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Fredericton - The Union representing the Nursing Home workers is asking for a real commitment from the leaders of the three political parties toward the level of care for seniors in Nursing Home.

The situation with Nursing Homes is too serious to be answered by vague promises during an election campaign”, said Valerie Black, President of the New Brunswick Council Nursing Home Unions (NBCNHU), which represents workers in 38 Nursing Homes.

The Nursing Homes are understaffed, and the workers are unable to meet the basic daily needs of seniors. Nursing Homes are in a crisis, and adequate funding must be immediately implemented into the system to ensure our seniors receive the care they deserve”, said Black.

Since 2002, the Government has funded an extra 9 minutes of care per resident, bringing the hours of care to 2.65 hours at designated peak periods of activity in the day. “It is still far from the 3 hours of care per patient recommended in a Government funded study”, said Black.

The politicians should remember that an increase of the hours of care go hand in hand with more resources”, added Black.

The needs of seniors admitted to Nursing Homes today are more complex; they require professional health care and 24-hour supervision. The demand for specialized equipment, procedures and treatments has also vastly increased.”

Workers in Nursing Homes struggle daily to meet the increasing needs. The critical role Nursing Home workers play in the health care system must be recognized. Dietary staff must meet the provincial standards of timely delivery of meals, adequate food temperatures, and specialized diets. Housekeeping, Laundry, and Utility staff are coping with infection control issues, and to provide a clean and healthy environment. Maintenance workers are finding it increasingly more difficult to service the increasing amounts of special equipment and maintain the facilities. Activity workers struggle to find ways to activate and stimulate residents.”

These workers and residents deserve more than election promises, they deserve real commitment”, concluded Black

For more information:

Valerie Black
President, NBCNHU
447-1188

Gordon Black
CUPE Representative
461-4829