Bridgewater couple's dilemma: Buy groceries or clear snow?

A Bridgewater couple say theyll be forced to choose between buying groceries and getting their driveway shovelled this winter after receiving notice a financial aid program they use has just been capped.

Ron Facey is a double amputee. A leg was amputated below the knee six years ago, and the 68-year-old is also without his left leg, which was amputated below the knee Dec. 26. Six days later, it had to be amputated above the knee; a few days after that, he suffered a massive heart attack.

I cant do anything physical, and she has heart trouble, he said of his wife, Helena Teal-Facey.

But they have been able to stay in their modest home because of financial help they began receiving in May through a pilot program to help low-income seniors with daily activities.

Health and Wellness Minister Leo Glavine said the $1-million program is to support seniors staying in their homes by helping to pay for such things as lawn mowing, snow shovelling and getting to medical appointments.

Staying in their own home is not only important to most seniors, it also reduces hospital stays and the pressure and cost for long-term beds, said Chester-St. Margarets MLA Denise Peterson-Rafuse, who was part of the NDP government that instituted the pilot program.

Glavine said the money is allocated to each district health authority to disburse however it sees fit.

On the South Shore, a qualifying family received up to $500 a month. However, South Shore Health recently sent the Faceys a letter saying the program is now capped due to high demand, and recipients will qualify for up to $500 a year.

They have already used that up, having spent $716.85 on mowing over the summer.

If we dont get help with snow removal, were going to have to take money from somewhere else, Facey said.

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Bridgewater couple's dilemma: Buy groceries or clear snow?