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The licenses of two special care homes in the province have been revoked by the department of social development.

The 29 residents of Villa Neguac and Foyer St. Bernard, as well as their families, have been notified.  The process of transferring them to other homes in the northeastern part of the province where beds are available and services will be provided to respond to their needs.

The Department of Social Development will continue to closely monitor the situation at the existing facilities in Neguac until the transfer of the residents to other facilities is completed.

“The decision that leads to the closure of any long-term care facility is not taken lightly and is a last resort,” said Social Development Minister Dorothy Shephard. “The safety and well-being of residents in long-term care facilities remain an utmost priority for the government. When we cannot get the assurance of total compliance with provincial standards, we have no choice but to take action to protect the well-being of residents.”

No explanation for the closure was given in a news release.

Social Development says a regulatory and inspection framework for all long-term care facilities is in place and they are inspected annually based on the department’s management directives and standards. Adult residential facilities, including special care homes, are private businesses that are licensed and inspected by the Department of Social Development.

There are 455 adult residential facilities in the province providing care and services to about 7,000 residents.