2008/10/16

Media Release



Media Advisory

Immediate Release       

November 20, 2013



Coalition for Seniors - Annual Meeting

Pillars for Change: Aging in Place

(Moncton)  The Coalition for Seniors will be holding its annual meeting on Friday, November 22, 2013, at People’s Park Tower, (Rose Hall) -10 am at 55 Camden Court, in Moncton.
The Coalition will be releasing a document that speaks to change that must take place in order to address the growing crisis, an aging population New Brunswick is experiencing.
The situation has got out of control, it is broken, the government cannot continue to develop strategies and more studies;” the need is now to take action “says Debbie Ellison, President for the Coalition.

With more than 700 on the nursing home wait list and 453 in acute hospital beds, the system can no longer sustain acute hospital beds tied up by seniors who would love to return to their homes and community. Without the proper services of home care the crisis will continue to escalate.  The government needs to act now in order to bring this crisis under control says Cecile Cassista, executive director.
With next year being the election year the Coalition will be stepping up its message that all political parties must commit to deliver a home care program that meets the need of New Brunswickers, no more studies or strategies, the best practises are all already established in other provinces says Cassista.

Mary Schryer, the keynote speaker is the former Minister of State, Minister of Social Development and Minister of Health, in the Liberal government who played a key role to make sure that assets were protected while in office.  Many other accomplishments were made under her leadership.
 
 ____________________________

Media Advisory
April 16, 2012

Seniors Working Group meets with Minister Sue Stultz
(Moncton) Six seniors’ organizations who have been working together on common issues for seniors will be traveling to Fredericton on April 18, 2012 for a 11:00 a.m.  meeting to discuss the recent change to the low income prescription drug program that was increased by 100% in January.
Amongst other concerns will be the mandate for better protection for seniors, the five member  Seniors panel recently appointed and services that will be impacted by the government renewal and restructuring.
The group had originally requested a meeting with the Premier on February 16, 2012, but got redirected to meet with Minister for Social Development.
The April 18th meeting will take place at 551 King Street, Fredericton. The group will be available for comment to the media following the conclusion of the meeting.
Representing the Seniors’ group will be:
Cecile Cassista
Coalition for Seniors and                                                           
Nursing Home Resident’s Rights                                             
Linda McCaustlin,
NB Common Front for Social Justice
Jean Luc Belanger      
Association acadienne et francophone                              
des aînées et aînés du Nouveau- Brunswick                        
 Barrie Hould
NB Federation of Unions Retirees

Conrad Le Blanc,                    
New Brunswick Senior Citizens’ Federation

Nelson Vessey,
CARP 
                                           

For more information contact Cecile Cassista at 506 860 7682 or 506 850 8286




__

Media Advisory
April 16, 2012

Seniors Working Group meets with Minister Sue Stultz
(Moncton) Six seniors’ organizations who have been working together on common issues for seniors will be traveling to Fredericton on April 18, 2012 for a 11:00 a.m.  meeting to discuss the recent change to the low income prescription drug program that was increased by 100% in January.
Amongst other concerns will be the mandate for better protection for seniors, the five member  Seniors panel recently appointed and services that will be impacted by the government renewal and restructuring.
The group had originally requested a meeting with the Premier on February 16, 2012, but got redirected to meet with Minister for Social Development.
The April 18th meeting will take place at 551 King Street, Fredericton. The group will be available for comment to the media following the conclusion of the meeting.
Representing the Seniors’ group will be:
Cecile Cassista
Coalition for Seniors and                                                           
Nursing Home Resident’s Rights                                             
Linda McCaustlin,
NB Common Front for Social Justice
Jean Luc Belanger      
Association acadienne et francophone                              
des aînées et aînés du Nouveau- Brunswick                        
 Barrie Hould
NB Federation of Unions Retirees

Conrad Le Blanc,                    
New Brunswick Senior Citizens’ Federation

Nelson Vessey,
CARP 
                                           

For more information contact Cecile Cassista at 506 860 7682 or 506 850 8286



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Media Advisory
September 19, 2011

