Grants Helping Keep Seniors Safe

The province is helping Nova Scotia seniors live safely and independently in their communities.

Minister of Seniors Leo Glavine announced today, Feb. 13, that 14 groups are receiving senior safety grants. The grants help fund not-for-profit groups that educate and raise awareness of senior abuse, prevent crime and encourage the overall health and safety of older Nova Scotians.

"These grants are supporting the important work being done to keep our older friends and neighbours protected and connected," said Mr. Glavine. "I commend the community groups and their partners for allowing many seniors to live independently in their own homes and communities."

Grants help provide information or services to seniors in their homes or through group presentations and workshops, such as one-on-one visits from safety program co-ordinators, seminars with professionals and experts, and materials.

"Keeping our communities safe takes all of us working together," said Justice Minister Lena Diab. "I want to thank this year's grant recipients for their great work in strengthening those bonds between seniors and their local police agencies."

To qualify, a program must have financial or in-kind community support and emphasize better communication between seniors and police.

"Our program focuses on intervention and prevention. Our priority is in-home visits. This is where we have made the biggest impact as most of our seniors live in rural isolated areas," said Doris Landry, senior safety co-ordinator for the Municipality of the District of Yarmouth.

"We are the liaison between the seniors and various community resources and we have a strong partnership with the local RCMP. This partnership has generated improved communications and positive outcomes for the seniors in our area."

The 14 groups each receive up to $20,000, for a total of about $278,000.

For more information and for a complete list of recipients, visit www.novascotia.ca/seniors/senior_safety_grant.asp .