Admiral Nursing Home Opens in Dartmouth
Residents are enjoying their new home at The Admiral in Dartmouth, a new long-term care facility that celebrated its grand opening today, Sept. 12.
The new home reflects the province's Better Care Sooner plan to provide more personalized care to seniors in their communities, close to their friends and families.
The 66-bed nursing home is one of two long-term care facilities replacing the Glades Lodge in Halifax, and is designed to offer residents more privacy and comfort. White Hills Long Term Care Facility opened in Hammonds Plains last summer.
"The way we deliver long-term care has changed over the years," said ministerial assistant Gary Ramey, on behalf of Health and Wellness Minister David Wilson. "These new homes are a much-needed improvement to the living and working conditions for residents and staff.
"Today's long-term care facilities have more space, better accessibility and offer many home-like features."
The facility, owned and operated by Gem Health Care Group, follows new provincial design guidelines for more patient-centred care. The layout reduces traffic, increases privacy and ensures facilities are easily accessible for staff and residents. The homes also have landscaped outdoor courtyards, living and dining areas, a spiritual room, multi-purpose space and therapy room.
"The residents are enjoying their new home where they have more personal space as well as an enhanced model of care," said Colin Bagnell on behalf of GEM Health Care Group. "We are pleased to have the opportunity to work with Department of Health and Wellness, staff, residents and their families to create a place where seniors' lives can be enhanced and enjoyed."
Residents moved into The Admiral in August, where they have access to 24-hour nursing care as well as medical, nutritional and pharmacy services, occupational therapy and physiotherapy. The facility also offers a wide variety of social and recreational programs.
"The view is beautiful and the rooms are private, new and well kept," said Lloyd Jewer, a Lake MicMac resident who is now calling The Admiral home. "I have met a lot of nice residents. The staff are really good and I am always treated well."
Long-term care is a major priority of the province's 10-year, $262-million Continuing Care Strategy. The province has opened, or plans to open, more than 1,100 new beds in 14 new, stand-alone facilities and 12 facility expansions.
Access to The Admiral, as well as other provincial long-term care facilities, is through the single entry access system at 1-800-225-7225.