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How to Pay for Home Care in Nova Scotia: Understanding Your Options

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Updated: Jan 24

Choosing home care services for yourself or a loved one is an important decision, but many people wonder how to cover the costs. Fortunately, there are several financial options available in Nova Scotia, from private pay to government assistance. Here’s a breakdown of the most common ways to pay for home care services in the region.

1. Private Pay (Out-of-Pocket)
Private pay involves using personal savings, income, or family contributions to cover home care expenses. This option allows you to customize services according to your specific needs without restrictions from government programs or insurance policies.

Pros:
- Full control over the type and amount of care
- No waiting periods or eligibility assessments

Cons:
- Can become expensive depending on the level of care required


In Nova Scotia, Continuing Care Services offers government-funded home care to eligible individuals who require support due to age, illness, or disability. This program provides personal care, nursing, home support, and meal preparation services.

How it works:
- An assessment by a Care Coordinator determines eligibility
- Based on your needs, you may receive services free of charge or for a subsidized fee

What’s covered:
- Home support services (personal care, light housekeeping, meal prep)
- Nursing and professional care (wound care, medication management)

Note: The government program may not cover 24-hour care or full-time support. In such cases, families often supplement with private care services. At NovaWise Home Care Services, if you are funded by government program, you are tax exempted on full payment for your care provided.


Veterans who served in the Canadian Armed Forces, and their families, may qualify for financial assistance through the Veterans Independence Program (VIP) and other benefits offered by Veterans Affairs Canada.

VIP Benefits:
- Funding for home care services such as housekeeping, meal preparation, and personal care
- Assistance with yard maintenance and snow removal

Eligibility:
- The veteran must have served in wartime or specific missions and demonstrate a need for home support

This is a valuable resource for veterans and their spouses who wish to age in place.


4. Private Health Insurance
Some private health insurance plans in Nova Scotia such as Blue cross, Sun Life Financial or Manulife Fiancial etc offer coverage for home care services, including nursing care and rehabilitation therapy. It’s important to review your policy carefully to determine what is included and if there are limits on coverage amounts or hours of care.

Key considerations:
- Coverage varies by provider and policy
- Some policies may cover home care after a hospital discharge or for palliative care


5. Long-Term Care Insurance (LTCI)
If you or your loved one have a long-term care insurance policy, it can help pay for home care services in Nova Scotia. LTCI policies are designed to cover the cost of care for chronic conditions, disability, or aging-related needs.

What to check:
- Daily or monthly benefit limits
- Whether non-medical services (such as companionship or home support) are covered

Tip: These policies must typically be purchased well in advance of needing care, as eligibility depends on your health when you apply.


The Caregiver Benefit Program is available to Nova Scotia residents who care for loved ones who require significant support due to illness or disability.

Details:
- Provides a monthly benefit to eligible caregivers
- Both the caregiver and the care recipient must meet specific eligibility requirements, including income thresholds

This program helps offset the financial burden of caregiving while allowing family members to continue providing care at home.


For individuals under 65 with a significant disability, the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Disability Benefit can provide financial assistance. Additionally, the CPP Survivor’s Pension may help a spouse or dependent of a deceased individual by offering monthly income support.

How it helps:
- Provides income that can be used to cover home care services
- Can be combined with other financial resources to enhance in-home care



In Nova Scotia, there are several community organizations and non-profits that offer support for seniors and individuals with chronic conditions. Some programs provide financial assistance, while others offer free or low-cost services such as transportation, companionship, or meal delivery.

Examples:
- The VON (Victorian Order of Nurses) offers nursing and home care services
- Local seniors’ organizations and community centers often have support programs

Check with your local Nova Scotia Health Authority Continuing Care office or Seniors' Care Centre for more information on available programs.


9. Family Contributions
Some families opt to pool resources and contribute collectively to cover home care costs for a loved one. Family contributions can help ease the financial burden and allow loved ones to remain at home longer.

Tips for family planning:
- Establish a clear care plan with responsibilities for each family member
- Consider tracking expenses to ensure fair contributions


Final Thoughts
There are many ways to pay for home care in Nova Scotia, whether through government programs, private insurance, or personal resources. Understanding your options can help you make informed decisions and ensure you or your loved one receives the necessary support without unnecessary financial stress.

At NovaWise Home Care, we’re here to help guide you through the process of exploring funding options and creating a care plan that fits your needs. Contact us today for a personalized consultation!
Call us on 902-537-2757 or email at contact@novawise.ca
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