New pilot program from N.S. government allows seniors to stay at home

By CityNews Halifax Staff

Nova Scotia has announced a new pilot project that aims to assist seniors stay in ther own homes longer.

The program, called the Community Aging in Place, Advancing Better Living for Elders program (or CAPABLE for short) is open to people 65 years or older with physical or mobility challenges.

CAPABLE will pair seniors with a registered nurse, an occupational therapist and a handyperson to set goals and making necessary modifications to allow them to stay in their homes longer.

In what the province called the first of its kind in Canada, the program will be delivered by Von Nova Scotia to about 300 seniors right out of the gate with expansion coming soon in 2024.

Applicants in Cherry Brook, Lake Loon, East and North Preston and surrounding area can now apply for the pilot, with seniors soon eligible on the peninsula and in King’s County in the new year.

“As an occupational therapist, I’m excited to be a part of this program because I have a passion for helping people to be able to do whatever it is they want or need to do,” says Von Nova Scotia’s Amanda Bradshaw in a release.

“The structure of CAPABLE will allow our team to have consistent one-on-one time with the client to work on their functional goals and help improve their self-efficacy in daily living activities, such as taking a bath or shower safely, or improving their ability to manage meals.”