Frequently Asked Questions
General FAQs
- What is the Difference Between Retirement Living, Assisted Living, and Nursing Care?
Retirement Living
Retirement Living at MacLeod Cares is designed for those making a lifestyle choice to move into their own private suite within a socially-active and independent community. As the “entry-level” into facility-based services for seniors, our Retirement Living suites allow residents to continue to live independently with the option to access support services including meals, housekeeping and laundry. Also referred to as Independent Living in some provinces, this “Level 1” care is not eligible for government subsidization.
Assisted Living
Residential Care (Nova Scotia), Special Care (New Brunswick), and Community Care (Prince Edward Island) all fall under the umbrella of Assisted Living. Assisted Living at MacLeod Cares is designed for those who are still able to live somewhat independently provided they have ongoing support for daily tasks such as meals and housekeeping; as well as assistance with grooming, hygiene and medication administration. Assisted Living residents live in their own government-subsidized suite within our facility and receive 24-hr supervision by our care team. It’s the recommended option for those who can no longer safely live alone or with family/home care support.
Nursing Care
Nursing Care at MacLeod Cares offers the highest level of care provided outside of a hospital. Residents live in a Nursing Home where care is provided on a 24-hour basis under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. Nursing Care residents will receive assistance with grooming, hygiene and medication administration; as well as accommodation, meals, security, laundry, housekeeping and activities.
- How Do I Find the Right Retirement Residence?
Choosing a Retirement Residence is a personal decision. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you find the right fit:
Choose Your Preferred Location
Do you want to stay close to family or move closer to a specific town? Would you enjoy starting fresh in a new community?Know Your Priorities
What matters most to you? Consider lifestyle features like meal plans or walking trails, medical support, types of suites, or community culture.Schedule In-Person Tours
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, book a tour. Use this checklist while visiting:- View suites and shared spaces
- Learn about wellness and recreation programs
- Speak with current residents about their experiences
- Observe how staff interact with residents
- Check proximity to local amenities like hospitals, churches, and shops
- Ask about transportation services
- Pick up a brochure or take notes for follow-up questions
MacLeod Cares offers Retirement Living Residences in:
Nova Scotia: Windsor & Baddeck
New Brunswick: Woodstock
Prince Edward Island: Crapaud
- Am I Ready for Assisted Living?
If you’re asking yourself this question, you’re not alone, and it’s a good sign you’re thoughtfully considering what’s best for your future well-being. Here are some questions to help guide your decision:
- Do you sometimes feel unsafe, isolated, or lonely living alone?
- Have home maintenance tasks like snow shoveling or yard work become physically taxing?
- Are you able to enjoy your hobbies and social activities as often as you’d like?
- Are you concerned about your health, nutrition, or ability to manage medications?
- Is it important to you to have access to more care if your needs change over time?
If you answered “yes” to any of these, an Assisted Living residence may offer the safety, comfort, and support you need while preserving your independence and lifestyle.
MacLeod Cares offers Assisted Living options in:
Nova Scotia: Port Hawkesbury
New Brunswick: Woodstock & Fredericton
Prince Edward Island: Crapaud & Kensington
- What Services Are Included in Nursing Care?
In long-term care settings, many essential services are included in your accommodation fee. These typically include:
- 24-hour nursing and personal care
- Medication administration
- Assistance with daily living (eating, bathing, dressing, etc.)
- Physician services and pharmacy support
- Laboratory testing and dietetic services
- Supplies and equipment for personal hygiene and grooming
- Meals and snacks, catering to special and therapeutic diets and dietary supplements
- Housekeeping and laundry
- Recreational, social, and spiritual programming
- Room furnishings and linens
For details specific to your province, visit your regional health authority website.
Nova Scotia Government Website
- What Services Are Optional or Available for a Fee?
MacLeod Cares offers additional services designed to enhance your comfort and quality of life. These are typically offered on a fee-for-service basis and may include:
- Transportation to off-site medical appointments
- Administration and co-pay of prescription drugs not covered under the Pharmacare program
- Massage therapy services
- Physiotherapy or occupational therapy (insured services may be available)
- Dental, vision, and hearing care
- Specialty mobility equipment
- Hairdressing services
- Cable TV, telephone, and internet
Our team can help you arrange these services and set up automatic billing if desired.
