Strategic Directions
Lead the Development of new models of Community Living: A holistic approach to housing - beyond accommodations.
Northwood began as a social movement. Moved to act, founder Ed Roach invited over 580 individuals and groups to a public meeting in 1962 to discuss the plight of seniors living in Nova Scotia. Two hundred and eighty-five concerned citizens gathered that night at St. Thomas Aquinas School in the South end of Halifax to hear Ed's vision for the future. He spoke passionately about the plight of seniors and the need for affordable housing. The meeting resulted in a call to action and the creation of the Halifax Senior Citizens' Housing Corporation (HSCHC), with Ed Roach as president. Northwood was born.
Northwood is also a champion for diversity. We represent over 20 nationalities and are proud to do so. Northwood was the first long-term care facility in Nova Scotia to have a diversity committee to support its staff! Northwood was the first long-term care facility to participate in Halifax pride and has been participating since 2010. Northwood embraces all employees for who they are with no barriers. Northwood welcomes with open arms the LGBTQIA2S+ community, international persons, families, and people from all backgrounds.
"Northwood's innovations have always been guided by Ed's conviction that seniors should be lifted out of the 'loneliness, lovelessness and isolation' he witnessed in the 1960s.
Northwood quickly became a voice for seniors in Nova Scotia, demanding a new approach to aging in place. Northwood provided an affordable option for seniors wanting to remain independent within a supportive environment. In 1970, Northwood opened Northwood Centre, an innovative new approach to long-term care, and began reaching out to the community through its Multi-Purpose Centre. As a leader in Continuing Care, over the past 60 years, we have been the ‘First’ at many things. Northwood introduced a Home Care Service, Intouch, and Adult Day to support seniors wishing to remain independent. Northwood was the first to provide a licensed lounge, Hospice and Pastoral Care, Health Centre Services, and a dedicated floor designed for the deaf community.
We are so proud to continue the journey of our founder and persevere through an unprecidented time in our history. Northwood is learning and growing, the future is bright." Northwood's founder Edward L. Roach 1928 - 2012
CEO & President, Janet Simm on the impact of Northwood's founder, Edward L. Roach.
Northwood recognizes the reality of an aging society. Our programs reflect the changing needs of our clients. The flexibility of our programs has never been more necessary than during the COVID-19 pandemic.
3 Community Report • 2021 / 2022 • Lead the development of new models of Community Living.
