News release

New Long-term Care Facility Will Benefit Seniors

Health and Wellness

Seniors in the Digby area will have the option to continue living in the community they call home thanks to a new local long-term care facility.

Residents and staff gathered today, Sept. 29, to celebrate the opening of Tideview Terrace, a new nursing home in the Digby area.

Tideview Terrace residents were previously housed in an older building, and in the local hospital. The new 90-bed facility brings together all the residents under one roof.

"This remarkable facility is a great asset to the Digby area and it means people who need long-term care can remain near their friends and family," said MLA Jim Morton, on behalf of Health and Wellness Minister Maureen MacDonald.

Tideview Terrace was built to meet the province's new design standards which emphasize smaller, one-storey buildings with more home-like surroundings. This approach reflects the province's Better Care Sooner plan, which includes making health care more resident-centred.

The facility includes 10 nine-unit, energy-efficient households with light towers that provide solar heat in the living and dining room areas. Residents benefit from an ocean view, landscaped outdoor courtyard, spiritual and multi-purpose room.

The design also allows couples who both require nursing care to live together in the same household.

"Tideview Terrace provides high-quality care in a comfortable, functional environment," said Mr. Morton. "It's great news that residents and staff were able to move from the old, dated building to a beautiful new facility like this one."

Clients have access to 24-hour nursing care, medical services, nutrition services, pharmacy services, recreation, occupational therapy and physiotherapy.

"Residents settled in right away and are enjoying the courtyard and patio furniture," said Debra Boudreau, administrator of Tideview Terrace. "We're seeing more visitors than ever. It seems like everyone who came back to Digby for the summer, dropped in to see their friend or family member in the new facility."

Ms. Boudreau said the facility has hired several new Continuing Care Assistants and some part-time support staff.

"The new building is bright and beautiful. We're especially appreciating the chance to go outside and enjoy the courtyards and it's good to have everything on the main floor," said resident Yvonne Speichts.

The province has opened, or plans to open, nearly 1,100 new beds in 13 new, stand-alone facilities and 10 facility expansions. Long-term care resources are a major priority of the province's 10-year, $262-million Continuing Care Strategy.

Access to Tideview Terrace, as well as other provincial long-term care facilities, is through the Department of Health and Wellness' Single Entry Access system at 1-800-225-7225.