Long-term Care Consultation Planning Begins

The Department of Health is looking for long-term care solutions

• and turning to Nova Scotians for input.

A comprehensive consultation process was kicked off today, Feb. 18, by Health Minister Angus MacIsaac and will involve families, health-care professionals and administrators from across the province.

"We want to find ways to help people who need continuing care services so they can stay in their homes as long as possible," says Mr. MacIsaac. "We want to explore new ideas, new ways of supporting Nova Scotians who need care, while relieving pressure in acute care facilities."

Families and communities will be asked how they want to see long- term care delivered, today and in the years ahead. Their input about the type and mix of services will help form a provincial strategy for continuing care. The process will examine the role of home care, nursing homes, end-of-life care, health promotion, and other alternative levels of care.

"The consultations allow us to plan for long-term solutions that respond to community needs, with the most efficient use of taxpayers' dollars," said Mr. MacIsaac.

Public consultations will take place across the province beginning this spring. The continuing care branch of the Department of Health will then make recommendations to government.

The information gathered will also help the business planning process of health partners, so they are able to improve delivery of health-care services. It will follow the model established by the Senior Citizens' Secretariat during the Positive Aging in Nova Scotia consultation process. That process first defined goals and strategies and then presented a discussion paper which was debated at public sessions.

"The issues raised in the Discussion Paper for Positive Aging in Nova Scotia, and the way the public meetings were conducted, helped the task force prioritize immediate needs," said Phil Hughes, chairperson, Group of IX Seniors Organizations and a member of the task force on aging advisory committee. "They also stimulated thought and new ideas, and reignited enthusiasm about working to make sure our province can meet growing needs while protecting the dignity of aging Nova Scotians."

The Department of Health also continues to look at short-term solutions and alternative levels of continuing care that may be implemented within a year.