Nova Scotia Buzz
The Nova Scotia Government is easing restrictions in long-term care homes and will allow designated caregivers to help care for and support the residents.
Designated caregivers could be family members, spouses, friends or other support people. They must be associated with specific caregiving tasks like personal care support, mobility or help with eating, and have an established caregiving relationship with the resident prior to COVID-19.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has been particularly difficult for those living in long-term care, and those who love and care for them,” said Health and Wellness Minister Randy Delorey.
“With new cases of COVID-19 remaining low in Nova Scotia, we can continue to ease some of the necessary restrictions. Designated caregivers will now be able to help support the daily care and well-being of residents.”
Long-term care homes could implement these changes as early as Sept. 11,
Caregivers will make arrangements with individual facilities for training and visitation.
Nova Scotia has 133 licensed long-term care facilities.
From the Nova Scotia Government
Long-term care facilities will:
work with residents, families and substitute decision-makers to identify up to two designated caregivers per resident; only one designated caregiver may visit at a time
— train caregivers on public health requirements, including masking, good hand and respiratory hygiene, and facility procedures
— provide medical masks for caregivers to wear while with residents
— establish processes to screen caregivers upon entry and to easily identify caregivers onsite
