Bringing people, knowledge, and partners together to strengthen palliative care and grief support across Nova Scotia.
Our Role
The Nova Scotia Hospice Palliative Care Association provides leadership in hospice, palliative care, grief, and emotional wellness across Nova Scotia. While we do not operate or provide hospice beds, we support communities through education, programs, advocacy, and system-level collaboration that strengthen care across the province.
Our work focuses on advancing equitable, compassionate palliative care and grief support by connecting communities, elevating lived experience, building shared knowledge, and helping shape policy and practice to improve outcomes for individuals and families.
How we can help
Hospice Palliative Care
What is hospice palliative care? We can help you navigate the process.
Resources for Professionals
Access webinars, toolkits, and continuing education opportunities that support your work in hospice, palliative care, and grief.
Healing Pathways-Grieving Well(TM)
Credible information and links to trusted services across Nova Scotia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find local hospice services.
Or select your health region:
Central Zone >
Halifax area,
Eastern Shore
and West Hants
Eastern Zone >
Cape Breton,
Guysborough and
Antigonish
Northern Zone >
Colchester-East Hants,
Cumberland and
Pictou areas
Western Zone >
Annapolis Valley,
South Shore and
South West
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hospice?
Hospice is a philosophy of care that focuses on comfort, dignity, and quality of life for people living with life-limiting illness. Care supports the whole person – physical, emotional, social, and spiritual.
Who is hospice care for?
Hospice care is for individuals with serious illness and for the people who care about them. It supports both the person receiving care and their family or caregivers.
Where is hospice care provided?
Hospice care can be provided in many settings, including at home, in hospice facilities, long-term care, or hospitals, depending on individual needs and community resources.
There are three hospice residences in Nova Scotia:
- Halifax Hospice (located in south end of Halifax)
- Valley Hospice (located in Kentville)
- Hospice Cape Breton (located in Sydney)
For more information on where to access hospice services, please visit our Local Supports page.
Does hospice mean giving up?
No. Hospice care focuses on comfort and quality of life. It supports people in living as fully and comfortably as possible.
Is hospice only for the final days of life?
Hospice care can be helpful at different stages of serious illness and is most effective when introduced early, alongside other supports.
What is a hospice residence?
Hospice care is a part of palliative care. A hospice residence provides a home-like setting for people who are nearing the end of life, who don’t require care in the hospital, yet have more care needs than can be provided at home, to live to their fullest. Hospice care involves a wide range of services to support patients and their families to live as fully and comfortably as possible. Patients receive professional nursing care with physician support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This includes medical and personal care to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Other health care providers, such as social workers, music therapists, and trained volunteers provide emotional, spiritual, grief and bereavement support.
Is there a cost?
Hospice residences are available to all Nova Scotian’s with a valid health card. Additional costs may apply. Please ask your local hospice what this may mean for you. For example, at Halifax Hospice (operated by the Halifax Hospice Society) medications are supplied by a community pharmacy, so if there is a copay for your medication when you are at home, that may be the same when you are in Hospice. At Valley Hospice and Hospice Cape Breton (operated by Nova Scotia Health) medications are supplied the same as if you were in hospital. If a person requires an ambulance transfer from home to hospice, there may be costs with this. Speak with your hospice team to learn more and if you have any concerns about costs.
How do I access a hospice residence in Nova Scotia?
Each hospice residence has their own referral and admission process. You can find details here.
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