Griffiths is a nationally recognized expert in the care of people with so-called “dual diagnoses” of intellectual disabilities and mental illness, and she has participated as a consultant in the closures of institutions and transfer of residents into Ontario small options homes. According to the Nova Scotia Health Authority, about 82 people out of 270 in mental health facilities “no longer required hospital admission” across Nova Scotia, and were awaiting placement in community-based care. In Tuesday’s budget, the Liberal government announced that there is an additional $2.1 million to help create small options homes and group homes. Rudderham said the goal for 2018-19 is at least 10 new small options homes that will accommodate 40 people. The group recommended to the finance minister that to keep up with the pace of demand, an investment “in at least 25 new small options homes each year for the next three years,” was needed.

Source: National Post March 23, 2018 08:02 UTC