When someone needs nursing care in Nova Scotia they are put on a wait list because there aren't enough beds in nursing homes.

There is only one wait list. It's managed by the Department of Health and Wellness and includes all licensed nursing homes in the province. Patients are placed on the list when the Department of Health and Wellness confirms they need long-term care.

The wait for a long-term care bed can be difficult for both the patient and the family. The shortage of long-term care beds also puts stress on the health-care system. It creates crowded emergency rooms and limits hospital beds, as many people waiting for a nursing home placement wait in hospital. More long-term care beds are needed so that Nova Scotians don't have to wait.

For more information, contact:

Continuing Care programs, Department of Health and Wellness

In Nova Scotia
Tel: 1-800-225-7225

Out of province
If the prospective client lives in a community serviced by:

South Shore Health, South West Health or Annapolis Valley Health
Tel: (902) 742-0629

Colchester East Hants Health Authority, Cumberland Health Authority or Pictou County Health Authority
Tel: (902) 893-5911

Guysborough Antigonish Strait Health Authority or Cape Breton District Health Authority
Tel: (902) 563-3695

Capital District Health Authority
Tel: (902) 487-0640

* These numbers operate every day, including weekends, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.


For more information and a complete list of licensed nursing homes in Nova Scotia, visit www.gov.ns.ca/health/ccs/directories_facilities