Helping seniors age at home

Shannex is pleased to be a part of the Nursing Home Without Walls initiative. Offering support and services to older adults in the community, the Nursing Home Without Walls program is a collaboration between Social Development, the Université de Moncton, and Healthcare Excellence Canada. 

The program was created in 2019 by Suzanne Dupuis-Blanchard, a researcher at the Université de Moncton. The overarching goal of the program is to promote healthy aging at home by ensuring that older adults and their caregivers living in New Brunswick can age in place with access to appropriate knowledge, support and services.

Support and Services

Nursing Home without Walls offers support and services to older adults in the community aimed at increasing the quality of life for seniors living at home.

  • Ensure that older adults and their families have access to appropriate services and information related to aging in place. 
  • Provide social health initiatives to counter social isolation and loneliness to older adults and their caregivers. 
  • Increase knowledge on health-related issues important to aging in place and healthy aging for older adults and their caregivers. 
  • Empower the local community to respond to the needs of an aging population.

Community Leadership

We are committed to creating meaningful connections with older adults in the community and we are proud to partner with like-minded individuals whose work supports the wellbeing of seniors.

We also value the opportunity to welcome seniors from the community in our homes where they will have the opportunity to meet other seniors alike and take part in activities. 


Meet the Team

Tammy Malley
Seniors Navigator, Miramichi

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Tammy Malley

Meet Tammy Malley, a dedicated Seniors Navigator committed to ensuring that seniors can age at home safely and joyfully through the Nursing Home Without Walls initiative. With a Bachelor of Community Health from Brock University, Tammy brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role.

In her capacity as a Seniors Navigator, Tammy connects seniors with essential services and guides them through the complexities of the healthcare and social service system. Her compassionate approach and understanding demeanor make her an invaluable resource for seniors seeking support in navigating their unique challenges. 

Tammy takes the lead in managing the Nursing Home Without Walls team in Miramichi, NB, ensuring a coordinated effort to provide holistic care and support to seniors in their homes. 

For Tammy, the Nursing Home Without Walls initiative is not just a job; it’s a passion-driven commitment to enhancing the quality of life for seniors and promoting a sense of connection within the community.

Brenda Foster
Seniors Navigator, Greater Saint John

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Brenda Foster

Introducing Brenda Foster, Seniors Navigator dedicated to serving seniors from Greater Saint John, NB, including Grand Bay- Westfield, Quispamsis, and Rothesay. Passionate about supporting seniors and their families, Brenda’s primary goal is to connect seniors with essential services that enable them to age comfortably in their own homes. She believes that fostering connections to communities and resources is vital for the mental health and well-being of seniors. 

Brenda’s educational background lies in Human Services and Holistic Health, allowing a holistic approach to addressing the unique needs of seniors. She also holds valuable experience in mental health, addictions, housing, and domestic violence. She is excited to lend her knowledge and expertise to the Nursing Home Without Walls program. 

As a Senior Navigator, Brenda collaborates with Embassy Hall, Tucker Hall, Cohen Hall, and the Greater Saint John area community, striving to make a positive impact and facilitate a lasting difference in the lives of seniors. 

Rebecca Laforest
Seniors Navigator, Moncton

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Rebecca Laforest

Rebecca Laforest, a dedicated Seniors Navigator in the Greater Moncton Region, is committed to enhancing the lives of seniors, enabling them to live independently at home for as long as possible. With extensive experience in senior care, Rebecca leads the Nursing Home Without Walls program, providing personalized support and companionship to combat social isolation. From her roots as a Personal Support Worker to her role as a Recreation Coordinator fostering community among seniors, Rebecca’s leadership shines through her empathy and innovative approach to senior care, offering a beacon of hope to both seniors and their caregivers.

Ashley Erb

Ashley Erb
Seniors Navigator, Fredericton

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Ashley Erb

Ashley Erb is a Seniors Navigator in Fredericton, dedicated to supporting and advocating for older adults and their families. With an interdisciplinary background in Psychology and Gerontology, Ashley deeply understands the vital role meaningful connections play in one’s well-being, and she brings a thoughtful, person-centred approach to her work.

Prior to her current role, Ashley collaborated with a team of researchers to create the Aging in NB Guide, a key resource for navigating the social and healthcare systems for older adults and caregivers in the province. This experience has equipped her with a wealth of knowledge in navigating complex systems, along with the tools and resources needed to provide effective support.

As the leader of the NHWW Shannex team in Fredericton, Ashley is committed to leveraging local community resources to ensure high-quality, meaningful care and service is provided to those she supports.

