As Minister of Seniors and Community Supports, I am proud to present our Annual Report for 2010-11. Alberta marked an important turning point in 2011 as the first “baby boomers” began to turn 65. This year the Ministry finalized some important preparations for this demographic shift. We released the Aging Population Policy Framework, which outlines the roles and responsibilities of government and its many partners (individuals and families, community organizations and other governments) in meeting the needs of an aging population, and communicates key policy directions. The implementation of the Framework will focus on meeting the needs of the growing number of seniors in coordinated, effective and sustainable ways.

We also released Addressing Elder Abuse in Alberta: A Strategy for Collective Action. This document provides a plan for governments and communities to work together to help prevent and reduce elder abuse, and to improve supports for Alberta seniors affected by abuse.

As our population ages, a range of accommodation options will help seniors and persons with disabilities age in the right place. Under the Government of Alberta’s Continuing Care Strategy, the Ministry committed over $89 million in capital funding to help develop 882 new affordable supportive living units across the province. This funding will also support the development of an additional 30 long-term care spaces. These units will increase choice and availability of accommodations for seniors and persons with disabilities who require support to live in their communities.

Throughout 2010-11 the Ministry had to respond to an economy in recovery. Despite these challenges, we maintained important services, and forged ahead to find more efficient and effective ways to deliver supports for seniors and Albertans with disabilities. Under the Alberta Supports initiative, Seniors and Community Supports is working with partnering ministries toward a more citizen-centred, aligned and better-integrated approach to program development and delivery. In December, the Ministry and its partners established a single website (www.albertasupports.ca) and phone number (1-877-644-9992 toll free, or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton) for Albertans to access information about a range of provincial, social-based programs so they can get the right help at the right time. This “single door” approach makes it easier for Albertans to access services and will help them transition between programs as they age or their circumstances change.

In 2010-11, we focused on further improving the Persons with Developmental Disabilities program. The Ministry commissioned a review of the PDD program to identify efficiencies and savings in program administration that can be redirected to front-line services for individuals. Implementation of the approved recommendations will begin in 2011-12. Based on discussions with families and guardians, we also implemented new processes for families who direct and manage supports for their family member with a developmental disability under the PDD program’s Family Managed Services (FMS) option. These changes are designed to decrease administrative burden for families while maintaining the necessary level of accountability. We also worked to enhance clarity for individuals and families by publishing policies and procedures online in a new, easy to navigate web-based system.

My sincere thanks go to our hardworking staff for their efforts this year, and to the individuals and organizations in our communities who work closely with our Ministry to serve Albertans. My thanks also go to the many Albertans who have shared with me their ideas on how we can improve independence and well-being for seniors and persons with disabilities. It has been a productive year for the Ministry and I am honoured to share these results with you.

[Original Signed]

Mary Anne Jablonski
Minister