Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question, chances are someone else would like to know the answer too. On this page, you'll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Nova Scotia's Continuing Care Strategy. We'll continue to update these pages as we receive your questions and more information becomes available.
If you can't find the answers you're looking for here, please email us at continuingcarestrategy@gov.ns.ca or contact Access Nova Scotia at 1-800-670-4357 .
Questions about:
Continuing Care Services
Q) How do I access continuing care services? For instance, I want to enter a long-term care facility.
A) If you have questions about Continuing Care Services, or would like to inquire about admission into long-term care, please call toll-free 1-800-225-7225 . Out of province callers, please call 1-902-424-4288 . Care Coordinators are available to help you every day, including weekends, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Q) How long is the wait list for placement in a long-term care facility?
A) The wait for a bed in a long-term care facility is different at each facility in the province. Some have short waits (86 days), while others have waits that are too long (238 days). On average, people wait about 154 days for a bed. About 68 percent of people are placed within 6 months. 95 per cent are placed within a year.
Q) If I or one of my family members needs long-term care, can you help me?
A) If you have questions about Continuing Care Services, or would like to inquire about admission into long-term care we have a special number for that. Please call toll-free 1-800-225-7225 . (Out of province callers, please call 1-902-424-4288.) Care Coordinators are available to help you every day, including weekends, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Continuing Care Beds
Q) How did you decide where the beds will go?
A) We consultated with people on-the-ground in the nine health districts.
To understand the pressures today and to predict where the beds will be needed most in the future, we looked at a number of factors including:
- The number of people currently waiting for long-term care beds at home and in hospital
- Population trends
- How healthy seniors are around the province; and
- Current supply of and demand for services
Q) Will I have to pay more if I'm moved to a new facility?
A) No. In Nova Scotia , seniors in long-term care pay a standard accommodation rate. If you are unable to pay that rate because your income is not enough, that rate will be lowered accordingly. Each year, in November, the standard accommodation rate is revised.
Q) Will I still have to wait for a nursing home bed when these beds are ready?
A) We are confident that the beds we are building are the right number to meet our needs in the days to come. Throughout the planning process we have anticipated the future needs for long term care beds in all areas of the province.
Q) Should I get on the wait list now?
A) No, there is no need to get on the wait list now. Only those who immediately need long term care should apply for a bed now. If you do need long term care now our Continuing Care Coordinators can help you. Please call toll-free 1-800-225-7225 . (Out of province callers, please call 1-902-424-4288.) Care Coordinators are available to help you every day, including weekends, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Q) Who did you consult with?
A) We consulted with all nine District Health Authorities – who understand the pressures their facilities and districts face.
We also consulted with our continuing care staff in the districts throughout the province. They work with continuing care clients each day and understand the pressures facing communities and their residents.
We also previously consulted with almost 1,400 Nova Scotians in the development of the overall Continuing Care Strategy.
Q) Why will it take so long to build these beds?
A) Three years can seem like a while to wait. But this is a top priority and the province is pushing this process along quickly. Now that we know where the beds are going, our next step is to determine who will build them and begin construction.
Q) Who will build the beds? What is the RFP process?
A) To make sure that the process for awarding these beds is fair and reasonable we are issuing a Request For Proposal. The respondents need time to draft their proposals and the department must then evaluate which proposals offer Nova Scotians the best value. For those that are awarded beds, they will then need to purchase land, and construct the facilities.
The request for proposal process for the 832 new long-term care beds is there to ensure fairness. It will be issued in two parts.
Part 1 will be released in April 2007 and will outline:
- The overall process
- The location and types of beds
- Details of the selection process
- Response requirements
Part 2 will be released in May2007 and will outline:
- Space, design and program requirements for the facilities
- Program and financial proposal requirements
Q) When will we know the results of the RFP?
A) RFPs are expected to be received by June 2007. Evaluation of the proposals will take place throughout summer and fall of 2007.
Q) Who will select the successful RFP submissions for the 832 new beds?
A) A committee of representatives from the Department of Health will evaluate and grade the RFP submissions. That will determine which RFPs are successful. An external procurement consultant will oversee and facilitate the evaluation process.
Q) How much is this costing?
A) Once the new beds are ready they will cost the province $79 million annually.