VON launches “CAPABLE” program in Nova Scotia communities
Last month VON, in partnership with the Nova Scotia Department of Seniors and Long-term Care, announced the CAPABLE (Community Aging in Place, Advancing Better Living for Elders) program, an exciting and innovative pilot designed to help seniors stay safe and independent in their own homes longer.
Since the announcement, the program has received lots of interest and the on-the-ground team has been busy supporting nearly 20 clients in the Preston area. After launching this week in Kings County, Annapolis Valley, nearly 30 residents have already been referred or have self-referred to the program. And next month, applications will open for residents in the Halifax peninsula. Through this pilot program, up to 300 clients across Nova Scotia will be able to receive support through CAPABLE.
CAPABLE pairs a senior with a registered nurse, an occupational therapist, and a handy worker who works with them one-on-one to identify needs in their daily activities and homes that will help them age in place. The team works with the client to set specific goals and make modifications within their home, such as: installing grab bars, raising toilet seats, removing carpets, securing shelves, reviewing medications, improving lighting, repairing steps, recommending exercises to improve strength and mobility, and more.
It’s a proven, evidence-based program developed by Johns Hopkins School of Nursing in Baltimore and VON is the first organization to launch it in Canada.
There is also a lot of enthusiasm for the program among members of the on-the-ground team. “CAPABLE is so important for the senior community, as it not only gives them the proper resources and opportunity to age in place, it also enables them to retain a high level of autonomy over their own lives. It also gives their family members the peace of mind knowing their loved ones are safer at home,” shared Steven Forbes, owner of ECL Home Safety Solutions and handy worker for CAPABLE.
To learn more or apply for the program, visit www.von.ca/capable or call 1-888-925-6101.
