Mr. Enuaraq on February 11, 1998 asked with respect to an elders' home in Broughton Island.
The Department of Health and Social Services supports the promotion of independence for elders by providing home care services which enables the elder to stay in his home community for as long as possible.
We recognize that at times the needs of elders become much greater than can be provided for by the family and the home care supports. Sometimes, it is necessary for the elder to move to a facility which can provide the necessary care.
As it is not economically feasible to construct long-term care homes in each community, we are promoting the use of regional long-term care facilities for such a service. In the case of the Baffin region, the facility would be the Iqaluit Elders' Home or for an even higher level of care, the Baffin Regional Hospital in Iqaluit.
We have consulted with the regional health care providers on the current status of the needs of the elders in Broughton Island. At this time, there are elders who are receiving minimal support services, such as medicating or supported living. We are pleased that the elders are successfully being supported in this way, enabling them to remain in their home.