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nova scotia

A Guide to Retirement Care & Senior Living in Nova scotia  

With fresh ocean air and waterfront views, many retirees who enjoy coastal landscapes look to Nova Scotia when it comes to retirement. What particularly attracts older adults to the province is that it is well known for its Maritime climate - as winters are not excruciatingly cold and summers are not unbearably hot compared to other Canadian provinces.&nbsp;The capital city, Halifax is often noted for being an ideal retirement destination as it has all the vibrance and benefits of a bigger city while still offering the hospitality of a small town. Seniors also prefer settling down in cities like Lunenburg and Cape Brenton as they offer a more relaxing, small-town lifestyle away from the city. Whether it is a retirement community near the waterfront or a peaceful one in the city, <a href="http://caredupon.ca/">Cared Upon</a> is here to help you find a retirement community matching your needs in Nova Scotia.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For older adults who enjoy relaxing and being out in the wilderness, you’ll find a range of outdoor activities. Many seniors in the province enjoy walking along the beach, fishing, exploring hiking trails, kayaking, walking the Halifax waterfront, and exploring the famous Cabot Trail. Halifax is also filled with public gardens, museums, beaches, and parks to explore - especially when the weather warms up near spring.&nbsp;&nbsp;Around 60 kilometres up from Halifax, you will find the town of Lunenburg which often appeals to older adults for having a vibrant, yet smaller tight-knit community. Not only is it common to find affordable housing by the waterfront, but it is also a walkable city - eliminating the need for any long-distance travel from your grocery shopping to your doctor's check-up appointments.&nbsp;&nbsp;

While Nova Scotia is considered to have a less severe climate than other Canadian cities farther inland, with a slightly continental climate you can expect to see warm and rainy summers, followed by cold and snowy winters. Known for their fog, the province averages around 100 foggy days per year. Winter temperatures range anywhere from -15 to 5°C (5-41°F), while you will find the summer temperatures to range from 20-32°C (70-90°F).&nbsp;

From long-term care homes to ageing at home, older adults in Nova Scotia can find a variety of home services to match their care needs. If you are a senior that requires less care, you may find that ageing at home is the right fit for you. However, if your health condition requires you to have hospitality services but you would still like to live independently, assisted living could be more suitable for you.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nursing homes, suitable for seniors with more complex health and care needs, typically begin at a rate of $150 per day in Nova Scotia. However, if you find that you only require basic health care services and are more suited for a retirement home, you will find the cost of a private room to typically begin at $2500 monthly. &nbsp;For seniors looking to age in place, the government of Nova Scotia offers older adults aged 65 and up financial assistance through the Home Adaptations for Seniors Independence program. Through this program, seniors wishing to live independently at home but face difficulties doing so due to age-related challenges are offered a grant of up to $3500 towards home repairs (such as walk-in showers and easy-to-reach shelf installations) to promote ageing in place. For more information on your eligibility on the Home Adaptations for Seniors Independence program, you can visit <a href="https://housing.novascotia.ca/programs/housing-programs-seniors/home-adaptations-seniors-independence">Housing Nova Scotia.</a>&nbsp;

Depending on your care needs and your personal lifestyle, you will find that the cost of retiring in Nova Scotia can vary. While Nova Scotia is noted for having much lower costs for housing than other major Canadian provinces, you can expect to pay more when it comes to groceries.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For retirees looking for additional financial support, federal programs such as the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and Old Age Security Pension (OAS) are both available to Nova Scotia retirees needing assistance. On a provincial level, Nova Scotians looking for financial assistance paying for long-term care (such as residential care facilities or nursing homes) may receive a reduced rate for care based on their annual income. As long-term care expenses are jointly covered by the long-term care recipient and the Department of Health and Wellness, you may choose to undergo a financial assessment to evaluate the coverage you can receive on accommodation. For more details on paying for long-term care and your accommodation charges, visit the <a href="https://novascotia.ca/dhw/ccs/FactSheets/Paying-for-Long-Term-Care.pdf">official Nova Scotia website</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In the case that you do not meet the eligibility criteria for receiving Government funding, you have several options for post-retirement income sources.&nbsp; &nbsp;Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) and Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs): Using a Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) or a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSAs), your post-retirement income is dependent on the amount you put into these accounts when you first began saving and the interest you received.&nbsp;&nbsp;Investment accounts: More commonly, some may look to taxable investment accounts as a post-retirement income source. These can include investments from accounts such as stocks and bonds.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Employer-sponsored pension plans: Under an employer-sponsored pension plan, you and your employer can contribute money over the course of your employment. When you decide to retire, you can access the income directly saved from the plan. Nova Scotians in particular are eligible for the Public Service Superannuation Plan (PSSP), a plan funded by you and your employer that offers you a lifetime pension benefit during your retirement. For more information on the PSSP plan, visit the <a href="https://www.nspssp.ca/">PSSP official website</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;To learn more about your options for post-retirement income sources, visit our <a href="https://www.caredupon.ca/blog/paying-for-care/paying-for-care-in-canada-%7C-stretching-your-dollars">resource centre.</a>&nbsp;

