Quest for funding for home support

The debate over the troubling issues of the home support system in Prince Rupert reached city council this past week. As Council expressed its concern over the situation and called on the provincial government to increase the funding for home support, at least until the new Acropolis Manor is completed and up and running.

The Daily News covered the city's request and the debate held there in Friday's paper.

‘More funding needed for home support’
By Leanne Ritchie
The Daily News
Friday, January 12, 2007
Page one and three

The city is calling on the provincial government to increase funding for home support services, at least until the new extended care facility in Prince Rupert opens its doors.
Coun. Joy Thorkelson brought up the issue of declining home support care during Prince Rupert city council meeting Monday night.

“We need to have home support levels that are adequate for our community and if we put the new Acropolis on line and it’s still not adequate, we will need more money or home support,” said Thorkelson.

Prince Rupert Mayor Herb Pond said he had spoken with Northern Health managers recently.
He said he was told that, on a per capita basis, Prince Rupert is way over budget on home support, the costs were higher than other similar areas and “they needed to bring that in line, so the money could go to other areas within health care.”

“My return comment was to suggest that maybe timing is everything. Given that they have closed one whole floor in Acropolis Manor, there may be some issues that drive those costs temporarily and they may be advised to examine those costs again,” said Pond.

The province currently offers three levels of care for seniors — home support or assisted living is available for those seniors who need support but can remain in their homes, complex care is for seniors who need to be in a facility provided through Acropolis Manor and extended care for those who need one-on-one attention on the fourth floor of the hospital.