Calgary woman feeling stuck as Home Services for Seniors eligibility runs out

Calgary resident Lorraine Barton, 86, has lived in her Bowness neighbourhood for nearly three decades and continues to host monthly family barbecues. Though she now walks alone, Barton still requires assistance with yard maintenance, snow shovelling, and housekeeping. Since 2011, Calgary's Home Services for Seniors program has provided these services for eligible seniors.

However, the program will end, as the City of Calgary and the Province of Alberta transition seniors to the Special Needs Assistance for Seniors (SNA) system. Barton becomes ineligible for yard maintenance services due to recent changes in the eligibility criteria, leaving her to face the challenge of snow removal on her own. Mayor Jeromy Farkas explained that the city has no choice but to discontinue the service due to the provincial government's decision.

However, the provincial government denies this claim, stating that they have made every effort to cooperate with the city to ensure a smooth transition for affected seniors. Barton may have to move into an apartment if a solution is not found, expressing her frustration with having to pay upfront for snow removal services and wait for reimbursement.