The provincial government is putting $10 million toward expanding access to home‑care support for seniors and people with disabilities.

Lyne Chantal Boudreau, the minister responsible for seniors, said the funding is meant to help people remain in their homes safely for as long as possible.

“Those who wish to age in place and remain in their homes as long as is safely possible should be able to do so,” Boudreau said in a government release.

“Affordable home care will give them this ability.”

The Department of Social Development said the funding will raise income thresholds for its long‑term care and disability support programs for the first time in nearly 30 years.

The annual thresholds will rise by 10 per cent: to $27,500 from $25,000 for singles, to $38,500 from $35,000 for couples, and to $55,000 from $50,000 for couples with one dependent.

The change is expected to expand eligibility and will also affect the subsidies of about 2,100 existing clients, according to a government release.

No application is required for those already receiving support, and the updated thresholds will be applied automatically beginning January 1.

Social Development Minister Cindy Miles said the funding will help people stay in their homes and communities for as long as it is safe.

“Everyone should have the freedom to make empowered choices about their care,” Miles said.

“This will help people remain in their homes and communities as long as it is safe to do so, which benefits individuals, families and our health‑care system as a whole.”

Tina Learmonth, president of the New Brunswick Home Support Association, said the change reflects what seniors and families have been asking for.

“This is an important step in the right direction, and it signals a growing recognition of what seniors and their families have been asking for: the ability to remain safely and comfortably in their own homes,” Learmonth said.

More information on home‑support programs and a financial assistance calculator is available online.