THE CHALLENGE
In 2024, 22% of Nova Scotia’s population was 65 or older, surpassing the national average of 19%. People in this age demographic are more at risk of frailty, living in inappropriate housing, and social isolation. As people age, their chance of needing long-term care increases. However, most aging Nova Scotians want to live at home and be independent for as long as they choose. Nova Scotia needs innovative strategies that re-envision healthy aging and allow people to age in the right place for them.
WHAT CAN BE FIXED?
Homeward Bound will bring innovative healthcare, housing and social supports to rural communities with a high population of older adults, known as Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities. The research team will work with communities to understand how these supports could work together to delay or avoid entry into long-term care, reduce hospital and emergency room visits, and enable aging rural Nova Scotians (ARNS) to age where they choose.
WHAT WILL BE DONE & BY WHOM?
Dr. Alison Grittner, Assistant Professor of Social Work at Cape Breton University, will lead a diverse team of community, academic, industry, and research experts, who will work in partnership with ARNS across the Eastern Health Zone to address three main areas:
- Enhancing housing to allow ARNS to remain in their homes longer. This includes a community handyperson initiative that will facilitate repairs, adaptations, and maintenance required for aging in place.
- Enhancing healthcare services, research, education, and resources. This includes implementing a surgical transition and prehabilitation program involving virtual care and a mobile research van, which will decentralize access and bring elements of this work directly to communities.
- Enhancing social supports. This includes a Community Navigator program which will connect ARNS to community resources to improve health outcomes, provide systems navigation support, and co-create opportunities that enhance social connection.
Dr. Olga Theou, Canada Research Chair in Physical Activity, Mobility and Healthy Aging, and Dr. Kenneth Rockwood, internationally recognized geriatrician, along with their team at Nova Scotia Health will integrate frailty research into the Homeward Bound program.
WHAT ARE THE EXPECTED OUTCOMES?
This FRI will create more supportive environments for aging Nova Scotians living in rural communities by focusing on healthcare, housing, and social support so that they can stay in their chosen home longer. This work is expected to reduce hospital and emergency room visits and reduce or delay the need for long-term care.
Learn more about Focused Research Investments (FRI) and the first ever recipients.