FREDERICTON (GNB) – Premier Brian Gallant outlined initiatives designed to support New Brunswick seniors during a presentation today at York Care Centre in Fredericton.

“With our multi-year economic growth plan, your government is investing in programs and opportunities that ensure all New Brunswickers can move forward together,” said Gallant.

To that end, $20 million is being invested in initiatives that will enable the government to:

• Continue implementing actions laid out in the aging strategy, with a focus on the dementia strategy and transitions in care.

• Fully implement the colon cancer screening program to reach all men and women between the ages of 50 and 74.

• Establish a pilot project to free up acute-care beds by providing transition beds in special care homes for short-term patient stays.

• Keep seniors active and independent by engaging them in the labour force through an employment program similar to the summer employment program for students.

• Reduce wait times for hip and knee replacements.

• Increase wages for special care home employees and home support workers to address turnover and staffing challenges in order to improve the care provided.

These new initiatives will be in addition to other programs for seniors, such as the Home First strategy, the Seniors Health, Well-Being and Home Safety Review, wellness clinics and the Age-Friendly Communities Recognition Program, as well as other investments in senior care, such as affordable housing, home care and nursing homes.

“As your government, we will invest to support seniors so they can have the best quality of life possible,” said Gallant.

Fostering healthy aging and support for seniors is one of the seven priority areas outlined in the New Brunswick Family Plan framework, which also focuses government action on: improving access to primary and acute care; promoting wellness; supporting people with addictions and mental health challenges; advancing women’s equality; reducing poverty and providing support for people living with a disability.