Charbel Daniel, Northwood CEO: “We measure success not in profits, but in smiles, happiness and love”

The Silicon Review

Northwood’s journey began in 1962, when seniors in Nova Scotia faced the grim realities of poverty, isolation, and inadequate housing. Many lived in substandard conditions, without a voice to advocate for their rights. Edward L. Roach, moved by the struggles of an elderly woman whose story he heard on the radio, took action. Determined to make a difference, Ed organized a community meeting at St. Thomas Aquinas School in Halifax. This gathering marked the birth of the Halifax Senior Citizens’ Housing Corporation (HSCHC), with Ed leading the charge as president. Thus, Northwood was born. Northwood’s first project was Northwood Towers, a 73-unit affordable housing development for seniors that opened in 1967. The Towers provided much-needed studio and one-bedroom apartments, ensuring that seniors had a safe and affordable place to live. Building on this success, Northwood expanded its services. In 1970, construction began on Northwood Manor, offering both independent living and supervisory care for seniors who needed assistance with daily tasks.

By 1976, Northwood solidified its role as Nova Scotia’s leading provider of senior care services with the opening of Northwood Centre, a nine-story nursing home with a multi-purpose seniors’ centre. Northwood became known for its outstanding contributions to the field, being the first to offer in-house banking, pastoral care services, hospice care, and even a dental clinic in a special care home. The organization continued to innovate, launching homecare services, a personal emergency response system (InTouch), and an Adult Day program to support individuals with dementia and their families. Even after Ed Roach’s retirement in 1987, Northwood remained committed to its mission of providing seniors with the opportunity to age with dignity and independence. With the establishment of Ivany Place in 2010, Northwood introduced a pioneering approach to elder care. It also launched the “Seeds of Success” mental health program for residents and rolled out a specialized dementia program in its updated Fitness Centre.

Today, Northwood offers a broad range of services, from affordable housing options to home support services, adult day programs, and long-term care. By ensuring seniors can age in place, Northwood continues to empower older adults to LIVE MORE and thrive in their chosen homes and communities.

Embracing Technology to Enhance Care

As the healthcare sector has transformed over the decades, so too has Northwood. A key element of the company’s success has been its adoption of cutting-edge technology. In the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, Northwood has implemented a range of technology-driven solutions to improve care delivery and support staff efficiency.

The organization uses PointClickCare for documentation in long-term care facilities, while its home support services benefit from scheduling software. More recently, Northwood has modernized its payroll and HR operations by implementing Avanti, a comprehensive platform that streamlines these processes. Staff members also have access to educational resources and modules through software that enables them to stay updated on policies, procedures, and best practices, regardless of their location. This focus on operational efficiency ensures that Northwood’s workforce remains equipped and informed, ultimately benefiting the clients they serve.

One of Northwood’s standout innovations is its SMARTech program, designed to create a technology-enhanced environment for residents in long-term care. SMARTech empowers seniors to maintain their autonomy and safety through an array of tools, including voice-activated systems, specialized switches, sensors, and even robotics. These tools enable residents to perform daily tasks independently, contributing to positive mental health and overall well-being. Northwood’s vision extends beyond its long-term care facilities, with plans to expand SMARTech into its apartment communities and home care services, ensuring that even more seniors can benefit from these technologies in the future.

A Mission-Driven Approach to Senior Care

While technology plays a critical role, Northwood’s approach to senior care is deeply rooted in its mission to serve the community. As a non-profit organization, Northwood explores innovative funding opportunities through social enterprises, grants, and other revenue sources. This strategy enables the organization to keep its programs accessible and flexible, evolving alongside the changing needs of the community. Northwood offers a range of services, from home care to assisted living and long-term care, with a unique focus on proactive, personalized support. The staff are trained to help clients navigate the often-complex healthcare system, ensuring that they receive the right services at the right time. This individualized approach sets Northwood apart in a competitive healthcare market, where many providers may prioritize profit over personalized care.

Northwood’s commitment to accessibility extends to financial support programs such as the InTouch subsidy program, where eligible participants can access services at significantly reduced rates. In addition, Northwood partners with third-party funders, including Veterans Affairs Canada, which fully covers these services for qualifying veterans. The organization’s Dignified Living Fund further reinforces its commitment to accessible care. This fund allows residents to live with dignity, ensuring that surpluses from certain operations go toward subsidizing the Adult Day Program and other essential services. As a result, Northwood can offer high-quality care at below-market rates, making its services available to a broader demographic.

Pioneering the Future of Senior Care: A Vision for Innovation and Community

Looking to the future, Northwood is poised for continued growth and innovation. With an increasing demand for senior and long-term care, the organization is investing in community-based programs that enhance services for seniors both in their homes and within its facilities. Northwood is also exploring new technology-driven trends in senior care, such as telehealth for remote consultations and AI-driven care management platforms that offer personalized solutions for every individual’s unique needs.

Northwood’s leadership is well aware that investing in its staff is just as important as investing in technology. By creating a better work environment and implementing new support systems, the organization is committed to ensuring that its team thrives. Initiatives focused on work-life balance and professional development will not only benefit Northwood employees but also directly improve the quality of care delivered to clients. As Northwood continues to grow, the organization remains committed to its core values of innovation, accessibility, and compassionate care. By leveraging smart technologies like the SMARTech program, expanding financial support options such as the InTouch subsidy, and fostering strong partnerships with government entities, Northwood is setting the stage for the future of senior care.

Northwood’s vision is to empower seniors to “Live More.” Whether through cutting-edge technologies, personalized care solutions, or robust community programs, Northwood is not just caring for seniors — it is pushing the boundaries of what senior care can be. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, Northwood’s commitment to innovation and its mission-driven approach ensure that seniors will receive the best care possible, now and in the years to come.

The leadership team behind the success of Northwood

Northwood’s exceptional leadership team is transforming senior care in Nova Scotia through a commitment to excellence and innovation. With a deep understanding of seniors’ unique needs, they are pioneering new approaches to enhance care and support services. Their strategies integrate cutting-edge technology with compassionate, personalized care, ensuring that every senior receives the respect they deserve. By collaborating with community partners and adapting to changing needs, Northwood’s leadership is addressing current challenges while creating a more inclusive future for seniors across the province, ultimately elevating their well- being and quality of life.