Newfoundland and Labrador's Health department will review a rule affecting seniors in personal care homes who live in private rooms and receive a subsidy to pay for their accommodations.
Health Minister Susan Sullivan said the practice of seniors 'topping-up' their provincial subsidy so they can move on up to nicer, private rooms has always been against policy.
Operators said the policy isn’t well enforced.
"Looking at a case where a family's financial situation is able to provide something better for someone is something that I've said we'll take a look at," said Sullivan.
"I haven't said that we have an issue with it. What I've said is we will take a look at that."
She said the most important thing is that all seniors in personal care homes are treated fairly.
Eric Bowring is in his 80s and has lived at Pleasantview Manor in Lewisporte for over a year, and receives a subsidy from the province. His family throws in extra money every month to get him a larger, private room.
Mildred Quinlan is Bowring’s daughter. She said her father, who just lost his wife, would be devastated to have to move out of the place he calls home.
"I don't think it's very fair because I always thought we grew up to respect our seniors and try to help them, and not hurt them," said Quinlan.
Winnie Chaulk is also a resident of Pleasantview Manor and is in a similar situation. She receives a subsidy for the bulk of her room and board, but loves the private, double room that her family helps pay for.
She doesn't understand why the province would target something that doesn't cost them anything extra.
"It shouldn't be that way," said Chaulk. "We shouldn't have to worry about that."