Anyone who wants to provide 24-hour personal or supervisory care (but without professional nursing care) for 3 or more people (usually 65 years of age or older) who are ambulatory or semi-ambulatory, in any building or place, or part of a building or place in Nova Scotia.

When Home Care does not meet the needs of a person and nursing home care is not required, a residential care facility may be the solution. Residential care facilities provide people with personal care, supervision and accommodation in a safe and supportive environment. (People living in residential care facilities must have the ability to self-evacuate in the event of an emergency.)

Homes for Special Care Act and Regulations can be obtained from the N.S. Department of Health and Wellness.

The proposal must be approved by the N.S. Minister of Health before proceeding.

There is a site visit as part of this process.

If all requirements are met and the application is approved, the licence will be sent to the applicant by mail.

The licensing of new beds is awarded through RFP process.

1. Food Establishment Permit, N.S. Department of Agriculture;
   
2. Building Plans Approval, Department of Municipal Affairs: Office of the Fire Marshal; and the N.S. Department of Health and Wellness;
   
3. Homes for Special Care: Approval and Licence, Department of Community Services;
   
4. Municipal Zoning Bylaws (if applicable);
   
5. Wastewater or Water Treatment Plant or Collection Facility & Wastewater or Water Treatment Plant or Distribution Facility: Operator Certification, Nova Scotia Environment;
   
6. Water Approval: Water Allocation, Nova Scotia Environment
   
7. Electrical Wiring Permit, Labour and Advanced Education;
   
8. Elevator / Lift Licence (Initial or Renewal), Labour and Advanced Education.
   
9. Cosmetology Licence of Nova Scotia;
   
10. Municipal Building Permit;
    
11. Municipal Occupancy Permit

• The number of beds required in a region will influence whether a licence is granted.
  
• A copy of the Homes for Special Care Act and Regulations provides outlines for the provision of information required by the N.S. Minister of Health and Wellness.
  
• Some Homes for Special Care fall under the jurisdiction of the N.S. Department of Community Services, but three particular types, namely Homes for the Aged, Nursing Homes and Residential Care Facilities (Seniors), fall under the jurisdiction of the N.S. Department of Health and Wellness.