Western Region

The following private home care and other services are available in the Western Region (including the South Shore, South West, and part of Digby County) 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
Companion/Personal Support/Errands
Grocery Shopping/Delivery Services
Health Professionals/Mental Health Services
Foot Care
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

Almost Family Respite and Home Care - private home care, senior care, and respite care tailored to your individual needs, and without the waiting list! They cover HRM, Lunenburg County, and Queens County. Their service includes personal care, respite care, meal prep, light cleaning, medication reminders, and transportation for short outings. Call Bailee at 782.234.5170 or email bailee@almostfamilycare.ca for more information.

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.

Care.com - Helps match individuals with paid care providers based on location and service needs.

Earth Angels Home Care - Provides a range of personalized home care services including personal care, housekeeping, medication reminders, respite care for family caregivers, and more. Specializing in dementia, all caregivers are trained in Positive Approach™ to Care techniques. Call 902.530.6205.

Heart to Heart In-Home Care - Based in Chester Basin, Heart to Heart provides a range of home care services such as nursing, medication management, meal prep, and more. Call 902.275.1416 or visit their website.

Home Instead Senior Care - Their mission is to enable seniors to live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their homes. Home Instead, Inc. offers personal care services, hospice care support, and many other care needs. Their services are tailored to meet unique needs and preferences. For more information call 902.429.2273

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.

Mayflower Health Care Services - offers a range of home care support and nursing services to seniors and their families throughout Nova Scotia, including personal care, nursing support, companionship services, housekeeping, and more.

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

Remember When Homecare - offers compassionate, person-centered homecare services for seniors and persons with disabilities in HRM and the South Shore. Services include meal preparation, grocery shopping, personal care, companionship, housekeeping, medication reminders, and respite care. Call 902.497.0722 or email info@rememberwhenhomecare.com to schedule your free in-home assessment today.

Right at Home In Home Care & Assistance - offers companion care, personal care, nursing care, and specialty care to residents of Bridgewater and surrounding areas. Call 1.844.516.1600 to learn more.

Scotia Personnel - Province-wide referrals of private home care providers or housekeepers. 24-hr care is available. Call them at 902.422.1455

Stay at Home Care - Provide a range of services, including home, care, companionship services, and respite. Care is available 24-hr/7 days a week. Call 1.888.543.1727 for more information.

Treasured Memories In-Home Nursing Care Ltd. - offers home care services within Yarmouth County. They provide a range of services to help keep older adults in their homes safely, including personal care, palliative care, medication management, meal prep, laundry, housekeeping, respite care, etc. Call or text Shelley Reardon at 902.637.8903 for more information.

True Care Homecare - Morgan Kromko is a CCA who can provide personal care, transportation, errand services, companionship, and medication reminders. Call Morgan at 902.514.7188 or email her at truecarehomecare2022@gmail.com.

Companion / Personal Support/ Errands

Find a PDF list of private care providers here: Lunenburg County, Queens County, Shelburne County, and Yarmouth County.

Victorian Order of Nurses (VON) - offers home care, personal support and community services such as a volunteer visitors program, all to enhance each client's quality of life. They are located throughout Nova Scotia. Please visit their website or call 1.866.540.2356 to find a location that is close to you. Please note not all services are offered in all areas.

Note: some of the providers listed under Home Care may also provide companionship services. Please contact them to find out.

Grocery Shopping / Delivery Services

Freshmart - New Germany - Provides a volunteer grocery delivery service to residents who are unable to shop or do not have transportation. Orders are taken on Tuesday from 9 am to 12 pm. Call 902.644.3272 to place an order.

Health Professionals/Mental Health Services

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.

Flourish Occupational Therapy - Maddie is a private, community-based occupational therapist. She has years of experience working with individuals who live in both independent and supported environments. She is dedicated and passionate about supporting individuals to live safely and happily in their homes and recognizes the major impact caregivers have on the quality of life of the individuals they support. Maddie specializes in home safety assessments as well as caregiver education. She is committed to providing accessible and equitable services to all Nova Scotians and offers discounted hourly wages for those facing financial barriers. Maddie offers services across Nova Scotia. Visit www.flourishoccupationaltherapy.com or call Maddie directly at 902.402.4209 for more information.

Good Grief Halifax - offering counselling 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 - private in-home and virtual physiotherapy and occupational therapy for elders in Lunenburg County & Queens County. Our clinicians have 10+ years of experience serving elders and strive to provide the best healthcare experience you've ever had. 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 addictions 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.

Thrive Occupational Therapy - provides occupational therapy to older adults in HRM, as well as parts of the Western and Northern zones. They help with in-home assessments for safety and falls prevention. They can recommend strategies, equipment, and/or adaptations to keep older adults and their caregivers safe at home while maintaining their independence. Additional costs apply for travel. Call 902.943.2621 or email thriveOTNS@outlook.com for more information.

