Province Ensures Funding Available for Long-Term Care Construction, Renovations

The Province is taking action to make sure funding is available to build or renovate 24 long-term care facilities across the province and build 500 rooms in Halifax Regional Municipality.

In the coming years, the government will borrow up to $1.8 billion to provide financing for these projects, which are part of 27 approved projects that will create or improve more than 2,800 beds. The three remaining projects already have funding in place.

“Making sure Nova Scotians have the peace of mind they deserve by being able to access long-term care when they need it will require one of the largest investments in this province’s history,” said Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Barbara Adams. “Putting this funding in place allows construction to proceed without delay.”

The 27 approved long-term care projects are at various stages of development and the first facilities will open in 2023.

Investing in long-term care facilities is another step in the Province’s plan to provide additional support to the continuing care sector. The construction and renovation projects generate billions of dollars of economic impact across the province. These investments will also create thousands of jobs in engineering, construction and healthcare.

NOTE: This release was updated May 11 to to clarify the number of long-term care facilities that are included in the funding.

Quotes:

“Northwood and Shoreham Village are so pleased with the government’s commitment to build new and renovate existing long-term care facilities. Long-term care is home for thousands of Nova Scotians. It is essential that these facilities are safe, vibrant and have a home-like atmosphere, reflecting the dignity and respect that our seniors deserve.”

– Janet Simm, President and CEO, Northwood

Quick Facts:

• as of April 20, there were 1,946 people on the long-term care waitlist, including 283 waiting in hospital
• there are currently 8,070 long-term care spaces in Nova Scotia
• more than 21 per cent of Nova Scotia’s population is over 65 years old, the third-highest percentage in the country

Additional Resources:

Action for Health, a strategic plan to address recent and long-standing problems in acute and primary care, long-term care, addictions and mental health: https://novascotia.ca/actionforhealth/

News release – Investments to Attract, Retain Continuing Care Workers, Add More Beds: https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20211208001

News release – Better Wages for Continuing Care Assistants: https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20220209006

Mandate letter of the Minister of Seniors and Long-Term Care: https://novascotia.ca/exec_council/letters-2021/ministerial-mandate-letter-2021-SLTC.pdf