To apply for residency in a Residential Care Facility or a Nursing Home, contact Continuing Care, toll-free at 1-800-225-7225 to find out about the application process, to arrange for a Care Coordinator to assess your care needs, and to identify the best method of having your needs met.

Long-Term Care facilities are licensed and funded by the Department of Health and Wellness to provide services for people who need ongoing care; either on a long-term basis (permanent placement) or a short-term basis (respite care).

There are two types of Long-Term Care available in Nova Scotia:

• Residential Care Facilities

  (Residential Care, Level 2)

• Nursing Homes

  (Nursing Care, Level 3)

All seven MacLeod Cares homes in Nova Scotia offer Nursing Care. Four locations also offer Residential Care within the same facility.

When Home Care does not meet the needs of a person and Nursing Home care is not required, a Residential Care Facility may be the solution. Residential Care Facilities provide people with personal care, supervision and accommodation 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 Homes are important options for people who have difficulty performing everyday tasks such as dressing, bathing and toileting. Nursing Home placement is appropriate for people who are medically stable but have nursing needs that cannot be met through Home Care.

Residential Care Facilities provide assistance with personal care such as, bathing and dressing, and reminders about daily routines. Personal care and supervision are provided by Residential Care Workers who are available on site at all times.

Nursing Homes provide nursing and personal care on a 24-hour basis including care given under the supervision of a nurse, administration of medication and assistance with daily living. Other services may include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and recreation.

For both Residential Care Facilities and Nursing Homes, the staff administer all medications for residents. The facilities have medical advisors but residents may continue to visit their family doctor. Residents usually have private bedrooms or share with one other person. Common spaces include dining and living areas, bathrooms and outdoor spaces. Residents are served three meals per day and snacks. Menus consider the resident’s preferences, can accommodate special diets, and follow Canada’s Food Guide.

Completion of the provincial government’s Assessment can determine the appropriate place for you or your loved one. The Assessment will describe physical and mental health challenges. 

Because many MacLeod Cares facilities in Nova Scotia offer both levels of service, you could transfer to Nursing Care within the same facility when a bed becomes available.

MacLeod Cares homes operate under a license issued by the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness, Continuing Care Division. The Department’s licensing decisions are informed by inspection results and this requires the facility to comply with all the established rules as governed by the Community Care Facilities and Nursing Homes Act, Nursing Home Regulations, Operational and Care Service Standards Manual for Private Nursing Homes, and the Continuing Care Division’s Policy and Standards. Residents’ care is carried out by or under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. The type of care provided involves skilled professional assessments and observation on a 24-hour basis. All inspection reports are public documents available on-line.

Residential Care or Nursing Care costs are shared by you and the provincial government. The Department of Health and Wellness pays for the health care costs and you pay for your 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

Learn more about Paying for Long Term Care

• Current month’s room and board charges from the day of admission to month end. After admission, accommodation charges will be debited directly from your bank on the first banking day of each month.
• Accommodation charges are paid in advance.
• Void check for setting up automatic debit for monthly room and board charges.
• An amount of money for the resident to access for incidental purchases. This is called the Personal Use Account or PUA. If the family is managing this spending, PUA is not required. This can be any amount as needed to cover requirements.
• A photocopy of any Power of Attorney documents including Personal Directives concerning health care.
• Provincial Health Card to be retained by the facility.

Insured Services

Insured services are included as part of the daily accommodation charge. The following is a list of services normally covered. Please check the Department of Health and Wellness, Continuing Care Division website for the most up-to-date information.

• Nursing and personal care on a 24 hour basis, including care given by a Registered Nurse or a Licensed Practical Nurse
• The administration of medications and assistance with activities of daily living
• Medical Care
• Physician and Pharmacy Services
• Laboratory Tests ordered by a Physician
• Dietician Services
• Supplies and equipment for personal hygiene and grooming, including but not limited to skin care lotions, shampoos, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, denture cups and cleansers, toilet tissue, hair brushes and combs
• Meal service and meals including three meals daily, snacks between meals and at bedtime, special and therapeutic diets, dietary supplements, and assistive devices for eating
• Social, recreational and physical activities and programs, including related supplies and equipment
• Laundry, including labeling, machine washing and drying of personal clothes
• Bedding and linen including mattresses, pillows, wash towels and wash cloths
• Standard room furniture
• Housekeeping Services
• Pastoral Care Services

MacLeod Cares strives to provide services and programs that meet your needs while enhancing your health and well-being. Uninsured service may be available on a fee-for-service basis. Residents and family members can make arrangements with the business office for automatic electronic funds transfer for most services.

Optional Services

Examples of services that may be available on a fee-for-service basis include:

• Transportation and escort to outside medical appointments
• Administration of prescription drugs not covered under the Pharmacare program as well as co-payment charges under this program
• Certain non-prescription drugs
• Hairdresser Services
• Massage Therapy
• Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy (insured services may be available)
• Telephone, Cable and Internet
• Ambulance charges
• Clothing, footwear
• Dental services including dentures
• Hearing tests and aids, eye examinations and eyeglasses.
• Specialized wheelchairs, walkers or other assistive devices
• Personal care items preferred by the resident, such as special brands of soaps or shampoos

MacLeod Cares homes are owned by the 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. We now own and operate homes in 12 communities located throughout the Maritimes and care for over 600 seniors with a dedicated staff of over 1,000 people.

More about MacLeod Cares