Hospice

What is a hospice residence?

Hospice care is a part of palliative care. A hospice residence provides a home-like setting for people who are nearing the end of life, who don't require care in the hospital, yet have more care needs than can be provided at home, to live to their fullest. Hospice care involves a wide range of services to support patients and their families to live as fully and comfortably as possible. Patients receive professional nursing care with physician support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This includes medical and personal care to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Other health care providers, such as social workers, music therapists, and trained volunteers provide emotional, spiritual, grief and bereavement support. 

Is there a cost to access a hospice residence?

Hospice residences are available to all Nova Scotians with a valid health card. Additional costs may apply. Please ask your local hospice what this may mean for you. For example, at Halifax Hospice (operated by the Halifax Hospice Society) medications are supplied by a community pharmacy, so if there is a copay for your medication when you are at home, that may be the same when you are in Hospice. At Valley Hospice, Hospice Cape Breton, and South Shore Hospice (operated by Nova Scotia Health) medications are supplied the same as if you were in hospital. If a person requires an ambulance transfer from home to hospice, there may be costs associated with this. Speak with your hospice team to learn more and if you have any concerns about costs.

Where are hospice residences available in Nova Scotia?

There are four hospice residences in Nova Scotia: 

• Halifax Hospice (south end of Halifax)
• Valley Hospice (Kentville)
• Hospice Cape Breton (Sydney)
• South Shore Hospice (Lunenburg)

How do I access a hospice residence in Nova Scotia? 

You can find details here.

Hospice Societies

The Nova Scotia Hospice Palliative Care Association is a non-profit association that supports Nova Scotians, their families, and caregivers, who are living and dying with a life-threatening illness by sharing information, local supports, and tools and resources to ensure families and individuals receive the best care possible. The association exists to promote palliative care through networking, public and professional education, advocacy, and research. The Nova Scotia Hospice Palliative Care Association is not affiliated with Nova Scotia Health.

There are hospice societies across the province that do invaluable work every day. You can find local supports in your area here.

Looking for information on palliative care?  You can find local supports in your area here.