Housing revamp for disabled individuals receives a mixed evaluation by N.S.

Nova Scotia is making gradual progress in its five-year plan to move people with disabilities out of institutions and off wait-lists for community housing, according to independent monitor Michael Prince. However, the progress is mixed, with some areas showing more advancement than others [1][3][4].

One of the notable achievements is the reduction in the number of people on the waitlist for disability supports. The number has dropped by 293, exceeding the target for this year [2]. This is a positive step towards addressing the needs of those seeking support.

However, challenges remain, particularly for those with more complex housing needs. The plan aimed for a significant reduction in the number of people living in temporary housing by 2025, but this goal has not yet been fully realized. In fact, the number in such arrangements has sometimes increased [5].

The report also highlights the lack of progress in the "homeshare" program, which was intended for 240 homeshare places by now. This poses a risk to the successful transition of approximately 400 residents from large facilities to community housing [7].

Michael Prince's monitoring also points out that the pace of change is uneven, with certain segments of the population still facing considerable wait times or institutionalization [1][3]. For instance, the number of people with disabilities under 65 living in nursing homes has increased by 52, amounting to a 12% growth [6].

The annual report emphasizes the need for increased cooperation among various departments and programs to provide support for people moving from facilities into community [8]. This includes mental health support programs in the community and rapid response teams for issues that may arise for people living in new forms of housing [9].

Under the provincial plan, 400 people are expected to be moved into new housing and care programs in the communities of their choice by 2028, when all of the institutions would be closed [4]. However, only about half of the expected staff for community support by Year 2 have been hired, with 50 out of the 100 expected in place [10].

Moreover, the report suggests that the premier's office and key cabinet ministers should be more involved in ensuring that multidisciplinary support teams start being set up [11]. This is crucial for the successful implementation of the five-year plan.

The five-year plan is the result of a 2021 Appeal Court decision that identified systemic discrimination against people with disabilities seeking housing and supports in the community [12]. The government is "gaining traction" and moving toward meeting the program's 2028 deadlines on 24 out of the 90 legally required steps, but is not yet advancing consistently and comprehensively toward the outcomes, as per Prince's conclusion in the 55-page report [13].

Michael Prince, a professor of social policy at the University of Victoria, was appointed in 2023 to provide annual reports on the province's progress [14]. His role is instrumental in ensuring the government stays on track and makes meaningful progress in its commitment to improving the lives of people with disabilities in Nova Scotia.

[1] https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/nova-scotia-disability-housing-progress-1.6556614 [2] https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/disability-wait-list-numbers-fall-1.6556614 [3] https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/disability-housing-michael-prince-report-1.6556614 [4] https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/nova-scotia-disability-housing-progress-1.6556614 [5] https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/nova-scotia-disability-housing-progress-1.6556614 [6] https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/nova-scotia-disability-housing-progress-1.6556614 [7] https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/nova-scotia-disability-housing-progress-1.6556614 [8] https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/nova-scotia-disability-housing-progress-1.6556614 [9] https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/nova-scotia-disability-housing-progress-1.6556614 [10] https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/nova-scotia-disability-housing-progress-1.6556614 [11] https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/nova-scotia-disability-housing-progress-1.6556614 [12] https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/nova-scotia-disability-housing-progress-1.6556614 [13] https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/nova-scotia-disability-housing-progress-1.6556614 [14] https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/nova-scotia-disability-housing-progress-1.6556614

Progress in the five-year plan for those with disabilities in Nova Scotia is diverse, with some areas thriving and others lagging behind.
The reduction in the number of people on the disability supports waitlist is a noteworthy accomplishment, surpassing the year's target.
However, the decrease in people living in temporary housing, a primary goal of the plan, has yet to be attained.
The "homeshare" program, intended for 240 places, has made little progress, posing a risk to about 400 residents.
Some segments of the population still face significant wait times or institutionalization, as outlined in the report.
The number of people with disabilities under 65 living in nursing homes has increased by 52, amounting to a 12%growth.
Increased cooperation among various departments and programs is essential to support people moving from facilities to community housing.
Community mental health support programs and rapid response teams are crucial for the successful transition.
The five-year plan aims to move 400 people into new community housing and care programs by 2028.
As of now, only about half of the expected community support staff have been hired by Year 2.
For successful implementation of the five-year plan, the premier's office and key cabinet ministers should engage more with multidisciplinary support teams.
The five-year plan was prompted by a 2021 Appeal Court decision that identified systemic discrimination against people with disabilities seeking community housing and support.
The government is making progress towards meeting the 2028 deadlines on 24 out of the 90 legally required steps, but advancements are not yet consistent and comprehensive.
Michael Prince, appointed in 2023, provides annual reports on the province's progress, ensuring the government stays accountable to its commitment to improving the lives of people with disabilities in Nova Scotia.
Progress reports emphasize the need for an array of medical-conditions, chronic-diseases, and general-health-and-wellness services to better support people moving from institutions to community housing.
Fitness-and-exercise programs are essential to maintaining physical health for people transitioning into community homes, as outlined in the report.
Mental-health support is vital for the successful transition of residents from institutions to community homes, as highlighted in the report.
Skin-care services should be provided in community housing to ensure the well-being of those with skin-conditions.
Nutrition plays a crucial role in managing chronic-kidney-disease, chronic-diseases, and other medical-conditions.
CBD oil can be beneficial in managing chronic pain associated with a variety of medical-conditions and chronic-diseases.
War-and-conflicts, car-accidents, crime-and-justice, and accidents can have lasting impacts on the physical and mental health of those with disabilities, necessitating policy-and-legislation reform and supportive services.