NBSCHA Blog

FREDERICTON – Poor co-operation between government departments isn’t doing anything to break the logjam of elderly patients blocking beds in the province’s hospitals, a Liberal critic says.

MLA Bill Fraser said there’s little incentive to move the frail patients because the government department that looks after seniors, Social Development, is concerned with its own budget.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health is on the hook for paying upwards of $1,000 a day to keep each elderly patient in an acute-care hospital bed.

Those beds are meant for emergency and surgical patients, but more than 500 elderly people are using them because they are too frail to be discharged and there’s no room in nursing homes.

“They need to address this issue immediately, because it’s already out of hand and will only get worse,” Fraser said.

“They have to help these people get out of hospital because they are not getting the kind of care they need. They’re in an acute-care setting.

“Plus, the cost is $1,000-plus a day.”

The critic said responsibility for senior care and nursing homes should be shifted to the Department of Health, giving it more incentive to find quick, cost-effective solutions to the problem.

“You have the Department of Health that’s in one building, and you have the Department of Social Development in another building down the street in Fredericton,” he said.

“You have a committee between the two that might meet occasionally, now and again, to look at collaboration and best practices to work together, but is there a real commitment?”

Sue Stultz, the minister of Social Development, said earlier this week that she has considered the idea of putting some of the elderly patients in less costly special care homes, which are estimated to have 1,500 available beds across the province.

But she also suggested the special care homes might not have the personnel qualified to take care of the elderly patients, some of whom have complex medical needs.

The government has delayed expansions to nursing homes, citing the need to be prudent with taxpayers’ money during tough economic times.

Fraser argued it was more a budget issue between bureaucrats. The Department of Social Development, he suggested, is maintaining its budget at the expense of the Department of Health, which has the biggest budget of all.

The critic said the ultimate solution was to do exactly what the former Liberal government had done – namely, build more nursing homes.

According to the latest figures, more than 700 people are on a waiting list for a nursing home in the province.

“We had a plan in place to add many new nursing home beds in the province, and we began that process when we were in government, and we did open some new nursing homes and nursing homes beds,” Fraser said, pointing out that the number of elderly patients in acute-care beds dropped in 2010, before increasing once again after David Alward’s government came to power.

“Once the new Conservative government was elected, all the nursing home plans and new builds that were in place were put on hold.

“We still don’t know the status of any of those. People are still wondering if they’re going to get the new nursing homes or the increase in beds committed to in those communities.”

The Tories have said they are reviewing the nursing home plans to make sure any additions are done cost-effectively.

The province has severe fiscal problems, including an ever-rising $9.5-billion debt and a $633-million deficit.

But Fraser insisted that it was a waste of money to hold up the plans.

“It’s a much more wise investment to have these patients who are occupying acute-care beds in excess of $1,000 a day in a nursing home setting,” he said.

Links to the interviews about our industry today. The links are below for the general interview at the home and the second one is with the reporter and President of the NBSCHA Jan Seely

www.cbc.ca and click on CBC live news at 6, the interview and pics are at the beginning.

The second one is at http://www.cbc.ca/video/#/News/Local_News/NB/1317906492/ID=2112820809

As New Brunswick hospitals struggle to cope with more than 500 frail seniors tying up acute-care beds, about 1,500 beds in special-care homes lie empty.

Enlarge Photo Photo: Kâté Braydon/Telegraph-JournalJan Seely, president of the New Brunswick Special Care Home Association Inc., is frustrated about vacancies at special care homes across the province, especially since many elderly people are needlessly occupying acute care beds in hospitals. Jan Seely, president of the New Brunswick Special Care Home Association, knows the problem all too well.

Three of 25 spots are available at her special-care homes in Grand Bay-Westfield and Martinon, vacancies that hurt her business’ bottom line. Meanwhile, a short drive away, 311 elderly patients occupy beds at the Saint John Regional Hospital.

These so-called “alternate level of care patients” do not require expensive hospital services but are too frail and vulnerable to be discharged and sent home. Many of them are supposed to be transferred to a nursing home, where the wait list is extensive.

“Everybody can’t go to a nursing home,” Seely said. “Our province is poor now and where do you think we’ll be in 20 years when we have a huge influx of seniors needing care, and everyone’s leaning on nursing homes? You just can’t do it.”

