N.B. The Francophone Seniors Association said in a release it would potentially sell two recently closed nursing homes in Neguac to a nonprofit managed by Villa Providence Shediac Inc., which already operates a care home in Neguac. would like to see as a candidate. Released on Tuesday.
The licenses of both Villa Neguac and Foyer Saint-Bernard were revoked by the province in late January, with both set to close on February 17.
The Social Development Department did not give a reason for the closure, citing confidentiality.
Opposition parties denounce privacy concerns for residents as NB care homes set to close
Scientist Says This Is the Simplest Explanation for Most Bigfoot Sightings
The association released a report last June calling for sweeping reforms to the long-term care system.
In a press conference held Tuesday, Norma Dubey, the association’s administrator for the Fredericton and St. John region, said that since she released her report, her organization has had a meeting with the deputy minister of social development.
“I think we made the point very well that the issue was urgent and action was needed then,” she said.
He said that his organization feels that the report has been dismissed.
“It’s been seven and a half months and there has been no change,” she said.
In a statement sent to Global News Tuesday afternoon, a representative for social development said the department is “working with the Association Francophone des Aines du Nouveau-Brunswick and all New Brunswickers to implement necessary transformative measures to improve the lives of seniors.” Looking forward to work.”
“The Department for Social Development intends to introduce further new measures for better senior care over the next few months,” he added.
Dubey said his organization was told they would hear about a new plan in late January.
“If they still want to work for us. We are knocking on the door, they should let us in,” Dubey.
At the meeting a number of seniors spoke about issues in care homes.
Among them was Jacques Verge, secretary of the Église Sainte en Français, a lobbying group advocating maintaining linguistic dichotomy in health care.
“A nursing home or a hospital is no place for someone to end their days,” he told Global News in French, adding that he wanted to help seniors stay home as long as possible.
Report calls for overhaul of New Brunswick long-term care system
Boy picks up shipping container for hide-and-seek, arrives 2,500 km from home
Liberal opposition social development critic Robert Gowin said urgent action was needed.
“What happened in Neguac could potentially happen anywhere,” he said in an interview on Tuesday.
“I think all the 49 MLAs should put their heads together, put everything aside, and make sure to find a solution where we can join forces to protect the seniors (affected by the shutdown).”
He said the Liberal caucus is working on a plan it will present to the legislature during its spring session.
© 2023 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.