Frequently Asked Questions
The following section features responses to frequently asked questions relating to a variety of programs and services available to seniors. Topics include:
- Nova Scotia Department of Seniors
- Programs for Seniors Directory
- Seniors' Pharmacare Program
- Old Age Security Program
- Affordable Seniors' Apartments
- Housing Repairs
- Home Care Services
- Long-Term Care and Assisted Living Facilities
- Senior Abuse
- Funding for Seniors' Programs and Services
- Department of Seniors Newsletter
1.Nova Scotia Department of Seniors
Q.Why would I want to contact the Department of Seniors?
A.The Department is the provincial government department responsible for seniors.
Call its Seniors' Information Line, 1- 800- 670- 0065 (toll-free) to obtain information on seniors' programs and services, discuss areas of concern, or request copies of its many publications on topics of interest to seniors. Or, you can e-mail your request directly from this website by clicking the following link: www.gov.ns.ca/scs/newblue2/programs.asp#progforSeniorsForm
Call its Senior Abuse Line 1- 877- 833- 3377 (toll-free) to discuss any concerns you may have about the safety and well-being of a senior.
Contact its Information Resource Centre at 1- 800- 670- 0065 (toll-free) to borrow the latest publications on aging.
2.Programs for Seniors Directory
Q.Where can I get a copy of the Programs for Seniors directory?
A.Single and multiple copies can be obtained by contacting the Nova Scotia Department of Seniors at 1- 800- 670- 0065 (toll-free) or (902) 424- 0065. Or, you can e-mail your request directly from this website by clicking the following link: www.gov.ns.ca/scs/newblue2/programs.asp#progforSeniorsForm
The directory is also available in many public libraries and pharmacies across Nova Scotia.
3.Seniors' Pharmacare Program
Q.My neighbour doesn't pay as much for Pharmacare as I do. Why?
A.Pharmacare is a provincial drug insurance plan that helps seniors with the cost of their prescription drugs. Seniors who receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement from the Federal Government are not required to pay the Pharmacare Premium. Some seniors pay a reduced amount for the Pharmacare Premium because they are within a specified income level. All subscribers of Seniors Pharmacare are required to pay the Pharmacare Co-Payment fees which are paid each time a prescription is filled. The more prescriptions you have, the more you will pay in co-payment fees, up to an annual maximum amount. For more information, contact the Pharmacare Program at 1- 800- 544- 6191 or (902) 429- 6565;
www.gov.ns.ca/health/pharmacare/default.htm
4.Old Age Security Program
Q.Why is my Old Age Security cheque less this month?
A.You may have had more income than usual (cashing in an RRSP for example) which will reduce the amount of your cheque. Contact Service Canada, the federal government agency that administers this program. Client service officers can look up your file and answer your questions. Please have either your Social Insurance Number or the number on your Old Age Security card ready when you make your call. For more information, contact: Service Canada at 1- 800- 277- 9914 (English); 1- 800- 277- 9915 (French); 1- 800- 255- 4786 (TTY).
5.Affordable Seniors' Apartments
Q.What kind of rental housing is available for lower income seniors?
A.The provincial government provides seniors with safe, adequate, and affordable rental housing. There are more than 7,000 such apartments located throughout the province. A person who is at least 58 years of age is considered a senior for the purposes of this program. Rent is based on household income. Availability is on a first-come, first-served basis.
To find out where these seniors' apartments are located or to apply, contact your local housing authority. To obtain the telephone number of the housing authority nearest you, call the Department of Community Services at 1-877-424-1177 (toll-free) or visit the department's website where you will find a link to Housing Services at: www.gov.ns.ca/coms/housing/rental_housing_authority.html
6.Housing Repairs
Q.How can I get financial assistance to fix my roof or make other necessary repairs?
A.Home improvement grants and loans are available to eligible seniors through the Housing Services Division of the Department of Community Services. To apply, simply contact the regional/district housing office nearest you and ask to speak to someone about seniors housing repair programs. To obtain the telephone number of the housing office nearest you, call the Department of Community Services at 1-877-424-1177 (toll-free) or visit the department's website where you will find a link to Housing Services at: www.gov.ns.ca/coms/housing/grants_senior_assistance.html
7.Home Care Services
Q.How can I get some help in my home, particularly if I need help bathing and doing household chores?
