The Province of Saskatchewan will provide an additional $3.3 million per year to Approved Private Service Homes and Mental Health Approved Homes that care for adults with intellectual disabilities and/or mental health issues.
"These homes provide a family atmosphere for vulnerable adults and enable them to be involved in their communities," Social Services Minister June Draude said. "Our government's continued investment in these homes and those who operate them is an important part of our commitment to improve quality of life for all Saskatchewan people, and to make this province the best place to live for people with disabilities. These are key goals in our Saskatchewan Plan for Growth, and today's announcement will help us achieve them."
With the $3.3 million investment, Level of Care rates in Approved Private Service Homes and Mental Health Approved Homes will increase by 15 per cent effective February 1, 2013.
"There is a substantial cost to providing good quality, sustainable care to meet the needs of Saskatchewan's most vulnerable citizens," Saskatchewan Approved Private Homes Inc. (SAPH) President Iris Miller Dennis said. "Minister Draude and her colleagues have listened to the needs of SAPH and our 400 Approved Private Service Home Providers, who share their family homes with more than 1,000 residents. On behalf of all of us, thank you."
Approved Private Service Homes and Mental Health Approved Homes are licensed private homes for people with intellectual disabilities and/or mental health issues. These homes make it possible for residents to enjoy family living in the community, and give them a chance to develop social, recreational and living skills to the extent they are able.
Between November 2007 and March 2012, the province increased Level of Care Rates in Approved Private Service Homes and Mental Health Approved Homes by 26.4 per cent. Today's announcement brings that increase to 41.4 per cent over the last five years.
