Seniors residing at an independent living facility in Bridgetown, N.S., are feeling let down following the provincial housing authority’s decision to remove full-time support staff, whom they credit as the primary reason for choosing to live there. Crosskill Court residents expressed dismay after being informed by Nova Scotia Provincial Housing Agency officials that continuing care assistants will cease working at their facility by spring.
Linda Elrich, a resident at Crosskill Court, voiced her concerns, stating, “When they’re gone, there’s nobody. So I get a little scared [thinking about it].” The agency recently disclosed its plan to discontinue in-house continuing care services at three out of eight facilities offering independent living under its enriched housing program, which caters to 180 seniors with minimal needs in Nova Scotia.
The enriched housing program, established in the late 1970s, serves as an alternative for seniors who prefer not to reside at home but do not require the extensive services provided in long-term care facilities. Operational changes and complaints about mandatory costs prompted the agency to restructure how the program is delivered at facilities in Bridgetown, Berwick, and Antigonish, according to a spokesperson.
Despite some residents’ objections to the imposed fees, most residents at Crosskill Court willingly pay for the support services as they were fully aware of the costs before moving in and value the assistance provided. Resident Jennifer Hunt-Boyd expressed her frustration, stating, “They think that we don’t have emotions. They think that we’re just old and you can just pat us on the head and we’ll do whatever they say.”
The continuing care assistants offer residents a cooked meal daily, bi-weekly housekeeping, along with engaging activities to maintain their well-being. Seniors residing in these apartments are required to pay $620 monthly, regardless of whether they utilize these services. Residents at Crosskill Court emphasized that the care extends beyond basic tasks of cooking and cleaning, with Helen Kennedy stating, “They treat us like their grandmothers and grandfathers, and it’s a nice feeling to know someone is there who cares.”
Pam Menchenton, executive director of client services at the housing agency, mentioned that the decision to discontinue in-house continuing care services at the three facilities, including Crosskill Court, is due to operational changes linked to the relocation of Mountain Lea Lodge, the long-term care facility connected to Crosskill Court. Menchenton clarified that while some seniors have raised concerns about the mandatory fee, arrangements can be made for residents to access continuing care through the province.
A petition has been signed by nearly all 27 residents at Crosskill Court urging the housing agency to retain the current services. Despite some residents not currently relying on the support, they are willing to pay for it in anticipation of future needs. Concerns have been raised about the potential decline in service quality and reliability once the in-house care is withdrawn, with residents describing the current staff as “guardian angels.”
Janice Brooks, a resident at Crosskill Court, recounted a recent incident where she fell in her apartment and was promptly assisted by the support staff. Expressing uncertainty about her future living arrangements if the in-house care ceases, Brooks emphasized the importance of maintaining the current service without any alterations.
The province did not respond to queries regarding its continuing care services prior to publication. Residents at Crosskill Court are apprehensive about the potential changes and hope that the existing support system will be preserved to cater to their individual needs and well-being.