Rent Increases Leave Senior With Just $10 for Essentials

A **77-year-old** resident of the **Fairview Personal Care Home** in **Brandon**, Manitoba, is struggling to manage his finances after continuous rent increases have left him with only **$10** a month for personal expenses. Louis Sokol has lived in the facility for approximately four and a half years, during which his monthly rent has surged by nearly **$700**, culminating in a payment of **$1,891** last month.

Sokol expressed his frustration, stating, “**Manitoba Health** wants to take every last dollar that I have, and then what?” This situation is compounded by the fact that his fixed income has not kept pace with rising rent costs. In January 2022, his rent was **$1,227**, but as his living expenses climbed, he began withdrawing from his **Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF)** to make ends meet.

The financial strain has forced Sokol to reduce his disposable income significantly. After paying rent, he has just **$10** left for bills and other essential expenses. He noted, “This last month was **$1,900**. And for what? A hole in the wall, and the meals are subpar. I can’t even eat half of them.”

The calculations for rent increases are based on a resident’s net income, including pensions and withdrawals from financial accounts. Sokol’s withdrawals from his RRIF have inadvertently raised his rent, creating a vicious cycle where he is compelled to extract more funds just to cover his living costs. He pointed out, “That’s not money that I earned.”

According to guidelines from the **Manitoba Health** personal care service, residents are expected to have **$4,800** remaining per year after paying for care services, which equates to about **$400** per month. Sokol feels this standard is not being met in his case, as he struggles to maintain any level of disposable income.

A spokesperson for **Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara** provided a statement explaining that rent charges are determined by net income reported on a resident’s tax return. The spokesperson emphasized that this method aims to ensure fairness and consistency, while also allowing for adjustments based on fluctuating income levels.

The rent for Fairview Personal Care Home varies, ranging from **$43.10** to **$104.20** per day, contributing to the overall cost of **$296** per person per day for care. The spokesperson reiterated that the aim is to provide high-quality care for seniors in a sustainable and compassionate manner.

Despite Sokol’s attempts to find alternative housing within his budget, he has encountered difficulties due to the limited options available. With dwindling savings largely tied up in his RRIF, he is uncertain about his future if rent continues to rise. “I don’t think they can throw me out, and I can’t pay it,” he remarked, adding that the upcoming September rent could also see an increase.

Sokol has indicated his intention to halt September’s rent payment until a feasible solution is found. He stated, “I told them the other day that I’m putting a hold on my September rent till they come up with some kind of a solution.” However, he is concerned about the lengthy process of the **Manitoba Health appeal board**, which can take four to six months to address such issues.

In light of the challenges he faces, Sokol has retained documentation from previous appeals, although he feels the agreement regarding his contract was not entirely clear at the time it was established. As he navigates this difficult situation, he is left with pressing questions about how to manage his rent and living expenses moving forward.