Mr. Speaker, I have a return to an oral question asked by Mrs. Marie-Jewell on March 30th concerning policy regarding funding for personal care facilities in the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Speaker, on March 30, 1995, the honourable Member for Thebacha asked about how fees for seniors living in personal care facilities are determined. It is important to note, Mr. Speaker, that residents of personal care facilities are charged only for room and board. Residents of personal care facilities do not pay for the services or care they receive. However, the room and board fees are currently based on the level of care required. The room and board fees charged to residents receiving level 1 and 2 care, or "personal care," is $380 a month. People requiring level 1 care are fairly independent, but may require some guidance or supervision with activities of daily living. At level 2, people are able to get around safely with or without aides, are able to assist in dressing and feeding, and are usually continent. The rate for people requiring personal care is indexed to the consumer price index and increases annually.
The room and board charges for persons receiving level 3 and 4 care, or "nursing home" care, in either a facility or extended care unit in a hospital is determined by the Territorial Hospital Insurance Services Act. A person requiring level 3 care requires more than assistance and supervision, and is usually not continent. At level 4, a person requires regular and continuous medical attention on a 24 hour basis.
Residents requiring level 3 and 4 care are required to pay the total amount received through monthly pensions received under the Old Age Security Act, and a monthly allowance paid under the Northwest Territories Senior Citizens Benefits Act. This would be less $75 which residents retain for personal comforts. This results in a maximum room and board charge of $895. This amount is adjusted with the quarterly rate changes in old-age security and guaranteed income supplement payments.
Facilities cannot charge more than these rates for room and board to residents.
Mr. Speaker, the former Department of Social Services was responsible for people requiring personal care, and the former Department of Health was responsible for people requiring nursing home care. That is why we currently have these two different methods of determining room and board charges. This is confusing for both families and residents, and unfair, since residents can pay different amounts for the same room and board. In 1995-96, the Department of Health and Social Services plans to implement a single fee for residents of personal care facilities, multi-level care facilities, and long term care.
Mr. Speaker, I have another return, if I may proceed.