When we think about aging in place, we imagine a future where older adults remain in their homes and communities, supported with the care and connection they need to thrive. In New Brunswick, that vision is becoming a reality—thanks to Nursing Home Without Walls (NHWW), an innovative approach to supporting aging in place that is now inspiring similar efforts across Canada.
A new vision for aging in place
Originally launched in rural New Brunswick, NHWW reimagines how long-term care services are delivered by extending the reach of nursing homes beyond their physical walls. Developed by Dr. Suzanne Dupuis-Blanchard from the Université de Moncton, in collaboration with the Government of New Brunswick and supported by Healthcare Excellence Canada (HEC), the model takes a deeply community and person-centred approach.
By partnering with local organizations, municipalities, and community champions, the program brings wellness checks, social connection, basic health services and support navigating the system directly to older adults in their homes and communities. This helps people stay healthier, happier and more connected—while easing pressure on traditional health and long-term care systems.
"Nursing Home Without Walls embraces aging in the community, providing opportunities to engage, stay active, and feel empowered. "With its person-centred and flexible approach, the program meets older adults where they are," said Suzanne Dupuis-Blanchard, RN, PhD.
Real impact, real lives
The impact speaks for itself: 96% of older adults reached say NHWW has helped them stay at home while also fostering stronger community connections.
“NHWW has truly been a game-changer for me. Not only does it keep me busy and engaged with a variety of activities, but it has also allowed me to meet new friends and reconnect with old acquaintances during recreational events—whom I never thought I would see again in this life,” said one NHWW service user.
Growing a movement, one community at a time
The NHWW model began in 2019 with four pilot sites in rural New Brunswick communities, reimagining how older adults could be supported to age in place, at home and within their communities, while potentially delaying entry into long-term care settings. The results spoke volumes: greater satisfaction, stronger social connections, and fewer non-urgent visits to emergency services.
Building on this success, the program expanded to 20 nursing homes, and by April 2025 had reached 27 sites across the province. This growth was made possible through funding from New Brunswick’s Department of Social Development, with implementation support from Université de Moncton and HEC.
Investing in the future: support from the Waltons Trust
Thanks to new funding from HEC and a grant from Waltons Trust, the model is being scaled and spread to even more communities. Waltons Trust is dedicated to reducing loneliness and isolation among older adults by increasing meaningful personal connections and strengthening community-based supports. With its support, even more older adults will be able to age with dignity and connection—right where they belong.
“It has been truly inspiring to hear about all the work that’s taken place in New Brunswick. With the support of Healthcare Excellence Canada, there is an exciting opportunity now to amplify that success and scale this transformative program to communities across the country,” said Sandi Pelly, Director, Older Adults at Waltons Trust.
How it works: a community-centred model
The model centres community. Local nursing homes act as hubs, supporting small, flexible teams that work with older adults bringing personalized, preventive care and social connection into their lives. It’s designed to be adaptable—tailored to the unique strengths, cultures and needs of each community.
Whether it’s transportation support, wellness programming, or just a check-in from a familiar face, the NHWW approach is built on trust, relationships and responsive care.
Guiding the way: scaling impact across Canada
The success of the original sites in New Brunswick didn’t go unnoticed. As interest grows, more jurisdictions are exploring how to adapt the model to their own contexts.
To support this momentum, HEC has developed two practical guides—one for nursing home and long-term care leaders and another for jurisdictional decision-makers and health system leaders. These resources share real-world lessons, implementation tips, and tools to help communities bring the model to life and adapt it to local needs.
From identifying local champions to building partnerships and measuring impact, the guides are designed to help communities hit the ground running. They also emphasize equity and inclusion, ensuring the model is responsive to Indigenous communities, newcomers and others who may experience barriers to accessing care.
Bringing care—and connection—closer
The program is also making headlines for its powerful human stories. In one touching example, a weekly wellness call arranged through the program sparked a romance between two older adults participating in the program. Brenda Trafford and David Steele, both connected through NHWW, were matched when David began volunteering and was paired with Brenda for regular check-ins. Their conversations turned into friendship—and eventually, a love story. As featured by CBC, their connection is a beautiful reminder that health and well-being go far beyond physical needs.
Looking ahead
As the model expands, so does the potential to transform how we think about aging, care and community. Nursing Home Without Walls is not just a program — it’s a philosophy rooted in dignity, autonomy and belonging. And thanks to this new wave of momentum, even more Canadians will benefit from its impact.
“By continuing to innovate and implement solutions adapted to the realities of our aging population, we are strengthening intergenerational ties and ensuring that every senior can age with dignity and respect,” said Lyne Chantal Boudreau, New Brunswick’s Minister responsible for seniors. “We are thrilled to see this model expanding throughout New Brunswick and gaining national recognition.”
Because care doesn’t have to happen within four walls. It can happen wherever people are — and the benefits are already being seen.
“We have witnessed many lives positively impacted by this initiative," said Suzanne Dupuis-Blanchard, RN, PhD. “I am thrilled to see the pan-Canadian spread bring forth new knowledge and, most importantly, the possibility of aging in place with the appropriate supports.”
For more information on how to get involved, email nhww-fssm@hec-esc.ca
