Minister Launches Adult Day Program
Nova Scotians now have more spaces to enhance the wellness of people older than 50 who have had a stroke, are living with Parkinson's disease or are physically frail, with the opening of a new adult day centre in Halifax today, Oct. 1.
The centre provides programs and services that address physical, emotional, social and spiritual wellness. It operates Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is on Bayers Road in Halifax.
Increasing adult day program spaces is part of the Department of Health's continuing-care strategy, a 10-year plan released in 2006. The strategy aims to create a system that supports Nova Scotians in their desire to live well in a place they can call home.
Because of pressures in acute care, long-term care and home care, the Department of Health agreed to support interim adult day programs through provincial district health authorities. The province budgeted $2-million to help set up or expand adult day programs across Nova Scotia. The initiative is not meant to replace existing programs, but to build on successes and expand to other communities.
"A successful partnership like this shows what can be done when different levels of the health-care system work together with a common goal – meeting the needs of the citizens we serve," said Health Minister Chris d'Entremont.
The need for an adult day program in the Halifax area was brought forward by the Chebucto West Community Health Board. Capital Health, which is working to offer more community-based services that address health and wellness needs identified by residents, partnered with Northwood to provide the service.
"The adult day centre signals a new direction in health care for Capital Health, one that reflects us working with friends and neighbours to identify and address the social conditions that affect well-being in our broader community," said Chris Power, president and CEO, Capital Health. "We believe that citizen participation, a holistic view of health, and partnership -- all of which have come together to open the adult day centre -- are critical elements to transforming health care."
Northwood is a pioneer in the field of adult day programming, and was the first organization in Nova Scotia to start an adult day program, 30 years ago.