News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The Department of Social Development has revoked the operating licences of two special care homes in Neguac.

The 29 residents of Villa Neguac and Foyer St. Bernard, as well as their families, have been notified of the decision and the process of transferring them to other homes in the northeastern part of the province where beds are available and services will be provided to respond to their needs. The Department of Social Development will continue to closely monitor the situation at the existing facilities in Neguac until the transfer of the residents in other facilities is completed.

“The decision that leads to the closure of any long-term care facility is not taken lightly and is a last resort,” said Social Development Minister Dorothy Shephard. “The safety and well-being of residents in long-term care facilities remains an utmost priority for the government. When we cannot get the assurance of total compliance with provincial standards, we have no choice but to take action to protect the well-being of residents.”

Social Development has a regulatory and inspection framework for all long-term care facilities. They are inspected annually based on the department’s management directives and standards. Adult residential facilities, including special care homes, are private businesses that are licensed and inspected by the Department of Social Development.

“Adult residential facilities play an important role in providing services to New Brunswickers,” said Shephard. “We certainly recognize that staff at each facility in Neguac remained dedicated to residents despite challenges related to the operation of the facilities. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.”

Social Development will work with affected residents to find an alternative solution that meets their needs. They will have the option to return to the area if there is a home that can meet their care requirements.

Shephard said the provincial government is dedicated to ensuring the best possible services are provided by long-term care facilities. Last year, the government increased the funding allocated to adult residential facilities that provide services to seniors and people with disabilities. A permanent increase of $10 per resident per day also took effect on Oct. 1, 2022.

There are 455 adult residential facilities in the province providing care and services to about 7,000 residents:

•           Special care homes provide care to about 4,100 seniors, as well as to about 1,800 adults with disabilities.

•           Memory care and generalist care homes provide care to 530 people.

•           Community residences provide care to about 620 people, the majority of whom are adults with a disability.