 
Seniors Group Meets With Minister Sue Stultz
The Coalition for Seniors and Nursing Home Residents’ Rights will be meeting with Minister responsible for seniors on Tuesday September 20th, 2011 from 3-4PM at 551 King Street, Fredericton.
Cecile Cassista, executive director for the Coalition says this meeting has been a long time coming. The Coalition presentation will consist of the following including the Senior Care Plan promised by the Alward government.
  •  Long Term Care Act 
  • Long-Term Care Placement
  • Eviction Notices Nursing Care Facilities
  • Nursing Care Selection Process
  • Nursing Care Facilities Age/ Disease
  • Senior Care Plan Time-lines
 The Coalition will be raising the issue of asset inclusion for daily fees which is a real concern to the Coalition and New Brunswickers. In 2006, the Liberal government removed this inclusion by not having assets part of the daily fees.

The shortfall is this, it is only a policy that can be changed by the stroke of a pen without the public being aware, unless it affects them directly, there is no obligation for the government to share this information states Cassista.

For more information call:  Cecile Cassista, Executive Director 506 860 7682 or 
Cell 506 850 8286

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Media Advisory
April 27, 2011
Eviction of Seniors High  On Coalition Agenda

The Coalition For Seniors And Nursing Home Residents’ Rights will hold its board meeting on (Friday) April 29, 2011, at the Lions Community Center 473 St George Street, Moncton from 10:00 – 3:00 pm. 

High on the agenda will be the eviction notice of seniors living in nursing care facilities and how assessments are done in a hospital setting.

Cecile Cassista, executive director, for the Coalition says the Board will hear from a registered nurse who will speak on the importance of assessments for seniors waiting for nursing care placement.  Judith Furlong, a registered nurse from People’s Park Tower will address the board at 11:30 a.m. (Media welcome during this time)

On the agenda for the board decision will be the issue of eviction  of residents living in nursing homes, community placement and special care homes. The department of Social Development does not have a policy to ensure that residents are protected from being evicted from these facilities. The policy provides a fifteen(15) days notice with no justification.

No other province across Canada has a policy for evicting residents. Other jurisdictions have a much  more compassionate way of dealing with the process. In Prince Edward Island  both public and private facilities, manage intakes, transfers and discharges through a unified admissions committee. In other provinces organizations that provide continuing care services work with the families and government to avoid any evictions.

New Brunswick needs to be more compassionate. This kind of treatment is very upsetting  and unacceptable  to the aging population. It certainly sends a message of not caring for the  frail and vulnerable  people in our society states Cassista.
 
For further information contact:
Cecile Cassista, Executive Director  Phone: 506 860 7682 or Cell: 506 850 8286

----------------------------------------
Press Release
For Immediate Publication
November 13, 2010

The Coalition for Seniors' and Nursing Home Residents’ Rights has just elected a new slate of officers at its AGM on Friday. Kevin Symes, executive director for the Licensed Practical nurses, will lead the Coalition as President; Louise Gilbert, Vice-Chair of the Mayor’s Advisory Council for Moncton becomes Vice-President, Pat Goobie, from the Federal Superannuantes, the Treasurer; and Debbie Ellison, from the New Brunswick Society of Retired Teachers, the Secretary. The outgoing President is Hector J. Cormier from Moncton who has presided over the Board for the last two years.

The following people have joined the board: Wayne Brown, President of the New Brunswick Council on Nursing Home Unions; Ron Oldfield, President of the Saint John Labour Council; Clarie Gay, New Brunswick Society of Francophone Retired Teachers; Nelson Vessey and Bernard Leger will take on the work of special committees and projects.

The Coalition will be requesting a meeting with the new Minister for Social Development to present the policies adopted at the Annual Meeting, says Cecile Cassista, the organization’s Executive Director.

