PHS currently supports 883 seniors (+50 years) across operational sites, which is 43 per cent of residents served by staff. We are deeply grateful for the dedication of our frontline staff, who provide daily support to residents managing health and mobility challenges associated with advanced aging and age-related decline.
“At PHS, we keep people with the most complex health care needs housed, which has extended many people’s lives,” says Avery Taylor, Director of Victoria Operations. “Yet, without appropriate housing for seniors in our communities, we are seeing many more seniors staying with us.”
Keeping Seniors Housed and Supported
The Soleil, operated by PHS in Victoria, offers 74 units of supportive housing. Twenty-eight units are occupied by people over the age of 50. With 16 residents over the age of 64.
“Last year, PHS invested $20,000 to upgrade doors and washrooms for wheelchairs and walkers for this facility,” says Taylor.
While PHS staff fill the gaps associated with in-home care, PHS lacks designated operational funding to support the specialized needs of senior citizens. Even though these residents require more home support, more transportation to medical appointments, more meal delivery, and more time working with palliative care teams. Taylor explains that residents are dealing with health issues earlier in life than the average Canadian. A reminder that years of being homeless and an increasingly dangerous drug supply are devastating to people’s physical health.
“We often see people in their 40s’ that have health issues you wouldn’t usually see in folks nearly twice their age,” says Taylor.
Four years ago, Jan (see link below) was evicted and faced homelessness as a senior. At the time, she was also reeling from the sudden deaths of her husband and daughter.
“I’m just a person that needed housing who moved in with PHS, and I love the place,” says Jan. “It’s run by really good people. I’m disabled and they do my laundry, and there’s good food. I’m happy as heck here.”
Other challenges for seniors include paying rent. The rent portion of the provincial income assistance can be paid directly to landlords. However, when seniors shift to federal benefits at 65 years of age, the previous system for direct rent payments is no longer possible. This endangers housing for many seniors who lack an awareness of this change to their benefits.
“Residents are left on their own to navigate these social services and systems. Most are ill-prepared to do so on their own, and they require extensive support to manage them,” says Taylor.
Jan’s story
Jan is a 66-year old actively rebuilding her life today because she has supportive housing and daily supports.
“Having stable housing means my life,” says Jan. “I enjoy coming home. I’ve got a beautiful apartment. What more can you ask for?”
