New Nursing Home Officially Opened in HRM
Nova Scotia seniors will have the option to stay in their community longer and receive long-term care after the official opening today, June 18, of Christina and Hedley Ivany Place in the Halifax Regional Municipality.
Ivany Place, operated by Northwood, is home for 156 residents, in a community setting in Bedford West. The facility has 12 distinct neighbourhoods each with its own kitchen, living room and dining room. Most residents have private rooms and bathrooms as well as access to outdoor courtyards and gardens.
"The opening of Ivany Place helps Nova Scotia's seniors live more healthily and independently in their community," said Premier Darrell Dexter. "It is part of government's ongoing commitment to advocate for seniors in Nova Scotia and to make their lives better."
Ivany Place reflects the province's new design standards, which emphasize home-like surroundings. The design also enables couples who 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 a room for family visits and functions, a wellness centre, hair salon and common areas to host entertainment programs and religious services.
"This beautiful facility will enable its residents to receive the health care and support they need in their home community, close to family and friends," said Health Minister Maureen MacDonald. "It is the latest chapter in Northwood's proud history of caring for seniors in our community."
Ivany Place also hosts an Adult Day Program for up to 20 clients which offers a safe, therapeutic environment for dependent adults older than 50, with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, dementia, stroke, Parkinson's disease or who may be physically frail.
"We set out five years ago on a journey to create a place that people could truly call home," said Kate Harris, chair of the board of governors of Northwood. "We thank the community, our partners, our staff, and, most of all, the residents and families who put their trust in us."
Ivany Place employs more than 200 people.
The 156 beds opening at Ivany Place are part of the 1,000 new long-term care beds that will be open by the summer of 2011 in 14 new facilities and eight additions to existing facilities throughout Nova Scotia.
Access to Ivany Place and other provincial long-term care facilities is through the Department of Health's Single Entry Access system at 1-800-225-7225.