The proposal would be similar to a registered retirement savings plan which provides a tax shelter for a portion of an employee's income if it is being saved for retirement. Its focus, though, would be to utilize the savings for health needs when one reaches the twilight years when chronic ailments often kick in.
Aside from the savings plan, the committee report suggested providing tax credits for seniors who engage in volunteer work, the creation of a national respite program to provide physical and emotional breaks for caregivers to the elderly, and the establishment of a national home care program that would set minimum standards.
According to federal government studies, 80 percent of elderly Canadians have one or more chronic conditions, mainly arthritis and rheumatism, hypertension and respiratory ailments. But only 20 percent said their ailments restricted their everyday activities.
