Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services Jason Nixon announces more funding for the Seniors Lodge program in Alberta. (Photo: Government of Alberta)

By David Opinko

Province boosts funding for seniors housing program

Jun 4, 2024 | 12:37 PM

The Government of Alberta has taken a step that it says will ensure more seniors can afford a place to live.

As part of the 2024 provincial budget, they are increasing funding through the Lodge Assistance Program (LAP) by $20 million to $60 million.

The LAP helps Seniors Lodges across Alberta to provide rooms, meals, housekeeping services and recreational opportunities for independent, low-income seniors.

Lodge providers can now claim $20.50 per day per eligible resident, up from $13.23 in 2023.

Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services Jason Nixon says ensuring seniors have access to safe, secure and affordable homes is not only a duty, but a moral imperative.

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“Our government will continue to stand up for seniors and ensure that they are supported through our programs. Seniors lodges play an essential role in our housing system and empowering them to provide the services Albertans rely on is vital to supporting communities across our province,” says Nixon.

There are approximately 11,000 seniors lodge units in the province, around 4,850 of which are in rural communities.

It is Alberta’s oldest social housing program.

The province announced back in January a seniors lodge review panel. Members continue to work with seniors and lodge providers and will provide further recommendations to the government in the future.

More details on the Seniors Lodge program, as well as other forms of affordable housing, are on the Government of Alberta website.