New Strategy to Help New Brunswick Seniors Stay at Home

The New Brunswick government has unveiled a three-year plan aimed at helping seniors remain independent and live in their own homes for as long as possible.

"The Home First strategy represents a significant shift in health care thinking and reflects our government's commitment to patient and family-centered care," said Social Development Minister Madeleine Dubé.

Under the plan, hospital admissions, lengthy hospital stays and transfers directly from hospital to residential facilities  would be considered only after fully exploring other community-based options.

"We want all New Brunswickers, and especially our seniors, to be supported in better managing their health conditions at home and in their community," said Health Minister Hugh Flemming. "With enhanced services and support from the Extra-Mural Program and home-support workers, we will be offering a more effective patient-focused model of care. It will reduce pressure on more expensive and resource-intensive acute care services."

The development of the Home First strategy was a collaborative effort  by the departments of Social Development, Healthy and Inclusive Communities, Health, Vitalité Health Network and Horizon Health Network. The plan takes into account suggestions from seniors, families, senior-related service providers and health care professionals.

"Senior care is a priority of our government as the challenge of the changing demographic will be with us for the coming years," said New Brunswick Premier David Alward. "We recognize seniors want to live with dignity, respect and in their own homes and we want to help them achieve that goal."

For more information about Home First, go to this link.