Heart of Health: Truro Continuing Care co-ordinator helps people remain in the place they call home

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For many Nova Scotians, staying in their own home as they age or manage health challenges is important. It’s more comfortable, more familiar and often better for overall well-being. Helping make that possible is exactly what Stephanie Weatherby does every day. 

Stephanie is a Nova Scotia Health Continuing Care co-ordinator and registered nurse working at the Truro Collaborative Practice as part of an initiative that began in 2023. She is one of 15 care co-ordinators supporting 20 clinics that connect people who have more complex needs with the right community-based supports and services.  

“Timing really matters,” Stephanie says. “When people need help, getting it quickly can make all the difference.” 

Stephanie joined Continuing Care in 2020 and has been in her current role since 2024. Before that, she spent seven years as a nurse at the Colchester East Hants Health Centre in Truro, where she began her nursing career after graduating from the Rankin School of Nursing at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish. 

The Truro Collaborative Practice is one of more than 119 health homes across Nova Scotia Health. A health home describes a way that care is delivered, where family doctors or nurse practitioners work within a team, including family practice nurses, pharmacists and social workers, to provide co-ordinated, easy-to-access and patient-focused care. 

Referrals come to Stephanie more quickly because she works in a health home environment. “Sometimes I follow up with clients the very same day their provider identifies a concern,” she says. That quick response is something patients notice right away. “People are often surprised at how fast they hear from me,” she adds.  

Stephanie’s day-to-day work includes home visits, but a large part of her role happens behind the scenes. After visiting a client, she returns to the office to complete assessments, build care plans and arrange services. This might include setting up home care, nursing support or other community services through partners like the Victorian Order of Nurses (VON). 

Working directly in the clinic also makes communication easier and faster. If she notices something concerning during a home visit—such as wounds or new mobility issues—she can usually speak directly with a provider that same day, reducing paperwork and helping get care started right away. “It’s very collaborative,” Stephanie says. “Everyone works together.” 

For Stephanie, the most rewarding part of her role is helping people get support early. “Getting care in place before a crisis can open up more options and help people stay in their homes longer,” she explains.  

She sees her role as part of a bigger change in the health system—one that focuses on prevention, teamwork, and meeting people where they are. 

“Incorporating continuing care into primary healthcare shows that the system is listening,” Stephanie says. “We’re doing what we can to support people at home. And for many Nova Scotians, that means everything.” 

If you or someone you know needs help to stay at home, Nova Scotia Health Continuing Care can help. Call 1-800-225-7225 or visit nshealth.ca/continuing-care. 

For more information about health homes, visit https://www.nshealth.ca/health-homes. 

Photo of Stephanie Weatherby.