Health and Community Services
March 31, 2011

Funding to Help Personal Care Homes in Remote Locations

A new Isolation Grant Program is being implemented to support personal care homes in isolated areas. Up to $1 million has been allocated for the new program which is an initiative of the Department of Health and Community Services. Applications are now being accepted by the Regional Health Authorities.

“Our government is committed to ensuring that residents of Newfoundland and Labrador can avail of services as close to their communities as possible,” said the Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Health and Community Services. “Through the Isolation Grant Program, we are furthering that commitment by providing assistance to personal care homes that offer necessary services in remote areas of our province and as such often face challenges because of their unique operating needs and environment.”

Personal care homes are private businesses that provide residential accommodations to individuals with daily care needs at a level which prevents them from staying in their own home. To be eligible for an Isolation Grant, a personal care home must be located a minimum of 50 kilometres away from any other personal care home, require financial assistance to remain operational, and meet certain other established criteria.

“We recognize the financial hardships faced by small personal care homes in remote areas of the Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Minister Kennedy. “Our government is pleased to offer some assistance to those homes eligible so they can continue to provide vital services to our seniors close to their family support system.”

The amount of the Isolation Grant will be based on the individual circumstances of each private care home and will be provided upon recommendation of the Regional Health Authorities and the approval of the Department of Health and Community Services. Up to $1 million has been allocated for this initiative. Personal care home operators can obtain more information on the application process by contacting their Regional Health Authority.

Budget 2010: The Right Investments – For Our Children and Our Future included $60 million to improve services and enhance supports across the province with the goal of a revitalized and strengthened long-term care and community support services system.

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2011 03 31                                                3:40 p.m.