Seniors advocates in New Brunswick have become alarmed at the rising daily rates at private special care homes in the province.
Many private operators have begun charging fees above the subsidized provincial rate of $77 per day.
Cecile Cassista with the Coalition for Seniors and Nursing Home Residents’ Rights says many seniors are worried about the possibility of moving if they can’t afford their current home.
“No seniors should have to live with the threat of having to move. To move to a new location takes a while to adapt in the new surroundings. In many cases, up to a year to adjust in the unfamiliar environment. Such a move would be scandalous and indecent,” she says.
#NB #seniors coalition’s Cecile Cassista addressing concerns about raising rents in private special care homes above daily subsidized rate pic.twitter.com/ODcuxJE8wI
— 91.9The Bend News (@919TheBendNews) April 20, 2017
While other provinces regulate daily fees, New Brunswick doesn’t and seniors advocates want that to change since the government already licenses, inspects and set standards for special care homes.
Seniors gathered for a news conference today which was held by the Coalition for Seniors and Nursing Home Residents’ Rights at Peoples Park Tower in Moncton.
#NB seniors face rent hikes at private special care homes above daily subsidized rate. #Seniors calling on govt to take action #Moncton pic.twitter.com/a7g1LReAEJ
— 91.9The Bend News (@919TheBendNews) April 20, 2017
A spokesperson for the Department of Seniors and Long-Term Care says it takes the concerns of operators about funding seriously and will be working with them to find a solution, while balancing the concerns of residents about increasing costs.