If you live in New Brunswick, you will soon see a historic shift in senior care. The provincial government announced the first licensed long term care home operated by a First Nation on Thursday. The facility sits in Five Rivers near Elsipogtog First Nation. This 60 bed home on Graham Road provides culturally appropriate care for First Nations seniors and other older adults in the region.

Culturally Appropriate Care

The new facility focuses on community culture and the Mi’kmaq language. Elsipogtog First Nation Chief Arren Sock highlighted the importance of this approach.

“Taking care of our elders and people with disabilities is in our culture,” Sock said in a news release. “The approval of a licence is an important step toward Mi’kmaq language as a foundation of care. It brings us closer to realizing a patient care facility steeped in community culture delivered right here in Elsipogtog.”

Facility Details and Care Levels

The province designed the new facility to provide both nursing home and adult residential facility beds. The 60 beds serve different levels of need. Twenty four beds support residents who have difficulty with mobility and daily activities. Another 24 beds help those with memory loss and greater care needs. The final 12 beds provide full time nursing care for people with complex mobility issues.

Adding these beds helps reduce pressure on local hospitals. It ensures your loved ones access the care they need closer to their families.

Provincial Support

Premier Susan Holt and Seniors Minister Lyne Chantal Boudreau joined Chief Sock for the announcement.

“Every senior deserves to feel at home, surrounded by the people, culture and community that matter to them,” Holt said. “This new home will give seniors in Elsipogtog and the surrounding area access to quality care close to their families and in a place that respects their traditions and values. It is an important step for New Brunswick and a meaningful one for the community.”

Boudreau noted the project aligns with the government commitment to increase long term care capacity across New Brunswick. The province started looking at establishing 360 long term care beds in August. The government spends 993 million dollars on the overall seniors and long term care plan. The 360 beds represent an annual spend of about 90 million dollars. The province did not disclose the specific cost of the Elsipogtog project.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the new long term care home located?

The facility sits on Graham Road in Five Rivers near Elsipogtog First Nation.

How many beds does the facility have?

The home features 60 beds. This includes 24 beds for mobility support, 24 for memory loss care, and 12 for full time nursing care.

Who operates the new care home?

Elsipogtog First Nation operates the facility. It is the first licensed long term care home operated by a First Nation in New Brunswick.

Why is this facility important?

It provides culturally appropriate care steeped in community culture and the Mi’kmaq language. It also allows seniors to receive care closer to their families while reducing pressure on local hospitals.