Kalecia Young
Seniors Wellness Coordinator, Miramichi

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Kalecia Young

Meet Kalecia Young, a Seniors Wellness Coordinator, dedicated to providing crucial program support for the Nursing Home Without Walls initiative in Miramichi, NB. In her role, Kalecia visits isolated seniors, supervises events, acts as a reliable point of contact for seniors engaged in activities, and offers essential social interaction to our Nursing Home Without Walls seniors. 

Kalecia’s ability to connect with people and ensure a positive experience is an asset to the seniors she supports. Kalecia holds a Child and Youth Care diploma from New Brunswick Community College, reflecting her commitment to understanding the unique needs of diverse age groups. Furthermore, she possesses a Certificate in Carpentry, showcasing her versatile skill set. 

Kalecia’s multifaceted background and genuine passion for enhancing the well-being of seniors make her an invaluable member of the Nursing Home Without Walls team.  

Jocelyn Vasseur, Administrative Support - Nursing Home Without Walls

Jocelyn Vasseur
Administrative Support, Moncton

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Jocelyn Vasseur

Meet Jocelyn Vasseur, Administrative Support for the Greater Moncton Region. Jocelyn’s empathy and soft approach gives her the ability to make connections, to provide the best support possible for seniors. She has been serving the community as an Administrative Assistant at medical clinics for several years.

Along with her passion for healthcare, Jocelyn brings over 20 years of customer service and office management experience. Her educational background includes a diploma in Medical Office Administration and Payroll and Accounting Administration.

Jena-Leigh Buchanan

Jena-Leigh Buchanan
Seniors Wellness Coordinator, Moncton

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Jena-Leigh Buchanan

Jena-Leigh Buchanan is dedicated to enhancing the lives of seniors in Greater Moncton through the Nursing Home Without Walls initiative. As the Seniors Wellness Coordinator, she brings engaging and enriching programs directly to seniors in their homes, as well as to the communities of Ocean Hall and Gordon Hall.

With a Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation, Jena-Leigh combines her education and skills to build meaningful connections and positively impact the lives of seniors and their families. Her background as a Recreation Therapist in long-term care and retirement living positions her to contribute valuable expertise to the Nursing Home Without Walls team in Moncton. Jena-Leigh is excited to use her knowledge to create a meaningful impact in her role.

Teija Noel

Teija Noel
Personal Support Worker, Moncton

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Teija Noel

Meet Teija Noel (pronounced TAYA). Taya has been working in long-term care with seniors for over ten years, since she received her certificate as a Personal Support Worker. She has experience in larger group Special Care Home settings, and in Home Support.

She loves spending time with seniors, and feels honored to have learned so much from them over the years. They have so much wisdom to offer us, if we just take a moment to listen. There is not a day that goes by when she doesn’t find herself smiling or laughing out loud; and if she can make just a small part of a senior’s or family member’s day better, then that is the least she can do.

So far, Taya’s career at Shannex has proven to be both fun and rewarding, and she has met many great people. She is pleased to support the Greater Moncton NHWW team by helping seniors live well at home for as long as possible.

NHWW Victoria

Victoria Kavanaugh
Seniors Wellness Coordinator, Fredericton

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Victoria Kavanaugh

Victoria serves as a Seniors Wellness Coordinator in Fredericton, where she offers vital social support to older adults in the community. Through home visits, group events, and regular check-ins, she ensures that seniors living independently remain connected and supported within their local networks.

With a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Master’s in Social Work, specializing in Gerontology and Trauma-Informed Care, Victoria brings a deep understanding of the unique challenges facing older adults. Her social work background enables her to approach each individual with a compassionate, “whole-person” perspective, meeting them where they are. Passionate about building meaningful connections, she is dedicated to helping people explore and achieve their goals. Victoria’s extensive experience in long-term care settings has equipped her with valuable insights, and she is excited to apply her skills to support the community.


Contact Us

If you’re a senior seeking services to help you live independently or if you’re already providing care to seniors in the community, we invite you to join our Nursing Home Without Walls project!

To learn more, please contact our Seniors Navigators at Losier Hall, Embassy Hall/Cohen Hall/Tucker Hall, Gordon Hall, or Neill Hall/Medley Hall.

Location

Losier Hall

515 Water St.
Miramichi, NB
E1V 0K4

Location

Embassy Hall, Cohen Hall, Tucker Hall

75 Bloom Ln.
Saint John, NB
E2K 0K7

Contact

Brenda Foster, Seniors Navigator

Location

Gordon Hall

67 Souvenirs St.
Moncton, NB
E1C 0W8

Contact

Rebecca LaForest, Seniors Navigator

Location

Neill Hall, Medley Hall

610 Cliffe St.
Fredericton, NB
E3A 0C4

Contact

Ashley Erb, Seniors Navigator

Upcoming Events

Alzheimer’s Support Group

December 12, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Gordon Hall Day Center, 67 Souvenirs Street, Moncton, New Brunswick

Please RSVP to Jocelyn at 506-431-3353 or via email at nhwwmoncton@shannex.com.

*Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot soon!

Alzheimer’s Disease Support

First Tuesday each month
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Losier Hall, 515 Water St, Miramichi, New Brunswick

The Alzheimer Society of New Brunswick is now offering in-person support for family members and friends of people living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.

Caregiver Support Network is a safe and inclusive peer support group where family members and friends of people living with dementia can come together to share and learn.

Questions? Call 506-773-4214

Host an Event with NHWW

Are you already serving seniors in the community and want to be part of our Nursing Home Without Walls project?

Contact our Seniors Navigators:

Miramichi: nhwwmiramichi@shannex.com

Saint John: NHWWsaintjohn@shannex.com


Past Events

Canadian Dental Care Plan

September 17, 1:30 PM at Embassy Hall, Quispamsis
October 9, 1:30 PM AT THE COHEN HALL MULTIPURPOSE ROOM, 70 Bloom Lane, Saint John

Attend an information session about the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP).

Michael Carson, Citizen Service Specialist at the Saint John Service Canada Centre, will host two informative sessions on the CDCP. These sessions will include a detailed slideshow presentation followed by a Q&A segment.

All interested individuals are invited to attend. Eligibility includes citizens aged 65 and older, as well as any eligible adults with a valid Disability Tax Credit.

Summer Social

AUGUST 23
2:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.
Gordon Hall 67 Souvenirs Street, Moncton, NB

Join us for an afternoon at our NHWW Summer Social.

This event is open to all seniors in the Moncton community. Enjoy wonderful musical entertainment by Cheryl Hopper and savor refreshing summer treats.

Understanding Behaviors

August 13
Embassy Hall Chapel
2:00 p.m.
70 Swanton Drive 
Quispamsis, New Brunswick E2E 0M3 

Join us for a presentation from the Alzheimer Society of New Brunswick! Find out the impact dementia has on behavior, understand its causes, and discover effective tools to respond empathetically. Learn strategies to reduce responsive behaviors and prioritize safety for individuals living with dementia.

Dementia Support

July 23
10:30 A.M.
Cohen Hall CHapel

Join us as Nicole Tompkins from the Alzheimer Society of New Brunswick shares invaluable insights on dementia. Gain a deeper understanding of the symptoms and behaviors linked with the condition, empowering you to recognize and respond effectively.

Information Session (delivered in French)

June 20th
10:00 A.M.
Faubourg du Mascaret (Pavillon Leblanc Theatre)

Are you aged 50+ and living independently?

Join us for an information session on Nursing Home without Walls.

Discover how you can access a comprehensive range of services, including transportation to medical appointments, groceries, social outings, and more, all to support aging at home.

This event is made possible thanks to the Pivot Health project for seniors, a partnership between Faubourg du Mascaret and the Center for the Study of Aging at the University of Moncton.

Fire Safety for Seniors with Corey Shaddick

June 28 1:00 P.M.
Nelson Friendly Neighbours Hall

Join us for an information session on fire safety for seniors with Nelson Friendly Neighbours.

Miramichi Fire Department firefighter Corey Shaddick will present about fire safety to seniors.

Grief Support

Every Thursday
April 4 – May 9
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
School House at Losier Hall, 515 Water St, Miramichi, New Brunswick

Are you struggling with the loss of a loved one? Our Grief Support Group is here to provide solace and support through these difficult times.

Power of Attorneys and Wills

Thursday, March 28
3:00 p.m.
School house, Losier Hall, 515 Water St, Miramichi, New Brunswick

Seniors and their families interested in learning more about Power of Attorneys and Wills are invited to meet with lawyer Tim Murphy during an upcoming law clinic.

The 15-minute sessions will be one-on-one with Tim and will take place at the School House at Losier Hall at 3 p.m. on Thursday, March 28.



Resources

Aging in New Brunswick: A User’s Guide

A guide for older adults in New Brunswick to navigate information, services, forms, and resources.

Health Care Directive

A form for making a health care directive by the Enduring Powers of Attorney Act in New
Brunswick.

Enduring Powers of Attorney

A guide to help you prepare for a possible loss of decision-making ability.

Making a Will

This booklet provides basic information about making a will in New Brunswick.

Checklist for Making a Will

A “worksheet” or notes to help you prepare for your first meeting with the lawyer who will draft your will.

The Record Keeper

A resource encompassing a list of personal information, financial information, assets, financial contacts, etc.