Staying home, staying healthy: Inside Nova Scotia Health’s Adult Day Program

From jet baths to warm friendships, hot meals and other supportive care, the Adult Day Program at Nova Scotia Health’s South Cumberland Community Care Centre in Parrsboro helps people stay healthy, independent and connected. 

The program is open to adults over 18 who need help to stay in the place they call home for as long as possible. For 76-year-old David Ward of Parrsboro, it feels like home. Each day, up to 12 people come together for care, activities and friendship. It’s not just about health—it’s about community. 

“I’ve made great friends, and we have a lot of fun together,” says David. “We laugh, play games, do crafts and celebrate birthdays. We look after each other. Even after a friend from the program moved to long-term care, a few of us went to visit him.”

People can refer themselves or be referred by a doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner or family member. The program operates five days a week. In addition to social connections, it offers nursing services and health checks; help with personal care like bathing; referrals to other health services, if needed, and free healthy lunches and snacks. By providing a supportive place for their loved ones to spend time, the program also gives many family caregivers a much-needed break as well.

David also receives support at home through Nova Scotia Health Continuing Care. He first became connected with Continuing Care and community-based care coordinator, Rhonda Benjamin, when his wife became ill, and he needed support to care for her. Rhonda arranged VON nursing and home support, including respite care.

When David’s wife passed away three years ago, he began to need support due to poor circulation in his legs and arthritis. Rhonda suggested he attend the Adult Day Program to use their jet bath to address his symptoms. She also arranged for VON to deliver frozen meals and to provide home visits to check his compression therapy.  “The meals are balanced and better than I’d make myself,” he says. 

David now attends the program twice a week to receive regular care, including jet baths, foot care and the application of compression stockings. 

“It’s a very positive atmosphere and makes a big difference with my mobility and comfort,” says David. 

“I have many other clients that also attend the Adult Day Program, and their social, emotional, physical and healthcare needs are being met in what I feel is the best way,” says Rhonda. “Because this unique program is run by Nova Scotia Health, I can collaborate easily with the program’s nurse as we are both part of the individual’s circle of care. The program deserves a five-star rating.”

Buffy-Jo Perry, a licensed practical nurse and coordinator at the Adult Day Program, agrees that the program helps people stay in their homes longer. “If we notice a concern, we can address it or send them to the Urgent Treatment Centre in the same building for more comprehensive care.”

David appreciates the care and kindness he has experienced. “Buffy-Jo goes above and beyond. She really cares,” says David.

“I don’t know where I would be without my colleague, Faye White, a continuing care assistant (CCA), and our many volunteers who keep things running smoothly,” says Buffy-Jo.

Although life can be challenging at times, David’s strong faith, family and Australian Shepherd, Charlotte, along with the care and support he receives through Continuing Care and the Adult Day Program, keep him healthy, happy and mobile. For David, the program is more than healthcare — it’s a lifeline. 

To learn more about the Adult Day Program at South Cumberland Community Care Centre, visit https://www.nshealth.ca/locations-and-facilities/south-cumberland-community-care-centre.

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.

Photo of (L-R) Rhonda Benjamin, R.N., B.N., community-based care coordinator, Continuing Care; David Ward, Parrsboro resident; Buffy-Jo Perry, LPN, Adult Day Program coordinator, South Cumberland Community Care.