Here is something to circulate in any and all appropriate places: Thinking about Seniors Programs - New Horizons for Seniors is a Funding Source. HRSDC announced its call for proposals for the New Horizons for Seniors Program!

I went to a presentation at work today & learned about this very worthwhile organization - Seniors In Need.  (note - I have no other connection to the organization) 

Owen Sound is an older community. Those of us who live here, know that. We have eleven retirement and nursing homes. We have multiple services for seniors. We have three funeral homes. We consolidate and close schools because of declining enrollment.

Much of my work as a pastor involves what I call deep conversations. Mr. Jones has list his wife. We talk about what that means; the deep, abiding grief; the unfulfilled reams; the loneliness.

It also involved conversations around life changes.

I've heard there are quite a few seniors upset over changes to this year's tax returns.  I understand some of the concerns, but is some of it just being resistent to change?

The changes:

• No more filing by telephone
• No more simplified returns
• Forms will only be mailed to residences by request, they will still be available at the post office

Quoted Directly From the Globe and Mail, November 24, 2010

Number of seniors living in poverty soars nearly 25%
JOE FRIESEN — DEMOGRAPHICS REPORTER
 

The number of seniors living in poverty spiked at the beginning of the financial meltdown, reversing a decades-long trend and threatening one of Canada’s most important social policy successes.

http://news.ontario.ca/mof/en/2010/11/ontario-passes-bill-enhancing-tax-break-for-seniors.html

For what it's worth, the Ontario Government has just announced tax breaks for seniors to alleviate utility rate increases.

Wilmar Court Goes Solar: On April 23, Wilmar Court, a seniors apartment building developed by the former Wilmar Heights United Church congregation in Scarborough, had the official launch of their rooftop solar panels. That same night, Wilmar Court received the Energy Conservation award at the Green Toronto Awards presentation.

For more information about the solar project, check out http://www.globesolarenergy.com/. For more information about the Green Toronto award, check out http://www.toronto.ca/greentorontoawards/2010/finalists.htm.

Lower and middle income seniors in care in BC are having their rates increased in public-funded spaces. (click bolded for CBC story) As if the situation isn't bad enough with our provinces having the fewest number of these spaces available, per capita, in the country, the BC Liberal government is going to raise the rates for seniors in care by between $120 - $160 or so per month for seniors whose annual income is $22,000 per year and up.