
Finding the Right Senior Home in New Brunswick
New Brunswick stands out as one of Canada's most affordable provinces for senior living while maintaining quality care standards. As Canada's only officially bilingual province, it offers senior care in both English and French, making it ideal for Francophone and bilingual families.
Overview of Senior Care in New Brunswick
The Department of Social Development oversees New Brunswick's senior care system, including nursing homes and special care homes. The province has been investing in aging-in-place infrastructure and expanding home care services.
Types of Senior Living Available
Independent Living
Retirement communities in Moncton, Saint John, and Fredericton offer independent living with costs starting from $1,200 to $3,000 monthly — among the most affordable in Canada.
Special Care Homes
Licensed residential facilities for seniors who need supervision and personal care but not full nursing care. These community-based homes offer a more intimate setting than larger institutions.
Nursing Homes
Publicly funded nursing homes provide 24-hour nursing care. Residents pay a daily rate determined by the province based on income assessment.
Memory Care
Dedicated memory care units within nursing homes and some specialized private facilities serve seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia.
Provincial Programs & Financial Support
- Nursing Home Subsidy — Income-tested daily rate for publicly funded nursing home residents.
- Extra-Mural Program — Hospital-level care delivered in the home ("hospital without walls").
- Home Support Services — Government-funded assistance with daily activities for seniors at home.
- NB Drug Plan — Prescription drug coverage for seniors with limited or no private insurance.
- Low-Income Seniors' Benefit — Additional financial support for eligible seniors.
Popular Cities for Senior Living
Moncton — The province's fastest-growing city with modern healthcare facilities and bilingual senior care communities. The Moncton Hospital and Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre serve the region.
Saint John — New Brunswick's largest city by population offers a range of senior living options with waterfront charm and Saint John Regional Hospital.
Fredericton — The capital city provides a quieter pace with excellent healthcare at Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital and several quality retirement communities.
Tips for Families Searching in New Brunswick
- Contact Social Development to start the assessment process for subsidized care.
- If bilingual care is important, specify language preferences early in your search.
- Consider smaller communities — New Brunswick's rural areas often have shorter waitlists and strong community connections.
- The province's affordability means you may get more for your budget compared to larger provinces.
- Ask about the Extra-Mural Program as a bridge while waiting for residential care placement.
Finding the Right Community
Search SeniorHome.ca for New Brunswick senior living communities. Filter by city, care type, language, and budget to find the best option for your loved one.