Mr. Speaker, I have a return to written question asked by Mr. Menicoche on February 15, 2005, regarding long-term care facilities in Nahendeh.
1. What is the plan for the department to establish a long-term care facility for Fort Liard?
There is no plan to establish a long-term care facility in Fort Liard. The Deh Cho Health and Social Services Authority is looking to expand the home care services that are currently being provided to seniors in their own homes in Fort Liard. With support from home care, the authority will also continue providing level one and two care in Fort Liard at the supported living units for seniors.
2. What is the plan for the department to expand current long-term care facilities in Fort Simpson to accommodate more patients?
A recent review of long-term care services in the NWT indicates that the seniors' population is growing and additional long-term care beds will be required in the long term. It is not practical, at present, to respond by building new facilities. Renovations to assist in accommodating clients' needs are planned for the Fort Simpson Health Centre.
The department will continue to monitor forced growth, such as changes in statistics, shortages of long-term care beds and client waiting lists, for long-term planning purposes. Non-institutional alternatives, such as supported living, home support and home care nursing, will also be evaluated as needs are identified and resources permit.