In light of Minister of Seniors and Housing Lori Sigurdson’s trip to Red Deer this afternoon, in support of Seniors’ Week, questions were raised about emergency crisis housing for seniors.

Monica Morrison, Executive Director of Golden Circle, said a couple of weeks ago they had a case where a husband and wife were discharged from the hospital with nowhere to go and were forced to put them up in a hotel.

She said shelters aren’t always the option for seniors and would like to see better services to those in need.

“The first choice was Safe Harbour and that’s not the right choice for somebody who’s 70 years of age and can’t walk. How do they get down into the “Mats” program? It doesn’t work.”

The “Mats” program is an overnight shelter for 26 adults and provides a warm, supervised environment for those in vulnerable circumstances.

Sigurdson said although there isn’t an emergency crisis housing plan in place now, they are investing heavily into senior care across the province and are always looking for ways to make life easier for seniors.

“We have significant investments and affordable housing, $1.2 billion in our capital plan over five years, plus we’ve increased the special needs assistance program for seniors by half a million.”

“We’ve invested another $2 million in home care, which really supports a lot of seniors to be able to stay in their own homes and communities.”

Sigurdson said Irfan Sabir, Minister of Community and Social Services, is working very hard to make sure there will be future investments into shelters, specific to seniors.

It wasn’t all business for Sigurdson, who is travelling around the province and interacting with the people who helped shape Alberta.

Golden Circle’s “Unbirthday Party” provided a great opportunity for Sigurdson.

“It’s a time where we can really acknowledge seniors for their significant contribution to our province. Of course they’re parents, grandparents, mentors to people, they’re employers and employees.”

“We are just so grateful for their contribution. It’s lovely to be here.”

This is the 31st year the province has celebrated Seniors’ Week.