SAINT JOHN (GNB) – A new 60-bed nursing home will be built in Saint John beginning in 2018, Premier Brian Gallant announced today.

“Your government is committed to improving the lives of seniors across New Brunswick,” said Gallant. “With the five-year nursing home plan and our multi-year aging strategy, we are working in partnership to provide our seniors the best quality of life possible. In addition, by investing in nursing home construction here in Saint John we will add tax base revenue to the city and grow the region’s economy.”

The 2018-2023 Nursing Home Plan, which will be carried out in three phases, involves building ten 60-bed nursing homes around the province, including one in Saint John.

Last week’s provincial budget contained a number of investments and strategies aimed at benefiting seniors and their caregivers, such as:

• $12 million to increase wages for special care workers and home support workers.

• $1.25 million for a pilot project to help free up acute-care beds.

• $2.1 million for a wage supplement program focused on seniors, to encourage companies to hire seniors.

• $800,000 to begin implementing the New Brunswick Aging Strategy.

• $11.3 million for a program to support informal caregivers.

• $2.1 million in additional funding for specialized beds for people with advanced dementia.

These initiatives are 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 and home care.

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.

05-02-18