Government is making a number of investments this year to help more seniors stay in their homes longer and remain independent.
“The time has come to place a stronger focus on helping people live well at home,” said Seniors Minister Leo Glavine.
“We know people want to live independently in their own homes — with access to care and services when needed, including support for caregivers.”
In the 2015-16 budget, investments to help seniors include:
— support for 385 more families through the Caregiver Benefit program ($1.8 million)
— support for more nursing and home support visits ($3.8 million)
— assistance for more low-income seniors to make health and safety repairs to their homes, such as installing rails and safety bars, or putting in ramps ($1.5 million more in the Senior Citizens Assistance Program).
“The Caregiver Benefit program has made a huge difference in our lives. Giving up full-time employment to care for a loved one makes it difficult to make ends meet,” said Kimberly Jarvis, Caregiver Benefit recipient. “I’m pleased to hear that the program has been expanded so that more families will get the help they need.”
The Caregiver Benefit program supports families who care for a loved one at home. Nova Scotians can apply by calling the Continuing Care toll-free line at 1-800-225-7225.
In addition, this year government will release a dementia strategy and a revised continuing care strategy to set the foundation to better meet the needs of Nova Scotians as they age.
It will lay out a plan for necessary changes to ensure home care and long-term care services can be more accessible and available when people need them, and provide value for taxpayers’ money.
“As government strives to further expand care at home and reduce reliance on residential care, it is crucial that all continuing-care services be effective, efficient and sustainable,” said Mr. Glavine.
Government will continue to work with partners across the province to help communities and organizations improve programs for seniors, and update facilities to make them easier to access.
For more information, visit novascotia.ca .
Source: Release
