Government of Canada launches the new caregivers portal on seniors.gc.ca

TORONTO, Dec. 2, 2013 /CNW/ —The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), announced today the launch of the new caregivers portal on seniors.gc.ca, a central source of information for seniors, their families and caregivers.

The new Information for Caregivers portal provides an interactive map of Canada leading to federal, provincial and some municipal resources on financial information, care options, powers of attorney, health, mental health and dementia.

"The Government of Canada is committed to helping seniors quickly access information about programs and services they need and use in their communities," said Minister Wong. "That is why today we are launching the new Information for Caregivers portal on seniors.gc.ca, which provides information about relevant programs and benefits for seniors and their caregivers."

"CARP members will welcome the new Information for Caregivers portal on seniors.gc.ca. It will help families navigate the complex array of government programs and services at all levels. It is comprehensive and user-friendly, which will come as a great relief to people who are often running from pillar to post to get the help they need for themselves or their loved ones," said Susan Eng, Vice President, Advocacy, CARP.

Seniors.gc.ca, including the recently launched Information for Seniors section, provides information on a range of key initiatives like the New Horizons for Seniors Program, which supports projects led or inspired by seniors who want to make a difference in the lives of others and in their communities. Measures to increase awareness of elder abuse are also included on the site.

Visit seniors.gc.ca for easy access to government-related benefits, programs and initiatives for seniors.

backgrounder

The Government of Canada is working hard to help improve the lives of seniors on many fronts. These efforts include:

• developing seniors.gc.ca as a central resource for seniors on government benefits and services, including finances, housing, health and wellness;
  
  
• providing Canadians with close to $76 billion this year through Canada's public pension system;
  
  
• a top-up to the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) to help Canada's most vulnerable seniors. This was the largest increase in 25 years to the GIS for the lowest-income seniors. This measure further improves the financial security and well-being of more than 680 000 seniors across Canada;
  
  
• providing $2.7 billion in 2013 in additional tax relief to seniors and pensioners through measures such as pension income splitting and increasing the Age credit;
  
  
• providing $400 million over two years under Canada's Economic Action Plan for the construction of housing units for low-income seniors;
  
  
• actions to address elder abuse, which include awareness campaigns, the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP), which funds projects to raise awareness of elder abuse, and legislation that would help ensure consistently tough penalties for offences involving the abuse of elderly persons;
  
  
• increasing funding to the NHSP by $5 million, bringing the Program's annual budget to $45 million. The Program helps seniors use their leadership abilities, energy and skills to benefit communities across Canada; and
  
  
• supporting positive and active aging through the collaborative Age-Friendly Communities Initiative, Physical Activity Tips for Older Adults and falls-prevention initiatives.

Image with caption: "seniors.gc.ca (CNW Group/Employment and Social Development Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131202_C6772_PHOTO_EN_34182.jpg

SOURCE: Employment and Social Development Canada