The Provincial Minister of Social Development Sue Stultz says taking care of seniors in the province is a government responsibility. Stultz tells CHSJ News the province does provide significant funding to nursing homes despite the New Brunswick Association of Nursing Homes saying the funding has not been keeping up with the increase in the costs of taking care of the elderly who are getting older and require more medications.
Stultz tells CHSJ News half of the budget for social development is designated for seniors and senior care.
She adds the government is working to increase the number of beds available in the province in a way that is fiscally responsible.
There are an estimated 500 people in hospital beds who should be in nursing homes but space these days is at a premium. It is also twice as expensive keeping someone in the hospital as compared to a nursing home.
Stultz maintains seniors want to be able to stay in their homes for as long as possible and that is the government's number one priority.
The province is currently reviewing aged care in the province through the Nursing Home Renovation and Replacement Plan.
