The provincial government has formally launched the review of nursing homes as called for by the Seniors’ Advocate.

Health Minister Tom Osborne has said on several occasions that government agrees with the recommendation for a review of long-term care homes and personal care homes.

A panel has been established to finalize the scope of the review. Dr. Janice Keefe, director of the Nova Scotia Centre on Aging, Dr. Susan Mercer, clinical chief of older adult care at Eastern Health, and Kelli O’Brien, a former VP of Western Health, will provide input on an implementation plan.

Minister Osborne says the review will look at things such as standards, admission policies, spousal separation, how to improve the quality of care and life for people in the homes, and the work-life balance and working conditions of staff.

He says the review will help “transform” personal care and long-term care in the province.

The review is expected to take six to eight months.