- Is There a Trial Stay or Short-Term Option Available?
Short-term stays are available in our Retirement Living residences, depending on availability.
These flexible options are perfect for those looking to try out retirement living, recover after a hospital stay, or simply enjoy a break from the responsibilities of home ownership. Seasonal stays are especially popular — many residents choose to join us during the winter months to avoid isolation and household chores like snow shoveling.To learn more about availability and what’s included, please contact your preferred MacLeod Cares location.
- Who Owns MacLeod Cares?
MacLeod Cares homes are owned by MacLeod Group. Founded in 1984 by Brian MacLeod and his family, our founders’ vision is to provide the highest standard of care with the feeling of home. Today, we own and operate homes in 14 communities across the Maritimes and care for over 850 seniors with a dedicated staff of over 1,200 people.
Nova Scotia-Specific FAQs
- What Types of Senior Care Are Available in Nova Scotia?
In Nova Scotia, there are two main types of long-term care, Residential Care and Nursing Care.
Both are licensed and funded by the Department of Seniors and Long-Term Care and support individuals who need ongoing assistance, whether for a long-term basis (permanent placement) or short-term respite care.
Residential Care (Level 2)
Residential Care is designed for individuals whose needs can no longer be met through Home Care, but who do not yet require the higher level of support provided in a Nursing Home. Residential Care Facilities provide personal care, supervision, and accommodations in a safe and supportive environment. People living in Residential Care Facilities must have the ability to self-evacuate in the event of an emergency.
Nursing Care (Level 3)
Nursing Care is for individuals who need more intensive daily support with tasks like bathing, dressing, and toileting. This level of care is suited for people who are medically stable but have nursing or personal care needs that go beyond what Home Care or Residential Care can provide.
Eight MacLeod Cares homes in Nova Scotia offer Nursing Care. MacLeod Cares Port Hawkesbury Nursing Home offers Nursing Care, as well as Residential Care within the same facility.
- How Do I Know What Type of Care I Need and Start the Application Process in Nova Scotia?
To determine the type of care needed and to begin the application process, please contact Continuing Care, toll-free at 1-800-225-7225 to arrange a meeting with a Care Coordinator.
The Nova Scotia Continuing Care website has helpful resources on this topic.
- What Services Do Residential Care Facilities and Nursing Care Homes Provide?
Residential Care Facilities support individuals who need help with daily routines but do not require 24-hour nursing care. Continuing Care Assistants are available on site at all times and provide assistance with personal care such as bathing, dressing, and reminders about daily routines.
Nursing Homes offer a higher level of care for individuals who have complex medical needs or require more intensive daily support. Continuing Care Assistants and Licensed Practical Nurses provide nursing and personal care on a 24-hour basis under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. Individuals can also access physiotherapists and occupational therapists, as well as recreational and therapeutic activities.
For both Residential Care Facilities and Nursing Homes, our staff administer all medications for residents. Our facilities have medical advisors, but residents may continue to visit their family doctor. Residents have private bedrooms or share with one other person, and common spaces include dining and living areas, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces. Residents are served three meals per day and snacks. Menus consider residents’ preferences, can accommodate special diets, and follow Canada’s Food Guide.
- What Does it Cost to Live in a Residential Care Facility or Nursing Care Home?
Residential Care or Nursing Care costs are shared by the resident and the provincial government. The Department of Seniors and Long-Term Care pays for health care costs and the resident pays for accommodation costs and personal expenses.
The Department of Seniors and Long-Term Care sets standard accommodation charges annually. Those who are able to pay the full standard accommodation charge are not required to complete a financial assessment. Those who cannot pay the standard accommodation charge can apply to have their rate reduced through an income based financial assessment.
The Nova Scotia Continuing Care website has helpful resources on this topic.
- What Are the Requirements Upon Admission to a Care Home in Nova Scotia?
1. Payment of Room and Board Charges
You will be asked to pay for the current month’s accommodation charges, calculated from the day of admission to the end of that month. After admission, monthly charges will be paid in advance through automatic debit on the first banking day of each month. To set this up, please provide a void cheque for the resident’s bank account.
2. Personal Use Account (PUA)
A Personal Use Account can be set up to cover small incidental purchases for the resident (such as snacks, haircuts, or other personal items). This account can be funded with any amount the family chooses.
