HOPEFUL SIGNS ABOUND IN LONG-TERM CARE CHANGE IS HAPPENING

Years of advocacy from the longterm-care sector is translating into action and a strengthened collective will.

Awareness of the issues facing long-term care in Nova Scotia has never been more heightened. Historic investments in resources that reflect the specialty skills and support needed to deliver quality care are materializing. Also, financial commitments to recruit staff, replace aging infrastructure and modernize nursing homes in Nova Scotia have brought a sense of optimism that didn’t seem possible a year ago.

Heaven knows our sector needed a lift. It is the beginning of transformative change after decades of underfunding and lack of investments.

While this positive movement is most welcome, we must acknowledge the continued impact that the Delta and Omicron variants of

COVID have had on our elders, families, and workforce.

This insidious virus has made it difficult to balance the implementation of these much-needed investments with the reality of our exhausted staff and drained leaders.

In the face of public health directives, COVID outbreaks, visitation restrictions and staff absences, our leaders have navigated their teams through the toughest 26 months of their careers. They have demonstrated incredible strength, compassion, ingenuity and vigilance to ensure the best care possible is delivered to those they have the privilege to serve. We marked #LTC Proud Day in Nova Scotia on June 23, a day that celebrates the meaningful relationships, moments of joy and love delivered by staff every day in nursing homes throughout this province. We are #LTC Proud.

Michele Lowe,

Nursing Homes of Nova Scotia Association executive director