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.

Foot Care

Angela Hartley - Provides diabetic foot care, removal of corns and calluses, and basic foot care in your home. She travels to Shelburne, Woods Harbour, and Sable River. She charges $30 per visit. Call her at 902.635.4734 or email her at angela_3874@hotmail.com to find out more.

Bay Foot Care - Marilyn Sapelak MacDonald retired RN. Contact 902.233.8595.

Brandy Goodick, CCA - Brandy provides advanced foot care services throughout Shelburne County. She is a licensed nail tech and a certified master pedicurist. Her services include full soak, scrub, removal of dead skin, corn care, nail cutting, etc. The first visit is $55. Call Brandy at 902.874.2616 or email her at mblandry04@outlook.com for more information.

Dan Cox - Private foot care clinics in Chester, Mahone Bay, and Tantallon. Contact 902.277.0408.

Nova Scotia Foot Care Nurses - a directory of foot care nurses across Nova Scotia.

Meal Programs / Prepared Meal Delivery

Heart to Home Meals - offers frozen meals delivered right to your door and they can even put them in the freezer for you! Their menu has standard-sized meals, mini versions for smaller appetites, hearty versions for larger appetites, a range of delicious minced or pureed meals as well as meals that have controlled levels of potassium and phosphorus. Call 902.444.2230 for more information or visit their website to order online.

Victorian Order of Nurses (VON) - offers home care, personal support and community services such as Meals on Wheels (Frozen Favourites), all to enhance each client's quality of life. They are located throughout Nova Scotia. Please visit their website or call 1.866.540.2356 to find a location that is close to you. Please note not all services are offered in all areas.

Mobile Services

Blood Collection

Charmane Hebb - provides blood collection in your home at a reasonable fee. She travels to homes within 20 km of South Shore Regional Hospital. Charmane is a CSMLS certified Medical Laboratory Assistant with over 18 years of experience. Call Charmane at 902.541.9668 or email her at athomebloodcollections@gmail.com for more information.

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.

Personal Alert Services / Home Health Equipment

Personal Alert Services

Be Safer at Home - Contact Spears & MacLeod Pharmasave in Yarmouth about this personal emergency response system. Tel: 902.742.7825.

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' 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

Bridgevalley Home Health Care - Toll-free: 1-.844.543.8968. Provides home health care, accessibility, mobility, and rehab products throughout mainland Nova Scotia.

Canadian Red Cross - Their Health Equipment Loan Program provides Canadians with short-term loans of health equipment on a donation basis. Services vary based on location. From the Health Equipment Loans area of their website, enter the appropriate information into the "Find Local Services" box, then click "Find Services Near You".

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 at 1.800.565.1680.

Pharmasave (Bridgewater) - Their Home Health Care Department offers bracing, shoes, mobility aids, bathroom safety products, bathtub cutouts, ramping systems, stair lifts, and chair lifts to help make your home the safest place for you and your care recipient. They offer the sale of equipment, installation, and servicing. Call them to find out more information at 902.543.3418.

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

A Bus For Us - Connect to Maritime Bus’ one-trip-in, one-trip-out South Shore/Halifax 4 days per week (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday & Friday) using local services like VON “ON the Move”, Queens Transit, Bridgewater Senior Wheels, Bridgewater Transit & Chester Community Wheels. Schedules can change, please check to ensure times, etc., are up-to-date. The listed pricing includes all fees and taxes. For more info visit www.maritimebus.com or call 1-800-575-1807.

Chester Community Wheels - provides connections for individuals to downtown Chester and to the area's major medical centres. Passengers use Community Wheels for shopping, errands, family/friend visits, special events, and more. Call them at 902.275.5585

Cloud 9 Shuttle - is an Arcadia-based shuttle service providing affordable & pet-friendly transportation services between Halifax and Yarmouth. Call them at 902.742.3992.

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.

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.

Hope Dial-A-Ride - offers accessible door-to-door transportation services for residents of the town of Yarmouth, Yarmouth County, and the Municipality of Argyle. Whether it is for medical appointments, personal errands, business meetings, social/recreational functions, or educational opportunities they will help. Call 902.742.6579 or email hopecentre@eastlink.ca for more information.

Le Transport de Clare Association - Provides transportation to and from medical appointments and social events. They cover all of Digby County, Clare, Weymouth, and points in-between Yarmouth and Halifax Stanfield Airport. For reservations call 902.769.2477 or toll-free: 1.888.769.2477.

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

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.

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

Victorian Order of Nurses (VON) - offers home care, personal support and community services such as transportation, all to enhance each client's quality of life. They are located throughout Nova Scotia. Please visit their website or call 1.866.540.2356 to find a location that is close to you. Please note not all services are offered in all areas.

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.