Long Term Care

What are nursing homes?

Nursing homes are important options for people who have difficulty performing everyday tasks such as, dressing, bathing and toileting. Nursing home placement is appropriate for people who are medically stable but have nursing needs that cannot be met through home care.

What are residential care facilities?

When Home Care does not meet the needs of a person and nursing home care is not required, a residential care facility may be the solution. Residential care facilities provide people with personal care, supervision and accommodation in a safe and supportive environment. (People living in residential care facilities must have the ability to self-evacuate in the event of an emergency.)

What services do nursing homes and residential care facilities provide?

Nursing homes provide nursing and personal care on a 24-hour basis including care given under the supervision of a nurse, administration of medication and assistance with daily living. Other services may include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, recreation, and those provided by a Social Worker.

Residential care facilities provide assistance with personal care such as, bathing and dressing, and reminders about daily routines. Personal care and supervision are provided by Residential Care Workers who are available on site at all times.

For both nursing homes and residential care facilities, staff administer all medications for residents. The facilities have medical advisors but residents may continue to visit their family doctor. Residents usually have private bedrooms or share with one other person but common spaces include dining and living areas, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces. Residents are served three meals per day and snacks. Menus consider residents’ preferences, accommodate special diets, and follow Canada’s Food Guide.

How do I apply to Long Term Care?

To apply for residency in a nursing home or a residential care facility, contact Continuing Care, toll-free at 1-800-225-7225 to find out about the application process, to arrange for a Care Coordinator to assess your care needs, and to identify the best method of having your needs met.

How much do nursing homes and residential care facilities cost?

Long-term care costs are shared by you, as the resident, and the provincial government. The Department of Health and Wellness pays for the health care costs, and you pay your accommodation costs and personal expenses.

The Department of Health and Wellness sets standard accommodation charges annually. Those who are able to pay the full standard accommodation charge are not required to complete a financial assessment. Those who cannot pay the standard accommodation charge can apply to have their rate reduced through an income based financial assessment

Learn more about Paying for Long Term Care…

Where are Long Term Care facilities in Nova Scotia located?

Licensed - Approved Facilities

• Nursing Homes and Residential Care Facilities directories (PDF)

View locations of Approved Facilities

Licensing and Inspection Reports

Nursing home and residential care facilities are inspected to make sure they meet about 400 different requirements. Inspection reports list any areas where inspectors found violations.

Learn more: Long-term care licensing and inspection reports

Pressure Injury Data

Long Term Care facilities must report monthly the number of residents with pressure injuries. This information is posted at the end of July, October, January and April of each year.

Data and more information about pressure injuries is available on the Pressure Injury in Long Term Care public reporting page.

Policies and Standards

The  Department of Health and Wellness, Continuing Care Division has created  policies and monitoring standards to ensure that there is a consistent quality  of care for those who need services outside of the hospital, in  their home, or in the community.

Visit Policies and Standards page.