I am writing on behalf of the board of the Golden Circle in response to your article Seniors housing report exposes gaps, and in particular, Sam Denhaan’s comments regarding the housing options database which is maintained by the Golden Circle.
Denhaan stated that the database has a “lack of detail” regarding options, services provided, and fees. The Golden Circle recently had a conversation with Denhaan and his organization regarding this database in which we proposed merging the Golden Circle’s database with one that the Alberta Council on Aging could create.
The Golden Circle has taken great pride over the past 15 years in the housing options database, which is accessible via our website (www.goldencircle.ca) or at our facility. The database contains an exhaustive list of housing options in Central Alberta and is updated twice annually, which requires numerous hours of labour. As information regarding service providers, options, and particularly costs, changes very frequently, it is prudent for the senior and the service provider to have discussions to ensure the most accurate information is obtained.
Jim Young, Secretary
Golden Circle
Senior Resource Centre Board
Red Deer