More seniors in Halifax Regional Municipality will soon have access to a new program that helps them live safely and independently at home

**** CNS Media Release

Teams Help Halifax Seniors to Stay in Their Homes

More seniors in Halifax Regional Municipality will soon have access to a new program that helps them live safely and independently at home.

The Community Aging in Place, Advancing Better Living for Elders (CAPABLE) pilot program is expanding to Spryfield, Herring Cove, Clayton Park West and downtown Halifax.

“Making day-to-day life and homes safer for seniors will help provide some peace of mind for them, their caregivers and loved ones,” said Barbara Adams, Minister of Seniors and Long-Term Care. “Through this program, we’re bringing care and support into the homes of seniors in these communities – and bringing more independence to their lives.”

The program pairs eligible seniors with a nurse, occupational therapist and handyperson to help make changes to their daily activities and homes.

These teams can review the person’s medications and assess their pain and mobility to see what changes or improvements may be possible or if there are goals the person wants to work on. They then offer recommendations and options, which may include:

– communicating with the person’s healthcare team about options to modify medications, if appropriate

– sharing new skills and exercises

– making minor changes in the home to improve safety and accessibility, such as lowering shelves, rearranging furniture, improving lighting and installing grab bars.

To qualify for the program, people must be 65 or older, have physical or mobility challenges and have a net income of $85,000 or less or receive income assistance, the Province’s heating assistance rebate or the guaranteed income supplement from Service Canada.

Applications can be made beginning on Monday, February 26, by calling 1-888-925-6101 or online at: https://von.ca/von-care/capable

Addressing the factors affecting health and well-being is part of Action for Health, the Province’s strategic plan to improve healthcare.

Quotes:

“This program has opened doors for me because I am starting to think about my future more and taking measures to support my health so that I can stay in my home and community, where I’m most comfortable. I love this program and that it’s being made available to more people so they can remain in their own homes and keep their independence for as long as possible.”
— Mady Howe, CAPABLE client in East Preston

“CAPABLE is such a unique program for seniors in Nova Scotia. As a registered nurse, it’s so exciting to be involved in such an innovative program that leverages practical solutions to improve independence and health for our seniors.”
— Donna Bueltel, registered nurse, VON Greater Halifax

“There’s been significant interest and enthusiasm for CAPABLE since it launched in Preston Township and Kings County. We are hearing from clients that even after initial visits they already see improvements in their safety and independence at home.”
— Jeff Densmore, Associate Vice-President, Home and Community Care, VON Nova Scotia

Quick Facts:
– CAPABLE is currently available in Kings County and the communities of Cherry Brook, Lake Loon, North Preston, East Preston and the surrounding area
– Nova Scotia is the first jurisdiction in Canada to pilot the program
– the program is available to 300 seniors across all communities
– the Province is investing $2 million in the program
– VON Nova Scotia is delivering the pilot

Additional Resources:

News release – Support to Help Kings County Seniors Stay in their Homes: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2024/01/29/support-help-kings-county-seniors-stay-their-homes

News release – Supports to Help Seniors Stay in Their Homes: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2023/12/18/supports-help-seniors-stay-their-homes