Seniors coalition rails against higher nursing home costs

A seniorsadvocacy group gathered in Moncton on Thursday to oppose the provincial government's plan to raise the annual maximum cost of staying in a nursing home.

The meeting drew more than 100 people on Thursday.

"My voice is loud and strong," said Cecile Cassista, the executive director with the Coalition for Seniors and Nursing Home Residents Rights.

"Our message is clear [the government] needs to move backwards."

The provincial government says it plans to look at seniors' bank accounts and investments when calculating how much they can pay for care. The cost cap will also be raised from $113 to $175.

The changes are expected to take effect by the end of March.

Rising costs, tempers

Hector Cormier, the past president of the coalition, says he's not the only one who is angered by this decision.

"In my case,I'm separated.I live alone.it would probably take all of my pension if it were $113 a day if it went up to $175 then even a retired teacher couldn't afford that," he said.

Betty Smith, a memberof the New Brunswick Society of Retired Teachers, said her members don't mind paying more money.

"But when nothing changes and things get worse then what's the point? Where is the money going that the government is going to make?" Smith said.

Former Liberal cabinet minister Michael Murphy was at the meeting. If Gallant doesn't listen to the coalition, Murphy said this issue could be his "political death march."

Murphy also says he hopes to change the party's policies from within. Murphy lost the Liberal leadership race to Gallant in 2012.