A.If you need help, contact the Department of Health's Continuing Care Line. The services you are eligible to receive will be determined through a comprehensive assessment process to determine your needs. Nursing services are provided free of charge. The amount you must pay for other services depends on the type of service provided and your income level. You can apply through the Department of Health's Continuing Care Line at 1 800 225 7225 (toll-free) or (902) 424 4288 (outside Nova Scotia). Information is also available on the Department of Health's Continuing Care website:www.gov.ns.ca/health/ccs and in the Department's Programs for Seniors directory.
Private home care agencies also provide services in many parts of the province. Clients must pay the full cost of these services themselves. A complete listing of private home care and home support services can be found in the Department's Programs for Seniors directory.
8.Long-Term Care and Assisted Living Facilities
Q.My mother's health is deteriorating and she now requires more help than can be provided by family members and home care providers. What other care options are available to her?.
A.Continuing Care - If your mother's care needs exceed what home care can provide, staff with the Department of Health's Continuing Care Service can do an assessment and determine her eligibility for admission to a licensed long-term care facility, funded by the provincial government. To initiate this process, you can call the Continuing Care line at 1- 800- 225- 7225 (toll-free) or (902) 424- 4288 (outside Nova Scotia). Information is also available through the Department of Health's Continuing Care website: www.gov.ns.ca/health/ccs and the Department's Programs for Seniors' directory. Financial assistance with the cost of care is available for eligible seniors.
Assisted Living - Depending on your mother's needs, she might also be able to arrange for private care in an assisted living facility. Contact the facility of your choice for information on the services provided and fees. A list of private assisted living facilities is available in the Department's Programs for Seniors' directory. Financial assistance is not available to seniors in private assisted living facilities.
9.Senior Abuse
Q.If I am concerned about the safety and well-being of a senior, who should I contact?
A.If you have questions or want to discuss a situation that might be considered senior abuse, call the Department's toll-free Senior Abuse Line at 1- 877- 833- 3377. Confidentiality is maintained. You may also e-mail stopelderabuse@gov.ns.ca For information about senior abuse, visit the Department of Seniors website at: www.gov.ns.ca/scs/elderabuse.asp
If you know a senior who cannot physically or mentally protect or care for herself or himself, whom you suspect is being abused or neglected and is in need of protection, call Adult Protection Services at 1-800-225-7225.
Call 911 if there is a need for immediate action.
To discuss the Department's work relating to senior abuse awareness and prevention, contact Barb Baker, Elder Abuse Consultant, by phone (902) 424 6211 or by e-mail at bakerbr@gov.ns.ca
10.Funding for Seniors' Programs and Services
Q.I heard about a group of seniors who received a grant to develop a community garden. Where might this money have come from?
A.The Federal Government's New Horizons for Seniors Program supports local projects that help seniors participate in social activities, pursue an active life, and contribute to their communities. For more information, contact Human Resources and Social Development Canada, New Horizons for Seniors, at 1-800-277-9914 (English); 1-800-277-9915 (French); 1-800-255-4786 (TTY) or visit the following website: www.hrsdc.gc.ca and click on Policies and Programs; New Horizons for Seniors. For services in French, visit www.rhdsc.gc.ca and click on Politiques et Programmes; Nouveaux Horizons pour Aînés .
11.Department of Seniors Newsletter
Q.How can I get a copy of and/or submit material for the Seniors' News?
A.To receive a copy of this newsletter prepared by the Nova Scotia Department of Seniors, call the Department at 1-800-670-0065 or (902) 424-0065. You can also visit the website to read the newsletter online at www.gov.ns.ca/scs
To submit an article for the Seniors' News or suggest a topic, please send your material to:
Nova Scotia Department of Seniors1740 Granville Street
Dennis Building, 4th Floor
PO Box 2065
Halifax NS B3J 2Z1
Fax: (902) 424-0561
E-mail: scs@gov.ns.ca