Social Development Minister Sue Stultz said Monday that more than 1,200 beds remain empty at special-care homes across the province.

But Seely said the number is closer to 1,500. She also disagreed with the minister’s suggestion that special-care homes lack the expertise to handle many elderly hospital patients.

The smaller, privately-run homes often have clients who, after becoming older and more frail, are finally deemed by a social worker to require the more extensive services of a nursing home.

But they are rarely transferred right away. The special-care home is entrusted to look after the person – much like a hospital is – until a nursing home spot becomes available. Extra-mural nurses are called in if the need arises, Seely said.

“Many of our special-care homes have nurses who do work in our facilities, many of us have nurses that own facilities. We are able to look after a great number of needs. It’s not like a client has to be able to do everything for themselves and just have their meals cooked for them. That’s not a special-care home.”

Cecile Cassista, executive director of the Coalition for Seniors and Nursing Home Residents’ Rights, agreed that special-care homes should play a bigger role in the care of the elderly.

The backlog of people trying to get into a nursing home in New Brunswick is steadily rising, she said, citing figures that showed in April, the wait list was 700 people, in May, 726 and in June, 744.

Even before those numbers came out, Cassista had met with Social Development Minister Sue Stultz in March to discuss the problem, throwing out the idea of transferring some elderly patients from hospitals to special-care homes on an interim basis, given that nursing homes are expensive to build and run.

They have another meeting scheduled for Sept. 20.

“You have to keep in mind, we’re not forcing these people in hospitals to go to special-care homes,” Cassista said. “It has to be on the wishes of the individual, as well as a family member.”

She said it was important to reassess some of the hospital patients to see if they truly needed the services of a nursing home.

“Maybe they’re bedridden because there just isn’t enough care to get them out of bed and get them moving. So maybe getting them living in a different home setting would help them.”

Cassista said home-care support agencies should also be part of a bigger solution. Elderly clients who qualify for the program in New Brunswick are entitled to up to 336 hours a month of help from a home-support worker, Monday to Friday.

But Cassista says the government should consider going to a model such as Manitoba’s that allows the private agencies to provide clients service 24 hours a day, seven days a week, an idea that would mesh with the Progressive Conservative government’s stated aim of keeping seniors in their own homes longer.

“We don’t have those kind of options in New Brunswick. Our options are, if I can’t go home because there’s no one to take care of me, then I have to lie in the hospital and hold up a bed.”

While Seely sympathized with this point of view, she said from a purely financial perspective, it would make more sense for the government to offer more money to special-care homes, which come at a relative bargain.

The province pays $69 a day for someone in a special-care home, whereas it could cost up to $384 a day if home-care service were provided around the clock, based on the going rate.

Nursing homes are comparable in cost to full-time home-care support, but the priciest option of all is the hospital setting. It costs taxpayers upwards of $1,000 a day to keep an elderly person in an acute-care bed meant for emergency or surgical patients.

NBSCHA-Region 1 Celebrates Special Care Home Week

August 18, 2011

1:00PM-6:00PM

The Moncton Community Lions Senior’s Centre

Special Care Home Week is the third week in August.  What an amazing day. Food & Fun, prizes and entertainment for everyone.  This day celebrates our seniors and special needs residents, our Special Care Home Owners and their employees.

Invitations were also extended to seniors and special needs throughout our community.  If you would like to learn more about Special Care Homes in your community, there is not a better opportunity.  Join us for a memorable day of fun!

This event would not be possible without the countless hours spent by our volunteers. Many hands make light

work.  For those of you interested in volunteering please contact your local executive. 

Guest Speakers

We were delighted to have the Honourable Sue Stultz as a guest speaker during our event. A special thank you to

our community resource personnel:  Janet MacDuff (Senior Recreational Coordinator ) & Melissa Baxter

(Executive Director of the Senior’s information Centre 855-1121) for providing further resources available in our community.

The Entertainment This Year Will Be Delightful

A special thank you to Dance East for donating their time, and to the children for putting a smile on many faces.

Shelby Murray, an inspiration on keyboard, would love to play for your residents in your SCH. (phone: 372-8006)

Vance McNeil & Colleen Bannister can get any crowd up and dancing.

“Just Us” is a special group of ladies that have many talents. Entertain us, they will.

