Hundreds of places for seniors to live and receive care will be built in the next eight years.

The province will add or replace 2,200 rooms by 2032 with 800 of them new.

It’s on top of the 3,500 rooms (1,200 new) expected to be available in the next few years 

Minister Barbara Adams says the new beds will prevent hospitals from being used a a long term solution.

“We’re investing in communities across the province to make sure that Nova Scotians have the security they need as they age,” explains Adams. “These 5,700 new and replacement rooms will mean that seniors can live with dignity and enjoy high-quality care in comfortable surroundings. By investing in long-term care, we are also reducing the pressure on our hospitals and emergency rooms, which translates into better healthcare for everyone.”

Facilities will be built or renovated throughout our province including new builds in Halifax, Bedford and Tantallon.

Details of new builds 

— a new 144-room nursing home on Seton Road in Halifax, operated by Shannex
— a new 144-room nursing home on Starboard Drive in Bedford, operated by Shannex
— an additional 48 rooms at the new facility on Westwood Boulevard in Tantallon, operated by Gem Healthcare; this will increase the size of the facility to 144 rooms.

Meantime, the province says they will make further announcements and name new projects in communities in the near future.

Adams says the announcement does not overlook needs in rural communities, and details on other projects are coming.

Current wait lists for long-term care spots vary across the province; currently more than 1,700 people waiting at home for placement in long-term care.