Closing the Gap apologizes to Nova Scotia family

A Head of St. Margaret's Bay family who complained about the provinciallycontracted home care provider, Closing the Gap, said they have received anapology from the group.

Josephine Hurt said representativesvisited her at home on Monday to address concerns she had over the care of her 84-year-old husband David, who has dementia.

"The main thing is going to be that sense of security," said Hurt, 87.

Hurt said workers are supposed to come to her house every day at the same time, but thatthey were not showing up or showing up very late and not staying long enough.

Hurt has arthritis and mobility issues that require her to use a stair lift. She said she was doing much ofthe work herself which included changing her husband's bed and cleaning him up.

Hurt told CBC News on Saturday that she couldn't do it herself.

'It's a wonderful service'

"It's wonderful to have somebody here to help me. It's a wonderful, wonderful service. That's what I'm hoping it's going to be now. I do need to know that these people are coming near enough on time," said Hurt.

Chris Linton, vice president of client services for Closing the Gap, wrote in an email that the health care provider takes client concerns with service delivery very seriously.

"We understand the critical role that informal caregivers play as part of the team supporting vulnerable clients to be at home, and are committed to making sure our service delivery meets their needs," said Linton.

"Closing the Gapwill make every effort to resolve this unfortunate situation to the Hurt family's satisfaction."

Hurt's daughter Cynthia Page said she felt better after the meeting with Closing the Gap and that she hopes this means her mother will get a bit of a break.

"I think that they have the best will in the world to fulfill the commitment of care to my parents," said Page.