Any celebration is not complete without the laughter brought by your favorite clown, “Choctaw”

Thank You to Our Many Sponsors

A special thank you to Via Rail & Gary MacDonald for providing a grand prize of a round trip for 2 from Moncton to Montreal, $845.00 value.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Your generosity will surely bring many smiles to our senior’s, special needs, and operators.  Thank you to our many sponsor’s.

Moncton

AcadienBus Lines  (Bonnie McCarthy-terminal manager)

92 Lester St

Moncton, NB

2011-trip for 2 to Halifax (value $200.00)       

Antonio’s Pizzeria

300 Elmwood Dr

Moncton, NB 

2011-12” free pizza                                                                                                                                                               

Accelle Beauty

459 Elmwood Dr

Moncton, NB 

2011-Scruples Hair volumizer/silk control

 And comb package

Birchmount Lodge (Don Vosburg)

144 Birchmount Lodge

Moncton, NB 

2011-20-$5.00 Tim Horton gift certificates

 

 Brother’s Bakery Inc (Darlene Flanagan)

270 Baig Blvd unit A7

Moncton, NB

2011: 22/ 8pks hamburger buns (require slicing)

 

Brunswick Fyr

Moncton, NB

2011-First Aid Kit

Canadian Blood Services  (Lynn Dupuis-Community Develop. Coordinator)

500 Mapleton Rd

Moncton, NB 

2011-mug, pens, band-aides

 

Canadian Dollar Store

Elmwood Dr

Moncton, NB

2011-2 teddy bears

Candy Store (Joseel Meaghan)

819 Main St

Moncton, NB 

2011-Candy basket

Capital Theatre (Christal Chitty)

811 Main St

Moncton. NB 

2011-4 box seats (value $100.00)

CIBC (Branch Manager-Peggy Santerre)

655 Mountain Rd

Moncton, NB 

2011-5 pens/lap top bag/back top/golf shirt/4 reusable bags

 

Coast Tire (Manager: Claude LeBlanc)

678 Mountain Rd

Moncton, NB 

2011-Oil Change $35.00/4 wheel align. $75.00/$25 gift certificate

Co-op (Manager-Dave)

Mountain Rd

2011-$50.00 gift certificate

 

Cora’s

730 Main St

Moncton, NB 

2011-2-$10 gift certificates/4 smoothie coupon’s

 

Cosco (Head of Donations-JoEllen)

Trinity Plaza

Moncton, NB

2011-$75.00 cash card

Cyr Enterprise

2011-3 mugs/cups/key chain/free game pool

Domino’s

824 Mountain Rd

Moncton, NB

2011-12” pizza works

Eds (Jacque Savoie)

Elmwood Dr

Moncton, NB

2011-gift certificate

 

 

Fowne’s Manor (Donna Barnett)

5482 Route 114

Hopewell Hill

2011-pasta set & microwave popper

First Choice Hair (Manager-Holly)

Mountain Rd

Moncton, NB

2011-2 shampoo’s and Cut

 

Future Inns

Mapleton Rd

Moncton, NB

2011-gift bags

Garden House Restaurant (Anita Boudreau)

886 ½ Main St

Moncton, NB 

2011-$10 gift certificate

 

GoodLife Fitness (Alicia Johnson-manager)

Moncton Downtown Coed Club

795 Main St

Moncton, NB 

2011-1 mth.  fitness membership and a gym bag

 

Guardian (Bruce Duncan)

Riverview

2011-2 men’s cologne & 2 ladies gift set

 

Heinz (manager-James Heinz)

Mountain Rd

Moncton, NB

2011 -$25.00 gift card

Jean’s Restaurant

1999 Mountain Rd

Moncton, NB 

2011-$25 gift card

 

Jean Coutu(Martine Chiasson)

1116 Mountain Rd

Moncton, NB 

2011- gift bag

 

Kels-Leigh Manor (Kathy Niles)

21 Riverlea Dr

Riverview, NB  E1B 3N4

2011-fruit plate/Pampered Chef

 

KFC (Mel)

945 Mountain Rd

Moncton, NB

2011-gift certificate 10-2 pc. Meals

Lawton’s  (Nicole-961-1773)