If the family is managing the resident’s day-to-day spending independently, a PUA is not required.
3. Required Documents
A photocopy of any Power of Attorney documents and Personal Directives related to healthcare decisions.
The resident’s Provincial Health Card, which will be retained by the care facility.- Are Residential Care Facilities and Nursing Care Homes Inspected by the Nova Scotia Government?
Yes. MacLeod Cares facilities operate under a license issued by the Nova Scotia Department of Seniors and Long-Term Care.
Licensing decisions are based on regular inspections, which ensure that each facility complies with provincial laws and care standards. These inspections are guided by the:
- Homes for Special Care Act
- Homes for Special Care Regulations
- Protection for Persons in Care Act
Inspection reports are public documents and can be viewed online through the Nova Scotia government’s website.
New Brunswick-Specific FAQs
- What Types of Senior Care Are Available in New Brunswick?
In New Brunswick, MacLeod Cares operates two types of long-term care, Special Care and Memory Care.
Both are licensed and funded by the Department of Social Development and support individuals who need ongoing assistance, whether for a long-term basis (permanent placement) or short-term respite care.
Special Care (Level 2)
Special Care is designed for individuals in fair health who are capable of walking or using a wheelchair with some assistance, and who do not require 24-hour nursing care. Special Care Facilities provide personal care, supervision, and accommodations in a safe and supportive environment.
Memory Care (Level 3B)
Memory Care is designed to support individuals in the later stages of dementia. Memory Care Homes have higher staff-to-resident ratios and provide assistance with bathing, dressing, eating meals, and other daily activities. Because Memory Care Homes are specifically designed for people living with dementia, common features include single-floor accessibility, secure facilities, a maximum of 18 residents per unit, and a fenced in courtyard.
MacLeod Cares does not operate any Nursing Care Homes (Level 3A) in New Brunswick at this time.
- How Do I Know What Type of Care I Need and Start the Application Process in New Brunswick?
To determine the type of care needed, you may use the Social Supports NB pre-screening form, online. This simple form takes 5 to 10 minutes to complete and will guide you to the most appropriate type of care. Alternatively, you may call the Department of Social Development at 1-833-733-7835 Monday to Friday, between 8:15 AM and 4:30 PM, and someone will assist you.
The New Brunswick Department of Social Development manages placement in Memory Care homes. A single point of entry is used to determine and set priority for access to all Memory Care homes and beds.
The Social Supports NB website has helpful resources on this topic.
- What Services Do Special Care Facilities or Memory Care Homes Provide?
Special Care Facilities and Memory Care Homes both provide 24-hour support with daily activities such as dressing, bathing, and toileting. Trained staff administer all medications, and residents are encouraged to take part in a variety of social and recreational programs. Each day, residents enjoy three nutritious meals and snacks, all prepared with individual dietary needs and preferences in mind, and aligned with Canada’s Food Guide.
Memory Care Homes offer additional support specifically for individuals living with dementia. These homes feature a higher staff-to-resident ratio to allow for more hands-on assistance, enhanced supervision, and effective behavioral support. They are also secure, single-level environments with features like fenced-in courtyards to ensure safety while promoting independence.
- What Does it Cost to Live in a Special Care Facility or Memory Care Home?
If you are seeking government subsidization, the amount you pay for services is determined prior to admission through a financial assessment process conducted by the provincial Department of Social Development. This assessment considers your household income and the total cost of services.
The Social Supports NB website has helpful resources on this topic.
- What Are the Financial Requirements Upon Admission to a Care Home in New Brunswick?
1. Payment of Room and Board Charges
You will be asked to pay for the current month’s accommodation charges, calculated from the day of admission to the end of that month. After admission, monthly charges will be paid in advance through automatic debit on the first banking day of each month. To set this up, please provide a void cheque for the resident’s bank account.
2. Required Documents
A photocopy of any Power of Attorney documents and Personal Directives related to healthcare decisions.
The resident’s Provincial Health Card, which will be retained by the care facility.- Are Special Care Facilities and Memory Care Homes Inspected by the New Brunswick Government?
Yes. MacLeod Cares facilities operate under a license issued by the New Brunswick Department of Social Development.
