FREDERICTON (GNB) – The government has issued a request for proposals to build four 60-bed nursing homes around the province. Today’s announcement of homes in Bathurst, Bouctouche, Moncton and Oromocto is part of Phase 3 of the government’s five-year nursing home plan.

“The provincial government is making important investments to ensure services will be available in the future for the growing senior population of New Brunswick,” said Social Development Minister Dorothy Shephard. “By 2035, we are expecting that the population aged 65 and older will constitute more than one-quarter of all the population of the province.”

There are currently 71 licensed nursing homes across New Brunswick that provide 4,953 beds. The government plans to increase this to 81 licensed nursing homes, adding about 600 beds to the system.

Interested developers have until February to submit their proposals. The Department of Social Development plans to issue another call for proposals in the coming months.

Five 60-bed nursing homes were announced during the first two phases of the nursing home plan:

  • Two facilities in Moncton, to open in 2023
  • One facility in Fredericton, to open in 2023
  • One facility in Saint John, to open in 2023
  • One facility in Saint-Isidore, to open in 2024

The plan also includes replacing a 190-bed facility in Shediac, which is to be completed by 2025-26.

Sixty-one of the 71 existing nursing homes are operated under the traditional model by non-profit organizations governed by a board of directors. The other 10 are operated under a contract or fee-for-service model by a private sector operator.

“Nursing homes are very important components of our long-term care services in New Brunswick,” said Shephard. “While developing the infrastructure for the future, we are also working actively on addressing the staffing-related challenges they are facing. We are working with partners like the New Brunswick Association of Nursing Homes, the regional health authorities and the Department of Health to explore solutions and ensure that seniors receive the level of services they deserve.”

 

25-11-22