FAQ

What is the Seniors’ Advocate’s role?

The Seniors’ Advocate’s role is to defend the rights of adults over the age of 65 and of vulnerable adults by securing government and residential facility services when they have been refused or access is not granted.

Does the Seniors’ Advocate have the authority to reverse a decision made by a government department or a government agency?

The Seniors’ Advocate cannot reverse a decision made by a government department or an agency.

However, our office can advocate in your name to protect your rights by initiating a mediation process, by suggesting solutions, and by asking that an exception be made in your case.The Child, Youth and Senior Act gives the Advocate the authority to gather information about your case from a government department and agency, without consent to assess which way is best to defend your rights.

Can the Seniors’ Advocate help me with Federal Government Programs such as The Canadian Pension Plan Program, Veteran Affairs or a matter concerning the Royal Canadian Mounted Police?

The Seniors’ Advocate of New Brunswick does not have jurisdiction over Federal government programs.

The Seniors’ Advocate can only intervene in matters which involve New Brunswick provincial programs.

I am having trouble making ends meet. Can the Seniors’ Advocate provide financial help?

Our office does not provide financial assistance; however, we can direct you to the proper agencies you can contact about specific programs intended for seniors and vulnerable adults under protection.

The amount of my financial contribution rate determined by the Department to live in a Nursing Home or a Special Care Home, is too high in relation to my revenue. Can you help?

Our office can contact the Department of Social Development and review the reasons your contribution is evaluated at this rate and ask for justification. The Advocate can request that your contribution rate be changed.

My request for repairs or renovations to my home has been refused by The Department of Social Development, can you help?

Our office can discuss the matter with the Department, Housing Division, and review the criteria used to deny your request and advocate for a reversal of the decision on your behalf.

I am having trouble with my landlord, can the Seniors Advocate help?

The Seniors Advocate office does not have jurisdiction over private property owners. You can contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for assistance if you encounter a problem or a conflict with your landlord. Our office has no jurisdiction over businesses of any kind from the private sector.

I need a lawyer. Do you give legal advice?

The Senior’s Advocate Office does not offer legal services and cannot represent you in Court.

It is difficult for me to access the full hours of home support services that I am entitled to. Can your office help?

Our Office will contact the Department of Social Development and review what steps the Department has taken to grant you this number of hours of home support services. Our Office will advocate on your behalf to ensure that you receive the hours of service that your needs assessment concluded.

My mother has been medically discharged from the hospital but she cannot return home. She is still waiting for a placement in a residential care facility. Can your office help?

Our office can contact relevant agencies and advocate to put a plan in place for your mother which includes measures for her transition to a residential facility as soon as a bed is available.

I suspect that my father has been physically and psychologically abused in the care home where he lives. Can your office help?

Once you have reported the event to the Department of Social Development’s Adult Protection Services (APS), our office can follow up with APS and advocate to address your concerns and measures to correct the situation are taken.

My sister has power of attorney for our mother’s affaires and she makes bad decisions that are not in my mother’s best interest. Can you help?

Our office does not have jurisdiction over matters over power of attorney. If you have already discussed your concerns with your sister or the person who has power of attorney and nothing has changed, you can seek legal advice from a lawyer. A legal solution issued by a Court of law is the only recourse for power of attorney issues.

Can the Senior’s Advocate intervene in cases of financial abuse?

Financial abuse is a criminal matter. The Senior’s Advocate has no authority to get involved in solving any criminal matters. If you want to report a case of financial abuse, please contact your local police force or the Financial and Consumers Services Commission.

I do not agree with my doctor’s diagnosis and recommendations. Is there anything you can do?

The Senior’s Advocate office does not have medical expertise and is not able to dispute the professional opinion of a physician. You may want to consider consulting another physician for a second opinion or contacting the New Brunswick College of Physicians to see what recourse you may have.

Will my case be treated with confidentiality?

All information pertaining to your complaint or case will be kept confidential. It’s the law.