Moncton, NB — April 24, 2025 — The New Brunswick Health Council (NBHC) released an article highlighting the access and experiences of New Brunswickers with home care services. According to the results of the 2024 Home Care Survey, once New Brunswickers begin receiving home care services, they report good experiences — especially in communication, sharing of information and coordination of care. However, long wait times and a strong reliance on informal caregivers reveal a need for improvements.
"Ensuring access to home care services remains a key priority. In New Brunswick, where the aging population is rapidly increasing, the demand for these services is expected to rise," says Stéphane Robichaud, CEO of the NBHC.
The NBHC has drawn the following observations:
• Wait times for publicly funded home care services differ depending on the location and type of service that clients need.
• Once citizens receive services, they have a really good experience, with good communication, sharing of information and coordination of care.
• Although the services provided helped them stay at home, a small percentage of citizens reported that more could still be done.
• There is a strong reliance on informal caregivers despite receiving services from professionals.
“Despite strong satisfaction once services begin, the results of our latest Home Care Survey highlight areas for improvement, particularly in terms of service availability while ensuring caregivers aren't stretched beyond their limits”, adds Robichaud.
Publicly funded services such as the Extra-Mural Program (EMP) and Home Support Services (HSS) are essential to helping seniors and individuals with chronic health conditions remain in their homes. These programs are particularly vital as New Brunswick’s aging population continues to grow.
Access the full article here: Aging at Home: Access and Experience with Home Care Services in New Brunswick
Need help navigating the data?
Members of the public, media and all interested parties who require assistance interpreting the data or would like to speak with someone at the NBHC for context or insight are encouraged to reach out. We’re here to support accurate, informed reporting on the state of health services in New Brunswick.
For interview requests, please contact:
Nay O’Leary
Executive Director, Citizen Engagement
Phone: 506-377-7689
Email: nay.oleary@nbhc.ca