Outline of the Review

The Office of the Seniors’ Advocate is undertaking a systemic review of New Brunswick’s Long-Term Care sector.  The purpose of the review is to assess the adequacy of government policy, planning, and practices in relation to long-term care, and make recommendations for improvements.

We all age into increasing vulnerability and reliance upon services.  New Brunswickers deserve peace of mind that government will not fail them precisely when they most need it.

Long-Term Care is not an issue exclusively for older adults. It is a challenge which will impact our societal and economic well-being in every area of policy planning. The demographics in New Brunswick have made that clear for some time, and the pandemic reinforced the urgency of the issues.

New Brunswick must have a long-term care sector which:

  • Offers predictable and reliable service that citizens can depend on as they age.

  • Places seniors in the setting which maximizes their independence and humanity.

  • Is governed in a way that promotes accountability and easy navigation.

  •  Promotes equality and ensures access to quality services regardless of income, language or geography.

  • Ensures sustainability and predictability to the public which funds the system.

The Advocate’s Review will focus on four areas.

1.       Governance & Public Administration: We will look at how the system can be managed to ensure ease of navigation.  Particular attention will be paid to an examination of guiding standards and principles, and accountability of all service providers.

2.       Human Resources: We will consider the roles of workers in each sector of care, including home care, special care homes, and nursing homes, as well as the need to train staff and retain staff.  Attention will be paid to the role of families in home care and the needed supports for caregivers.

3.       Quality & Humanity: We will explore the appropriate relationship between nursing homes, special care homes, daytime programming, and home care, with an eye toward making sure that all of us have an opportunity to have our physical security, intellectual development and social needs met as we age in an environment that provides a high quality of life. 

4.       Funding & Affordability: We will examine issues of funding and equality both for individual access and public sustainability.