Nova Scotia is investing $96.5 million in new long-term care beds and facilities, with plans to renovate, repair or replace aging infrastructure across the province.
As part of a multi-year plan, the province will add 264 new beds in the central health zone and replace 1,298 beds at 14 nursing homes and three residential care facilities. The first project is expected to be completed by 2026-27.
Of the 17 facilities, a few include: Harbourview Haven in Lunenburg; Melville Lodge in Halifax; Carefield Manor in Sydney; and the 45-year-old Roseway Manor in Shelburne.
“A new, modern home will provide great benefits for all who live and work at here,” said Roseway Manor Administrator Nancy Jones. “Our communities are celebrating with us, knowing their loved ones can now live and be cared for with dignity and respect in a beautiful, inviting, modern home.”
The province allocated $615,000 to procure bed vacancy management and infrastructure management systems, $405,000 to assess facilities that are more than 25 years old, and $792,000 to hire nine permanent full-time employees to oversee and support the projects.
Facilities will be built, repaired or renovated according to space and design standards that put the needs of residents first, with private bedrooms and washrooms, and more focus on infection prevention and control. They will also include workplace safety elements like ceiling lifts to ensure staff are supported to safely provide the best quality care.
Previous long-term care commitments were announced in January when the government declared funding for 236 new long-term care beds, the replacement or renovation of seven long-term care facilities, and an increase to the annual budget for capital repairs and equipment upgrades available to all long-term care facilities.
“These are more than bricks and mortar facilities – they are people’s homes and we respect that,” said Premier Iain Rankin. “This support will help rejuvenate the sector, ensuring our loved ones are well cared for today and into the future.”
