NBSCHA Blog

For over 6 months now, myself and Greg Hebert have been sitting in on monthly meetings as appointed members of a Special Care Home Working Group.  We were appointed by Minister Brian Kenny and our mandate is to develop a Bill of Rights for our residents and discuss all areas/concerns of special care homes.  Through round table discussions and presentations we are bringing forth recommendations for our government to consider when making decisions regarding our industry.   The list of discussion topics is vast (we helped create the list) and we felt satisfied that all necessary items have been brought to the table.  

 The working group members consist of regional coordinators, senior citizens foundation (english and french rep), disability council rep, francophone special care home association, central office staff, and us.  There has been other people invited in to consult with the group and Greg and I have done presentations for them and fielded questions. 

When the recommendations have been finalized (sometime in Nov. possibly) the report will be given to the minister and we are being told it will be used, in conjunction with other input, to create the direction the government will go with our industry. 

From our perspective, I would say the group has done wonderful work thus far and we are working very closely with the francophone association to bring our members concerns and ideas forth.  Rest assured per diem rates, vacancy rates, and new licensing has been at the top of our list.  The discussion was positive and the whole group seemed to support our recommendations.  What will result of all of this time and effort time will tell. 

Even though this working group is in effect, we are still taking steps on our own to pursue better funding for our homes.  We are sending letters and meeting with all potential political leaders to voice our concerns.  I would encourage all of you to read the letter posted on this blog and take it to your candidates and remember the “squeaky wheel gets the grease”.  If we don’t take the opportunity to voice our concerns as much as possible, we get forgotten. 

Thank you for your continued support and encouragement

Jan Seely, President

August 1st, 2010
Dear members and non-members,
Since elections will be held September 27th, 2010, it is time for all operators in New Brunswick, together as one voice, to take action. Our industry provides a vital service to communities all over our province. Our sustainability is key to our citizens having quality long term care choices now and in the future. Unfortunately, our efforts to attain a reasonable funding model and a competitive wage for employees have yet to be accomplished.
Our two associations represent over 270 facilities. We are asking every operator to assume the vital role they can play during elections and get involved. Contact the headquarters of your candidates and ask them to visit your establishment; discuss your requests and/or concerns with them; attend public meetings; ask questions and seek specific answers. Here are some topics that you should discuss with your candidates and leaders of all parties:
Whereas it took more than 7 years since 1997 for an initial adjustment to rates and
Whereas the per diem rate for level 2 care increased only 8% (which was far from the 30% cost of living increase during the same time frame) and
Whereas the last rate adjustment was in 2007, which will represent more than 3 years ago when the next election occurs and
Whereas in March 2009, government publicly acknowledged that the cost of room and board (not including wages) in a nursing home was $83/day (an 18% increase from their 2008 determined rate of $70/day) and
Whereas the AFESSNB and NBSCHA considers that the cost is the same for a resident’s room and board living in a special care home and
Whereas in conclusion, our present per diem rate is much lower than even the room and board portion established by the government for residents in nursing homes.
The AFESSNB and NBSCHA ask the political party that will form the government to adjust the rates, considering the above facts. This room and board/wages division of our rate was recommended by the New Brunswick Ombudsman in 2004-2005 and also in 2009. They called for our government to pay the cost of care of residents in nursing homes and special care homes.
We want to know the position of each party for the new per diem rates. We want concrete and significant results from the first year of office of the new government. We therefore requests parties to indicate in their election platform the new per diem rates for levels 1 and 2 and the date of their introduction.
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Francis Bérubé, President, AFESSNB Jan Seely, President, NBSCHA