More Nursing Home Beds Added in HRM
Government is investing $1.3 million to ensure more Nova Scotians have access to nursing home beds.
Thirty residential-care beds at Melville Gardens, a long-term care home in Halifax Regional Municipality will be converted into nursing home beds.
“Nova Scotians deserve timely access to long-term care, and we know there are areas where demand is high,” said Health and Wellness Minister Randy Delorey. “This is a resourceful approach to better serve the needs of more Nova Scotians.”
Residential care beds are intended for those who need some support but can perform most daily activities on their own. Demand for these beds has been going down in light of investments in home care and people staying in their homes longer. As a result, government is looking at how to make the best use of these resources.
The rooms are expected to be ready for new residents early in the new year.
Quotes:
"We are pleased for the opportunity to provide more Nova Scotians with nursing home beds at Melville Gardens. This will give many families the comfort of knowing their loved one can get access to the care they need."
– James Balcom, chief operating officer, GEM Health Care Group Limited, operator of Melville Gardens
Quick Facts:
- Health and Wellness will increase the budget of GEM Health Care Group by $1.3 million to support staffing and operational needs
- upgrades to the rooms will take about 4-6 weeks and will include things like new tubs for assisted bathing, and ceiling and chairlifts
- government has already announced 132 new nursing homes beds are being added across Nova Scotia – Meteghan (10), New Waterford (36), North Sydney (38) and Eskasoni (48)
- there are 90 nursing homes in Nova Scotia
Additional Resources:
More information about long term care in Nova Scotia: https://novascotia.ca/dhw/ccs/long-term-care.asp