Nine New Long-Term Care Homes Open
NOTE: A social media version of this release, with hi-res downloadable photos, video and audio clips, is available at gov.ns.ca/news/smr/2010-06-11-court.asp .
Hundreds of Nova Scotia seniors will have the option to stay in their communities and receive long-term care following the official opening of nine new, long-term facilities today, June 11, including Vimy Court, in Bible Hill.
Vimy Court accommodates 60 residents in a home-like setting with four distinct households, each with a kitchen, living room and dining room. Residents have private rooms, private bathrooms and access to two outdoor courtyards.
"The opening of these modern, state-of-the art facilities is helping Nova Scotia's seniors live more independently in their communities," said Premier Darrell Dexter. "This government has and will continue to be an advocate for seniors in Nova Scotia, working hard to make their lives better."
Vimy Court and eight other facilities will add 431 new nursing home beds in Nova Scotia. The other facilities are:
- Sydney, Celtic Court, 36 beds
- Bridgewater, Ryan Hall, 65 beds
- Amherst, Northumberland Hall, 36 beds
- Kentville, Orchard Hall, 62 beds
- Greenwich, Blomidon Court, 50 beds
- Brookfield, Elk Court, 36 beds
- Cole Harbour, Bissett Court, 50 beds
- Debert, Debert Court, 36 beds
"These wonderful facilities will enable individuals to receive the health care and support they need in their home community, close to family and friends," said Health Minister Maureen MacDonald, at a ceremony in Bible Hill to celebrate the opening of Vimy Court and eight other Shannex facilities in Nova Scotia.
"Residents are pleased to call them home."
The nursing homes have been built to the province's new design standards which emphasize one-storey buildings with homier surroundings. The design also enables couples, who both require nursing home care, to live together in the same household.
Clients have access to 24-hour nursing care as well as medical, nutritional and pharmacy services and occupational therapy and physiotherapy. Other features include rooms for family visits and functions, wellness centres, hair salons and a village square to host entertainment programs and religious services.
"Today is a great day for Shannex and the people working in our organization," said Jason Shannon, chief operating officer of Shannex. "We are very proud to have delivered on the commitment that we gave to the Department of Health and to the people of the communities we serve."
The new nursing homes provide employment for more than 600 people.
The facilities are part of the Continuing Care Strategy, a 10-year plan to enhance and expand Nova Scotia's continuing care network. As part of the strategy, 1,000 new long-term care beds will open by the summer of 2011 in 14 new facilities and additions to eight existing homes.
Access to Vimy Court and other provincial long term care facilities is through the Department of Health's single entry access system at 1-800-225-7225.