St. George Blvd

Moncton, NB

2011- Gift basket

Lawton’s (Front Store Manager-Karen Geldart)

40 Mapleton Rd

Moncton, NB 

2011-2 gift baskets-1 male/1 female

Lily Chinese Buffet

980 Mountain Rd.

Moncton, NB

2011-$25.00 gift certificate

Light House Storage (Tobi Marr)

266 Edinburgh Dr

Moncton, NB 

2-$10.00 gift cards for Superstore

 

Lutes Mountain Tire (Shelley Damery)

150 Caledonia Road

PO Box 23095

Moncton, NB

2011-Tire change & Balance

 

Maplewood Golf & Country Club

Cecily Rasmussen-manager)

2559 Route 115

Irishtown, NB 

2011-2 rounds of 18 hole golf

(value $35 each)

Magnetic Hill Zoo (Arlene Reade-Adm. Assist.)

100 Ave Worthington Ave

Moncton, NB 

2011-2 family passes

Marriott Inn (General Manager-Darlene Power)

600 Main St

Moncton, NB 

2011-2 clocks

 

Marks Work Wearhouse (Linda White-Corporate manager)

125 Trinity Drive, unit 165

Moncton, NB 

2011- 5 coupons-spend $50 save $10

4 pk mini markers/4 pens/2 notebooks/3 key rings

Mike’s Restaurant  (Owner-Aaron Smith)

30 Mapleton Dr

Moncton, NB

Ph:855-6464

2011-$50.00 gift certificate + 10-$5.00

Off gift certificate

 

Mexi Cala Rosa’s

683 Main St

Moncton, NB 

3-$20.00 gift certificates

McSweenies Dinner Theatre

700 Main St

Moncton, NB

2011-2 dinner theatre passes

McArthurs (Brad Deware)

360 Mountain Rd

Moncton, NB

2011-175 carnations

 

Miami Tanning

824 Mountain Rd

Moncton, NB 

2011-5 tanning sessions

 

Midas Muffler (Owner-Brian Assels)

960 Mountain Rd.

Moncton, NB 

2011- Oil change $40.00 value

 

Midbec

2011-2 jackets, 2 hats 1 T, 1 shirt

 

Moka Spa & Salon

Valhalla Plaza

1855 Mountain Rd

Moncton, NB

2011-manicure

 

Moncton Crysler Dodge

Mountain Rd, NB

2011-7 men’s T-shirts

 

Moncton Household Liquidators

Highfield Square

Moncton, NB

2011-$50 rug/candle/dovet single

Moncton Senior’s Lion’s Centre (Mary & Pat)

473 St George St

Moncton, NB 

2011-volunteering their time

and use of the facility

Mountain Woods Golf (Greg Neate-manager)

1 Tee Time Drive

Moncton, NB

2011-2 rounds of 18 hole golf

 

Okay Tire ( Dale Donovan-Manager

 929 Mountain Rd

2011-4 wheel tire alignment  $69.95 value

Papa John’s

639 Mountain Rd

Moncton, NB

2011-14” pizza of your choice

 

Pizza Delight (Therese Gallant)

188 Mountain Rd

Moncton, NB 

2011-$15.00 Gift Certificate

 

Riteway Pharmacy

Main St

Moncton, NB

2011-3 gift baskets

 

Rinzlers

Moncton, NB

2011-$20.00 gift certificate

 

St. John Ambulance (Manage. Client services-Lisa Murphy

200  Miles St.

PO Box 3599, Stn B – C.P. 3599

Fredericton, NB E3A 5J8

Tel.: (506) 451-9146  Fax : (506) 452-8699

ph : 1-800-563-9998

2011-Fanmily First Aide Kit

 

Service Shoe Repair (owner-Richard)

55 Mechanic St

Moncton, NB 

2011-$100 gift card

Shoe Tree (Alison Smith-manager)

55 Vaughn Harvey

Moncton, NB 

2011-purse (value $95) 

Shopper’s Drug Mart

45 Vaughn Harvey Blvd

Moncton, NB 

2011 – Gift Basket

Shoppers Drug Mart

Lounsbury’s Center 

2011-Gift Basket

Shoppers Drug Mart

Mountain Rd (Killiam/Mountain Rd)

860 Mountain Rd

2011- numerous personal hygiene products

 

