December 11, 1996
(Social Services)

The following statement was issued today by Joan Marie Aylward, Minister of Social Services. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

I stand today to speak about the Government Home Support Program. The total budget for Home Support, including seniors and people with disabilities, is approximately $30 million. Five hundred and seventy-five (575) seniors in the province will receive $13.5 million in home support services this year from the Department of Health.

Today I would like to address the approximately 1,200 people in this province who have physical or developmental disabilities who will receive approximately $16.5 million this year from the Department of Social Services to purchase home support. The 1996-97 budget for this program is $16.5 million, which is a significant increase from the 1995-96 approved budget of $10.2 million.

The Home Support Program has significantly expanded since its inception in 1985. It will continue to evolve, depending on the demand for services and the fiscal ability of the province to deliver these services. The province of Newfoundland and Labrador is the only province in this country which offers 24-hour home support for clients. As a province with serious fiscal challenges, I think this speaks to this government's commitment to home support for those who need these services.

The Home Support Program for people with physical/developmental disabilities provides supports so they may continue to live at home or be supported in their own homes/apartments. The Department of Social Services has been and will continue to work with families, advocacy groups, and clients to identify possible options to operate within the approved budget. Currently, new applicants are approved on an emergency basis. Last year we admitted approximately 200 new clients into the program. This fiscal year so far, there have been 75 new approvals.

On September 6, 1996 a $3,000 service limit was put in place for all new admissions to the program. While the service limit is $3,000 per month, some people continue to receive funding of $10,000 per month and more. Most people require less than $3,000 per month. In any case, our budget this year for the whole program is $16.5 million.

There are 110 people, or less than 10% of the total caseload, who receive more than $3,000 per month. Each of these persons was individually assessed and only reduced with the approval of the client, family, or representative. Thirty-five individuals (35) have agreed to reduce their funding needs, and 75 were not able to be reduced and thus were left at their previous level of support. Any reduction in funding for existing clients is intended to allow more access to the program for new clients. All reductions for those currently receiving more than $3,000 per month was done with both the cooperation and approval of clients and/or families.

There is no new money. This year we were able to increase our budget from $10.2 million to $16.5 million without decreasing basic social assistance rates. The budget choices we made were difficult ones but were done through consultation with people from all over the province. We are continuing to work with clients, families, and advocacy groups to provide the best service possible.

Recently, our front-line staff have been maligned for doing haphazard assessments of clients. I take strong exception to this. Our staff are dedicated professionals who have worked very hard with clients, families and advocates to ensure that all options were explored and that the best possible solutions were found for the individuals concerned. I know this is not easy for clients, families or staff. An assessment tool was developed with input from staff and consumers and should make the process an even better one. I am confident that our staff are working in the best interest of the clients and will continue to do so. I have every confidence in our front-line staff. This government has every confidence in our front-line staff as well.