The Canadian Red Cross has informed the Government of New Brunswick and other key stakeholders that in just over a year from now, it will stop being one of the 46 organizations that provide home support services throughout the province.
Serving more than a year’s notice of its withdrawal no later than March 31, 2021, should allow the provincial Department of Social Development to plan effectively for other home support agencies to absorb clients that the department currently assigns to the Red Cross.
Social Development determines which New Brunswickers are eligible for home support care, what services are needed and for how many hours per week. The department currently has more than 5,200 seniors and adults with disabilities receiving home care from a roster of 46 for-profit businesses and not-for-profit organizations such as the Canadian Red Cross. The department sets service standards and pays all agencies the same hourly rate.
“We were among the first organizations to offer home care to New Brunswickers and are very proud of our record of excellence in this field, and of the compassion, dedication and professionalism of our workers,” said Bill Lawlor, provincial director of the Canadian Red Cross. “However, following a lengthy and detailed evaluation, we’ve determined this change is best for the Red Cross, and the time is right for our withdrawal from home care where we compete with many other providers and focus instead on services in New Brunswick where the Red Cross offers more unique value."
Home support in New Brunswick is a sector that faces a chronic shortage of trained, qualified workers, and the Red Cross is confident other agencies will be interested in having Red Cross workers join their teams, especially if they also acquire clients previously assigned to the Red Cross.
“Over the next 13 months, we will also work with the clients and their families to ensure they have the information and support they need as they transition to new service providers.”
The Canadian Red Cross currently has 349 home support workers who provide a range of services to 466 clients throughout New Brunswick.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Dan Bedell,
Communications Director, Atlantic
902-221-1086
dan.bedell@redcross.ca
Allie Murchison
Communications & Government Relations Advisor, Atlantic
506-349-6307
allie.murchison@redcross.ca