The province is adding about 600 more long term care spaces over the next few years.

It brings the total number of new and renovated rooms to 3,500 by 2027.

Minister Barbara Adams says too many seniors are in hospitals waiting to get into long term care.

Right now, roughly 280 seniors are waiting for placement in long-term care.

”Adding more single rooms will help ensure we can meet this need now and in the future so that Nova Scotians can continue to rely on our long- term care system to provide the care they need, if and when they need it.” Adams said.

Operating costs for each room will be about $140,000 annually and will be for one person and includes their own bathroom.

This is a significant change from older facilities which have shared washrooms and was brought to the forefront after the COVID outbreak at Northwood in Halifax.

“We are pleased with the announcement – it’s a significant step forward for continuing care in Nova Scotia.” said Ron Swan, Chair, Seniors’ Advisory Council of Nova Scotia

Nearly 22 per cent of our population is 65 or older, which is the third-highest percentage in the country.

Nova Scotia has 8,000 spaces for seniors and with the recent announcements, the capacity will increase to 9,200 spaces.