The policies adopted deal with creating additional beds outside the hospital system which would better serve seniors who are lying and blocking beds. Such a move would decrease wait times for surgery and acute care while providing seniors with the care they deserve. Cassista states that in October 500 hospital beds were occupied by seniors who are awaiting placement in proper establishments.

There needs be more home support services available so that seniors can continue to live at home as long as they are able. The current system provides 336 hour per month but not enough support is avaliable for seniors to get the services they require. Home support workers do not receive worthy wages, benefits, and training they need. Government and agencies are exploiting home support workers, 95% of whom are women. This has to change says Cecile Cassista.
____________________ 
  Communiqué de presse
Pour publication à volonté
Le 13 novembre 2010

Kevin Symes, nouveau président de la Coalition

La Coalition pour les droits des aînés et des résidents des foyers de soins élisait lors de sa dernière assemblée annuelle ses nouveaux dirigeants. Kevin Symes de Fredericton, directeur général de l’Association des infirmiers et infirmières auxiliaires, en devient le président en remplacement d’Hector J. Cormier qui termine un mandat de deux ans. Louise Gilbert du Comité consultatif au maire de Moncton occupera la vice-présidence alors que Pat Goobie des retraités de la fonction publique fédérale a été élue trésorière. Debbie Ellison, des retraités anglophones de l’enseignement demeure secrétaire.

Le conseil d’administration compte six nouveaux membres: Wayne Brown du conseil des syndicats des foyers de soins, Ron Oldfield, président du conseil du travail de Saint-Jean, Claire Gay de la Société des enseignantes et des enseignants retraités francophones du Nouveau-Brunswick. Nelson Vessey et Bernard Léger seront appelés à jouer un rôle important à l’intérieur des comités de la Coalition,

La Coalition entend demander prochainement une rencontre avec la nouvelle ministre du Développement Social pour discuter des politiques adoptées récemment par la Coalition.

Une de ces politiques demande qu’on fasse plus de place à l’extérieur du système hospitalier pour accommoder les aînés qui occupent de trop nombreux lits d’hôpitaux. Une telle procédure diminuerait les listes d’attentes pour ceux qui attendent une opération. Selon Cecile Cassista, cinq cents lits étaient occupés par des aînés en octobre dernier alors que ces personnes sont en attente de placement dans des établissements appropriés.

Les aînés doivent compter sur plus de services professionnels si on veut qu’ils demeurent à la maison le plus longtemps possible. Le système à l’heure actuelle offre 336 heures d’appui par an, mais il manque de services d’appui. Les aidants professionnels doivent pouvoir compter sur des salaires raisonnables, des bénéfices appropriés et une formation continue. Selon Cecile Cassista, les gouvernements et les agences exploitent ces employés dont 95% sont des femmes. Il faut mettre fin à tout cela.

Pour plus d’information, communiquez avec:
Cecile Cassista  Directrice administrative Tél.: (506) 860-7682 or Cell.: (506) 850-8286
_______________________________



Press release
For immediate publication
     November 10, 2010

COALITION FOR SENIORS HOLDS ITS SIXTH ANNUAL MEETING


The Coalition for Seniors’ and Nursing Home Residents' Rights will hold its sixth annual meeing on November 12 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Moncton. The Board meets at 10:00 am and the Annual Meeting at 1:00 pm. Media are welcome to attend the annual meeting. This year the Coalition holds an election of officers.

Cecile Cassista, Executive Director, says that under the present government, the Minister for Seniors’ is also responsible for other departments within Social Development. This is cause for concern. There needs to be a Minister for Seniors to ensure the improvements made will not be diminished and that election promises will be honored and implemented, says Cassista.

The Annual meeting will deal with resolutions on a Long-Term Care Act, property tax and will address the congestion in hospitals. Cassista states that seniors in need of long-term care should not be kept in a hospital setting. Placement in proper establishments should be an immediate preoccupation of the authorities.

Reg MacDonald, former and first Minister for Seniors under the Theriault government will address the meeting on how assets calculation can affect one’s life and how important the role of a Minister for Seniors is.


