Take Care When Seeking Home Care
As we age there comes a time in our
lives when we can no longer manage on our own. However that does not mean that we have to leave our home. Home care is offered
throughout New Brunswick in the major centers and in rural communities, allowing individuals to function as independently
as possible. You can remain in your home and receive help with personal care, activities of daily living and home management.
However not all home care services are
equal. So it is important to do your homework before having someone come into your home or that of a loved one.
Did you know that home care agencies
that are under contract with the Province of New Brunswick are required to ensure that all of their workers have:
·
Training
· First Aid and CPR
·
Undergone Criminal and Social Development record
checks
·
Have Workers Compensation
· Provide confidentiality of information
· Supervision
Agencies as a rule can provide coverage if the regularly scheduled worker is off ill. They also
carry liability insurance.
Did you know that if you hire your own worker that you become the employer and are responsible
for income tax, Canada pension and Employment insurance deductions? Also if the worker is injured on the job, you are responsible
for compensation through your own insurance coverage? You could even be sued!
What if your worker
is ill? Who steps in?
Who
is checking on the worker’s qualifications, background and honesty?
We urge you to make an informed decision. Contact a member agency of the New Brunswick
Home Support Association for further information on care for yourself of a loved one. Visit our website at www.nbhsa.ca to find agencies in your area.
Janet Gee
Executive Director
New Brunswick Home Support Association
Department of Social Development
budget increases by $41.8 million
FREDERICTON (GNB) – Social Development Minister Sue Stultz
has announced a $41.8-million increase to the departmental budget for the fiscal year 2012-13. “With
these increased investments in Social Development, we are enhancing the quality of life for seniors, low-income individuals
and families, and those with disabilities,” said Stultz. “During these difficult financial times, I am pleased
that we will continue to meet the needs of those who need help the most, while living within our means.”
The total budget for the Department of Social Development is $1.05 billion, which represents a 4.1
per cent increase over the 2011-12 main estimates.
Highlights of this
year's investments include:
●
$21.5 million for the ongoing support of poverty reduction;
● $10.3 million for the construction and renovation of affordable housing units;
● $1.1 million more to support affordable housing
rent supplements
●
$2.6 million for school supplies for low-income families;
● $1.6 million to increase funding for services by private home care workers;
● $250,000 in additional funding for homeless
shelters
● $400,000
in additional funds to complete the redesign of the child protection system;
● $4.25 million for nursing home renovation and replacement;
● $4.47 million for specialized care beds;
● $3 million to increase
per diem rates for special care homes.
The per diem rate for special care homes will increase by $1.50 to
$75.50 effective July 1, 2012.
●
$305,000 to increase funding for the disability supplement which assists disabled persons with health and disability related
expenses;
● $300,000
in additional funding for the New Brunswick Disability Executives' Network to improve services to people with disabilities;
and
● $400,000 for
child care residential centres.
A few program changes and fee adjustments will also be implemented this
year to address cost growth, meet the increased demand for services, and ensure that the valuable social programs that New
Brunswickers expect are sustainable in the future.
They include:
● finding $1.5 million in efficiencies for nursing home operating
costs;
● eliminating
the Energy Efficiency Retrofit Program; and
●
increasing the per diem user fee for nursing home residents over the next three years. The first increase to a maximum of
$101 per day from $95 per day will take place July 1, 2012, followed by an increase to $107 per day in April, 2013 and to
$113 per day in April, 2014.
“With this budget we are rebuilding New Brunswick together by building
the social and economic progress New Brunswickers expect, deserve and need,” Stultz said. “The investments we
are making will ensure the continued delivery of essential programs and services that our citizens need and the taxpayers
can afford.”
