Making New Brunswick better for people of all ages and abilities

At a recent podcast I attended with the New Brunswick Coalition Of Persons With Disabilities, an energetic senior gave us something different to consider. “Although you consider yourselves a separate disabled community, let me give you something to think about. I am a healthy senior, but odds are that at some point, I will become disabled and will require care. It’s a reality I don’t like to think about, but the consequences will be worse if I don’t”.

According to the 2017 census, the  community of people living with two or more disabilities in New Brunswick makes up 26.7 percent of the population. The over 65 demographic sector makes up approximately 20 percent of the provincial population. Together we represent a sizable voting bloc of tax-paying citizens who rely on robust health care infrastructure to continue contributing to the community. The greatest demographic gap in our province is the lack of young people to sustain and grow the health care infrastructure.

Elderly people may need to move into a care facility when they are older to ensure their basic needs are met. Whether age or disability is the reason, this should not be the only option. One commonly suggested solution is moving in with a loved one or hiring a home care company. That is a great suggestion in theory, however most of the time it is not feasible. There is a shortage of vacancies available. Living with a loved one may not be an option because there are extra expenses associated with caring for someone with disabilities and the full time job required to cover those expenses would fill the time necessary to provide that care. They may also not be qualified to give the level of care required.

It is important for everyone to plan for the future. For those who fall under the disabled category that may mean setting up a registered disability savings plan. Seniors need a retirement plan. If you have the financial means to take care of yourself, then you need to do so. Even at their best the programs that are in place by the New Brunswick government are working with limited resources and they need to be available to assist people who most need it.

I believe it is time for the government to step up! Stop making cuts to programs that support seniors and disabled people. I understand that cuts need to be made sometimes to balance the budget, however essential services and programs for people living with disabilities are not considered luxuries to those that need them. We are one of the most vulnerable populations. “Treat people the way you want to be treated” is something everyone is taught at a young age. It is important now to take steps to ensure people with disabilities and elderly people are treated in the best way possible.

The increasing population gap must be addressed with innovative programs and incentives. Let’s start with encouraging our young people to further their careers and raise their families in our province of New Brunswick rather than chasing their dream elsewhere. We have so much to offer! The scenic views, friendly people, the high quality of life and relatively low cost of living compared to other provinces.

I believe investing more money into home care, and not financially penalizing people who rely on disability income support  for having a roommate for emotional, physical, and financial support is a good step forward. It is proven when people live together they thrive more and their mental health is improved.

It is important to consider what investing in vulnerable populations means for the future. More jobs, investing more money in these essential services also means more people may want to move to or stay in New Brunswick which would boost our economy and be better for everyone. The younger generation is the future. It is time for New Brunswick to take the initiative, and lead by example so other regions will follow.

I would like to encourage the government to reach out to disability groups to engage and get informed. I encourage individuals to check out and consider joining the New Brunswick Coalition of Persons with Disabilities to advocate for  the rights of people living with disabilities in our province. Together we can make New Brunswick a more inclusive accessible province New Brunswickers can be proud of.

Join me here next month as I continue my disability awareness series with the NB Media Co-op.

Kaitlyn Layden is a disability rights advocate in New Brunswick.