Programs for Seniors Transferred to Health Department

All continuing care programs and services for seniors will soon be located within one department, making the system more user-friendly and responsive.

The transfer of these programs to the Department of Health from the Department of Community Services will help ensure seniors are provided with the right service at the right time in the right place at the right cost.

"Transferring programs and services for seniors to the Department of Health puts the province in a much better position to meet the needs of Nova Scotians. It will be much easier for seniors and their families who are no doubt often frustrated by the current complexity of the system," said Health Minister Jamie Muir.

"We promised to make programs for seniors more accessible and more user-friendly, and we're doing that," Mr. Muir said. "We also promised to integrate programs so that appropriate and early interventions not only provide better care for seniors, but also prevent unnecessary costs to the system. These are the kinds of fundamental changes that will make health care sustainable for seniors, and Nova Scotians of all ages."

The Department of Health will assume responsibility for: 33 residential care facilities (690 beds); 31 community residences (63 seniors); 54 small option homes (117 seniors); Adult Protection Services; administration of the Adult In-Home Support Program; intake, placement and case management of clients in homes for the aged and licensed nursing homes; and the Senior Citizens' Secretariat.

Those facilities under the Department of Community Services providing support to people other than seniors will remain with Community Services.

"We are able to move quickly on the transfer because of the tremendous co-operation with the continuing care sector," said Peter Christie, Minister of Community Services.

The transfer is expected to be completed by April 1, 2000.

The chair of the Senior Citizens' Secretariat will also transfer from the Minister of Community Services to the Minister of Health.

"This is the logical step to take," Mr. Christie said. "The chair of the Secretariat should be with the department that has the majority of programs and services for seniors in Nova Scotia."

A transition committee has been set up with representatives from both departments to help co-ordinate the transfer. Staff and budget allocated for seniors' programs and services will be transferred.