For further information, contact:
Cecile Cassista,
Tel.:506 860 7682
Cell: 506 850 8286
_____________________

Communiqué de presse
Pour publication à volonté
Le 10 novembre 2010

LA COALITION POUR LES DROITS DES AÎNÉS ET DES RÉSIDENTS DES FOYERS DE SOINS TIENT SA 6E ASSEMBLÉE ANNUELLE

La Coalition pour les droits des aînés et des résidents des foyers de soins tiendra sa 6e assemblée annuelle à 13 h, vendredi le 12 novembre à l’hôtel Crowne Plaza de Moncton avec une élection des dirigeants. Le conseil d’administration tiendra ses assises en avant-midi. La réunion annuelle est ouverte au public, et la presse y est invitée.

Selon Cecile Cassista. la directrice administrative, le fait que le ministre des aînés soit maintenant regroupé avec d’autres responsabilités au sein du plus grand ministère du Développement Social laisse songeur. Il faut qu’il y ait un ministre aux aînés pour assurer que les améliorations qu’on a connues depuis quelques années ne soient pas diminuées et que les promesses électorales soient tenues.

L’assemblée annuelle traitera de la possibilité d’un projet de loi sur les soins à long terme, la taxe sur la propriété et la congestion dans les hôpitaux. Madame Cassista croit  que l’atmosphère d’un hôpital n’est pas celui dont a besoin l’aîné qui devrait habiter en foyer de soins.

Reg MacDonald de Miramichi, ancien ministre des aînés du gouvernement de Camille Thériault, sera le conférencier invité et traitera des conséquences néfastes qu’ont sur les aînés le fait de s’accaparer des avoirs autres que le revenu pour payer les coûts de séjour dans un foyer de soins. Il parlera aussi du rôle important que peut et doit jouer un ministre des aînés.

Pour de plus amples informations, prière de communiquer avec :

Cecile Cassista,
Tél.: (506) 860-7682
Cellulaire: (506) 850-8286
___________________________





Media Advisory
September 19, 2011

 
Seniors Group Meets With Minister Sue Stultz
The Coalition for Seniors and Nursing Home Residents’ Rights will be meeting with Minister responsible for seniors on Tuesday September 20th, 2011 from 3-4PM at 551 King Street, Fredericton.
Cecile Cassista, executive director for the Coalition says this meeting has been a long time coming. The Coalition presentation will consist of the following including the Senior Care Plan promised by the Alward government.
  •  Long Term Care Act 
  • Long-Term Care Placement
  • Eviction Notices Nursing Care Facilities
  • Nursing Care Selection Process
  • Nursing Care Facilities Age/ Disease
  • Senior Care Plan Time-lines
 The Coalition will be raising the issue of asset inclusion for daily fees which is a real concern to the Coalition and New Brunswickers. In 2006, the Liberal government removed this inclusion by not having assets part of the daily fees.

The shortfall is this, it is only a policy that can be changed by the stroke of a pen without the public being aware, unless it affects them directly, there is no obligation for the government to share this information states Cassista.

For more information call:  Cecile Cassista, Executive Director 506 860 7682 or 
Cell 506 850 8286

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Media Advisory
April 27, 2011
Eviction of Seniors High  On Coalition Agenda

The Coalition For Seniors And Nursing Home Residents’ Rights will hold its board meeting on (Friday) April 29, 2011, at the Lions Community Center 473 St George Street, Moncton from 10:00 – 3:00 pm. 

High on the agenda will be the eviction notice of seniors living in nursing care facilities and how assessments are done in a hospital setting.

Cecile Cassista, executive director, for the Coalition says the Board will hear from a registered nurse who will speak on the importance of assessments for seniors waiting for nursing care placement.  Judith Furlong, a registered nurse from People’s Park Tower will address the board at 11:30 a.m. (Media welcome during this time)

On the agenda for the board decision will be the issue of eviction  of residents living in nursing homes, community placement and special care homes. The department of Social Development does not have a policy to ensure that residents are protected from being evicted from these facilities. The policy provides a fifteen(15) days notice with no justification.

