Yellowknife's seniors population is expected to triple from 484 to 1,482 by 2018. But not all seniors' health needs are created equal. The demands on care agencies and housing facilities will require careful consideration. Who is looking out for seniors, and what can be done?
Kirsten Murphy
Northern News Services
Yellowknife (Dec 20/00) - Seniors with social and medical needs exceeding Aven Manor's long-term care capabilities have overtaken 16 of the manor's 29 beds.
"The potential for stress among staff is a concern," said Darrell Bower, manor executive director.
"We're not at the crisis stage but it could become one very shortly."
The sixteen residents with mild to severe cognitive impairments (resulting from Alzheimer's disease and chronic alcohol abuse for example) reside in a facility intended for aging but active seniors.
The situation is not a financial burden, Bower said, nor are high functioning residents being neglected. Even so, Bower and Yellowknife Association of Concerned Citizens for Seniors (YACCS) president Louise Vertes suspects the situation will intensify if not addressed.
Vertes is pushing for a $20,000 needs assessment study. The study will cover a variety of seniors, ranging from those living with mild memory impairments to people needing 24-hour care.
"We know Aven Manor is not the appropriate place for seniors with certain cognitive impairments," she said.
"There is no government plan that integrates all facets of care that seniors require."
Repeated calls to Jane Groenewegen, Health and Social Minister, were not returned by Yellowknifer's deadline.
However, the demand for specialized seniors' care goes beyond health. There is housing to consider.
Jan Stirling, Yellowknife Senior Society president said retirees want to stay in town. And they want a choice of safe and affordable housing.
In the recent past, people over 65 headed south -- to warmer climates, she said. But promises of subsidized housing, tax breaks, and attractive medical plans are keeping the over-65 population North of 60.
"I know lots of people who want to stay here," Stirling said.
"But people will start leaving if they can't find housing."
A stone's throw from Aven Manor is Aven Court: a housing complex for independent seniors like Esther Braden.
Braden and her husband Bill lived in southern B.C. for four winters.
The couple missed Yellowknife and returned in 1992.
"We got in right away, we were lucky," Braden said. Her husband Bill has since passed away but Braden remains at the Court.
"It's becoming increasingly difficult for seniors who want to stay.
"If more housing isn't built, they'll be forced to leave and that's not what many seniors want."
The waiting game
Ed Jeske, 73, is one of 16 people on Aven Court's waiting list. The active retired school teacher already receives weekly home care visits after a stroke severely effected his breathing and balance last year.
His manageable condition makes stairs -- like the ones into his house -- difficult to climb. Jeske said selling his Woolgar street home would improve his chances of getting in Aven Court.
It's a risk he won't take.
"It's like you have to be out on the street to get in," he said.
He admitted one day he might need a place like Aven Manor. For now, he only needs help with cleaning and odd jobs but knows friends and family worry about his health.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services is reviewing of future of seniors and long term care in January.
Vertes hopes YACCS needs assessment study will be completed next year.
