For Rachelle Maas, nursing is about making a difference in people's lives, often through the smallest gestures. Whether it's offering a listening ear or a friendly smile, she believes every interaction matters.

When Janessa started thinking about her future, she knew she wanted to work in healthcare. What she didn’t know was where she belonged. “I honestly had no idea what I wanted to do” she said. “I was very, very lost” That uncertainty changed when she discovered Northwood Career College (NCC) and its Continuing Care Assistant program.

Join us October 22 as we celebrate extraordinary people, community leadership and a shared commitment to helping Nova Scotians live more.

The months ahead are filled with opportunities to connect, celebrate, and support meaningful programs through the Northwood Foundation. From live music and community events to fundraising initiatives that directly support dignity and wellness programs, the Foundation’s 2026 lineup is focused on bringing people together while making a difference for older adults and the communities Northwood serves.

We're wrapping up National Volunteer Week (April 19–25) where we celebrated the people who give their time, compassion, and care to others, and at Northwood, that impact is felt in the moments that matter most. Every day, across our communities, volunteers help create connection, comfort, and a true sense of belonging. It might look like a shared conversation, a walk, a game, or simply sitting together. These small moments have a lasting impact!

At Northwood, our mission has always been to provide exceptional care, but we know that delivering the best support starts with taking care of our own people. That’s why we are incredibly proud to announce that Northwood has been named both one of Atlantic Canada’s Top Employers and one of Nova Scotia's Top Employers for the 14th straight time.

As we prepare for the upcoming 14th Annual Research Symposium, we are pleased to share two short videos featuring our keynote speaker, Susan Stevens.

The Veterans Affairs Canada-supported pilot includes 10 Northwood Homecare clients A new mobility device aimed at improving independence and reducing the risk of injury from falls is being tested in Sheet Harbour through a partnership involving Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC), Northwood Homecare and Axtion Independence Mobility.

Family members, friends, staff, residents, and community supporters gathered at Northwood recently to celebrate the official renaming of its main activities space as The Joyce Bond Centre, honouring the extraordinary life and legacy of longtime volunteer Joyce Bond.

John van Gurp still remembers noticing Heather for the first time in high school in 1979. They were 17. They went on to spend more than four decades together — building a family, travelling the world, and sharing a life full of love and laughter. In the spring of 2021, John began to sense something wasn’t right.

The holidays can be a joyful time, but for many people living in long-term care, the season can also be quiet and isolating. Thanks to the Extended Care Paramedics from Emergency Health Services (EHS), kindness and connection was in abundance today!

Last week, Northwood friends, residents, and supporters gathered for a celebratory luncheon at the Halifax Campus, where the Christina & Hedley G. Ivany Charitable Foundation announced a profound and lasting commitment to Northwood through a legacy gift supporting mental health programs in perpetuity.

Northwood welcomed students from NSCAD University’s Bachelor of Design (BDes) program yesterday morning as part of a hands-on exploration of how thoughtful, human-centred design can better support people living with dementia.

This December, the halls of Northwood were filled with the sounds, spirit, and joy of the season. Our annual holiday concerts—held at both the Halifax and Bedford campuses—brought residents, families, staff, and community partners together for evenings of music, connection, and heartfelt celebration.

That’s why each year; Mary Anne hosts her very own “Open Room.” She decorates her space with lights and garland, sets out holiday treats, and invites friends old and new to stop by for cheer, conversation, and laughter. What began as a simple idea has grown into a beautiful tradition. one that brightens not only her room, but the entire community around her. For Mary Anne, the Open Room is more than a party. It is hope in action.

Something truly remarkable is happening within our Northwood community this holiday season, a movement of kindness that stretches far beyond our walls. Every year, our Holiday Card Campaign invites people to send handwritten cards filled with messages of hope, comfort, and joy to residents who may be spending the season without family nearby. What began as a simple idea has grown into a beautiful tradition that connects generations, communities, and hearts.

A simple idea is making a meaningful difference across our Northwood community. Through gardening, creativity, and shared activities, residents are finding new ways to connect, build confidence, and support their well-being. Our Roots to Resilience Program, recently featured by SaltWire, brings residents, staff, families, and volunteers together in ways that encourage purpose and joy.

The holidays are a time to come together, spread kindness, and make sure everyone in our community feels remembered. If you’re looking for a way to give back this season, Northwood Foundation has six simple and meaningful opportunities to brighten someone’s day. Here’s how you can help our residents and clients Live More this holiday season...

Halifax, NS — One month after the launch of The Dignity Rack, the Northwood Foundation and Mountain Warehouse are celebrating strong community response to the new partnership — an initiative that makes it easy for shoppers to give back while shopping local. Unveiled on October 18 at Mountain Warehouse’s Halifax and Dartmouth stores, The Dignity Rack invites customers to purchase small, essential items like socks, sweaters, and sunglasses for Northwood residents and clients.

Building on History, Caring for the Future WESTPHAL, NS — A proud day for care and community in Nova Scotia. Today, Northwood officially broke ground on its new Akoma Campus , a modern long-term care home being developed in Westphal through a partnership between Northwood , the Province of Nova Scotia , and Akoma Holdings Inc. — a local charitable organization with a long history of leadership and service within the African Nova Scotian community. Located on the historic Ak