Government and its partners have eliminated home care waitlists in many Nova Scotia communities.

“We know Nova Scotians want faster access to home care and that’s exactly what they are getting,” said Health and Wellness Minister Leo Glavine. “We have done this by working closely with our partners – the province’s home support agencies, the Nova Scotia Health Authority, and the NSGEU.

“We will continue to work with all of our partners to improve access to home care in other communities over the coming months.”

As of July 8 there has been a reduction in the number of home care agencies with waitlists. Only nine of the 28 home care agencies in the province reported having a waitlist, compared to 16 agencies last year. Waitlists have been eliminated in the Annapolis Valley, Pictou, Shelburne, Digby, Clare, and Antigonish.

“With an aging population, more and more people will need home care support,” said Lindsay Peach, vice-president, Integrated Health Services, Community Support and Management, Nova Scotia Health Authority. “By working together, we are improving home care, making it available sooner, and ensuring we will continue to be there when needed.”

The reduction and elimination in waitlists are the result of improved communication and scheduling to ensure patients receive the appropriate care, and level of care they need.

“This work, combined with an increase of $59.1 million in spending during the last three years, has greatly improved access to care in Nova Scotia and will help ensure home care services remain affordable and accessible for those who need them,” said Mr. Glavine.

Overall, the waitlist for home support has been reduced by 72 per cent in the last year. There continues to be no wait for in-home nursing care across the province.

On any given day, more than 14,000 Nova Scotians receive home care services such as personal care, meal preparation, respite care, housekeeping and nursing.

The province spends $255.3 million each year on these services.

Source: Release