Seniors residing at an independent living facility in Bridgetown, Nova Scotia, are feeling let down following the announcement by the provincial housing authority about the removal of full-time support staff, whom they credit for their initial decision to move there.
Residents of Crosskill Court expressed their dismay after being informed by officials from the Nova Scotia Provincial Housing Agency that continuing care assistants, the mainstay of their support system, will no longer be stationed at their facility come spring.
The enriched housing program, providing apartment units to 180 seniors with minimal needs in Nova Scotia, is being reshaped at three out of the eight facilities offering independent living due to operational adjustments and grievances regarding obligatory expenses raised by some residents, as stated by a spokesperson.
Despite the rationale provided by the agency, many residents at Crosskill Court assert they were aware of the fees before relocating and willingly pay them for the invaluable support services they receive.
The program, established in the late 1970s, grants an alternative living arrangement for seniors not opting for home care yet not necessitating the services of long-term care facilities. The enriched housing units, linked to long-term care centers, facilitate easy access to care.
Continuing care assistants are pivotal in providing residents with a daily cooked meal, bi-weekly housekeeping, as well as engaging activities to promote an active lifestyle. Residents in these apartments pay a fixed monthly fee of $620, irrespective of using these services.
Residents at Crosskill Court emphasize that the care extended to them transcends mere chores, with staff treating them like family members, fostering a sense of security and companionship.
The decision to discontinue in-house continuing care services at select facilities, including Crosskill Court, stems from operational changes, notably Mountain Lea Lodge relocating to a new building in May. The agency’s executive director of client services mentioned logistical challenges in maintaining services for detached facilities.
Despite some seniors expressing discontent over mandatory fees, the agency is firm on its decision, highlighting the availability of alternative service access through provincial application processes for residents choosing to stay.
In response to the impending changes, nearly all Crosskill Court residents have signed a petition urging the housing agency to retain the current support system. Concerns have been raised regarding the potential downgrade in service quality compared to the personalized care received from the current staff, whom residents regard as indispensable.
Janice Brooks, a resident at Crosskill Court, shared her personal experience of receiving timely assistance from support staff after a fall, underscoring the critical role they play in ensuring residents’ well-being. Expressing reluctance towards any alterations to the existing setup, residents emphasize the importance of maintaining the current level of care and support.
