Pictou and area residents will benefit from new nursing home facilities with the replacement of Shiretown Nursing Home, an 89- bed long-term-care facility in Pictou. Premier Rodney MacDonald joined Health Minister Chris d’Entremont to announce the facility replacement today, Feb. 6, in Pictou. “Last spring, we outlined a plan to build a long-term-care system that meets the needs and reflects the values of Nova Scotians,” said Premier MacDonald. “The Continuing Care Strategy will allow Nova Scotians to live well in a place they can call home. Today’s announcement is another step forward in making that plan a reality.” “Nova Scotians want to know that — if they need it — long-term-care facilities that offer a high quality of life and a high quality of care are available close to home,” said Mr. d’Entremont. “Shiretown Nursing Home has been home to many people over the years, but it is now time for a new facility that will be better able to meet the needs of residents now and in the days to come.” The replacement of Shiretown Nursing Home became necessary in part because of its age and also because of demands placed on the facility by the changing needs of residents, who generally require more complex care. New long-term-care facilities being built in the future will reflect more home-like environments for smaller numbers of residents. This will also allow them to be located in more communities around the province, giving Nova Scotians access to care closer to home. Facility resources will include more social and recreation space, more personal space, and private rooms. Facilities may also include different levels of care, allowing people to remain in the same location even as their health requirements change. The new facility for Pictou is expected to be completed by March 2010.