Father's Deterioration in Hospital Sparks Outrage

A 67-year-old man from Grand Bay-Westfield, Terry Power, endured an eight-month hospital stay waiting for long-term care placement, during which his condition significantly worsened. His son, Joe Power, described his father as becoming "shaggy and scrawny," staring at the wall, and losing his ability to perform basic self-care tasks. This prolonged wait occurred at the Saint John Regional Hospital after Terry was admitted in May 2025 for seizures related to alcohol withdrawal and diagnosed with dementia.

Joe Power expressed that his father's hospital experience was "inhumane," noting frequent room changes that disoriented his father, lost personal items, and instances where his father lacked basic necessities like drinks or clean sheets. Horizon Health Network acknowledged "significant capacity pressures" due to approximately 40 percent of acute-care beds being occupied by medically discharged patients awaiting long-term care. They stated staff "always strive to ensure patients are treated with compassion and dignity."

Nine months ago, Terry was placed in a special care home, Serenity Cove, where he has since made a remarkable recovery. He has regained weight, resumed normal activities like bathing and shaving, and is now described as "independent as hell." This situation underscores a broader issue in New Brunswick, where approximately 560 individuals are currently awaiting long-term care placement in hospitals. Jan Seely, CEO of the New Brunswick Special Care Home Association, is actively contacting families on waitlists to inform them about available options, including special care homes.