Advocate launches systemic review of provincial long-term care system
FREDERICTON (GNB)— Child, Youth and Seniors’ Advocate Kelly Lamrock announced a systemic review of the provincial long-term care system today and provided notice of the review to the government under Section 19 of the Child, Youth and Senior Advocate Act.
“Every New Brunswicker deserves the confidence that they will age happily and securely. Whether people need long-term care due to aging or disability, people deserve to know that their independence and dignity will be respected. For too many people, that is far from certain.” said Lamrock. “The number of Canadians over 85 is expected to triple over the next thirty years, the time to plan is now. We hope our review will lead to concrete ideas that the government can implement.”
The review will be built upon the following key principles:
Every citizen who needs long-term care should find a place in the system that is accessible, affordable, and provides them with a community where they feel supported.
Everyone should live in a setting which maximizes their independence, sense of security, and dignity.
Everyone should move easily and seamlessly through the long-term care system as their needs change.
Everyone who needs it should have access to a space in the long-term care system regardless of income, language, region, or disability.
Everyone should age with the confidence that the long-term care system is sustainable, predictable and will be there when they need it.
The review will look at the needs of the long-term care system in the areas of governance, portability, human resources, quality and security, and quality of life for New Brunswickers.
“We need a long-term care system where home care support is available and where safe, high-quality spaces are available in special care homes and nursing homes,” Lamrock said noting the urgency of the review. “Part of the strain on our urgent care system is that hospitals are treating people failed by the long-term care system. I am encouraged by the government’s recognition of the need to support aging at home and in the community, and by their ambition to undertake reform of the system in the next year. We hope that our review will lead to good decisions by the legislative assembly.”
The Office of the Advocate has an agreement with the Department of Social Development for unconditional funding that will assist them in providing an independent, arms-length final report by October.
“This is a big task. We will need good advice and good research. Along with a strong team at the advocate’s office, this review will be supported by an advisory council and a public engagement process. I am looking forward to sharing those details in the weeks ahead,” said Lamrock.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Heidi Cyr, communications, Office of the Child, Youth and Seniors’ Advocate, 506-476-9145, heidi.cyr@gnb.ca.