New Funding to Help Nova Scotians Remain Independent

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New funding for home care and home support will help Nova Scotians live independently for as long as possible.

This year’s budget includes an additional $14.2 million for home care and home support services.

“We all know a relative or neighbour who wants to remain in their own home, but needs some help with meal preparation or bathing, or some nursing support in their communities,” said Health and Wellness Minister Leo Glavine.

“We want to give people the help they need to live on their own, near family and friends, for as long as they can.”

On any given day, more than 14,000 Nova Scotians receive home care or home support services. In total, the province now spends $255.3 million each year on these services.

Some highlights from this year’s additional $14.2-million investment are:
–- $4.2 million for home nursing and nursing clinics
–- $7.4 million for home support services, like bathing, meal preparation and other tasks of daily living
–- $1.2 million for the caregiver benefit program, helping to support family members who care for loved ones at home

Nursing support is offered both through home visits and through four new nursing clinics. People can use the clinics when referred by their health-care provider, if they are mobile and prefer scheduled appointments. Clinics are located in Halifax, Berwick, New Minas and Bridgewater.

Gordon Barnes, age 67, visits the VON nursing clinic in Halifax first thing every morning to have an infection cleaned and dressings changed.

“I think the VON clinic is a really good idea. I get to see the same nurses every day. I know them, they know me, and they know if it’s getting worse or better,” said Mr. Barnes, who is retired and walks to the clinic each day.

“I schedule my appointment first thing in the morning. It gets me out of the house, and afterward I go on with my day.”

Spending on home care and home support has increased by $59.1 million in the past three years.

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Source: Release