Member’s Statement –Nursing Home Care, May 26, 2015
Mr. Speaker, 80% of the costs of nursing home care are paid from public funds. Nursing home care is healthcare for seniors with chronic and often complex health problems, yet it comes under the jurisdiction of the Department of Social Development. Mr. Speaker, it is time to transfer the responsibility for nursing care for seniors to where it belongs, and that is the Department of Health and its regional health authorities. The Coalition for Seniors and Nursing Home Residents’ Rights has made this request to government in writing. Nursing homes should be part of our health care system. The Department of Social Development should concentrate its focus on social development, fighting poverty, supporting those who cannot support themselves, and ensuring the availability of affordable housing.