As health care in Canada is funded both federally and provincially, Nova Scotia’s health care plan is managed through their Medical Services Insurance (MSI). The MSI plan offers health care coverage on services such as medically required doctor services, certain dental and optometric services, and particular hospital services. In terms of senior health care, older adults in Nova Scotia are offered financial assistance on covering the cost of their prescription drugs through the Seniors’ Pharmacare Program. To be eligible for coverage, you must have a valid Nova Scotia Health Card, and the prescription must be for a drug covered under the <a href="https://novascotia.ca/dhw/pharmacare/formulary.asp">Nova Scotia Formulary</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;Seniors living on a lower income are also offered healthcare and long-term service programs that are partially funded by the Department of Health and Wellness (DHW).&nbsp;&nbsp;Home Care: Home Care is a program aimed to deliver assistance to those with both short-term and long-term illnesses by providing services such as personal care, meal preparation, catheter care, intravenous therapy, and more. Nursing services are offered at no additional costs, and the fees are based on both your family size and annual income.&nbsp;&nbsp;Home Oxygen: Seniors with illnesses that require home oxygen services are offered coverage (dependent on their income and family size) on portable oxygen tanks and other related supplies.&nbsp;&nbsp;Personal Alert Assistance Program: For seniors that have experienced a significant fall&nbsp;requiring them to use a walker, wheelchair, or cane, the Personal Alert Assistance Program offers up to $480 annually to cover the costs of a personal alert assistance service.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For further information, you can visit and/or contact these sources:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sunnet.sunlife.com/files/advisor/english/PDF/ns-ltci-summary-en.pdf">Long-term care costs in Nova Scotia</a>: A document covering the costs of long-term care in the province.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://housing.novascotia.ca/programs/housing-programs-seniors">Housing Programs for Seniors</a>: Find information from the official housing department of the province on low-income housing benefits.&nbsp;<a href="https://novascotia.ca/dhw/pharmacare/documents/seniors-pharmacare-program-booklet.pdf">Nova Scotia’s Pharmacare Program</a>: Visit the official website for more details on coverage and eligibility.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://novascotia.ca/dhw/ccs/documents/Living-Wel-%20Continuing-Care-Services.pdf">Living Well Continuing Care Services:</a> A comprehensive guide to all the health and home care programs covered by the provincial health authority and the Department of Health and Wellness.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Lifestyle & Activities 

Weather and Climate 

Housing options in Nova Scotia: Finding the Right Fit for you 

Cost of Retiring in Nova Scotia: Budgeting and Financing 

Post-retirement Income Sources 

Access to Healthcare 

Additional Resources 

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What are the Care Options Available for Me? 

There are a number of care options available for seniors. &nbsp;Read on to learn what they are and find out which one may be right for you

There is a spectrum of care options available depending on your unique health care needs. These include:&nbsp;

Active Adult Living are often gated or planned communities, that are built to provide you with the utmost flexibility. You may choose this living option if you are comfortable with living on your own. These communities allow you to choose to live with people around the same age and those who have the same interests as you. When you choose active adult living, you choose a community with on-site services and amenities such as 24-hour security, golf courses, art classes, recreation centres, gyms and fitness classes, spas, lawn bowling, and tennis courts. When you live in active adult living communities, you also don’t have to worry about maintaining you living space such as mowing your lawn or clearing your driveway.  

Independent Living allows you to live with people around the same age and interests in a care-free and stress-free community. This option is for you if you are comfortable with living on your own, have good physical health, and have good cognitive health, but would like extra assistance with tasks around your living space such as with cooking, laundry and in-home maintenance. Often, independent living communities offer recreational programs similar to active adult living communities as well.  

Home Care allows you to stay in the comfort of your own home and get the day-to-day assistance you may need. This is ideal if you have some physical or cognitive health limitations. The type of assistance will depend on your needs including medication assistance, transportation, and cooking. Other services could include respite care and palliative care. Sometimes, these services are eligible through your home or community care providers. 

