Nursing Care Selection Process
Whereas seniors are occupying beds in hospitals because they can't get into nursing care facilities and;
Whereas hospitals are not a proper setting for seniors in need of long-term care and;
Whereas this has been a growing problem for where seniors are led to believe they will be transferred to a nursing care facility after making the selection of their choice and;
Whereas seniors are being passed over because they require more care than others and;
Whereas seniors are caught in a political system that allows nursing care facilities to cherry pick who they want to care for in their facilities and;
Whereas the government has an obligation to ensure that seniors receive placement in proper establishments and treated with respect and dignity.
Therefore Be It Resolved that the Coalition call upon the government to enforce a legislated requirement that nursing care facilities not be allowed to used a selection process who they want to care for in their facilities.
30 Policy
30.01 Nursing Care facilities be legislated to accept residents or seniors on a first come first basis.
Eviction of Resident- Nursing Homes, Community Placement and Special Care Homes
Whereas in New Brunswick when residents are required to leave a nursing home, community placement facility or special care home the required notice is fifteen(15) days and;
Whereas the department of Social Development does not have a policy to ensure that residents are protected from being evicted from the residence for what ever reason and;
Whereas in Prince Edward Island, both public and private facilities, manage intakes, transfers and discharges through a unified admissions committee where an operator may bring issues with "problem" residents to an admissions committee, if the facility is unable to arrange a workable agreement between the resident and the operator.
If the committee is in agreement the resident is placed on a transfer list to a suitable alternative and;
Whereas in Alberta ,Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Manitoba and Quebec no eviction policies or regulations exist.Organizations that provide continuing care services have clear statements of when eviction would be considered and work with the families and government to avoid any evictions.
Whereas in Ontario no licensee of a long-term care home shall discharge a resident from the long-term care home unless permitted or required to do so by regulation. For i.e. Unless the residents requirement has change and as a result the home cannot provide sufficiently secure environment to ensure the safety of persons who come come into contact with the resident.
Whereas these provinces work with family to transfer the individual and work with the organization to build relationships to circumvent a repeat of the situation leading to the eviction.
Therefore Be It Resolved that the Coalition call upon the government to develop a policy that protects residents’ of nursing care from being evicted from their home placement and;
Be It Further Resolved that the government work with senior organizations and organizations who may have a common interest for such a policy.
Policy
29 Eviction Notice Resident Nursing Care
29.1 That all nursing care facilities, manage intakes, transfers and discharges through a unified admissions committee where an operator may bring issues with "problem" residents to an admissions committee.
If the the facility is unable to arrange a workable agreement between the resident and and or sponsor and the operator, the resident is placed on a transfer list to a suitable alternative placement providing the resident agrees to the new facility of his or her choice.
April 29, 2011
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Property Tax
Whereas the government encourages seniors to live in their homes as long as possible to continue to foster in-dependency; and
Whereas seniors on fixed incomes are taxed the same as fully employed tax payers; and
Whereas seniors receiving an income of $20,000 or less currently receive a $200 reduction in their property tax;
Therefore be it resolved that the Coalition for Seniors and Nursing Home Residents' Rights recommend the following formula for government implementation:
1. That the property tax for seniors 65 years and over be based on taxable income.
2. That the $200 reduction on property tax for low income seniors ($20,000 income or less) be increased to $400.
21 New Policy - Property Tax
21.1 That the Property Tax for seniors 65 years and over be base on taxable in-come.
21.2 That the low-income property tax allowance be improved to provide:
· A $300 benefit to households with total taxable incomes up to $22,000;
· A $200 benefit to household with taxable incomes between $22,000 and $25,000; and
· A $100 benefit to households with total incomes between $25,000 and $30,000.
Long-Term Care Act
Whereas health, well-being and dignity of seniors should be a top priority for the government and;
Whereas seniors want to live in dignity and respect while continuing to support the province for their children and grandchildren and;
Whereas many polices affecting seniors are not protected under a Long-Term Care Act such as the seizing of assets to pay for nursing care and;
Therefore Be It Resolved the Coalition calls upon the government to ensure that seniors are given a priority in their mandate by establishing a Long-Term Care Act that would house all policies affecting seniors.
The policy would read as such:
Governments have an obligation to ensure that seniors are given a priority by establishing a Long-Term Care Act that would house all policies affecting seniors.
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Health Care System - Hospital
Whereas one of the major issues facing seniors and the health care system is the number of seniors waiting in hospital for a place in a nursing home and;
Whereas research as of October 2010 indicates that there are currently 500 hospital beds occupied by seniors in the province who are waiting placement that could be bettered served in a different environment and;
Whereas the projection shows that by 2015 that number will more than double.
