Province expands Caregiver Benefit Program

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About 600 more Nova Scotians will receive support for providing care to adults living at home through the expansion of the Caregiver Benefit Program.

Until now the program has offered $400 a month to those who provide unpaid care for 20 or more hours per week to an adult with very high care needs. The eligibility criteria is being expanded to include people who help care for those assessed as having high to very high care needs.

This may include individuals who have a combination of:

• moderate to significant memory loss, problems with decision- making and communication that affects daily functioning

• high level of ment

• many challenges in managing their personal needs

• serious behavioural problems

• a high risk of falls

• a high risk of long- term care placement

There are currently 1,979 caregivers enrolled in the program. The expansion is effective immediately.

This is the first phase in government’s plan to increase access to the program. Criteria for phase two is still being developed. The intent is to

tina.comeau@tricountyvanguard.ca tricountyvanguard.ca 902-742-6527

physical impair- reach caregivers supporting people with more moderate care needs, including some living with a mental illness that impacts their ability to carry out daily activities. More details on phase two will be provided in spring 2019.

The financial eligibility criteria remains the same. If single, the person receiving care must have a net annual income of $22,125 or less. If married or common law, a total net household income of $37,209 or less is needed to qualify.

For more information about the program, visit online: novascotia. ca/dhw/ccs or call the Nova Scotia Health Authority Continuing Care line at 1-800-225-7225.