Assisted Living homes are sometimes referred to as personal care homes or assisted care communities. This option is ideal if you are still able to live independently but have some physical or cognitive health limitations. In assisted living communities, you have on-site daily support including personal care, mobility and transportation, cooking, and medication assistance. Care in these facilities are tailored to meet your unique needs. Often, assisted living communities will also offer social, cultural, recreational and educational activities. 

Long-Term Care allows you to have all-inclusive 24-hour assistance including personal care, hygiene, mobilit, and transportation, and medication assistance. This is an option if you have physical or cognitive health limitations such as Alzheimer’s or dementia. Often, you will be assessed by a social service agency for long-term care services. Depending on where you live, long-term care is usually covered by the Ministry of Health.  

Respite Care offers you short-term care that can range from 24-hours to 90 days, depending on your unique health needs and living situation. These services are offered in-home or at retirement homes. This is for you if you have any physical or cognitive health limitations. The respite care services offered include personal care, hygiene, mobility and transportation, and medication assistance. Often, it is recommended by your home or community care office. 

Convalescent Care allows you to be cared for after surgery such as knee or hip surgery. This is a short-term care service similar to respite care that is offered in retirement homes. Convalescent care offers 24-hour care in cases of emergencies and routine doctor check-ups. Sometimes, retirement homes offering convalescent care have amenities and services to help with your recovery including pools, spas, gyms, and physiotherapy. 

Palliative Care allows you to have the right care if you are experiencing a terminal, serious illness. It is also referred to as comfort care, end-of-life care or hospice care. This can be offered in retirement homes or in-home. If you choose palliative care in retirement homes, there may be other services available such as spas and physiotherapy. 

Care Options

Adult Active Living

Independent Living

Home Care

Assisted Living

Long Term Care

Respite Care

Palliative Care 

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<a href="https://www.caredupon.ca/care-advisor/apply">Click here to match with a Cared Upon Senior Living Advisor today.</a>

Find The Support You Need With a Senior Living Advisor 

You or your loved ones have come to an important conclusion–it’s time to seek additional living support. Independent research is a critical first step in this process, but you’ve realized just how much information is out there. Navigating the digital maze of elder care providers’ websites, blogs, and independent resources can often lead to more questions than answers. Senior Living Advisors are here to help guide you all the way through the process, from initial research to moving day.&nbsp;&nbsp;Senior Living Advisors (SLAs), sometimes referred to as Senior Living Consultants, Senior Living Care Professionals, or Elder Care Advisors, are not affiliated with specific care facilities, working independently to ensure that you find the perfect residence. Each Senior Living Advisor is equipped with a wealth of experience in the senior care industry, and has access to information sometimes unavailable to families. Their goal isn’t to rush you through this already stressful process– they’re here to empower your decision making with the support and resources you need.&nbsp;

You’ve likely already noticed that the existing senior care landscape is not exactly conducive to independent research– care homes’ guides, blogs, and resources sometimes host competing information, or are colored by their intention to attract new residents. Senior Living Advisors have guided families through this process before, allowing them to provide you with specific, relevant information. Since Senior Living Advisors are not affiliated with a particular facility, you can trust them to be honest and objective. Not only will they be able to discuss the levels of available care, vacancies in your area, and how to pay for it, they’ll also have a qualitative sense of each community.

Senior Living Advisors work for you– not for care providers. Before your SLA begins the discussion about available facilities, they spend time getting to know you. All of their recommendations are based on you or your loved one’s personal wants, needs, required care, budget, and personality. Armed with a thorough understanding of your needs, they’re able to advocate on your behalf and deliver a rich, personalized experience. What’s more, your advisor’s job doesn’t stop once you’ve received a handful of recommendations; your Senior Living Advisor stays involved in your provider search until well after you’ve settled in.&nbsp;

Choosing a residence is one of the most important moves of your or loved ones’ life. With so many key factors to consider, this process takes time. Senior Living Advisors are happy to move as quickly or as slowly as you need them to. If you’re looking for a residence right away, their connections with care providers can expedite your move-in day, but if you’re just starting your journey– they’re happy to use those same relationships to book as many tours as you need. Your comfort and confidence is the foundation of a successful placement.

<a href="https://www.caredupon.ca/care-advisor/apply">Click here to match with a Cared Upon Senior Living Advisor today.&nbsp;</a> You'll be expertly matched with an advisor from our team with more than 35 years of senior care placement experience.

