Mandate of Ombudsman
In New
Brunswick the provincial Ombudsman jurisdiction - community residences, special care homes, home support services and nursing homes - an independent oversight to
investigate complaints in under the contract of Social Development - 65 years of age or over or adults who have physical or mental disability.
Nine provinces have the jurisdiction to investigate long-term care and nursing care facilities, including New Brunswick with no resources provided to New Brunswick at this time.
New
Brunswick does provide a 1-855 550 0552 seniors’ and families, toll-free hot-line for people over
65 looking for information and services.
Operators
of nursing care facilities must ensure the next of kin, the coordinator and
case manager are notified at least fifteen (15) days prior to the date of
discharge.
Operators
may discharge a resident anytime the resident is a safety threat to themselves
or other individuals in the facility.
Recommendations:
·
The government amends the Ombudsman Act so
that independent oversight and investigation can be carried out without
reprisals for seniors, residents of nursing care facilities and their families.
·
That an advocate for seniors be
established in the office of the ombudsman as part of the Seniors Charter of
Rights with a 1-800 SENIORS, toll free line with sufficient resources to
provide government information and
services.
·
That a policy be implemented where an
operator who is unable to resolve an issue or concerns with a resident, will
have the issue dealt with by the provincial ombudsman.
·
That all nursing care facilities be
legislated to accept individuals on a first come basis.
Note:
Ø Many residents move silently for fear
of reprisals from the public and the home operator.
Ø Nursing care facilities can refuse to
accept individuals based on the level of care required.
References:
August 9, 2012