Fraser says government committed to continuing seniors programs
Bill Fraser, Minister of Culture and Tourism, and one of the driving forces behind the need for better nursing home care in Miramichi, spoke yesterday about the pending RFP for the new nursing home announced for Miramichi. He also addressed the concern the fear that current programs offered at the nursing homes might not be continued after a proponent is chosen to build and run the new facility.
"There is an RFP coming out soon for the construction and operation of the new nursing home in Miramichi, and anyone has an opportunity to bid on it, including the existing boards. We are going to look at all the options and at all the bids and choose the best one for Miramichi and the residents of the nursing homes," said Fraser.
Workers at the Miramichi Senior Citizens Home expressed concerns at public meetings that programs they offer like Meals on Wheels and Adult Day care will be lost if their nursing home is closed.
"It is a valid concern," said Fraser, "however, our government is committed to ensuring those program continue as part of our Home First Strategy. I've said it before that the Miramichi Senior Citizens Home could be used as a model for the rest of the province for the terrific programs they offer, for the Life Line, the adult day care, for the outreach program, and those programs will continue whether it be part of the new infrastructure or if it is done separately."
"This is a commitment made by our government that those services continue because they are extremely important to this community. And we have to look at ways to enhance them," said Fraser.
According to the Province's website, Home First is a three-year strategy that will help seniors in New Brunswick maintain their independence and remain in their homes and communities for as long as possible. The three pillars of the program are Healthy Aging, Better Specialized Care Options, and Co-ordinated Case Management.
Fraser was asked who would facilitate the programs if one of the current nursing homes is not involved in running the new nursing home.
"This is something we have to work out. We have two and half years to work this out. We will work with the people who are offing those services now and with community stakeholders, and with whomever the successful proponent is to ensure that these services are not only offered but that they are enhanced."
