Supports to Help Seniors Stay in Their Homes
A new pilot program, the first of its kind in Canada, will soon help seniors in the Preston area, Kings County and on the Halifax peninsula live more independently in their homes.
The Community Aging in Place, Advancing Better Living for Elders program (CAPABLE) will pair seniors with a registered nurse, an occupational therapist and a handyperson who will work with them to identify needs in their daily activities and homes that will help them age in place.
“We know that seniors want to stay in their homes and the communities they helped to build and shape,” said Barbara Adams, Minister of Seniors and Long-Term Care. “In many cases, this can be achieved with some simple changes to their homes and day-to-day activities. By testing innovative programs like CAPABLE, we’re giving seniors back their independence.”
Program teams will work with seniors to set goals and make modifications, which could include recommending exercises to improve strength and mobility; reviewing medications; rearranging furniture; removing carpets; moving frequently used items so they are easier to reach; securing shelves; improving lighting; installing grab bars, raised toilet seats, lever faucets and lever door handles; and repairing steps and other items.
The CAPABLE pilot will be delivered by VON Nova Scotia, which will work with community organizations to identify and refer local seniors. Three hundred seniors – 100 in each area – will be able to enroll in the pilot. The program was developed by Johns Hopkins School of Nursing in Baltimore.
Applications are now open for seniors in the communities of Cherry Brook, Lake Loon, North Preston, East Preston and surrounding area. Applications are expected to open for seniors in Kings County and on the Halifax peninsula early in 2024.
To qualify, seniors must:
- be 65 or older
- have physical or mobility challenges
- 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.
Seniors can get more information and apply by calling 1-888-925-6101 or going to https://von.ca/von-care/capable
The government is investing $2 million in the CAPABLE pilot program.
Addressing the factors affecting health and well-being is part of Action for Health, the Province’s strategic plan to improve healthcare.
Quotes:
“I grew up in Cherry Brook and have family members living in North Preston, and our company has been servicing the community with property maintenance and repairs for more than 10 years. I know that having a workforce comprised of members from Preston Township is something the community prides itself on. As a handyperson in the CAPABLE program, I’ll be overseeing the workmanship and timelines, all while delivering a comfortable experience for the clients.”
– Jason Vaillancourt, CEO, Operations & Construction, The Bin Doctor Ltd.
“As an occupational therapist, I’m excited to be a part of this program because I have a passion for helping people to be able to do whatever it is they want or need to do. The structure of CAPABLE will allow our team to have consistent one-on-one time with the client to work on their functional goals and help improve their self-efficacy in daily living activities, such as taking a bath or shower safely, or improving their ability to manage meals.”
– Amanda Bradshaw, occupational therapist, VON Nova Scotia
“VON is thrilled to be partnering with the Department of Seniors and Long-Term Care and Johns Hopkins University to bring the CAPABLE program to Nova Scotia. CAPABLE’s innovative model will be a huge help for those requiring support with their independence, safety and quality of life at home.”
– Jeff Densmore, Regional Executive Director, Central and Western Zones, VON Nova Scotia
“The CAPABLE National Center is very excited that Nova Scotia sees the value of bringing CAPABLE to Nova Scotia residents, and how the CAPABLE program works with the aging population to remain in their homes safely.”
– Tricia Ford, Senior Vice-President, Operations, CAPABLE National Center
Quick Facts:
- the CAPABLE team in each of the three communities will include a nurse, an occupational therapist and roster of handy workers
- the communities were chosen so the pilot is tested in both rural and urban areas of the province
Additional Resources:
Action for Health: https://novascotia.ca/actionforhealth/