New alliance hopes to improve long-term care for New Brunswickers

Three groups that look after vulnerable New Brunswickers have formed an alliance to address "critical challenges and improve services" for seniors and others in long-term care.

The Long-Term Care Alliance has been created by the N.B. Home Support Association, which represents home-care agencies, the N.B. Special Care Home Association and the N.B. Association of Nursing Homes.

At an announcement Monday, the group said it will be looking to improve what it calls a struggling sector.

"All of us in this sector are feeling the pressures of inflation, staffing shortages, rising regulatory demands and aging infrastructure. At the same time, our population is aging rapidly and the need for care is growing," said Jan Seely, president of the special care home association, who has operated a care home for the past 30 years.

Long-term care in New Brunswick is overseen by Minister of Social Development Cindy Miles, and there is also a government minister responsible for seniors, Lyne Chantal Boudreau.

WATCH | 'Collective voices will be stronger,' members of new alliance say:

New group says government action needed on crisis in long-term care sector

21 days ago

Duration 1:09

Three organizations that represent home support agencies, special care homes and nursing homes in New Brunswick have formed the Long-term Care Alliance. They want the government to commit to more funding and a new department to look after long-term care.

Richard Losier, CEO of the nursing home association, said the alliance is asking the province to create something new — the Department of Seniors and Long-term Care.

"This would enable a sole focus on such an important sector. The scope and complexity of long-term care deserves its own voice," said Losier, something he said should have been done "a long time ago."

"We're calling for a seat at the table, beyond simple consultation, to work with government and all stakeholders," said Losier.

A report from the New Brunswick Coalition for Seniors and Nursing Home Residents' Rights said that as of March, there are 1,086 people on the waiting list for placement in nursing homes, including 483 waiting in hospital.

Tina Learmonth, president of the home support association, said the alliance wants to create a long-term plan with the province, rather than just providing feedback.

"We're not here to criticize, we're here to collaborate. We are here to help and be part of the solution." she said.

"Our sector is facing real challenges, especially with limited funding and a growing number of people needing care," said Seely.

 When asked by reporters how much extra money is needed, the group said it did not have a dollar figure to provide, but will need to work that out with government.

Losier said the alliance hadn't yet had any "formal discussion with the government."

René Doucette, a spokesperson with the Department of Social Development, said Monday the government is "committed to strengthening senior care."

"We look forward to further discussions on how we can work together to co-design and re-imagine New Brunswick's long-term care sector," Doucette said in an email.