For Immediate Release
March 25, 2025
With rising costs, and a lack of home care and long-term care options leaving many seniors in Labrador struggling, NDP MHA Jordan Brown (Labrador West) is demanding government take real action by making home care a fully public service within the health care system.
Brown says the government talks a big game about supporting seniors but fails to deliver, especially in Labrador. He points out that while the government promotes aging well at home, Labradorian seniors are left without options, as no private home care agencies operate in the region.
“Seniors in Labrador deserve to know that their government hears them and has real plans to help them age well at home, the very option they continue to say is the healthiest,” said Brown. “The Health Accord clearly outlines these benefits, yet the government expects a mere $400 annual grant to keep seniors in their homes. We all know that’s nowhere near enough.
“There are no home care agencies in Labrador West. Seniors who need home care to remain in their homes are left with no choice but to rely on family or friends. This is unacceptable and it must change.”
Brown says that bringing home care under the public system would ensure continuity of care across all agencies, guarantee fair wages and proper training for workers, and make home care accessible to all seniors, regardless of their ability to pay.
“Seniors will continue to be forced out of their homes if home care remains out of reach,” said Brown. “For seniors in Labrador, that’s even more concerning, as affordable and accessible housing is virtually nonexistent.
“Home care is health care, and until it becomes part of the public system, too many people will struggle to access the care they need.
“Seniors across this province deserve better, they deserve the right to age well at home.”
-30-
For further information, contact Stephanie Curran, Media and Communications Officer, NDP Caucus at 330-0328 (o), or stephaniecurran@gov.nl.ca
Comments