For Immediate Release
3 May, 2023
Lela Evans, NDP MHA for Torngat Mountains, says government must find a better way to provide care for seniors in her district and in all of Labrador.
Forcing seniors in Torngat Mountains who cannot live entirely independently to relocate to Mary’s Harbour or the northern peninsula, 600 plus kilometers away from most their families and support systems.
“Seniors deserve to age in dignity. Unfortunately, that is not the reality for seniors in the rest of Labrador,” said Evans. “Seniors either are forced to try to age in place, putting them at risk of illness or injury, or are forced to leave isolated from their loved. They leave their families, comfort and support systems, and travel to Mary’s Harbour or even the Northern Peninsula.”
Evans says government should build a publicly-funded personal care home for level 1 and 2 care so that it can be more accessible to people in Torngat Mountains, and all of Labrador.
“This isn’t about getting a personal care home in my district. It’s about all seniors in Labrador, including those in my district, who are facing many challenges, being able to age in dignity with their families close to them,” said Evans. “Even a personal care facility in a more central location, such as Goose Bay, would permit family and friends to visit sometimes, and help them feel closer to their homes.
“Being isolated from your family, your support system, in a time of need causes more strain and hardship for those receiving the care. Seniors’ mental health matters. They deserve a place closer to home where they can still be a part of their communities in some capacity.
“This province was built through the hard work of seniors and elders. If government is unable to help them age in place, it should at least be prepared to enable a personal care option that does not completely isolate them from every support they’ve ever known.”
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For further information, contact Eddy St. Coeur, Director of Communications, NDP Caucus at 729-2137 (o), or eddystcoeur@gov.nl.ca