BILL NO. 254

(as introduced)

2nd Session, 60th General Assembly
Nova Scotia
58 Elizabeth II, 2009

Private Member's Bill

Seniors Dignity Act

The Honourable Darrell Dexter
Cole Harbour

First Reading: May 1, 2009

Second Reading:

Third Reading:

WHEREAS there are few options for seniors between living at home and entering a hospital or nursing home

AND WHEREAS the lack of community-based supports often leads to a senior's premature entry into a nursing home bed, often by way of a long stay in a hospital bed;

AND WHEREAS aging in place is recognized as the best practice with the most health benefits for seniors;

THEREFORE be it enacted by the Governor and Assembly as follows:

1 This Act may be cited as the Seniors Dignity Act.

2 Subject to Section 3, the Minister of Health shall provide assistance to seniors to help them to stay in their homes, including the provision of funds for self-managed care, frail-seniors assistance, home adaptation and restorative care.

3 The moneys required for the purpose of this Act must be paid out of moneys appropriated for that purpose by the Legislature.