Cape Breton Region
The following private home care and other services are available in the Cape Breton Region and may be able to offer additional support to you and your care recipient. This page is organized into specific categories which are listed below. Click any of the category names to jump to that section.
- Home Care Providers
- Food Banks
- Health Professionals/Mental Health Services
- Meal Programs/Prepared Meal Delivery
- Mobile Services
- Personal Alert Services/Home Health Equipment
- Respite Care
- Transportation
- Other Support Services
Please note: The information below is provided as a convenience to let you know what services may be available in your area. The descriptions are provided by the organizations themselves and reviewed by CNS before being added. However, the services are not vetted by CNS, and we cannot recommend one over another.
Please contact the provider directly for details about rates, hours of operation, or to discuss specific requirements. You may want to consult this list of potential questions to ask home care providers before hiring any agencies or private individuals.
Home Care Providers
Alongside Live-in Home Support Services- They offer compassionate live-in home support resulting in comfort, enhanced quality of life, and peace of mind for both the seniors we serve and their families. Contact Jo-anne MacDonald at 902.578.9077 or email alongsidehomecare@gmail.com.
Always Home Homecare - provides live-in care services across the province (also known as the Newfoundland Ladies). Call 1.855.904.4400 for more information.
Blissful Living Home Care Services - They offer support to help loved ones live independently as long as they wish to remain at home. They offer customized care plans tailored to specific family needs; services include personal care, patient care, companion care, and respite care. Call 902.989.6429.
Care.com - Helps match individuals with paid care providers based on location and service needs.
Golden Girls Private Homecare Services - Two Nurses with community experience offering personal care, light housekeeping, transportation, shopping, snow removal, holiday decorating, respite, decluttering, and small home repairs. Contact thegoldengirlsprivatecare@gmail.com or 902.317.8785.
Golden Rule Home Support - based in Inverness County, they provide personal and respite care, meal prep, light housekeeping, support and companionship to older and frail adults. Their coverage area and hours are flexible. Contact them at 902.631.0497 or Goldenrule945@gmail.com.
Home Instead Senior Care - Serves Sydney only. Their mission is to enable seniors to live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their homes.
Home, with Love Home Care Services - Services include overnight care, Palliative care, personal care, respite, housekeeping, and more. Based in Victoria County and will travel all across Cape Breton. Contact Jennifer Dominey, CCA at homewithlove1@hotmail.com or via telephone at 902.929.2255 or 782.777.5683.
IteroCare - providing care for ALL areas of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and PEI. iTeroCare Inc. was created to provide Private In-Home Healthcare to all Canadians. Email info@iterocare.com for more information.
Marizone Home Care - provides home care, personal care, companionship, and personal attendant services. Based in Sydney, NS. Call 902.549.0302 to find out more.
New Dawn Enterprises Ltd. - Located in Cape Breton, provides a full range of healthcare and personal services in the comfort of your own home. They also operate a 24-hr phone line: 902.562.2444.
Osprey Angels Home Care Services - Based in Sydney, they provide non-medical home care services including companionship, respite, grocery shopping, light housekeeping, and meal prep. Contact them at 902.562.5705
Parkwood Home Care - Empowers independence and peace of mind for seniors and their families. Services include live-in care while providing personal care, meal preparation, companionship, transportation, and more. Tel: 902.421.9191
Sclara Care- Providing home care services in Sydney, New Waterford, Glace Bay, North Sydney, and surrounding areas. Our services include meal preparation, light housekeeping, dementia care, personal care, companionship & appointment visits. For more details about our plans contact us at 902-537-2757 or contact@sclara.ca.
Scotia Personnel - Province-wide referrals of private home care providers or housekeepers. 24-hr care is available. Call them at 902.422.1455
Find a PDF list of private care providers here: Cape Breton Region.
Food Banks
There are various food banks located throughout Cape Breton. Call the Family Place Offices for a list of locations and contact details: 902.562.5616
Health Professionals/Mental Health Services
Compassionate resources - here is a list of resources. Some are specific to Cape Breton and some are more general. Within this list, you can find resources regarding emergency hotlines, housing, family violence, clothing, education, food, mental health, online support, etc.
Couch of Hope - They provide FREE mental health counseling to individuals, including children ten years of age and up, teens, and adults. They meet with clients in person, via phone, and via video. This flexible delivery opens their services to clients who cannot attend in person due to geography, caregiving responsibilities, work schedules, disability, illness, a lack of reliable or affordable transportation, or personal preference. Call them at 902.707.4414 or email them at intake@couchofhope.com to learn more.
