Helping people stay safe and independent at home

New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, Thursday, February 5, 2026, …. For some people in Pictou County, a small piece of equipment such as a commode, walker, or tub transfer bench can make the difference between living independently or needing outside care. But for many residents, especially seniors on fixed incomes, these essentials aren’t covered by existing funding programs.

When Nova Scotia Health’s Community Rehabilitation team began seeing more people caught in this gap, they reached out to the Aberdeen Health Foundation for help. The result was the creation of the Community Equipment Fund, a $5,000 annual fund that helps residents access the small but vital items that keep them safe at home.

Photo caption: The Community Equipment Fund is helping Pictou County residents access small but essential items that support safety and independence at home. Front row: Tanya MacDonald, Rehabilitation Services Manager, Aberdeen Hospital; Susanne McLean, Community Occupational Therapist. Back row: Amy Brophy, Secretary II, Rehabilitation Services; Michelle Ferris, Executive Director, Aberdeen Health Foundation; Titi Odediran, Community Occupational Therapist.

Community Occupational Therapist Titilayo (Titi) Odediran said that upon joining the team, she quickly saw a need for greater support. “While some programs offer funding for certain age groups or individuals with specific diagnoses, we encountered a number of clients, particularly those with low income, who didn’t meet the eligibility criteria,” she explained. “Even when people were assessed and prescribed equipment to support their safety and mobility, many couldn’t obtain it due to financial limitations. This fund fills that gap.”

The idea came directly from the team’s Occupational Therapists, who often see firsthand what clients are facing at home. “Our Community Occupational Therapists, Susanne McLean and Titi Odediran, were the ones who identified the need,” said Secretary for Rehabilitation Services Amy Brophy. “Their appointments happen within the client’s home, and they noticed an increase in clients who needed small things to continue to safely remain there.”

Brophy added that many of the people the team serves are older adults living on fixed incomes. “While some funding is available, small pieces of equipment aren’t always included,” she said. “For many seniors, that means relying on family or friends for help, or managing without until other supports become available.”

Before the fund was established, some clients tried to raise money through community groups or online platforms, but these efforts weren’t always successful. Others went without essential equipment entirely, putting their safety and independence at risk. For those living on limited means, the cost of even basic items could mean choosing between safety equipment and other essential expenses like groceries or medication. The new fund now gives the rehab team a reliable and efficient way to provide the items that make a tangible difference in daily life.

With support from the Foundation, the team can quickly order and deliver equipment, ensuring items like transfer benches or wheelchair repairs are handled within days rather than weeks. “Once the therapist sends the request, I can place the order that same day,” said Brophy. “It means patients get their equipment faster, which supports quicker follow-ups and helps reduce our waitlist.”

For clients, the difference is immediate. One recipient had their wheelchair repaired, regaining independent mobility and preventing future falls. Another received a commode and transfer bench, allowing them to safely manage personal care without assistance. In its first year, the fund has already proven invaluable, helping people remain safe and independent while reducing the need for hospital or long-term care admissions. Brophy said seeing these results has deepened her appreciation for the Foundation’s impact. “Throughout my career here, I’ve learned about all the great things the Aberdeen Health Foundation does,” she said. “But seeing it first-hand…it’s keeping people moving safely at home and improving their daily quality of life.”

As the Aberdeen Health Foundation marks its 40th anniversary, the Community Equipment Fund stands as a powerful example of how local generosity continues to make a difference. “This fund addresses a critical gap by supporting individuals who may otherwise be overlooked by traditional programs,” said Odediran. “It’s more than equipment. It’s about dignity, safety, and independence for everyone.”

The Aberdeen Health Foundation is the leading charity for enhancing health care in Pictou County. In 2025, the Foundation invested over $3 million to fund medical equipment and enhance health programs at the Aberdeen Hospital and in the community. Your contribution can be the catalyst for even greater change — find out how you can make an impact here.