Each advisor will take the time to:&nbsp;<ol><li>Generate and understanding of your or your loved one's care needs</li><li>Explore a diverse array of options in your area and budget</li><li>Research and interview facilities nearby facilities on your behalf</li><li>Arrange in-person residence tours to experience their facilities and services</li><li>Work together to determine the perfect fit</li></ol>

Choosing a Retirement Residence with Confidence

Senior Living Advisors Have Been Here Before

Relationships First, Placements Second

No Rush 

Connect with a Senior Care Advisor on CaredUpon.ca

What You Can Expect From Cared Upon's Senior Living Advisors 

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I need support arranging care for myself or a loved one. Where do I start? 

Getting Started with Retirement Care

Arranging care for yourself or a loved one can seem complicated. &nbsp;To get started, there are four steps when arranging senior care services.&nbsp;

Arranging care for yourself or a loved one can seem complicated.To get started, there are four steps when arranging care services.&nbsp;1) Request for an assessment for services from a local home or community care office&nbsp;2) Prepare for your assessment or services&nbsp;3) Develop your unique care plan&nbsp;4) Begin your care services

When you or someone you know needs care, you can contact your local home or community care office to request an assessment for services. If you’re already working with a health care professional, including a doctor, nurse, pharmacist or social worker, they can make a referral for you.

Once your local home and community care office receives a request for assessment, either from yourself or a health care professional, you will be contacted. The health care professional from the local home or community care office will work with you to determine your eligibility for services and/or arrange for an assessment if it is necessary.  
If for any reason you or your loved one is not eligible for home and community care services or you do not require an assessment for services, you will receive a referral to other resources. 


An assessment for services with a health care professional is a meeting to talk about your current living situation and assess your unique health care needs.&nbsp;To prepare for your meeting, you will need to have:&nbsp;• Your health care card• Your family doctor and the best number to reach them at&nbsp;• A close relative or friend that the care services office can contact&nbsp;• Information about any prescription medications you are taking&nbsp;• Your pension cheque stubs&nbsp;• Your income tax return or notice of assessment&nbsp;The health care professional will also work with you to answer the following questions:&nbsp;• Am I eligible for care?&nbsp;• What services are needed to meet my unique health care needs and situation?&nbsp;• How long will I need care services for?&nbsp;• Will the services cost me anything? If so, how much will that be?&nbsp;It is important to remember that you and your loved one have the right to consent to care by your health authority. Make sure your questions are answered and explained so you have an understanding of the next steps ahead.&nbsp;To prepare further for your meeting, Cared Upon recommends you have:&nbsp;• A list of questions you have about home and community care services&nbsp;• Documents or any information that could be helpful to further assess your unique health care needs&nbsp;• A family member, close relative or friend to attend the meeting with you. It can be helpful to have an extra pair of ears to provide support or ask any questions you might miss.

Once it is determined that you are eligible for services, a health care professional will work with you to co-create a care plan that meet your unique health care needs. 
This plan will serve as a guide for everyone on your caregiving team. As your care situation evolves and changes, your care plan will be updated by the health care professional. 


The time it takes to begin your care services will depend on the urgency for the need of the particular care service. This will be determined by the health care professional during your assessment for services meeting. Many health care professionals use an “urgency criteria” to prioritize access to care services. The urgency criteria will vary depending on where you are located and whether you are accessing home or community care.&nbsp;Generally, this is based on:&nbsp;• Is there an urgency to access health care needs right now?&nbsp;• What is the current availability for home and community caregivers and support?&nbsp;• Is there a potential risk from abuse, neglect, or self-neglect that requires assistance in managing your day-to-day needs?