Good Grief Halifax - offering counseling services to residents of Nova Scotia. Sessions are conducted by Registered Counselling Therapist Tara Field.
Healing the Loss Grief Support - Hilary offers compassionate and understanding support in a safe, confidential environment in person or online. You are able to share your loss with someone who has extensive lived experience with many kinds of loss and who "gets it." She may be able to offer a sliding scale to those who cannot afford her services at full cost. She also has a Pay it Forward Program. Learn more about how Hilary can help you through your grief and loss on her website here.
Hospice Halifax has compiled a list of counseling services available in NS. They note when sessions can be provided for free or at a reduced cost.
Live Well Physiotherapy - offering physiotherapy and occupational therapy for elders virtually throughout Nova Scotia. Our clinicians have 10+ years of experience serving elders and strive to provide the best possible healthcare experience. They can help with rehab from an injury, surgery, fractures, heart disease, cancer, stroke, Parkinson's disease, arthritis, amputation, concussions, chronic pain, chronic fatigue, vertigo, incontinence, and other health challenges. They make equipment recommendations, provide fall risk and home safety assessments, design personalized exercise programs, and offer caregiver and family education. Contact them at 902.877.6608 or info@livewellphysiotherapy.com for more information.
Mental Health and Addictions - A website where Nova Scotians can access mental health and addiction support. Explore information, resources, and connect with help 24/7. They also have a helpful reference tool for online help.
PACE Wellness - Evelena Beaton is a registered dietician who has worked in long-term care for 17 years. She now has a private practice with a focus on seniors' nutrition, offering nutritional counseling and chair yoga for seniors. She is able to counsel clients virtually in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, and Newfoundland & Labrador. Contact her at 902.802.9944 or info@evelenabeaton.com for more information.
Peer Support Phone Service - Peer Support Nova Scotia offers a toll-free non-crisis line that is open to Nova Scotians aged 18+ who are struggling in some areas of their lives. Trained peer supporters with lived experience of mental health struggles, substance use, or other life challenges are available to listen and support people who call in with non-urgent issues. The line is open Wednesday to Friday from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm. The toll-free number is 1.800.307.1686.
Roy Ellis - Roy is a therapist who provides grief and trauma counseling. He is a Certified Spiritual Care Practitioner (CSCP) with the Canadian Association for Spiritual Care. He provides in-person therapy sessions in Halifax and Dartmouth and virtual sessions via Zoom. He charges $150/hour (HST included). Contact Roy at 902.830.5225 or roy@royfellis.com.
Thoughtful Changes - This is a non-profit organization that offers affordable, quickly-accessible counseling services for individuals in Nova Scotia who have financial barriers to accessing mental health supports. Services are provided online by Registered Counselling Therapists or Social Workers who have a Master's degree. Email them at info@thoughtfulchanges.org or call them at 902.932.7122 to find out more.
Wellness Together Canada - Seniors and caregivers: are you experiencing stress, isolation, and anxiety? You are not alone. Wellness Together Canada (WTC) is just a call or click away, and it offers free and confidential online mental health and substance use supports, available 24/7. If you need someone to talk to, Wellness Together Canada is there for you in over 200 languages and it’s free! For more information on confidential mental health and substance use support, visit wellnesstogether.ca or call 1.866.585.0445.
Meal Programs/Prepared Meal Delivery
New Dawn Meals on Wheels - Based in Sydney, they are a volunteer-driven program committed to fostering independence and quality of life by providing affordable nutrition services. Call 902.562.1245 for more info.
Town House Glace Bay Citizens Service League - Town House delivers hot-cooked meals on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays to those who have difficulty preparing meals. Contact them for more info: 902.849.2449
Victoria County Memorial Hospital Meals on Wheels (re-directs to the 211.ca site) - This program provides nutritious meals to people in need. Contact Debbie MacLean at: 902.295.2112
Mobile Services
Blood Collection
Joann Boudreau - New Waterford, Sydney, and Glace Bay areas, contact 902.304.2791.
Brenda Wall - Northside area, contact 902.304.0707
Cosmetology Services
Cosmetology Association of Nova Scotia - a directory of individuals who provide mobile cosmetology services such as hairdressing, esthetics, pedicures, manicures, artificial nails, eyelash extensions, hair removal, make-up, facials, etc. The Cosmetologists on this website are licensed, hold a business permit, and are in good standing with the Cosmetology Association.
Foot Care
Nova Scotia Foot Care Nurses - a directory of foot care nurses across Nova Scotia.