Simmons Mattress Gallery

(Manager -Terry Downing)

824 Mountain Rd

Moncton, NB

2011-Queen Heated Blanket

Sobey’s (Darlene LeBlanc)

North West Centre

1380 Mountain Rd

Moncton, NB

2011-salad bowel set

Speedy

Mountain Rd

2011-2 Oil Changes

 

St Pats(Kellie Nicolle)

34 Providence St

Moncton, NB 

2011-16 punch patches ($65.00)

 

Superstore

Main St

Moncton, NB

2011-$50 gift card

 

Sun Sun

Mountain Rd

2011-Dinner for 2

TBG Autoparts

199 Baig Blvd

Moncton, NB 

2011- 4 T-shirts+2 hats

Tide & Boar

700 Main St #209

Moncton, NB 

2011-Complimentary Selection from Snacks Menu

+ 15.00 Gift Card

Ultramar

Mountain Rd

Moncton, NB

2011-$25.00 gift card

UPS Store

331 Elmwood Drive

Moncton, NB 

2011-$25.00 Gift Certificate (Charlotte)

 

Vien Dong

880 Main St, Su 200

Moncton, NB 

2011-$20 gift certificate

 

Walmart

Trinity Drive

Moncton, NB

2011-$50.00 gift card

 

Zellers

Mountain Rd

Moncton, NB

2011-persnal items

 

Dieppe

 

Vogue Optical

71 champlain St

Dieppe, NB 

2011-sunglasses

 

Shopper’s Drug Mart

Champlain St

Dieppe, NB

2011- personal items (value $100.00)

Marks Work Warehouse

Dieppe, NB

2011- keychains/pens/hat + men’s cologne

 

Riverview

Andre’s Printing

1A Wentworth Dr

Riverview, NB

2011-Gift certificate for passport photo

Briggs Maple (Owner-David Briggs)

391 Coverdale Rd

Riverview, NB

2011-box of maple candy with discount

Coupon

 

CIBC (Rebecca Thurrott)

720 Coverdale Rd

Riverview, NB

2011-drink cup & pen

Canadian Dollar Store #634

(Manager-Alaine Harding)

630 Pinewood dr

Riverview, NB

2011-Track Pants

 

Cooks Complete Car Care

213 Pine Glen Rd

Riverview, NB 

2011-$50 general clean up

 

Country Cookery (Eileen LeBlanc)

567 Coverdale Rd

Riverview, NB

2011-$10.00 Gift card

 

Dents and Stones

1B Wentworth Dr

Riverview, NB

2011-$25.00 gift card

Domac (Cheryl Chapman)

145 Traynor St

Riverview, NB

2011-$30 gift certificate

Do or Dye Hair Salon

(Owners: Samantha Kirkpatrick & Stacey Steeves)

26B Trites Rd

Riverview, NB

2011-2 cuts & dry

Egg Roll King

508 Coverdale Rd

Riverview, NB

2011-2-$10.00 Gift Cards

Enviro-Tech Laser Services

708 Coverdale Rd

Riverview, NB

2011-$25.00 gift card

 

Fowne’s Manor (Donna Barnett)

5482 Route 114

Hopewell Hill,  NB 

2011-pasta set & microwave popper

 

Home Hardware(Denis Woodworth)

1106 Cleveland Avenue

Riverview,

2011-$30.00 Gift card

 

Homestead restaurant (Anne Bungay)

358 Coverdale Rd.

Riverview, NB

2011-Chocolate cake with boiled icing

Kels-Leigh Manor (Kathy Niles)

21 Riverlea Dr Riverview, NB 

2011-fruit plate/Pampered Chef

 

Kings Crown (Wayne Springer)

719 Coverdale Rd

Riveview, NB

2011-2 2lt Shampoo/gel spray/mouse/2-brushes

Maggie’s (Nancy Wentzell)

755 Coverdale Rd

Riverview, NB 

2011-Fresh Bouquet Flowers

 

Maritime Travel (Lisa Dean-Branch Manager

429 Coverdale Rd

Riverview,

2011-Back pack

 

McNair Manor

(Owners: David and Susan McNair)

137 White Pine Rd

Riverview, NB 

2011-Donated 200 hamburgers

 

Morning Glory (Kelli Stevens & Ruth Philips)

