Policy/Program Name
	Long Term Care
Jurisdiction
	Nova Scotia
Agency Responsible for the Policy/Program
	Department of Health
Policy/Program Purpose
	Through the Long Term Care program, the Department of Health provides housing and care for eligible seniors in nursing homes or homes for the aged. Some homes admit adults under 65 years of age, one home admits children. Nursing homes are all independently operated. There are three types of Nursing Homes: private homes operated for-profit, private homes operated not-for-profit, and municipally operated homes. The Provincial Government's involvement in Nursing Homes includes inspecting and licensing the Homes to ensure safety and care standards are met, setting budgets and per diem rates for nursing homes, and developing and administering laws and policies related to nursing homes. Long Term Care is not an insured service, therefore, all residents are expected to pay the full costs of their housing and care if they have the means to do so. For those who are eligible for care and cannot pay the full costs, financial assistance is available through the Long Term Care program.
Benefits and Services
	There are almost 6,000 nursing home beds in 70 nursing homes across the province. These facilities range in size from 8 beds to 538 beds. Most homes have private or semi-private rooms. Every home has a Registered Nurse on site at all times. Housekeeping, meals, activity programs, spiritual services, personal care, nursing care, and visiting physician services are available in each home. Some homes provide other services such as respite care, adult day programs, and outreach services to the elderly residing in the community at large.
Contact Information
	Karen Campbell Secretary, Long Term Care Department of Health PO Box 488 Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 2R8 Phone: 902-424-5701 Fax: 902-424-0558 Email: campbekl@gov.ns.ca
Hyperlink (Link to a Related Website)
	www.gov.ns.ca/health/ccs
Relevant Authority for the Policy/Program
	www.gov.ns.ca/health
Target Group for this Policy/Program
	All nursing homes provide Level 1 and Level 2 care: - Level 1 - assistance and/or supervision of activities of daily living, e.g. dressing, eating, and toiletting - Level 2 - entails nursing care and/or nursing supervision If the applicant is capable of paying the full costs of their care and housing for at least 18 months, and the home is satisfied that the applicant is in need of a nursing home, then the home is permitted to admit the applicant directly. If the applicant will require financial assistance, then he/she must be assessed by a Department of Community Services Case Worker. The Case Worker conducts an assessment of the applicant's care and financial needs. If the Classification Officers located in the Department of Health are satisfied that the applicant has sufficient care needs to warrant nursing home admission, and the applicant is confirmed to be eligible for financial assistance, then the Case Worker coordinates a nursing home admission.

Benefits and Services
Age at which Benefits are Terminated
	0.00
This record was last reviewed:
2004-01-05