News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The Department of Social Development made public today its response to the 13 recommendations from the recent report of the Seniors’ Advocate on the safety of nursing home residents.

“It is a priority of the department to ensure that seniors are very well looked after in all long-term care facilities,” said Social Development Minister Bruce Fitch. “The situation depicted in this report is not something we are taking lightly. We have reviewed all the recommendations thoroughly and we will be taking any necessary measures to address related issues.”

The report was issued on Jan. 27 by the Seniors’ Advocate to address a specific incident involving two residents of a nursing home. It makes 13 recommendations surrounding the safety of residents in these facilities. The detailed response to the recommendations is available online.

“We have full confidence in the commitment and ability of nursing home operators and staff to safeguard the well-being and safety of their residents,” said Fitch. “Nursing homes, in particular, follow best clinical practices in aiming to reduce aggressive behaviour, including a person-centered approach by offering attention to individual residents to help relieve anxiety.”

Regarding the many recommendations related to best practices, Fitch said the department already has processes in place to regularly review and update its policies and procedures to reflect best practices within the sector. He said the department will continue to update policies and procedures to enhance the care and well-being of seniors.   

The report also made recommendations about training. Evidence-based training modules and eLearning are already offered to all 71 nursing homes on a variety of topics including dementia care. The department will continue to work with experts and partners to ensure the best possible training is available.

Regarding recommendations related to the reporting of incidents, Fitch noted the Nursing Home Services Standards require nursing homes to report all major incidents. The department will reinforce the importance of this requirement with the management of nursing homes during the annual inspections. Fitch said long-term care facilities have always been collaborative and responsive when issues arise related to the well-being and safety of residents.

Concerning a complaint and appeal process, the Nursing Home Services Standards currently require a resident / family committee to be in place at each nursing home. Nursing homes are also required to have a policy and procedures in place for the submission of a complaint or concern and follow-up must be carried out and documented within 30 days of receipt of the complaint/concern. The department will consider whether this requirement could be enhanced by the implementation of other measures.

“We believe in the capacity of our long-term care network to provide the best possible services to our seniors and to adults with disabilities,” said Fitch. “We have strong standards in place to ensure the well-being and safety of residents. We intend to learn from the Seniors’ Advocate Report to implement any necessary actions and to make every effort to ensure that the needs and safety of residents are met within the system.”