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
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
_______________________________
_____________________
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
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
_______________________________
_____________________