Province announces $29 million investment for continuing care system

$8.1 million of that will be used to hire more long-term care assistants

CITYnews halifax \ Meghan Groff

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The province has announced a $28.9 million investment for the continuing care system.

According to a news release from the Department of  Seniors and Long-term Care, $8.1 million of that will be used to hire more long-term care assistants.

Another $2 million will go towards a pilot program called Capable, which will partner a nurse, occupational therapist and handyperson to help seniors live more independently. It is expected to serve around 300 clients in the next year.

The president and CEO of Northwood said she’s thrilled with the announcement.

“These investments will support home-care providers to be more responsive to our clients in the community and will assist individuals to remain comfortable and safe in their own homes,” said Janet Simm.

“It will also allow us to continue to provide safe and quality care to those individuals who call long-term care home.”

There will also be funding for infection control, emergency preparedness, wound-care and a Red Cross bed loan program.

“Across Nova Scotia, our team provides hospital-style beds and related products like specialized mattresses for thousands of people each year who are recovering at home from surgery, illness or injury, or are receiving palliative care,” explained the senior director of community health for the Atlantic Canadian Red Cross, Chris Baert-Wilson.

“This generous contribution will allow a substantial increase in our inventory, which in turn means many more Nova Scotians and their caregivers will benefit from this program and have access to key resources necessary for their safety and comfort.”

Here’s a breakdown of the funding:

• $8.1 million to long-term care facilities to help address staffing issues through hiring long-term care assistants
• $5.1 million to address outstanding capital funding requests and emergency repairs
• $4.6 million for infection control in facilities
• $4.5 million in clinical administration support for long-term care facilities
• $2 million for the Capable pilot program to help seniors develop plans to improve health and independence
• $2 million provided to Health Association Nova Scotia to continue a successful wound-care program
• $750,000 for home care safety equipment
• $500,000 for emergency preparedness
• $500,000 to the Red Cross for the bed loan program
• $500,000 for business continuity planning for home-care agencies
• $360,000 to modernize home-care administration