Sydney, NS – November 19th, 2025 – Just months after receiving $12.4 million in provincial research funding through Research Nova Scotia, the Homeward Bound project is already reshaping what it means to age well in rural Nova Scotia, specifically the province’s Eastern Health Zone. 

Led by Cape Breton University’s social work researcher Dr. Alison Grittner, Homeward Bound is bringing together an interdisciplinary team of researchers, older adults, community leaders, and healthcare partners to build a future where aging in the right place isn’t just possible, it’s dignified, supported, and rooted in community. 

According to Dr. Grittner, the early months have confirmed one thing: there is a deep need across Nova Scotia for a different model of aging, one shaped not in boardrooms, but in living rooms, kitchens, community halls, and gathering spaces. 

“Homeward Bound is about more than aging in place – it’s about aging well in place, with choice, connection, and dignity. By bringing together research on housing, health, and social supports, we’re building a preventative model that helps rural older adults stay well, happy, and rooted in the communities they love. Our goal is simple: make it possible for people to age in the right place, on their own terms.” 

Building a movement, not just a research project 

Since the announcement in January, the project team has been busy laying the foundation for a research model driven by lived experience, rural contexts, innovative and adaptive technology, and local knowledge. 

Experienced community members from across the Eastern Health Zone have now joined the newly formed Lived Advisory Council, ensuring the project is being built with them, not about them. 

“Being part of these important conversations at the beginning of a project of this scope is key to a successful outcome! Members of the advisory council live and work in these communities and have direct knowledge and a deep understanding of the issues facing older adults in rural communities, says Celeste Gotell, who lives in Antigonish, and does work in Richmond County and is an older adult herself.” 

• An interdisciplinary team of community-focused researchers, coordinators, data experts, and experienced partners within the Eastern Health Zone and beyond are collaborating to support the work.  
• GIS (Geographic Information Systems) community mapping and analysis are being utilized to highlight spatial gaps in services being offered for older adults  
• Design phase of the PROTECT Lab program and infrastructure in Sydney  
• Homeward Bound Nova Scotia, now lives online through a dedicated website  (www.homewardboundns.ca) and social media presence, helping people follow along and get involved. 

Most importantly, the project has begun the work of identifying Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs) across Nova Scotia’s Eastern Health Zone communities where older adults are already aging together. 

“We’re not creating ‘projects’ and ‘test sites’, we’re finding the places where community already exists and will be delivering aging supports aimed at addressing clear gaps in what is present. We’re working with community to find solutions that are scalable and adaptable, as well as leveraging what is already working.” says Principal Investigator Dr. Grittner. 

Aging with choice, connection, and dignity 

What’s unique about Homeward Bound is that it understands aging is not only a healthcare question. It is also a housing question. A transportation question. A social connection question. A question of economics, equity, mobility, and meaning. 

We’re combining research expertise with community wisdom — because meaningful solutions can only be built with the people they’re meant to serve. 

The long-term goal? To build a blueprint for aging well in the right rural place that can be adapted across Nova Scotia, and eventually, across the country. 

“Funders like Research Nova Scotia didn’t just invest in a project—they invested in a pathway towards well-futures for potentially millions of older adults,” says Dr. Grittner. “And we are already seeing what’s possible.” 

What’s next 

In the coming months, Homeward Bound will begin: 

• Announcing the project’s NORC communities 
• Launching community-based engagement activities in collaboration with our Lived Advisory Council 
• Expanding the research team  
• Moving the PROTECT Lab into early construction planning 
• Sharing stories of rural aging across Nova Scotia 

Follow the Journey 

Website: www.homewardboundns.ca 
Facebook & Instagram: @homewardboundns 
Email: homewardboundns@cbu.ca 

Media Contact 

Solange Ackrill 
Homeward Bound NS Communications 
homewardboundns@cbu.ca