NOVA SCOTIA: Many Nova Scotians with disabilities will soon be able to schedule and pay for the supports they need as the Province reaches a major milestone in implementing the Nova Scotia Human Rights Remedy.
A core requirement of the remedy is individualized funding, which means providing money directly to the person or a family member so they can manage their supports and services. The Province has contracted with Seafair, a Canadian organization focused on community care, health and social innovation, to develop this new system, which is expected to be ready early next spring.
“This is a significant milestone in our work to transform disability support services in Nova Scotia,” said Susan Corkum-Greek, Minister of Opportunities and Social Development. “Individualized funding is a key commitment under the human rights remedy because it gives people more choice and control over how their supports are delivered.
“With this contract in place, we are one major step closer to having the full range of systems, services and supports needed to make that vision a reality.”
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The three-year contract includes $26.2 million to develop the new system and up to $29 million to support people using it. People who currently receive funding through the Department of Seniors and Long-Term Care’s Home Support Direct Funding program will also use the new system.
The system, called the individualized funding backbone, will provide the navigation, technology and administrative services needed to support individualized funding. It will help participants manage their funding, including scheduling and paying for services, and reduce administrative barriers.
Quotes:
“Most seniors want to remain in their homes as long as possible, and many can do this with supports in place. Individualized funding programs like our Home Support Direct Funding program give seniors and other Nova Scotians greater flexibility in accessing the support they need to live independently at home.
“Once it’s in place, this new system will make it easier for seniors and their loved ones to manage this funding so they can arrange and pay for their own care.”
— Barbara Adams, Minister of Seniors and Long-Term Care
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“Every person deserves the opportunity to shape the supports that help them live well and participate fully in their community. We are honoured to support the Province of Nova Scotia in advancing this important work.
“Together with our partners, we look forward to bringing our collective strengths to deliver the individualized funding backbone and help make supports easier to access, manage and pay for, while reducing administrative burdens for participants and families.”
— Anne Whelan, CEO, Seafair
Quick Facts:
– Seafair was selected through a competitive procurement process to deliver the support services and technology platform; the work will be delivered through OwnCare, a collaboration led by Seafair that includes Gotcare, Deloitte, Brightisle and Keen
– individualized funding is one of the six key directions identified in the Nova Scotia Human Rights Remedy and supports a more person-directed approach to services
– the Department of Seniors and Long-Term Care’s Home Support Direct Funding programprovides funding to eligible Nova Scotians to arrange and manage their own home support services, such as respite, personal care and light housekeeping
Additional Resources:
Disability support transformation updates: https://www.dsp-transformation.ca/
