More funding is on the way for long-term care facilities and home care agencies in Nova Scotia.

The province is set to invest $28.9 million in programs and initiatives across the continuing care system.

It is to help make sure seniors and other Nova Scotian’s relying on their services, to continue to get ongoing, responsive care.

The Province is making strategic investments to address issues identified across the sector, including:
— addressing ongoing workforce challenges with $8.1 million for additional long-term care assistants, who assist with managing additional COVID-19 measures, light housekeeping and other activities outside of direct personal care
— $5.1 million outstanding capital infrastructure requests
— $4.6 million related to prevention and management of infectious disease, including promoting best practices in infection control and regular surveillance
— $1 million for business continuity planning and emergency preparedness.

“We appreciate the government’s continued support and investment in home and community care. This funding supports the safe delivery of care for both our clients – a very vulnerable population – and our healthcare workers. It also highlights government’s willingness to explore new and innovate ways to deliver care.”
– Jeff Densmore, Regional Executive Director, Central and Western zones, Nova Scotia, VON Canada

“Across Nova Scotia, our team provides hospital-style beds and related products like specialized mattresses for thousands of people each year who are recovering at home from surgery, illness or injury, or are receiving palliative care. This generous contribution will allow a substantial increase in our inventory, which in turn means many more Nova Scotians and their caregivers will benefit from this program and have access to key resources necessary for their safety and comfort.”
– Chris Baert-Wilson, Senior Director of Community Health, Atlantic Canadian Red Cross

“We are thrilled with the investments that government is making in continuing care. These investments will support home-care providers to be more responsive to our clients in the community and will assist individuals to remain comfortable and safe in their own homes. It will also allow us to continue to provide safe and quality care to those individuals who call long-term care home.”
– Janet Simm, President and CEO, Northwood

The funding will also support Capable, a pilot program that partners with a nurse, occupational therapist and handyperson to help seniors live more independently.

Over the next year, three teams will be trained to serve roughly 300 clients.