New Brunswick building 624 long-term care beds as part of new senior care plan

The New Brunswick government has released it's strategy for seniors and long-term care.

The New Brunswick government has unveiled a new long-term senior care plan.

The new plan is supported by $993 million in the 2026-27 budget and will include 624 new long-term care beds, as well upgrades to existing long-term senior care options.

In the announcement Thursday, the government says spending in the budget for senior care included:

• $10 million to improve home care affordability including a new financial assessment and updated income thresholds for subsidies
• $4 million to expand the Nursing Home Without Walls program
• $9.3 million to increase wages to personal support workers in adult residential and home support facilities
• $2.6 million to increase hours of care in nursing homes

“More seniors will have access to the care and support they need to stay in their homes and communities. Caregivers will have the resources, training and support to provide quality care with dignity. This plan is about ensuring every New Brunswicker can age comfortably, safely and with the respect they deserve, while the people who care for them are valued and supported every step of the way,” said Premier Susan Holt in the news release Thursday.

The government says their plan focused on four priority areas to improve long-term care:

• building a strong and supported workforce
• strengthening community, family and caregiver supports
• helping seniors age comfortably at home
• improving and modernizing residential long-term care options

In the announcement, the government adds they will be replacing six nursing homes across the province. Those homes include:

• Campbellton Nursing Home - 85 beds
• Foyer Assomption - 50 beds
• Passamaquoddy Lodge - 50 beds
• Lincourt Manor - 60 beds
• Résidences Lucien Saindon - 52 beds
• Résidence Mgr Melanson - 42 beds

The government says a new wing of the former Villa Providence nursing home will stay open and 24 new beds will be created in the renovations.

“These measures, which include new and upgraded facilities, are part of our broader commitment to provide better care and supports for seniors across the province, while addressing urgent infrastructure needs, both now and for the future,” said Seniors Minister Lyne Chantal Boudreau.

An additional 240 nursing home beds will be added to existing sites operated by Shannex, with plans for 120 in Fredericton, 60 in Riverview, and 60 in Quispamsis. Another 360 long-terms care beds were also announced but are awaiting locations.

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