Therefore Be It Resolved that, in order to decrease wait times for surgery and acute care and while providing seniors with the care they deserve, the Coalition call upon the government to address the congestion in hospitals by:
(a) Creating more advanced care beds outside the hospital system.
(b) Implementing the 700 new nursing home beds as committed by the previous government.
The policy would read as such:
Hospitals are not proper settings for seniors in need of long-term care. Placement in proper establishments should be an immediate preoccupation of the government. It has an obligation to provide nursing home beds as required by this category of seniors.
Whereas the government appointed a Minister responsible for seniors issues in 2006 as stated in the Charter for Change; and
Whereas the appointment was a Minister of State for seniors.
Therefore Be It Resolved that the Coalition for Seniors and Nursing Home Residents' Rights call upon the government to address the issue of making the Minister of State, a full-fledge Minister with a department that includes the portfolio of housing and all matters pertaining to seniors.
Annual User Fees
Whereas the government introduced a number of user fees in the spring of 2009 that impact on many seniors living on a fixed income; and
Whereas these fees consist of i.e. ambulance service, renewal of birth certificate, marriage license, vehicle registration, vehicle road test, fishing license to name a few;
Therefore Be It Resolved that the Coalition for Seniors and Nursing Home Residents' Rights call upon the government to ensure low income seniors with an income of less than $28,000 is exempt from user fees.
Approved at AGM- November 21, 2009
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Financial Contribution – Veteran’s Disability
Whereas the Standard Contribution Policy governs the standard for nursing home,community Placement and special care homes; and
Whereas the policy in 2005 and 2006 stated that the Veteran’s disability pension, including the additional sum paid to the disability pensioner on behalf of a spouse/ common-law partner, was not included when calculating the client contribution for his/her spouse in a residential facility and;
Whereas in April 2007 the policy was amended to read:
When the Veteran is living at home, the Veterans Affairs Canada disability pension, including the additional sum paid to the disability pensioner on behalf of a spouse /common-law partner, is not included when calculating the client contribution for his/her spouse in a residential facility; and
Whereas as of May 1, 2009 the policy was amended that if Veterans Affairs Canada has determined that the Veteran’s requirement for long term care is linked to the service related injury for which he/she is pensioned, it would not be calculated as income.
Therefore Be It Resolved that the Coalition for Seniors and Nursing Home Residents' Rights recommend that the Veteran’s Disability Pension not be calculated as income, or linked to service related injury.
Approved at AGM- November 21, 2009
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Home Energy Assistance Program
Whereas the government convened a one day consultation with stakeholders on July 30th 2009 to discuss the need for home heating programs; and
Whereas on October 6, 2009 the government announced a program which considers all household expenses, but removes the asset requirement so households in an emergency situation would not have to deplete their savings to pay their heating bill.
Whereas The program is based on a household having to show a deficit, based on income and expenses, a benefit of up to $550 could be provided; and
Whereas the government has no standard heating assistance rebate program for New Brunswickers; and
Whereas in other jursdictions such as Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia all residential heating is excempt from (PST) 8% ;
Therefore Be It Resolved that the Coalition for Seniors and Nursing Home Residents' Rights call upon the government to work with senior organizations and community groups to develop a heating program that is similar to the Heat Smart Program in Nova Scotia; and
Be It Further Resolved that all residential heating be eiliglble for the (PST) 8% rebate.
Home Energy Assistance Program
That a standard heating assistance rebate program be developed that sets out a criteria on the application form, indentifying heat source, proof of purchase, household type and proof of income.
That a graded scale similar to (Nova Scotia Heat Smart program) that includes individual income or household income levels be adopted.
That the individual income level range from Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) or income assistance to $28,000.
That the household income level range from Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) or income assistance to $42,000.
That the rebate amounts would range form $50 to $450 depending on the
main heat source in the home.
That all residential heating be eiliglble for the (PST) 8% rebate.
Approved at AGM – November 21, 2009
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Medication
Whereas thousands of New Brunswick
Whereas the current Medavie Blue Cross plan provides a minimum coverage based on 80% of the eligible expense with a maximum cap per year; and
Whereas the increase will mean an increase from $89 to $105 for the basic coverage; and
Whereas seniors purchasing Plan B will be charge an additional $8 and seniors purchasing Plan C will be charge an additional $18 and those purchasing Plan E will be charge an additional $31 for a total of $154.50 per month per person in each household
Therefore Be It Resolved that the Coalition for Seniors and Nursing Home Residents' Rights call upon the government to consult with the public to improve the benefits outlined in all of the Medavie Blue Cross plans and to establish a fair rate and benefits for all seniors.
That all over the counter medication be provided at no cost to nursing home residents.
