More long-term care beds are on the way for Mahone bay with the provincial government announcing they are planning to replace the aging Mahone Bay Nursing Home with a new facility more in line with current long-term care protocols.
The new facility will have 96 long-term care beds but as it is replacing an old facility the net gain of beds is actually 35.
“Over the last year we have announced almost 200 new nursing home beds across the province,” said Leo Glavine, Minister of Health and Wellness. “We are steadfast in our commitment to providing access to quality long-term care for Nova Scotians.”
The new facility will be dementia-friendly and it will be better equipped to deal with infection control.
Two designated care floors will each have three wings, comprised of 16 private rooms with private washrooms. Each wing will be self-contained and have its own dining, activities, and dedicated staff.
MacLeod Group Health Services Ltd. will operate the new facility which should make the trasition easier as they operate the nursing home that is due to be replaced.
Ramsay Duff, chief executive officer for MacLeod says the new home gives them a chance to provide better service to the South Shore.
“We are excited by the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build a new nursing home to serve our community of Mahone Bay and the South Shore. The home’s design creates smaller neighborhood-like areas that promote close-knit community while enabling best practices for infection control and resident safety,” Duff said.
The government estimates the facility will create around 60 jobs though it unclear if that takes into account the current staff at the Mahone Bay Nursing Home.
With planning still in the early stages, the government estimates they will be able to welcome new residents by December 2022.
