Continuing Care Organizations and Programs
The continuing care sector represents a significant and integral component of Nova Scotia’s health system. The term, continuing care is used to describe a range of health-related services and programs that are offered outside of the hospital setting, either on a long-term or short-term basis. Continuing Care programs and services help people to maximize their independence, promote their health and well-being, sustain or enhance their quality of life, and support families to meet the ongoing care needs of their loved ones. People of all ages and circumstances access these services, depending on their identified needs. Sometimes this means receiving residential-based care and support or accessing services within the home. The ultimate goal is to help people live their lives to the fullest in the place they call home.
There are a wide range of organizations involved in the delivery of continuing care. Some receive funding from the Department of Health while others operate under the jurisdiction of the Department of Community Services. Continuing care organizations include nursing homes, homes for the aged, home care organizations (home support agencies and visiting nursing), residential care facilities, adult residential centres, regional rehabilitation centres, and community-based options including group homes and small option homes.
Generally, continuing care organizations can be categorized under one of three broad headings. These are long term care, home care, and services for persons with disabilities. For example:
Nursing homes and homes for the aged provide long term care services. These facilities provide accommodation, personal care and professional nursing care to persons who require a high level of care on a 24/7 basis. Moreover, as part of a holistic approach to care, nursing homes offer a number of other programs and supports, such as spiritual care, nutrition services, and recreation therapy.
Home care organizations provide an array of services primarily to people in their homes, helping them to live independently within their communities to the greatest extent possible. Examples of home support services include assistance with personal care and other activities of daily living, such as light housekeeping and meal preparation. Examples of visiting nursing services include dressing changes, intravenous therapy or foot care.
Adult Residential Centres (ARCs) and Regional Rehabilitation Centres (RRCs), are two examples of continuing care organizations that provide services for persons with intellectual and/or physical disabilities, or long-term mental illness. In partnership with clients, families and communities, ARCs and RRCs provide supportive living, learning and working environments for their clients. Clients of ARCs/RRCs generally have complex needs and require access to a continuum of programs and services that are responsive to those needs. The aim is to help them promote their well-being and independence, reach their potential and enjoy improved quality of life.
More information regarding continuing care programs and services can be found by visiting the following websites:
http://www.gov.ns.ca/health/ccs/ ( Long term care and Home care)
or
http://www.gov.ns.ca/coms/ ( Services for Persons with Disabilities)