Seniors search for answers about nursing home fees

More than 100 people attended a public meeting Thursday night in Oromocto about changes to nursing home fees in the New Brunswick.

Representatives from the Progressive Conservatives, the Green Party and the New Democratic Party were there as well.

But many of those attending were frustrated the governing Liberals sent only a department staffer to respond to their questions.

Social Development Minister Cathy Rogers and Deputy Premier Stephen Horsman were both invited but said they couldn't attend.

Instead, Horsman'sspecial assistant Randy McKeen, a defeated Liberal candidate in last September's election was sent to answer questions to best of his ability.

"Again, I will get clarification on that, but that is my understanding," said McKeen in response to one question.

The Coalition for Seniors' and Nursing Home Residents' Rightshas been staging similar meetings throughout the province to talk to seniors about the Gallant government's changes to how seniors' assets will be considered when calculating how much they should pay toward costs if they need to be placed in a nursing home.

The cap on the daily nursing home fee is being increased to $175 a day from $113 a day for those who can afford it.

On Thursday, CecileCassista,the coalition's executive director, expressed frustration the Gallant government is spending $30,000 on an advertising campaign to explain the changes rather than attending the coalition's meetings.

"They should be going and attending the meetings where the coalition is and answering the questions," said Cassista.

"Spending taxpayers' money is not the way to go."

Some seniors said they may leave the province because of the changes. Others had other ideas.

"What if all the seniors here tonight suddenly pass over all their assets to their children?" said Bob McCarthy.

NDP Leader Dominic Cardy urged those at the meeting to pressure their local politicians.

"We've got to get a couple of Liberal MLAs, two or three, to vote against this move," said Cardy.

The Liberals have a majority government by a margin of three seats in the 49-seat legislature.