Frustration is growing among seniors in rural parts of the Peace Region after a major increase to service fees under the Seniors Aging in Place program.
The program is designed to help seniors remain in their homes independently by providing supports such as meals, housekeeping, and snow removal.
Those accessing housekeeping services through the program will now pay over 300 per cent more, following a decision affecting Electoral Area D and parts of Area E.
For 81-year-old Neal Snyders of Arras, the change came as a shock. On Thursday, he received a letter from the Peace River Regional District outlining the new rates.
It states housekeeping fees will jump from $15 bi-weekly to $61.60, effective June 1, which gives residents just 10 days’ notice.
Snyders says he is “absolutely disgusted” by the decision, adding the short timeline and sharp increase are unreasonable.
He argues no respectable business would increase prices by more than 300 per cent with such short notice, warning many seniors will no longer be able to afford the service.
Other supports under the program are also seeing increases. The cost of meals has risen from $5 per meal to $8.57, while snow removal has increased from $20 to $80.34.
In the letter, the PRRD says the cost of delivering services has risen, and the program has had to rely more heavily on tax revenue.
The district adds that, to keep the program sustainable, the regional board has decided to adjust user fees to cover 25 per cent of service costs, while the remaining 75 per cent will continue to be covered by taxes in both electoral areas.
It says the change ensures the program can continue providing essential services while balancing costs between users and the general taxpayer.
Snyders says the impact goes beyond affordability, warning the program plays a key role in reducing pressure on long-term care waitlists by helping seniors stay in their homes longer.
The PRRD says it understands affordability is a top priority for seniors, but adds the decision was carefully considered by the regional board as it works to find the most cost-effective way to support seniors going forward.