No other province across Canada has a policy for evicting residents. Other jurisdictions have a much  more compassionate way of dealing with the process. In Prince Edward Island  both public and private facilities, manage intakes, transfers and discharges through a unified admissions committee. In other provinces organizations that provide continuing care services work with the families and government to avoid any evictions.

New Brunswick needs to be more compassionate. This kind of treatment is very upsetting  and unacceptable  to the aging population. It certainly sends a message of not caring for the  frail and vulnerable  people in our society states Cassista.
 
For further information contact:
Cecile Cassista, Executive Director  Phone: 506 860 7682 or Cell: 506 850 8286

----------------------------------------
Press Release
For Immediate Publication
November 13, 2010

The Coalition for Seniors' and Nursing Home Residents’ Rights has just elected a new slate of officers at its AGM on Friday. Kevin Symes, executive director for the Licensed Practical nurses, will lead the Coalition as President; Louise Gilbert, Vice-Chair of the Mayor’s Advisory Council for Moncton becomes Vice-President, Pat Goobie, from the Federal Superannuantes, the Treasurer; and Debbie Ellison, from the New Brunswick Society of Retired Teachers, the Secretary. The outgoing President is Hector J. Cormier from Moncton who has presided over the Board for the last two years.

The following people have joined the board: Wayne Brown, President of the New Brunswick Council on Nursing Home Unions; Ron Oldfield, President of the Saint John Labour Council; Clarie Gay, New Brunswick Society of Francophone Retired Teachers; Nelson Vessey and Bernard Leger will take on the work of special committees and projects.

The Coalition will be requesting a meeting with the new Minister for Social Development to present the policies adopted at the Annual Meeting, says Cecile Cassista, the organization’s Executive Director.

The policies adopted deal with creating additional beds outside the hospital system which would better serve seniors who are lying and blocking beds. Such a move would decrease wait times for surgery and acute care while providing seniors with the care they deserve. Cassista states that in October 500 hospital beds were occupied by seniors who are awaiting placement in proper establishments.

There needs be more home support services available so that seniors can continue to live at home as long as they are able. The current system provides 336 hour per month but not enough support is avaliable for seniors to get the services they require. Home support workers do not receive worthy wages, benefits, and training they need. Government and agencies are exploiting home support workers, 95% of whom are women. This has to change says Cecile Cassista.
____________________ 
  Communiqué de presse
Pour publication à volonté
Le 13 novembre 2010

Kevin Symes, nouveau président de la Coalition

La Coalition pour les droits des aînés et des résidents des foyers de soins élisait lors de sa dernière assemblée annuelle ses nouveaux dirigeants. Kevin Symes de Fredericton, directeur général de l’Association des infirmiers et infirmières auxiliaires, en devient le président en remplacement d’Hector J. Cormier qui termine un mandat de deux ans. Louise Gilbert du Comité consultatif au maire de Moncton occupera la vice-présidence alors que Pat Goobie des retraités de la fonction publique fédérale a été élue trésorière. Debbie Ellison, des retraités anglophones de l’enseignement demeure secrétaire.

Le conseil d’administration compte six nouveaux membres: Wayne Brown du conseil des syndicats des foyers de soins, Ron Oldfield, président du conseil du travail de Saint-Jean, Claire Gay de la Société des enseignantes et des enseignants retraités francophones du Nouveau-Brunswick. Nelson Vessey et Bernard Léger seront appelés à jouer un rôle important à l’intérieur des comités de la Coalition,

La Coalition entend demander prochainement une rencontre avec la nouvelle ministre du Développement Social pour discuter des politiques adoptées récemment par la Coalition.