402 Coverdale Rd

Riverview, NB

2011- $15.00 gift certificate

Old Time Meat Market (Bruce Perry)

121 Pine Glen Rd

Riverview, NB 

2011-1 case wieners

 

Olivier

391 Coverdale Rd

Riverview, NB

2011- gift basket

 

 Parklanes Bowling Centre (Todd Stoyles)

28 Biggs Drive

Riverview, NB 

2011-4 passes 5 strings each

 

Pizza Delight (Michelle Schofield)

Riverview, NB

2011-2 combo’s (2-12”pizza’s with 12”

Garlic finger)

Shoppers Drug Mart

(Owner: Paulwlina McGrath)

500 Coverdale Rd

Riverview, NB 

2011-Gift Basket

Sysco

2011: 100 bottled water & 100 cheese packets

 

Tantasia (Emily Pelletier)

630 Pinewood Road

Riverview, NB 

2011-gift bag with 5 tanning sessions

 

Inglis Jewellers

Coverdale Road

Riverview, NB

2011-2 prints

Tide & Boar

700 Main St #209

Moncton, NB 

2011-Complimentary Selection from Snacks Menu

+ $15.00 Gift Card

Kwong’s

Coverdale Rd.

Riverview, NB

Gift card Dinner for 2

 

Petticodiac

Bank Nova Scotia (Trudy Nowlan)

Main St

Petticodiac, NB

2011-mug/pens/ mints/card holder

 

Country Care (Nancy Brace)

67 Steeves Road

Intervale,

2011-250 tea bags

 

Corn Hill Nursery & Cedar Cafe

Havelock, NB

2011-2-$35.00 gift certificates

Credit Union(Maxine)

Petticodiac, NB

2011-Blanket

 

Jean Coutu(Marlene)

Petti pharmacy

37 Main St

Petticodiac, NB 

2011-Gift basket

Kent (Peter)

Petticodiac, NB

2011- portable BBQ

 

Salisbury

 

Pizza Mill (Dave Fitch)

Salisbury, NB

2011: 2-15” pizza’s

Guardian Salisbury (Dyson Jones)

3154 Main St

Salisbury, NB

2011- 5 Gift Baskets

 

News Release
Social Development
Senior and Healthy Aging Secretariat
Special Care Home Week
12 August 2011
Media Contact(s)Mark Barbour, communications, Department of Social Development, 506-444-3730.

FREDERICTON (CNB) – The following message was issued by Social Development Minister Sue Stultz, who is also minister responsible for seniors, housing and community non-profit organizations, in recognition of Special Care Home Week, Aug. 14-20:

Special care homes are an important component in our province’s long-term care programs. They deliver essential services to clients across the province. As more than half of the clients are seniors, these facilities play a key role in the provincial government’s efforts to provide high-quality services and respond to increasing demands from the growing senior population.

When seniors and people with disabilities are no longer able to stay at home, we need facilities that offer quality care to the residents. The residents and their families rely on the staff and administrators of special care homes to create an environment where seniors and adults with disabilities are nurtured and content.

The staff and operators of special care homes take the responsibility and care of the residents very seriously. These facilities provide families with the peace of mind of knowing their loved ones are well cared for and are treated with dignity and respect.

I commend the staff and administrators across the province who care for the approximately 3,700 seniors who reside in special care homes as well as 1,950 adults with disabilities who require special care home services. Their commitment and dedication to caring for seniors and adults with disabilities are sincerely appreciated.

Many special care homes will be celebrating with different events throughout the week. I encourage all New Brunswickers to learn more about special care homes and the services they provide in their community.

