Aging in place is becoming safer and more manageable for seniors in the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) because of the growing Community Aging in Place, Advancing Better Living for Elders (CAPABLE) program. This program is expanding to more neighborhoods, helping seniors live independently in their own homes.
CAPABLE connects eligible seniors with a team of professionals, including a nurse, occupational therapist, and handyman, to improve their safety and independence. The program focuses on making simple changes in the home, like adding grab bars, improving lighting, or fixing steps, and providing new skills and exercises for better physical health. The team also works with the seniors’ healthcare providers to review medications and suggest other improvements.
The program is for seniors 65 and older who have mobility challenges and meet certain income requirements. With the latest expansion, CAPABLE is now available in more parts of Dartmouth and Halifax, such as Highfield Park, Burnside, Woodside, Albro Lake, Fairview, Armdale, Rockingham, and Purcells Cove.
The CAPABLE program offers both practical and emotional benefits, making it possible for people to live more safely and independently at home. The program has helped by providing simple solutions for daily tasks. For example, it includes tools that help people reach items on the floor and new rails to make getting in and out of the bathtub safer. Many seniors find these small changes boost their confidence and comfort, helping them stay active and safe at home longer.
Whether it’s rearranging furniture for better access or providing tools for daily tasks, the program helps seniors take control of their living space.
If you or someone you know could benefit from the CAPABLE program, you can apply online on their website or by calling 1-888-925-6101.