Une de ces politiques demande qu’on fasse plus de place à l’extérieur du système hospitalier pour accommoder les aînés qui occupent de trop nombreux lits d’hôpitaux. Une telle procédure diminuerait les listes d’attentes pour ceux qui attendent une opération. Selon Cecile Cassista, cinq cents lits étaient occupés par des aînés en octobre dernier alors que ces personnes sont en attente de placement dans des établissements appropriés.

Les aînés doivent compter sur plus de services professionnels si on veut qu’ils demeurent à la maison le plus longtemps possible. Le système à l’heure actuelle offre 336 heures d’appui par an, mais il manque de services d’appui. Les aidants professionnels doivent pouvoir compter sur des salaires raisonnables, des bénéfices appropriés et une formation continue. Selon Cecile Cassista, les gouvernements et les agences exploitent ces employés dont 95% sont des femmes. Il faut mettre fin à tout cela.

Pour plus d’information, communiquez avec:
Cecile Cassista  Directrice administrative Tél.: (506) 860-7682 or Cell.: (506) 850-8286
_______________________________



Press release
For immediate publication
     November 10, 2010

COALITION FOR SENIORS HOLDS ITS SIXTH ANNUAL MEETING


The Coalition for Seniors’ and Nursing Home Residents' Rights will hold its sixth annual meeing on November 12 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Moncton. The Board meets at 10:00 am and the Annual Meeting at 1:00 pm. Media are welcome to attend the annual meeting. This year the Coalition holds an election of officers.

Cecile Cassista, Executive Director, says that under the present government, the Minister for Seniors’ is also responsible for other departments within Social Development. This is cause for concern. There needs to be a Minister for Seniors to ensure the improvements made will not be diminished and that election promises will be honored and implemented, says Cassista.

The Annual meeting will deal with resolutions on a Long-Term Care Act, property tax and will address the congestion in hospitals. Cassista states that seniors in need of long-term care should not be kept in a hospital setting. Placement in proper establishments should be an immediate preoccupation of the authorities.

Reg MacDonald, former and first Minister for Seniors under the Theriault government will address the meeting on how assets calculation can affect one’s life and how important the role of a Minister for Seniors is.


For further information, contact:
Cecile Cassista,
Tel.:506 860 7682
Cell: 506 850 8286
_____________________

Communiqué de presse
Pour publication à volonté
Le 10 novembre 2010

LA COALITION POUR LES DROITS DES AÎNÉS ET DES RÉSIDENTS DES FOYERS DE SOINS TIENT SA 6E ASSEMBLÉE ANNUELLE

La Coalition pour les droits des aînés et des résidents des foyers de soins tiendra sa 6e assemblée annuelle à 13 h, vendredi le 12 novembre à l’hôtel Crowne Plaza de Moncton avec une élection des dirigeants. Le conseil d’administration tiendra ses assises en avant-midi. La réunion annuelle est ouverte au public, et la presse y est invitée.

Selon Cecile Cassista. la directrice administrative, le fait que le ministre des aînés soit maintenant regroupé avec d’autres responsabilités au sein du plus grand ministère du Développement Social laisse songeur. Il faut qu’il y ait un ministre aux aînés pour assurer que les améliorations qu’on a connues depuis quelques années ne soient pas diminuées et que les promesses électorales soient tenues.

L’assemblée annuelle traitera de la possibilité d’un projet de loi sur les soins à long terme, la taxe sur la propriété et la congestion dans les hôpitaux. Madame Cassista croit  que l’atmosphère d’un hôpital n’est pas celui dont a besoin l’aîné qui devrait habiter en foyer de soins.

Reg MacDonald de Miramichi, ancien ministre des aînés du gouvernement de Camille Thériault, sera le conférencier invité et traitera des conséquences néfastes qu’ont sur les aînés le fait de s’accaparer des avoirs autres que le revenu pour payer les coûts de séjour dans un foyer de soins. Il parlera aussi du rôle important que peut et doit jouer un ministre des aînés.

Pour de plus amples informations, prière de communiquer avec :

Cecile Cassista,
Tél.: (506) 860-7682
Cellulaire: (506) 850-8286
___________________________