12-08-11

NBSCHA 2011 AGM & Food Safety Certification
We are pleased to extend you an invitation to the NBSCHA’s 2011 Annual General Meeting and Food Safety Certification Seminar on May 24th. This year we continue on our theme, “Empowering the Special Care Home owner by growing Together,” and we are sure that this year’s event will provide you with outstanding education, networking and entertainment!
We picked Sussex, N.B. as our location as this venue has had the best turnout of members overall. It will be held at the Fairway Inn, Exit 193 off highway 1 from 8am to 5pm. A block of rooms has been set aside for you to access by calling (506)433-3470 in the NBSCHA group name. (A waiting list will be held for any extra staff that would like to attend, should room be available)
Our main agenda of this AGM is to provide our members with their certification in Food Safety and Administration, in compliance with the recent Public Health standards changes. We as an association made it our priority to locate a quality course that was affordable. The course will be completed at the AGM in a one day seminar format with breaks and lunch provided. Confirmation from Public Health has been obtained that this course is acceptable for owners and staff. As you will note on the registration page you will be receiving your certification, all breaks and lunch, a couple of awesome guest speakers, and all this for $60/person. I’m sure you will agree what a deal!
Owners/operators will be registered first and if space allows a waiting list will be accessed of your managers and/or significant staff you wish to attend. The nature of this training requires a deadline for course material so it is vital that you return your registration and full payment by our deadline of May 10th. We are limited to 90 participants and walk-ins are not guaranteed they will get a spot. Don’t delay; send your registration in today!
NBSCHA Membership benefits now include a wide range of savings and opportunity for you and your business. Huge discounts on home insurance, health/dental insurance for owners and employees, long term disability for owners, free quarterly educational seminars, and health care aide in home study course. It also offers you the the opportunity to receive a free training allowance to use at your discretion, and even free NBSCHA memberships with Sobeys/Lawton group affiliation and tremendous savings on your food bill and other supplies through Contract Management Services Ltd. (CMSL) As you can see the benefits are many and, most importantly, the resources provided by networking with other operators at monthly meetings and coordinated events is priceless.
With sponsorship this year from Contract Management Services Limited, Sobeys/Lawton’s Group, OMG Benefits Consulting Ltd., Ecclesiastical/C.A. Crawford Insurance, several others, and of course some great prizes, we are sure that you and your staff will have a great time at this year’s event.
Look forward to seeing you,
Jan Seely, NBSCHA President

 

NBSCHA 2011 AGM & Educational Seminar Whether you’re looking for education, a rewarding getaway for you and your staff, or a chance to network with other long-term care professionals, this year’s NBSCHA Convention is for you!

 

Fairway Inn, Sussex, N.B., May 24th, 2011 (8:00am – 5pm)

Space is limited to 90 participants.

Cost Includes: Food Safety Certification Course ($250 value), all meals and seminars

Owners/operators can register first and the option to have your manager/staff placed on a waiting list is available (space provided below). Due to the nature of the training, a deadline of MAY 10, 2011 has been placed on this event. If space is available waiting list names will be contacted after that date. Receipt of your full payment will guarantee your spot and course materials. Please note course is presently available in English only. Pre-registration is vital as walk-ins are not guaranteed a spot. MEMBER $60 each / NON-MEMBER $100 each (see info below to join)

Name of Facility: ____________________________Owner/Operator: ___________________________

Phone: ______________Fax:________________ Email: ______________________________________

Waiting list names: _________________________________NBSCHA Membership No.: ___________

Number of Persons Attending:

#____ x $60 each = ______ total enclosed #____ x $100 each = ______ total enclosed

Send registration information and cheque to and/or inquire to join our association:

NBSCHA, c/o Greg Hebert, 23 Park Avenue East, Saint John NB E2J 1R2 Ph: (506) 652-6350 E-mail: secretarynbscha@rogers.com Website: www.nbscha.com

Accomodations and Directions:

Our indoor pool, sauna, and whirlpool makes the Fairway a great place for a family getaway, sports trip, or just to finish your day in a relaxing atmosphere.

The Fairway Inn has 54 air conditioned guest rooms with cable TV, computer hook-ups, fax facilities, photocopying services, and many other amenities. 24 hour security service and a friendly staff are always available to make your stay with us enjoyable and comfortable. Included in your discounted room rate of $90 dbl, they offer a delicious way to start your day! Enjoy a complimentary plated hot breakfast in our on-site restaurant, served daily from 6:00AM until 11:00AM. Please contact the hotel,

prior to April 24, 2011 to receive our group discount on your room. Contact them at Fairway Inn & Restaurant, 216 Roachville Road, Exit 193, Hwy 1, Sussex, NB E4E 5L6 Phone (506) 433-3470, Fax (506) 433-2676, 1-800-565-2260

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.
________________________________ ______________________________
Francis Bérubé, President, AFESSNB Jan Seely, President, NBSCHA