Government is asking the public and stakeholders to help redesign residential and related services for seniors and persons with disabilities.

Changes are aimed at making it easier for people to live independently by accessing services better focused on their individual needs and the needs of their families.

The Departments of Health and Wellness, and Community Services, hosted a series of targeted meetings across the province to gather input on reshaping the system of care for the 40,000 Nova Scotians who are aging, or have mental or physical disabilities.

"We recognize how important it is to provide person-centered care, close to home," said Minister of Health and Wellness David Wilson. "And we know we can do a better job in offering supports and services to people that focus on their needs and the needs of their families. Our goal is to maximize people's independence and their ability to participate in all aspects of life."

The public is welcome to continue to offer their views and suggestions on how government can design a better system of support by reading a short discussion paper, Putting People First, and filling out a brief questionnaire online at http://novascotia.ca/coms/putpeoplefirst/default.aspx.

During March and April, government gathered feedback and opinions from service providers, advocacy groups, caregivers, individuals and families who are using continuing care services or services for persons with disabilities, to help develop a plan to improve and better integrate services and programs for these clients.

"We already know the current system has to change," said Minister of Community Services Denise Peterson-Rafuse. "Stakeholders have been telling us that for a long time. These discussions will let government and stakeholders collaborate on the solutions to make our system more flexible and responsive, and make it easier for clients and families to access the services they need, when they need them."

This project is one aspect of providing more complete levels of service to persons with disabilities, their families and communities. Nova Scotia's first mental health and addiction strategy, Together We Can, was released last spring with 33 actions to provide better care sooner for Nova Scotians living with mental illness and addictions. A province-wide consultation on the future of safe, accessible, and affordable housing held last fall will support the province's first long-term housing strategy, which is expected to be complete later this year.