantage of opportunities for growth, we want to be sure that our seniors have the supports and services they need to improve their quality of life," Duncan said. "Our population has a high proportion of seniors, and I am very interested in exchanging information with other jurisdictions about how to improve seniors' well being."

Saskatchewan's Patient First initiatives to reduce surgical wait times and transform primary health care are heavily focused on improving health services and quality of life for seniors.

Duncan added he will talk with his counterparts about Saskatchewan programs and initiatives that benefit seniors. These include the replacement of 13 long-term care facilities across the province and introduction of the new Personal Care Home Benefit, which assists seniors with the cost of living in privately-funded care homes.

Discussions will focus on several strategic areas:

• supporting active participation (how older workers can balance work with caring for elders); 
• planning for aging in place (seniors living independently in their homes for as long as possible); and
• supporting seniors through technology and improving access to information.

The Halifax meeting is the 14th annual national forum involving Ministers Responsible for Seniors.

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For more information, contact:

Tyler McMurchy
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: tmcmurchy@health.gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-537-3594