GOVERNMENT-SUBSIDIZED NURSING HOMES
How Nursing Homes are organized and administered
Nursing homes in New Brunswick are residential long term care facilities that provide accommodation, supervisory care, personal care and nursing and medical services on a 24-hour basis. Nursing home facilities are approved and monitored by the Department of Health. The Department of Health also sets the fees for nursing homes, which include room and board, as well as required supervision and assistance with activities of daily living.
Assessment, waiting lists and admission into a nursing home are managed by the Department of Social Development and Nursing Home Services. An assessment will be conducted to determine a client's needs and will help the client transition into a nursing home
Eligibility/Requirements for Admission
To be eligible for admission into nursing homes a client must:
- be 19 years or older,
- be a citizen or permanent resident of Canada,
- be a resident of New Brunswick,
- have been assessed as needing a nursing home level of care.
Income/Asset Test
Clients who can afford to pay the full cost of their services do not require a financial assessment.
For those who cannot afford long term care, the Standard Family Contribution Policy sets out the terms for determining whether a client is eligible for government subsidization of long term care services. An authorized employee of the Department of Social Development must determine that a person is eligible for long term care services in order for that person to apply for a government subsidy. The amount of Standard Family Contribution is based on the client's net family income and whether there is a spouse and/or dependents living at home. A subsidized client in a residential facility retains or receives a monthly comfort and clothing allowance. The amount of the allowance is $135.00 per month.
Clients applying for a subsidy are required to complete a Financial Declaration Form stating their income and that of their spouse, if applicable. The information on the form is reviewed, verified and an assessment of net family incomes is determined based on the process outlined in the Standard Family Contribution Procedures Manual. All income including wages, pensions, investment income (dividends, interest), rental income etc. are considered in determining the Standard Family Contribution. As of May 2015, financial assets are NOW factored in and include: cash, bank deposits, stocks, bonds, tax free savings accounts, GICs, mutual funds, investment funds and trusts. The only liquid financial assets that are NOT factored in are RRSPs and RRIFs. Income tax returns for the past 2 years as well as recent bank statements are required to determine the rate.
Costs
The Department of Health sets the fees of nursing homes which include room and board, as well as required supervision and assistance with activities of daily living. These fees for services under the Long-Term Care and Disability Support Programs are not covered by Medicare. The fee for these services can be as much as $113.00/day ($3,437.09/month) but how much a client needs to pay for these services depends on his/her net family income unless, they are single, widowed, or divorced.
Clients with the ability to pay for their long term care services must make a contribution towards or, in some instances, pay the full amount for services provided. Clients with incomes at or below basic income assistance levels are exempt from the contribution.
RETIREMENT HOMES / RESIDENCES
How Retirement Homes are Organized and Administered
A retirement home in New Brunswick is a multi-residence housing facility that provides accommodation and services such as meals and cleaning services for older people.
Retirement homes in the province are privately owned and operated and not administered by the provincial government. Each facility usually provides a private or semi-private room or complete living suite and then also provides common living quarters, including a lounge area, a common dining room, recreation rooms, cleaning services, social and/or religious programs and some basic health care services. The unit can be paid for on a monthly fee basis, like an apartment, or can in some instances be bought the same way as a condominium.
Admissions, fees and waiting lists for retirement homes are controlled by the homes themselves, not by the government. Admission usually depends on ability to pay and absence of serious medical conditions that require professional nursing care. Residents are responsible for paying their own fees and government subsidies are not available for accommodation in a retirement residence.
Costs for Retirement Homes