Informative presentation on housing, finances and health care for older adults

By Joan Janzen

The Saskatchewan Health Authority is hosting an informative presentation in Kindersley on the topics of housing, finances and health care for older adults. Amber Schwengler, assessor coordinator for the Proactive Pathways for Older Adults (PPOA) program, will be presenting helpful information to older adults on Tuesday morning, Aug. 18, at the Kindersley Senior Centre. The program, which has been running for two years, is the first of its kind in Saskatchewan, and the presentation is the first to be held in Kindersley.

Amber Schwengler, assessor coordinator for the Proactive Pathways for Older Adults program, will offer a presentation at the Kindersley Senior Centre on Aug. 18. She will provide information about financial and housing benefits available to older adults. SUBMITTED

"My presentation discusses most of the available financial and housing benefits to citizens who are older," Amber explained. "It will be great to see the response from the community, and receive feedback to enhance the presentation."

As an assessor coordinator, Amber typically provides support to older adults regarding finances, housing applications and navigating the systems of government.

"I have found clients did not know they were eligible for certain finances through the federal and provincial government, or they needed assistance applying online or speaking to the staff within the system," she reported.

She's also aware that clients benefit from staff attending medical appointments to advocate or support them. PPOA helps older adults by connecting them with local health care and community resources. The team includes a licensed practical nurse, a social worker and continuing care assistants.

Any older adult can be referred to the Proactive Pathways team, including through self-referral. Referrals can be made by emailing SW1SW2ProactivePathways@saskhealthauthority.ca or calling 306-831-4034.

The program empowers independence and builds resilience through the natural aging process. Once an assessment is completed, a care plan is made to assist the client and help them navigate the system.

"We are involved for life with the client and annually have appointments for follow up," she said. "I believe seniors will benefit from the presentation as well as family or friends of seniors so they are able to understand and assist their loved ones."

The Aug. 18 presentation will help older adults learn what is available in our health care and financial systems.