Health and Community Services
July 23, 2013
The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services, today announced that the Provincial Government will expand its level of financial support to personal care and community care home operators, as well as home support agencies. The total cost of the expanded Provincial Government investment is $3.5 million.
“I am pleased with the outcomes of our discussions with industry officials and look forward to continuing our close working relationship,” said Minister Sullivan. “Personal care homes, community care homes, and home care agencies play an integral role in providing care to seniors and persons with disabilities. I believe that through ongoing dialogue we can continue to advance solutions that positively impacts residents receiving care.”
Retroactive to July 1, 2013, the monthly subsidy for personal care homes and community care homes has been increased by $50 per client to $1,850. This increase acknowledges the increase in such operational costs as utilities and food that are experienced by operators.
“The Provincial Government's choice to expand their financial support is an important step and clearly demonstrates their commitment to the care provided by private industry to the province’s senior’s population,” said Beverly Russell, President, Quality Living Alliance for Seniors Association. “Through extended dialogue and collaborative committee involvement, we believe there will be positive outcomes for our industry and seniors’ care.”
Minister Sullivan also announced that the Department of Health and Community Services will host an industry roundtable, as well as the creation of an advisory committee for home care agencies that is similar to the structure currently in place with personal care home operators. Through these discussions, unique and shared issues can be discussed and together new opportunities can be advanced to deliver a better continuum of care.
“As an association, we look forward to participating in the roundtable discussions,” said Shaun Lane, President, Personal Care Home Association of Newfoundland and Labrador. “A collaborative approach is needed as we best serve the needs of our seniors and address the financial and geographical challenges we face as a province.”
Home support agencies will receive funding for one hour of administrative time for every 35 hours of service for subsidized clients and a $60 fee for short-term clients retroactive to July 1, 2013. The increase recognizes the rising cost to deliver services to clients.
"Today's announcement by Minister Sullivan ensures the seniors and people in need of care in our communities and homes can receive the quality of care they expect and deserve,” said Neil Tremblett, President, Home Care Association of Newfoundland and Labrador. “As an association, we are excited at the prospect of working with the department through the creation of a new advisory committee that will support the implementation of the long-term care strategy and strengthen our industry."
The Provincial Government is heavily committed to long-term care and community support services through an annual investment of approximately $600 million. Through the 10-year long term care strategy entitled Close to Home: A Strategy for Long-term Care and Community Support Services, the Provincial Government is continuing to build on these investments and guide initiatives that strengthen the continuum of health services for all residents.
| Scott Barfoot Director of Communications Department of Health and Community Services 709-729-1377, 690-6290 scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca |
Beverly Russell President Quality Living Alliance for Seniors Association 709-786-3219 |
| Shaun Lane President Personal Care Home Association of Newfoundland and Labrador 709-727-7387 |
Neil Tremblett President Home Care Association of Newfoundland and Labrador 709-743-5639 |