Personal Alert Services / Home Health Equipment
Personal Safety Devices
Care Alert Canada - Home of the Smart Dialer. Ideal for those who wish to remain longer in their own home or in a retirement residence. It can be programmed to dial up to 5 contacts, including 911.
Care Link Advantage - Has over twenty years of experience helping older adults and people with disabilities remain independent by providing them with personal medical alarm pendants and other personal security technology.
Caretrak - A mobile personal response unit with GPS: wireless, Canada-wide coverage, fall detection available. Call 1.855.333.3381 or email info@caretrak.ca
Lifeline Canada - Feel more secure both at home or on the go with AutoAlert automatic fall detection technology. To learn more about how Lifeline can help you remain living independently, call 1.800.543.3546.
Medic Alert, Safely Home - When a loved one with dementia or other cognitive impairments goes missing, MedicAlert will help get your family member safely home. This technology ensures critical information about your loved one is available to emergency responders and police through their 24/7 Emergency Hotline.
MedReady - is a programmable medication dispensing device that promotes adherence to daily medication regimens. It contains a tray with individual compartments that can hold up to 28 doses of medication and can accommodate up to four doses of medication a day. MedReady will automatically notify the person when it is time to take their medication at the specified time. Visit www.lifeline.ca to find out more.
Northwood Intouch - is a Personal Alert Service that calls for help in case of an emergency. They also have devices and sensors to help people remain independent.
Project Lifesaver - a program dedicated to assisting and responding to the challenge to caregivers of finding wandering or bolting loved ones who may suffer from Alzheimer's Disease, Autism or any other special needs requirements. To find out more information or to register call 902.365.3362 or email contactus@projectlifesaver.info
RCMP - Seniors Guidebook to Safety and Security.
Telus Health Medical Alert System - A personal emergency response system; access to 24/7 emergency support at home or on the go.
Home Health Equipment
Family 1st Medical - With locations throughout Nova Scotia, their mission is to provide a full range of Respiratory and Medical/Mobility products to assist all those in need.
Harding Medical - strives to offer you innovative rehab and home healthcare solutions to ensure you are safe and independent in your home and beyond. They have a wide selection of bariatric and home medical equipment to rent. Contact them: 1.800.565.1680
Osprey Health Care is focused on providing home health care equipment and supplies to meet a diverse range of needs. Always up-to-date with the most current information on medical supplies, Osprey Health Care is a name you can trust. Locations in both Halifax in Sydney. Contact 902.562.5705.
Respite Care
Recreational Respite - promotes inclusion, encourages community participation, and nurtures social connectivity for children, youth, and adults with disabilities and mental illness. They provide recreation-based program planning for individuals, which allows the caregiver to access respite time. They also offer virtual services in small group, one to one, and Build It Workshops that aim to provide social connection, independent skill mastery, and recreation exploration for children, youth, and adults.
Respiteservices.com - provides resources regarding respite options for individuals with differing abilities and their families. They have a database of respite workers and of families looking for respite care. They have a respite coordinator for each region of the province who will assist families in developing a respite plan to meet the needs of their children with developmental disabilities. They will also provide families with information on respite services available within the province of Nova Scotia. Visit their website to find out more.
Respite Support - RespiteNS.ca is a unique platform designed to facilitate respite opportunities that empower families and individuals to live their best life. They aim to facilitate successful respite matches that allow and support individuals to live their lives more fully at home, in the community, and beyond.
Transportation
Community Transit Nova Scotia - formerly Nova Scotia Community-Based Transportation Association, is an organization whose membership represents the disabled, seniors, the economically disadvantaged, environmental stewards, and the general public throughout Nova Scotia.
Handi-Trans - Transit Cape Breton’s wheelchair accessible bus service is operated for persons whose disability restricts them from using the regular route service or other transport. Registration is required. To download the registration form, click here.
Hope Air - is a registered, national charity that provides free flights to people who cannot afford the cost of an airline ticket to get to medical expertise or specialized medical technologies that usually exist only in larger urban centres.
Rural Transportation Association (RuralRides) - provides door-to-door, accessible transportation services for residents of rural Nova Scotia. Click the 'Find a Ride' tab on the website to find services in your area. Contact them at: info@ruralrides.ca
TJ's Van and Carpool Services, Inc. - Provides province-wide transportation services including to and from medical appointments, the airport, package delivery, and more. Call 902.402.1555 or email info@tjsvanpool.com
Terry Morier's Accessible Taxi Service - operates throughout Nova Scotia and other areas by request. His vehicle has a child seat and boosters. Contact Terry at: 902.476.1838 or taxivanman@hotmail.com.
