Questions & Answers

To clarify any terms used in these questions and answers, please view our glossary of common terms used within The Remedy

Housing (7)

  • What happens if a person’s housing plan isn’t working, or they want to move?

    The Remedy shifts from a placement-based approach to a focused planning process committed to building a life in community based on each individual’s choice. This decreases the risk of “breakdown” and increases the likelihood of meaningful life in community. People change and grow over time and their preferences and interests may change too. The Remedy foresees that things can and will change. The Local Area Coordinator, or an Intensive Planning and Support Coordinator, can support individuals to revisit their plan and revise accordingly. 

  • What safeguards will be in place?

    Policy development on the home sharing model is underway. Key safeguards will include a shared understanding of roles and responsibilities for all parties and clear accountability measures. Additionally, through enhanced planning, there will be more capacity for oversight and ongoing engagement. This could include site visits, check-ins, accessibility modifications, etc.

  • How will DSP promote the home sharing model to attract hosts?

    As the new home sharing model is developed, recruitment and retention of hosts and host families will be a key factor. DSP is working on addressing feedback and challenges with the AFS program, such as funding, respite, and training needs. A new strategy for recruiting individuals and families for the program will be developed, including a robust screening, assessment, and support process.

  • What happens to residents that live in small options homes and group homes?

    The Remedy has prioritized the closure of facilities and congregate settings currently housing more than 4 people. Closure of group homes and developmental residences will begin in year 4 of the Remedy. Small Options Homes will continue to be an option for DSP participants.

  • What changes will be made to bring small option homes and group homes in alignment with the Remedy?

    All DSP participants will eventually transition to individualized funding, which provides individuals with more choice and control – including the option to move. Through the Remedy’s workforce strategy, we will shift to a system where services will be provided to individuals - wherever they choose to live - and not tied to facilities or beds. 

  • What does home sharing look like?

    Home sharing is a shared living model based on respectful, meaningful relationships. It creates connections between those who are open to sharing their homes with those looking for housing. Home sharing works best when not used for emergency or short-term situations. The concept is that the individuals involved are committed to sharing a life in community, not just a house. There is funding available to the individual providing the home to recognize their role in providing some support, shelter and housing. The DSP participant uses their Individualized Funding to cover their core support needs – i.e., what they do during the day. Home sharing arrangements are often supported by an agency that helps recruit people who want to share their home in making the connection to a person seeking a shared living arrangement. 

  • How will the Remedy support people to find housing and other supports they need to live in community?

    The Remedy is designed to give people more options and control over where and with whom they live. We know affordable housing is a real challenge for many Nova Scotians right now. Coordinated efforts by government and partners are underway to address housing insecurity. The Remedy has many ways that it will help people find housing and other supports in community. They include:

    • Better planning support – Intensive Planning Support Coordinators (IPSC) and Local Area Coordinators (LAC) who have the capacity to help individuals plan and build a meaningful life in community. IPSCs and LACs are anchored in their local communities and can help find and create housing options.
    • Removing the traditional “menu” approach that has forced individuals to select from pre-determined housing options (e.g. Small Option Home, Group Home, RCF, etc.) and instead helping people with disabilities access more “typical” housing arrangements.
    • Revisiting regulations and building code requirements that have, in the past, restricted or limited access to housing for people with disabilities.
    • Introducing approaches like home sharing that have worked well elsewhere.
    • Individualized funding (IF), which gives people more choice and control in their lives by assigning funding to the individual rather than to a bed or a service provider. Individual budgets will be developed that better reflect the unique needs of the person and provide them with the means to hire their own staff. Nova Scotia is investing in an “IF Backbone” of administrative support and tools to help people manage their funding. 
    • A workforce strategy that guides government’s work to ensure we have the  right people in the right roles to move the work of the Remedy forward, and support Nova Scotians with disabilities into the future  
    • A commitment to culture change as we shift away from old mindsets and models to more inclusive and supportive ones