A woman in Prince Edward Island is facing financial difficulties to keep her 105-year-old mother in long-term care after the elderly woman lost government assistance due to a slight increase in her income. June Rigden, the daughter of Verna Phillips, expressed her concern over the situation, stating that her mother now needs to pay an additional $2,000 per month for the same care. Rigden highlighted the challenges her mother would face if forced to change facilities at this age.
The provincial subsidy program, designed to aid nursing home residents with accommodation costs, had previously supported Phillips. However, a minor rise in her pension income pushed her above the eligibility threshold, resulting in the loss of the subsidy. Rigden emphasized that the $75 difference in qualification has now imposed a significant financial burden on her mother, amounting to an extra $24,000 annually.
Health authorities acknowledged the impact of losing financial assistance while in long-term care, noting that income fluctuations could lead to subsidy withdrawal. Despite Rigden’s unsuccessful appeal against the initial decision, the province later revised the income threshold, potentially allowing Phillips to qualify for assistance once again.
Phillips, a former school teacher born in 1920, has been a longtime resident of Summerside. Rigden highlighted her mother’s decades of tax contributions and expressed hope for a fair resolution not only for Phillips but also for other seniors facing similar challenges. Rigden urged for a reevaluation of the subsidy system to prevent abrupt disruptions in care for elderly individuals, especially those over 100 years old. She remains optimistic that her efforts will lead to a favorable outcome for her mother and potentially benefit other seniors in comparable situations.