Licensing decisions are based on regular inspections, which ensure that each facility complies with provincial laws and care standards. These inspections are guided by the:
- Family Services Act
- Community Placement Residential Facilities Regulation
- Standards and Procedures for Ault Residential Facilities
Inspection reports are public documents and can be viewed online through the New Brunswick government’s website.
PEI Specific-FAQs
- What Types of Senior Care Are Available in Prince Edward Island?
In Prince Edward Island, there are two main types of long-term care, Community Care and Nursing Care.
Both are licensed and funded by the Department of Health and Wellness and support individuals who need ongoing assistance, whether for a long-term basis (permanent placement) or short-term respite care.
Community Care (Levels 2 or 3)
Community Care is designed for individuals in fair health who would benefit from assistance with daily tasks but do not require 24-hour nursing care. Community Care Facilities provide personal care, supervision, and accommodations in a safe and supportive environment.
Nursing Care (Levels 4 or 5)
Nursing Care is for individuals who need more intensive daily support with tasks like bathing, dressing, and toileting. This level of care is suited for people who are medically stable but have nursing or personal care needs that go beyond what Home Care or Residential Care can provide.
- How Do I Know What Type of Care I Need and Start the Application Process in Prince Edward Island?
To determine the type of care needed and to begin the application process, please contact Long-Term Care by calling (902) 368-6130 or speak to your doctor.
- What Services Do Community Care Facilities or Nursing Care Homes Provide?
Community Care Facilities support individuals who need help with daily routines but do not require 24-hour nursing care. Resident Care Workers are available on site at all times and provide assistance with personal care such as bathing, dressing, and reminders about daily routines.
Nursing Care Homes offer a higher level of care for individuals who have complex medical needs or require more intensive daily support. Resident Care Workers and Licensed Practical Nurses provide nursing and personal care on a 24-hour basis under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. Individuals can also access physiotherapists and occupational therapists, as well as recreational and therapeutic activities.
For both Residential Care Facilities and Nursing Homes, our staff administer all medications for residents. Our facilities have medical advisors, but residents may continue to visit their family doctor. Residents have private bedrooms or share with one other person, and common spaces include dining and living areas, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces. Residents are served three meals per day and snacks. Menus consider residents’ preferences, can accommodate special diets, and follow Canada’s Food Guide.
Our MacLeod Cares PEI facilities both offer Community Care and Nursing Care, allowing Community Care residents access to medical attention in special circumstances.
- What Does it Cost to Live in a Community Care Facility or Nursing Care Home?
Long-Term Care costs are share by the resident and the provincial government. Health PEI pays for health care costs and the resident pays for accommodation costs and personal expenses.
The Department of Health and Wellness sets standard accommodation charges annually. Those who are able to pay the full standard accommodation charge are not required to complete a financial assessment. Those who cannot pay the standard accommodation charge can apply to have their rate reduced through an income based financial assessment.
- What Are the Financial Requirements Upon Admission to a Care Home in Prince Edward Island?
1. Payment of Room and Board Charges
You will be asked to pay for the current month’s accommodation charges, calculated from the day of admission to the end of that month. After admission, monthly charges will be paid in advance through automatic debit on the first banking day of each month. To set this up, please provide a void cheque for the resident’s bank account.
2. Comfort Fund
A Comfort Fund can be set up to cover small incidental purchases for the resident (such as snacks, haircuts, or other personal items). This account can be funded with any amount the family chooses.
If the family is managing the resident’s day-to-day spending independently, a Comfort Fund is not required.
3. Required Documents
A photocopy of any Power of Attorney documents and Personal Directives related to healthcare decisions.
The resident’s Provincial Health Card, which will be retained by the care facility.- Are Community Care Facilities and Long-Term Care Homes Inspected by the Prince Edward Island Government?
Yes. MacLeod Cares facilities operate under a license issued by the Prince Edward Island Community Care Facilities and Nursing Homes Board.
Licensing decisions are based on regular inspections, which ensure that each facility complies with provincial laws and care standard. These inspections are guided by the:
- The Community Care Facilities and Nursing Homes Act
- Nursing Homes Regulations
- Operational and Care Service Standards for Private Nursing Homes
- Applicable Board policies
Inspection reports are public documents and can be viewed online through the Prince Edward Island government’s website.