New Rates for Some Long-term Care Residents

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About 4,150 long-term care clients are receiving updated information on adjustments to what they pay for long-term care accommodations. The adjustments are based on increases in the cost of operating facilities, changes in individual incomes, and increases to the old age security/guaranteed income supplement program. No long-term care client will face an increase of more than $1.50 per day.

"In January 2005 we made changes in long-term care that help Nova Scotians keep more of their money in their pockets." said Health Minister Chris d'Entremont. "At that time, we also promised to review operational costs annually and adjust fees up or down as necessary."

Letters explaining the revised rates were mailed by the Department of Health to home administrators, long-term care residents and people with powers of attorney on September 27. Long-term care clients waiting for placement in a home will receive their letters this month.

Effective Nov. 1, the standard accommodation charge for a nursing home will increase to $75.50 per day, up from $74.50 per day. The daily standard accommodation charge for a residential care facility will increase to $49 from $47.50. The daily standard accommodation charge for a community-based option will increase to $46 from $44.50. The daily respite charge in long-term care will increase to $28.70 per day from $27.60.

The Department of Health will also adjust two income related areas on Nov. 1 in keeping with this year's increase to the federal government's old age security/guaranteed income supplement.

Single seniors are able to retain 15 per cent of their income or $2,556, whichever is greater, before they pay accommodation charges. This reflects an $102 increase in the minimum retained income amount.

Couples who cannot pay the standard accommodation charges will also keep more of their money. Spouses who live in the community can retain $15,045 per year. That is an increase of $209 per year to the spousal income threshold amount.

The department's 2006-07 budget for long-term care services is about $326.9 million.

A fact sheet on these changes and other areas of long-term care can be found on the Department of Health website at www.gov.ns.ca/health/ccs/ltc.htm .

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FOR BROADCAST USE:

     The Department of Health is notifying four-thousand-one-

hundred and fifty long-term care clients about financial changes

that will take effect on November 1st.

     Many residents will pay a different amount for their

accommodations. Those who are able to pay the standard rate will

see a slight increase in how much they pay to their long-term

care home. Residents who are unable to pay the standard rate may

also see a change, which is based on their 2005 income tax

information.

     Health Minister Chris d'Entremont says annual rate reviews

and adjustments are necessary to ensure that residents continue

to receive quality care at a fair price.

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Media Contact: Michelle Perry
              Department of Health
              902-424-3731
              E-mail: perrymx@gov.ns.ca