Statement on Long-Term Care Strike

Dementia Doesn't Pause: Alzheimer Society Concerned About Disproportionate Impact of Long-Term Care Strike on Residents Living with Dementia

Halifax, N.S., June 3, 2026 - The Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia (ASNS) is adding its voice to the growing chorus of individuals, families, and community partners concerned about the impact of an extended long-term care strike on residents, particularly those living with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias.

"Yesterday marked 50 days since the labour disruption began,” says Sacha Nadeau, Director of Research and Advocacy. “As of today, residents in thirty-six long-term care homes across the province are living under essential-service provisions. While their fundamental needs continue to be met, essential services alone fall short of delivering the care and meaningful connections that are vital to quality of life.”

Under essential-service provisions, residents continue to receive meals, medications, personal hygiene support, and mobility assistance. Recreation programs, social activities, outings, personal grooming, and one-to-one interaction have been reduced or suspended — services critical to emotional well-being and social connection.

"Knowing that up to 85% of care home residents have cognitive impairments related to dementia, these disruptions carry particular weight," says Nadeau. "Residents living with dementia depend on familiar staff who know their personal histories, communication styles, and care preferences. Prolonged disruptions to routines and caregiving relationships can trigger increased confusion, anxiety, agitation, or social withdrawal."

These disruptions also shift significant responsibility onto family members and care partners which is especially challenging for smaller families or those living at a distance.

Gary Walsh, a Nova Scotia resident whose spouse is living with dementia and currently resides in a care home, says: "While my spouse continues to receive excellent care at her residence, and the workers there are wonderful, there needs to be a resolution soon or I fear her quality of life will decline. In our time with our care home, I have noticed that many of the people who look after my spouse are extremely dedicated but underpaid and undervalued. With the most vulnerable depending on care providers, time is of the essence when it comes to resolving this labour disruption." 

Meanwhile, Nadeau says the Society’s Dementia Helpline has also seen an increase in calls related to the labour disruption saying: “Families are calling the Dementia Helpline to express their concern about the impact of reduced services on their loved ones and themselves.”

Nadeau notes the Society also recognizes that this situation is difficult for everyone, including long-term care workers.

"Long-term care staff do deeply meaningful and demanding work," says Nadeau. "Those in this sector often find genuine purpose in supporting residents, while consistently reporting high rates of stress and emotional exhaustion. A well-functioning long-term care system depends on a workforce that is valued, supported, and sustainable."

As negotiations continue, the Society urges all parties to keep residents at the centre of the process. ASNS works across the care ecosystem through its Dementia Helpline, educational opportunities like the Dementia Care conference and U-First® for Healthcare, and direct advocacy with government, and recognizes that everyone is working toward solutions. But that work must be collaborative and attentive to the full complexity of the system, says Society CEO, John Britton:

"We continue to work closely with the provincial government, and we recognize the meaningful investments in long-term care training and infrastructure that have been made,” says Britton. “Loan forgiveness for CCA graduates, new beds and new facilities are absolutely needed. But these changes alone cannot deliver the consistent, person-centred care that residents require. The system depends equally on having enough qualified, fairly compensated staff who know their residents and can provide continuity of care. One without the other falls short."

Looking ahead, Nadeau says the path forward requires both resolution and reinvestment.

"Nova Scotians deserve a long-term care system that supports residents, families, and workers alike. Continued investment in staffing, training, workplace well-being, and person-centred care will be important to ensuring that residents—including those living with dementia—receive the support they need to live with dignity, purpose, and connection."

Read an op-ed from our CEO on Linkedin here. 

Media Contact:
Janice Lockyer, Communications & Marketing Manager
902-332-7961
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