Getting Started

1.  Request an assessment for services from a local home or community care office 

2.  Prepare for your assessment of services 

3.  Develop your unique care plan

4.  Begin your care services

Advocate Harbour

Annapolis Royal

Antigonish

Arichat

Baddeck

Barrington

Barss Corner

Beaverbank

Bible Hill

Blockhouse

Bridgetown

Bridgewater

Brookfield

Canso

Cheticamp

Cole Harbour

Conway

Dartmouth

Dayton

Debert

Digby

Eastern Passage

East Mountain

Falmouth

Garlands Crossing

Glace Bay

Glenwood

Greenfield

Guysborough

Halifax

Hammonds Plains

Hantsport

Herring Cove

Inverness

Kentville

Liverpool

Lockeport

Louisedale

Lower West Pubnico

Lunenburg

Mahone Bay

Meadowvale

Meteghan

Middle Musquodoboit

Middleton

Musquodoboit Harbour

Neil�S Harbour

New Germany

New Glasgow

New Waterford

North Sydney

Parrsboro

Pictou

Pleasantville Bridgewater

Port Hawkesbury

Port Hood

Pugwash

Saulnierville

Seabright

Sheet Harbour

Shubenacadie

South Berwick

Springhill

Stellarton

St. Peter's

Sydney Mines

Sydney River

Tatamagouche

Truro

Tusket

Upper Nine Mile River

Upper Stewiacke

Weymouth

Wolfville

Yarmouth

Assessing whether an elderly family member requires additional assistance can often be difficult as you may not be nearby to see the signs, or they may simply downplay their illness to maintain their independence for longer. In any case, this can be a difficult situation to navigate as you may not know the signs to look out for, or how to approach the topic if the conversation is needed.&nbsp;&nbsp;In light of this, it is vital to the well-being of the seniors in your life and to your relationship with them that you approach the conversation with the highest level of empathy and care. We've highlighted the five signs to look for when assessing if an ageing senior in your life requires further assistance, as well as how to approach the discussion when the time comes.&nbsp;

5 Signs That an Ageing Senior Needs Additional Help 

A noticeable change in a senior's personal routine is often a tell-tale sign that they may require additional help. This could look like them neglecting their personal hygiene, missing their doctor appointments, changes in their sleep patterns, or unsanitary living conditions that are not being attended to. While it’s common to occasionally have a change in routine during a busy week, a drastic change in their routine and habits that continues to become a pattern should not be taken lightly or dismissed, and it is imperative to keep a lookout for these changes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As seniors age, you may notice some patterns that make you question their safety; for instance, if they have trouble climbing stairs, or if they can't seem to remember how to get to their favourite coffee shop without getting lost. An obvious way to look out for these signs without having to ask is by looking out for any bruises, scrapes, or cuts on a senior's body.&nbsp;&nbsp;A senior’s driving habits are also important to look out for to ensure their safety on the road. One way to look out for changes in their driving includes checking for dents or scratches on the car, piled-up tickets, or citations. To read further about the signs to look out for with seniors driving and how to approach this conversation, visit our <a href="https://www.caredupon.ca/blog/additional-resources/how-to-talk-with-seniors-about-their-driving--?fbclid=IwAR1OIIKAikFGYXCAvU5MmqKznAhz3Wq02cQ6y2G8c2paNJGdPb_02gTQ59A">care blog</a>.&nbsp;

While forgetfulness, such as forgetting where you placed an object or taking longer to learn new things, can be considered a normal process of ageing, there are important signs to look out for that may indicate it’s time to visit a doctor. This includes:<ul><li>Repeating a question or story repeatedly</li><li>Difficulty in finding your way around familiar spaces</li><li>Increased confusion about people or the time</li><li>Trouble with written or verbal communication</li><li>Changes in problem-solving abilities</li></ul>&nbsp;If you notice any of these changes in a senior's cognitive abilities, It is vital to receive an evaluation from a medical professional to determine the root cause.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Seniors struggling with reduced mobility, a decline in functional ability, developing a routine after retirement, grief, and loneliness are often prone to struggling with mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. During these times, it is imperative to be mindful of their emotional well-being. Some common signs you may notice when the mental health of a senior is declining may include:&nbsp;&nbsp;<ul><li>Loss of interest in hobbies they previously enjoyed</li><li>Oversleeping or not getting enough rest</li><li>Difficulty remembering or concentrating</li><li>Eating more or less than usual</li><li>Communicates feelings of sadness, helplessness, and/or worthlessness</li><li>Isolation and social withdrawal</li><li>Unusual fatigue</li><li>Changes in their appearance</li></ul>Changes in a senior's mental health require just as much attention and care as changes seen in a physical illness. It is important to not only seek medical help when it comes to their mental health but to also ensure that you are regularly checking up on your loved ones and helping them develop a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet and physical activity.&nbsp;

You may notice some changes in their financial habits, such as overdue bills, a dramatic increase in their spending habits, or your loved one making large withdrawals from their accounts without accounting for their financial status. If you notice these changes in their financial habits, you may wish to start a conversation on your concerns.&nbsp;&nbsp;

It's never easy to have a conversation with your family about senior living, especially with your parents. To begin the conversation, consider these tips:&nbsp;&nbsp;

