News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial government announced a Seniors Navigator initiative today as part of the Home First Strategy to enhance support to seniors living at home and in their own communities.

“We know seniors want to remain at home and in their communities as long as possible and that is why we are investing $10.3 million in the Home First Strategy this year,” said Social Development Minister Cathy Rogers. “Supporting seniors to live at home longer means enhancing all aspects of our long-term care system to ensure the proper home and community-based services and supports are available.”

As early intervention is key to injury prevention, maintaining independence and healthy aging, the Seniors Navigator initiative is a voluntary, in-home consultation program to proactively address wellness, health and social support to create a safe and healthy home environment.

The in-home visit, specifically targeting seniors aged 70-75, is a first step in helping the senior and/or their caregivers in navigating the system to ensure they know where to access the services they may need now or in the future. The visits will be conducted by trained workers to review personal wellness, health, social support, home safety, and caregiver support. Up to $1,500 in funding will be available for minor, safety-related home repairs to those who cannot otherwise afford them.

A Request for Proposals will be awarded this fall, with the program beginning by the end of the year. It is expected that about 6,400 seniors will be offered in-home visits during the first year of the initiative.  

In the second phase of the initiative, seniors and caregivers who may require more assistance in navigating the health and long-term care system will have access to a dedicated Seniors Navigator who will provide them with one-on-one assistance. They will improve the co-ordination of services across the long-term care continuum and ensure continuity for seniors.

“The majority of nursing home admissions occur starting at age 75,” said Rogers.  “Caring for our seniors is a top priority for our government and by intervening early with a preventative approach we are enabling seniors to live in their homes for as long as possible.”

Home First is a three-year strategy outlining innovative approaches and initiatives that will better serve the needs of New Brunswick’s aging population and help prevent entry into hospitals and nursing homes.