Approved at AGM - November 21, 2009
Whereas as of July 1, 2009 ambulance trips in New Brunswick
Whereas the government admitted openly to the media that they had no evidence of New Brunswickers abusing the system; and
Whereas seniors who are the most vulnerable will resist calling 911 when they need medical assistance because of the cost factor; and
Whereas the increase in user fees means in times when New Brunswickers should be calling the ambulance they’re not, this becomes a health concern and a life and death situation.
Therefore Be It Resolved that the Coalition for Seniors and Nursing Home Residents' Rights call upon the government to restore the ambulance service at no charge to all New Brunswickers.
That the government restore the ambulance service at no charge to all New Brunswickers.
That the government restore the ambulance service at no charge to all New Brunswickers.
Approved at AGM - November 21, 2009
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Policy Privatization
Whereas there are 62 nursing homes in the province, serving about 4000 seniors, that are privately owned and operated by a volunteer board of directors and;
Whereas these nursing homes provide service to those whose primary need is for nursing care; that is those who are assessed as needing levels 3 and 4 care and;
Whereas there are 425 special care homes providing residential services to about 2,675 who require low to moderate levels of care on a regular basis and are assessed as requiring levels 1 and 2 care; these homes are all privately operated, for profit facilities and;
Whereas the liberal government announcement that three new nursing homes for levels 3 and 4 will be built and will not fall under the jurisdiction of the Companies Act for non-profit and;
Whereas in-home support services is largely provided by third- party contracts with home support agencies which are for profit and;
Whereas all of these services are based on family contribution income, determined by the Social Development department through an assessment process to determine the level of care (in-home, special care home or nursing home) and;
Whereas Social Development department is currently subsidizing more that 10,600 seniors within the system;
Therefore Be It Resolved that the Coalition for Seniors and Nursing Home Residents' Rights call upon the government that any future nursing care for Level 1,2, 3, and 4 be designated as non- profit care and;
Further Be It Resolved that all in- home services be designated under the extra mural program and not for profit.
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Notice of Motion
Whereas this liberal government has tabled a notice of motion #67 that will amend the Regional Health Authorities Act Bill 34 and; Notice of Motion
Whereas following adoption of this motion the time allocated will be restricted to three hours debate for consideration of the motion for second reading of Bill 34 and;
Whereas ten hours will be allocated to the consideration of the said Bill in the committee of the whole and;
Whereas there shall be two hours allocated to the consideration of the motion for third reading of the said bill
Therefore Be It Resolved that the Coalition for Nursing Home Residents' Rights support the communication forwarded to all Minister/MLA’s on April16, 2008, to introduce such a motion to end debate is an undemocratic process and to vote against this undemocratic motion and;
Be It Further Resolved that we encourage all Coalition partners to send letters to Minister/MLA’s requesting that they not support this bill
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Public Health Care System
WHEREAS corporations and government are relying on right wing principles for removing services from the public health care system and privatizing the delivery of health care services and;
WHEREAS this will increase health care premiums, create gapping holes in health care coverage and increase the cost of healthcare and;
WHEREAS the public strongly supports public health care, and needs opportunities to express their support;
THERFORE BE IT RESOLVED that, the Coalition for Nursing Home Residents' Rights join with community partners in denouncing any form of privatization to the health care system in New Brunswick and;
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that we call upon the Liberal government and the Minister of Health to hold a public debate on the question of health care system in New Brunswick
Adopted April 19, 2008
Complaints & Independent Investigation
Nursing & Special Care Homes
Whereas the provincial ombudsman has no power to investigate and oversee nursing homes, and special care homes when complaints are made with respect to residents living in these facilities and;
Whereas the ombudsman made recommendations contained in 2003-2004 Annual Report regarding nursing homes and special care homes that the office of the Ombudsman carry out investigations and exercise oversight with regard to residential facilities operating under the Nursing Home Act or as licensed by the department of Social Development and;
Whereas families who speak out have encounter reprisals and threats of eviction and;
Whereas many families become silent because of reprisals and;
Whereas the Coalition for Nursing Home Residents' Rights forwarded communication to the Minister responsible for seniors to amend the Ombudsman act to permit the Ombudsman to carry out investigation as recommended and;
Whereas communication received from the minister denied the request on the basis that the department is available to investigate and assist in a resolution of complaints which have not been resolved by first the home Administrator or the Board of Directors and;
Whereas since sixty -two nursing homes are not for profit, the recent announcement that New Brunswick
Therefore Be It Resolved that the Coalition for Nursing Home Residents' Rights request a meeting with the Minister to discuss this process and;
Be It Further Resolved that a further request be made at this meeting to amend the Ombudsman Act so that an independent oversight and investigation can be carried out without reprisals for residents and /or families.