Address your concerns with other family members and ask if they support your decision by speaking to your loved ones about their care options. This will not only help you get additional viewpoints on the matter, but they may also provide you with support with scheduling doctor's calls and finding assistance.&nbsp;

As this is a difficult conversation to navigate, it is critical to approach the conversation with caution and empathy as they may be in denial and resistant to having the conversation. It is imperative to remain calm and respectful of their wishes and to remain objective while listening to what they have to say. Ensure that you are picking a suitable time to have the conversation, and if needed, contact a mediator such as their primary doctor to navigate their options for long-term care.If you notice any of the signs or changes mentioned above, it’s important to take proactive steps to get your loved ones the care they need to overall improve their quality of life. It may be difficult to come to terms with the fact that a loved one requires additional support with daily living, but once you've acknowledged the need for support, there are a variety of tools available to make the following stages as simple as possible.&nbsp;

Changes in Their Personal Routine 

You Become Concerned For Their Personal Safety   

Memory Loss   

Mental Health Struggles   

Changes in Their Financial Habits 

How to Approach the Conversation Surrounding Their Senior Living Options?  

Involve a Sibling or Family Member

Remain Patient and Come From a Place of Empathy

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Paying for Care in Canada | Government Contributions

The amount government pays for senior care and the benefits seniors can receive depends on a few criteria such as contributions, average annual earning, and the time you started your pension. Some other parameters such as your health, if you’re married, or whether you’re planning to continue working might also affect the amount of financial assistance for pensioners.

Across Canada, there are two fundamental aids seniors usually use, which are the Canadian Pension Plan Retirement Pension (CPP) and Old Age Security Pension (OAS). You may want to seek help from a certified financial planner to be able to know which programs are the best for you. You can also check out Service Canada or reach out to 2-1-1 for more information about government financial assistance for seniors.&nbsp;<h4>Old Age Security Pension Amount</h4>When you qualify for the Old Age Security Pension (OAS), you can receive up to $614.14 a month, depending on how you long lived in Canada or particular countries starting 18 years old. You can as well receive extra payment based on your income under the other variants of OAS, for instance, the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), Allowance Program, Allowance for the Survivor, and other CPP benefits.<h4>Canadian Pension Plan Retirement Pension (CPP) Amount</h4>In 2019, seniors who are new recipients of this benefit aged 65 who will qualify for the CPP can receive a maximum monthly amount of $1,154.58. However, the average monthly amount a senior receives is $679.16. There are varying factors for how much you will receive. For instance, your time off work can affect the amount that you will receive in a monthly basis. At the same time, It is also possible for you to work while you receive the pension.

<h4>Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)</h4>The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) is monthly government assistance for seniors with low income under OAS. This program is a non-taxable benefit eligible for seniors with a low income, living in Canada.&nbsp;You can be eligible for this benefit if your income is below $18,624, and you are single, widowed, or divorced. If you have a spouse or a common-law partner, the amount you will receive will depend on your income and your partner’s income combined.&nbsp;You can be eligible for GIS if your income and your partner’s income is below $24,576, and your partner receives the full OAS pension. If your spouse or your common-law partner does not receive an OAS pension, you may be eligible for GIS if you and your partner’s income is below $44,640.&nbsp;While, if your partner receives an allowance, you can be eligible for this program, and your income and your partner’s combined income is below $44,640.<h4>Allowance Program</h4>The Allowance Program is a monthly benefit over and above OAS. Low-income seniors aged 60-64 with a spouse or a common-law partner who is a recipient of Old Age Security and the Guaranteed Income Supplement may be eligible for this benefit.If you are a Canadian citizen or a legal resident of the country, you can be eligible for this program if your annual income and your spouse/common-law partner combined income is below $34,416.<h4>Allowance for the Survivor</h4>This benefit can be applied to low-income seniors living in Canada who has a deceased spouse or a common-law partner. This allowance is monthly given to seniors who will meet a certain criterion. If you want to know more about this benefit, please visit the website of the Government of Canada.You can be eligible for this benefit if you have a deceased spouse or common-law partner and you haven’t remarried or entered a new relationship with a common-law partner. Your annual income must be below $25,080 to be eligible for this program.&nbsp;

Find Retirement Homes, Long-Term Care & Senior Health Services in Nova Scotia

A Guide to Retirement Care & Senior Living in Nova scotia

5 Signs That an Ageing Senior Needs Additional Help

Paying for Care in Canada | Government Contributions

What are the Care Options Available for Me?

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