Province to Better Utilize Underused Beds

HEALTH/WELLNESS--Province to Better Utilize Underused Beds

• ---------------------------------------------------------------The province is making more long-term care beds available in nursing homes by converting some unused respite beds, better using resources while improving care for seniors.

"We want to better utilize these beds and offer them to people waiting for long-term care in hospitals and the community," said Health and Wellness Minister Maureen MacDonald. "We want to use these beds more effectively."

Over the past year the use of the respite beds was only 44 per cent with the province paying whether the beds were empty or occupied.

"The province will still have respite beds available to support caregivers and give them planned, temporary breaks from their caregiving responsibilities," said Ms. MacDonald.

"My department will ensure that any respite care already booked will be honoured and provided within the particular district."

The conversion of 43 respite beds, which took effect July 1, sees every district health authority in the province gain additional regular nursing beds while ensuring the availability of respite beds.

"It is a win-win with more Nova Scotians getting access to regular nursing home beds while ensuring we're paying for a bed that is being fully utilized," said Ms. MacDonald.