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Secretariat
Whereas the Minister of State for Seniors announced at a press conference on
Whereas this new structure under the Department of Social Development will have the mandate to coordinate the implementation of the long term care strategy over the coming years and;
Whereas the Senior and Healthy Aging Secretariat will be under the responsibility of the Minister of State for Seniors and be under the direction of a civil servant and;
Therefore Be It Resolved that a seniors’ Roundtable composed of representatives from seniors’ groups from the province be formed immediately to provide community input to the Secretariat.
Home Care Support
Whereas home care is intended to be a preventative service that keeps people healthy and in their own homes and community; and
Whereas it also eases financial strain on the health care budget and nursing homes; and
Whereas there is a large cohort of baby-boomers that, over the next three decades, will significantly increase the number of older people requiring health care; and
Whereas home support is the cheapest and most popular health care that can be provided, seniors who receive home care make fewer trips to the doctor, are admitted to hospital less and seek placement in a nursing home at a later age; and
Whereas home support workers, irrespective of location, experience low wages, irregular work hours, inadequate job training, difficult working environments, all of which lead to a high burnout; and
Whereas high burnout leads to staff shortages, wait list for seniors and lack of continuity of care of health risks for home support workers and seniors; and
Whereas we have services provided by Extra- mural which is incorporated with the Regional Health Authorities; and
Whereas New Brunswick Extra-Mural hospital services are an inspiration for the rest of Canada
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Coalition for Nursing Home Residents' Rights call upon the provincial government to incorporate home support workers under the same jurisdiction as the extra- mural program; and
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that the wages of home support workers be improved, as well as their benefits coupled with high standards of training, ongoing skill and career development.
Adopted 2005
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Patient Advocacy
Whereas the office of the Ombudsman already exists in the Province of New Brunswick and;
Whereas the Province of New Brunswick is looking at establishing a Patient Advocacy Body;
Therefore be it Resolved that the Coalition For Nursing Home Rights representing over 100,000 members call upon the government that a Patient advocate be created for each region of the province to ensure that patients are protected in hospitals and in nursing homes.
Be it Further Resolved that the Patient Advocacy from each region be the responsibility of the Ombudsman to ensure independency and impartiality.
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Hours of Care
Whereas the level of care of residents in Nursing Homes is continually increasing; and
Whereas the Provincial staffing standards and ration are not adequate to address the workload in Nursing Homes and are at an increase unacceptable level; and
Whereas residents in Nursing Homes receive 2.65 hours of a care due to lack of staffing.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Coalition for Nursing Home Residents' Rights publicly support and take a strong stand to pressure the provincial government to increase the level of care for residents living in Nursing Homes; and
BE IT FURHTER RESOLVED that the hours of care be increased to 3.5 hours of care per resident per 24 hours.
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Nursing Home Policies
Whereas people living in nursing homes are often unable to voice their own concerns or to defend their own interest and are an extremely vulnerable population group; and
Whereas they do not receive Medicare like in Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario and all of the Western provinces, where the cost is covered by government; and;
Whereas in accordance with the Canada Health Act there are five principles that are the corner stone of the Canadian Health System; The Federal government commitment, is a universal, accessible comprehensive, portable and publicly administered health insurance system; and
Whereas in New Brunswick
Whereas as of January 1, 2005 changes will allow at least half of the family assets (savings) to remain with the spouse at home, to keep up to $202 more of the monthly income; and
Whereas the house, cottage and woodlot and any kind of real estate will not be included in the calculation of the contribution level for any long term care resident including single resident at home or in a residential facility unless it become liquidated then it will be considered; and
Whereas the monthly allowance has been increased from $88 per month to $92.40 (20% increase over the next three years) (10% in 2005, 5% in 2006 and 5% in 2007), an increase of $18.72 for a total of $106.72 per month by 2007; and
Whereas the Ombudsman report covers a number of recommendations to government to protect the interest of residents living in nursing homes:
Therefore Be It Resolved that we call upon the New Brunswick
1. The cost of health services to nursing home residents is the responsibility of the government.
2. The calculation of family financial contribution for nursing home service is based on income only.
3. Daily fees reflect room and board.
4. Increase personal allowance from$92.40 per month to $200 per month immediately.
Incontinent supplies are provided at no cost to the resident.
Incontinent supplies are provided at no cost to the resident.
5. Remove the cap on the $500 savings account.
6. The Ombudsman Act is amended to permit the Ombudsman to carry out investigations and exercise oversight with regard to residential facilities operating under the Nursing Home Act or as licensed by the department of Family Community services.
7. Existing Nursing Home Act be complemented by addition of a concise and easily understandable residents” Bill of Rights” like that found in Ontario’s Nursing Home Act.
Adopted 2005
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