Residents of an independent living community in Bridgetown, N.S., are feeling let down after the provincial housing authority disclosed plans to eliminate full-time support staff, whom they credit for their decision to move there.
The people living at Crosskill Court expressed their frustration following a notification from officials at the Nova Scotia Provincial Housing Agency earlier this month, indicating that continuing care assistants will cease operations at their facility by spring.
“Once they leave, there will be no one here. It makes me a bit anxious [to think about],” stated Linda Elrich, a resident of Crosskill Court.
The agency has recently revealed it will discontinue in-house continuing care services at three out of the eight facilities that provide independent living through its enriched housing initiative. This program accommodates 180 seniors with minimal requirements across Nova Scotia.
Helen Kennedy, right, emphasizes that the in-house continuing care team at Crosskill Court not only assists residents but also regards them as family. (Dave Laughlin/CBC)
This long-standing program offers an option for seniors who wish to avoid living at home but do not need the extensive services provided in long-term care facilities.
According to a spokesperson, the agency is changing the delivery of the program at locations in Bridgetown, Berwick, and Antigonish due to operational adjustments and feedback from some residents regarding mandatory fees.
However, the majority of residents at Crosskill Court assert that they were fully aware of the costs before relocating and are willing to pay because they value the support services provided.
“They assume we lack emotions. They think we are just old and can be easily dismissed,” commented resident Jennifer Hunt-Boyd.
Seniors regarded as family
The provincial housing authority has maintained long-term agreements with private long-term care establishments to offer the enriched housing program, which was initiated in the late 1970s.
Enriched housing units are linked to long-term care facilities, facilitating easier access to medical assistance.
Continuing care assistants deliver one prepared meal daily, bi-weekly housekeeping, and organize activities to keep residents engaged.
Seniors residing in these apartments must pay $620 monthly, regardless of their usage of these services.
Residents at Crosskill Court emphasize that the care extends well beyond basic meal preparation and cleaning.
“They treat us like their grandparents, which is a wonderful feeling to know someone genuinely cares,” said Helen Kennedy.
Seniors at Crosskill Court in Bridgetown, N.S., gather in the common room of their facility. (Dave Laughlin/CBC)
Pam Menchenton, the executive director of client services at the housing agency, stated there are various reasons for phasing out the in-house continuing care service at the three sites.
Mountain Lea Lodge, the long-term care center associated with Crosskill Court, is set to relocate to a new building in May. Similar transitions are planned for the other two facilities, making it impractical to continue providing meals and care to separate locations, Menchenton explained.
She noted that some seniors in the program have expressed dissatisfaction with the mandatory fee, but she could not specify how many.
“I recognize that the convenience and relationships built will change, but residents can still access services,” Menchenton remarked.
Residents may remain in their current facilities but will need to apply through the province for continuing care, she added.
Petition started by Crosskill Court residents
There seem to be no issues regarding costs at Crosskill Court.
Almost all 27 residents have signed a petition urging the housing agency to maintain the existing service.
Some individuals who do not currently depend on the support have expressed their willingness to pay for it, anticipating they will require it in the future.
Several residents voiced concerns that the provincial service may be subpar and less dependable than the high level of care they currently receive from staff they affectionately refer to as guardian angels.
Janice Brooks recounted how in-house support staff found her after she fell and lost consciousness. She indicated that if full-time continuing care is discontinued, she will need to move to a different facility. (Dave Laughlin/CBC)
The province did not respond to inquiries concerning its continuing care services prior to publication.
Janice Brooks, who has been a resident at Crosskill Court for nearly a year, recently experienced a fall in her apartment and was discovered by support staff.
She expressed uncertainty about what could have happened without their presence and stated that if in-house care is eliminated, she will have to seek alternative housing.
“It should remain as it is,” Brooks remarked. “There’s no justification for altering it and forcing us to adapt to something new.”
MORE TOP STORIES
-
Halifax will introduce paid Saturday parking, 10 new buses to enhance transit
-
‘We feel deceived’: Disability community claims provincial budget ‘targets the vulnerable’
-
N.S. premier states no adjustments planned for budget reductions
-
Thousands protest against cuts to N.S. arts funding
-
Residents raise doubts about the usefulness of a new study on noise from Donkin mine