Installation of sprinkler systems in personal and community care homes

Government will financially assist personal and community care home operators with the installation of sprinkler systems in their homes, said Health and Community Services Minister John Ottenheimer today as he announced a one-time capital grant program. In March 2003, the fire commissioner ordered all personal care and community care homes to install sprinkler systems within 24 months.

�Our government is concerned about the safety and security of our seniors and persons with disabilities,� said Minister Ottenheimer. �This is a life-safety issue and we will assist the operators in meeting the standards set by the fire commissioner because it is the right thing to do.�

One-time capital grants will be offered to eligible home owners for 75 per cent of sprinkler installation costs up to a maximum of $75,000 per home. Home owners will qualify for the program if they are in receipt of the fire commissioner�s 2003 order and either do not currently have a sprinkler system or has installed one as a direct result of the order.

�It�s a great day for our operators and we are pleased government has demonstrated leadership and moved in this direction to the benefit of seniors, workers and home owners,� said Herb Spurrell, president, Personal Care Home Owners Association of Newfoundland and Labrador. �This shows that government has taken our concerns seriously and responded.�

Home owners must make an initial application for funding to the Department of Health and Community Services before March 31, 2005. Home owners will be asked to provide estimates, quotes and demonstrate an ability to cover the remaining cost of the sprinkler system prior to receipt of funding.

Minister Ottenheimer acknowledged the valuable contribution of personal care and community care home operators in providing quality care to residents. �Our operators are valued members of our long-term care system and we will continue to work in partnership with them to ensure the protection of our most vulnerable members of society.�

Provincially there are 94 personal care homes and 18 community care homes providing residential accommodations to persons requiring continuing low-level care (Levels 1 and 2) either because of age, persistent mental illness or disability. There are approximately 80 homes requiring sprinkler systems.

Media contact: Carolyn Chaplin, Communications (709) 729-1377 or (709) 682-5093

2005 03 03                     2:55 p.m.