Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the mandate of this Legislative Assembly, states that we will take action so that seniors can age in place. There are good reasons we made this a priority. Aging in one’s own home provides a sense of comfort and independence. Financially, it makes sense for the government to support aging in place, considering the costs to provide a long-term care bed is about $130,000 a year on top of the initial million dollar capital cost.
We are taking some action right now, offering homecare services, a senior’s home heating fuel subsidy, and funding for renovations to help seniors make their homes more age-friendly. These programs are a start, but they don't address the full suite of services needed for a truly successful aging in place strategy.
We want to allow seniors to remain in their homes but we don't want to confine them to their homes. Most communities in the North, Hay River included, have no public transit or handi-van service. Many seniors and persons with disabilities in my community, who don't have access to affordable transportation, are forced to either take taxis, or rely on the kindness of friends and family. A study from the United States found that seniors who can't drive make 15 per cent fewer trips to the doctor, 60 per cent fewer trips to go shopping and to restaurants, and 65 per cent fewer trips to visit friends and families.
This study included communities with public transit, so I can only imagine how dismal our statistics are. This imposed isolation results in a reduced quality of life that can lead to negative physical and mental health outcomes. I don't want to just allow our seniors to age in place. I want them to be able to fully participate in society. Leading an active life and participating in social activities promotes good health, has been shown to help the immune system work better and lowers stress hormone levels.
The lack of transportation for seniors and people with disabilities is an issue that many constituents have brought to my attention and is one we need to begin addressing. We have long winters and even seniors who are relatively mobile in the summer can become housebound most of the year. I have constituents who have to pay for a taxi to the health centre and back three times a week to receive dialysis. I know people with disabilities who've had to miss medical appointments because of the lack of transportation. We need to do more, and we can do more. I will have questions for the Minister Responsible for Seniors at the appropriate time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.