Travel with attendants or support persons
Caregivers can often travel at no cost or for a reduced fee under these programs. There is an application process requiring physician certification so please make your travel plans well in advance. In some programs, if the physician indicates that the care recipient has a "permanent condition" there is no expiry date on eligibility. Please contact service providers for more details.
WestJet - Special or additional seating for guests with a disability
The attendant pays tax only.
Air Canada - Travel with an attendant
The attendant pays tax only.
Porter Airlines - Request for attendant seating
The attendant pays nothing.
Via Rail - Passengers requiring a support person
The attendant pays nothing
The Via Rail program also includes short trips, perhaps to Halifax or Moncton for specialist services or appointments.
Maritime Bus - Companion travel
The attendant pays nothing.
Maritime Bus requires notification signed by a physician that the care recipient requires attendant care while traveling.
Although this is not addressed on their website, please call 1-800-575-1807 or your local Maritime Bus depot for more information.
Other Support Services
The Bloom Program - The Bloom Program is a community pharmacy initiative designed to increase and improve mental health and addictions care for Nova Scotians. Anyone with a Nova Scotia Health card who has one or more mental health or addiction diagnoses AND a medication problem that they would like to work on with their pharmacist can participate in this program. There is no cost to you to participate, there is no waitlist, you will receive one-on-one care and patient advocacy from your pharmacist, you will receive access to and information about community mental health and addiction resources, and you will receive help managing medication-related issues. Check to see if there is a participating pharmacy location near you: https://bloomprogram.ca/pharmacies/.
CANdid Access - The Candid Access web map is an online platform to share photos and information about the accessibility of your community. This is a project that was started by the PEACH (Planning for Equity, Accessibility, and Community Health) Research Unit through Dalhousie University's School of Planning.
Delphine de Toit Mediation Services - Delphine du Toit is an Elder Mediator who helps caregivers and families with the difficult conversations about the care and needs of older family members who are no longer able to make decisions on their own. She travels throughout Nova Scotia to provide the support families need. Phone: 902.789.3953
Diabetes NS - Nova Scotia Health has launched a new website to help people living with Type 2 diabetes. This new website has five modules to provide Nova Scotians with standardized information about living well with diabetes. Modules include: learning about diabetes, tips for managing diabetes, getting help, finding a diabetes care and education program, and other wellness programs and resources. If a person cannot access the modules online, they can contact their nearest Nova Scotia Health Diabetes Education Centre and make arrangements to obtain the materials.
ElderDog - provides services free of charge to seniors to aid them in the care of their canine companions. Volunteers provide services such as walking, feeding, and minor grooming. The organization can also help in placement if a senior has to move and give up their dog.
March of Dimes - After Stroke Program provides stroke survivors and their families with personalized stroke recovery and support services. They provide person-to-person support, educational opportunities, and innovative community-based programs to address the needs and concerns of the stroke survivor and their family, from the time spent in the hospital and throughout the transition home and back into the community. Services include peer support, goal setting and planning, coordination and navigation, stroke-focused education and training. March of Dimes also offers online peer support programs for stroke survivors and caregivers, a family caregiver webinar series, and an aphasia peer connect program. Contact Beth Lynch, the After Stroke Coordinator, at 902-219-0970 or at blynch@marchofdimes.ca for more information.
March of Dimes - Hi, Tech! Program offers a tech support volunteer coach to provide support and answer technology questions to persons over 18 and living with a disability. They also offer a Connect and Share Program matching eligible persons with a virtual buddy for regular "visits". Contact Beth Lynch at 902.219.0970 or email blynch@marchofdimes.ca
Red Bear Healing Home - a registered non-profit organization that provides education and services for, by, and about people who are economically and socially disadvantaged in Nova Scotia. Red Bear Connects provides free voice mail, information, resources, referrals, friendly listening, peer support, navigation, and other services for people in need mostly by phone, but in-person support can be accommodated when requested. Free used cell phones and household necessities are also distributed when available. If you want to connect with these services, you can sign up by calling 902.488.4744, 1.855.466.4994 (if using a payphone), or 211. It takes less than 10 minutes to sign up.
Tetra Society of North America - Tetra recruits volunteers who work with clients to design and build assistive devices that are custom-made for the individual – these are devices that are either not available commercially or cost-prohibitive. As a non-profit organization, Tetra raises funds to deliver this program, including covering the costs of volunteer travel and materials for devices up to $500 per project. Call 1.877.688.8762 or email HalifaxNS@Tetrasociety.org to find out more.