A new pilot program that launched in December to help seniors in the Preston area live more independently in their homes will soon be available in Kings County and on the Halifax peninsula.
The Community Aging in Place, Advancing Better Living for Elders program (CAPABLE) will pair seniors with a registered nurse, an occupational therapist, and a handyperson who will collaborate to identify needs in their daily activities and homes, facilitating their ability to age in place.
Recognizing seniors’ desire to stay in their homes and communities, the program seeks to achieve this through straightforward adjustments to their homes and daily routines. By piloting innovative programs like CAPABLE, the goal is to restore independence to seniors.
Teams from the program will work with seniors to establish goals and make necessary modifications, such as suggesting exercises to enhance strength and mobility, reviewing medications, rearranging furniture, removing carpets, repositioning frequently used items for easier access, securing shelves, improving lighting, installing grab bars, raised toilet seats, lever faucets, and lever door handles, as well as repairing steps and other items.
The CAPABLE pilot will be administered by VON Nova Scotia, in collaboration with community organizations to identify and refer local seniors. A total of three hundred seniors – one hundred in each area – will have the opportunity to enroll in the pilot. The program was developed by Johns Hopkins School of Nursing in Baltimore.
Applications are currently open for seniors in the communities of Cherry Brook, Lake Loon, North Preston, East Preston, and the surrounding area. Applications for seniors in Kings County and on the Halifax peninsula are expected to open early in 2024.
To be eligible, seniors must:
- be 65 or older
- experience physical or mobility challenges
- have a net income of $85,000 or less or receive income assistance, the Province’s heating assistance rebate, or the guaranteed income supplement from Service Canada.
Seniors seeking more information or wishing to apply can call 1-888-925-6101 or visit https://von.ca/von-care/capable
Addressing factors influencing health and well-being is a key component of Action for Health, the Province’s strategic plan to enhance healthcare.