A Grand Bay Westfield man says his father deteriorated rapidly while waiting eight months in a hospital for long term care. Joe Power watched his 67 year old father Terry lose weight and stare blankly at walls during his stay at the Saint John Regional Hospital.

According to a recent CBC News report, Terry’s experience highlights a massive strain on the New Brunswick health care system. Today, about 560 New Brunswickers sit in hospitals waiting for long term care placements.

The Toll of Hospital Waiting Rooms

Terry entered the hospital in May. Doctors diagnosed him with dementia and seizures from alcohol withdrawal. Joe chose Seely Lodge in Saint John for his father’s long term care. While waiting for a spot, Terry lost his hospital privileges because he kept getting lost on the way back to his room.

Joe blames the frequent room changes for his father’s confusion. Hospital staff constantly relocated Terry from one unit to another. During these moves, staff often misplaced Terry’s personal items.

Joe visited his father between shifts at an industrial plant. He often found Terry sitting without water or resting on dirty bed sheets. Joe called the experience inhumane and felt the hospital treated his father like a number.

A System Under Pressure

Horizon Health Network faces severe capacity issues. Tricia Murray serves as the clinical executive director of medical and neurosciences. She notes that medically discharged patients occupy about 40 percent of acute care beds. Many of these patients are seniors waiting for long term care.

“Our physicians, nurses and allied health teams are managing these challenges to the best of their abilities,” Murray said. She encourages anyone with care concerns to contact Horizon’s patient relations department.

Finding the Right Care

Terry finally moved to Serenity Cove in Grand Bay this past January. The change brought immediate improvements. After just one month, Terry regained his weight and resumed his normal routine. He now bathes himself, talks on the phone, and goes out with friends. Joe even questions if his father truly has dementia.

Jan Seely is the CEO of the New Brunswick Special Care Home Association. She says families often get stuck waiting for nursing home spots after a hospital crisis. Seely and her team now contact families on the provincial waitlist to explain alternative options. These options include home care or special care homes with lower levels of care.

Seely advises you to make a plan before a crisis hits. She recommends visiting local operators and learning about the system early.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people are waiting for long term care in New Brunswick hospitals?

Currently, about 560 New Brunswickers are waiting in hospitals for a long term care placement.

What percentage of hospital beds do waiting patients occupy?

Medically discharged patients occupy approximately 40 percent of acute care beds in the Horizon Health Network.

What alternatives exist for seniors waiting for nursing homes?

Families can explore options like 10 weeks of home care or special care homes that offer lower levels of care and have immediate vacancies.

How can I avoid a long hospital wait for my aging relatives?

Experts recommend making a care plan before a medical crisis occurs. Visit local care homes and speak with operators to understand your options early.