Nakile celebrating Excellence in Long Term Care at the annual NHNSA LTC Awards of Excellence Gala

On November 20, 2025, Long Term Care (LTC) facilities from across Nova Scotia gathered at the Delta Hotel in Dartmouth to celebrate outstanding achievements in the sector. The NHNSA LTC Awards of Excellence Gala brought together sponsors, sector partners, and dedicated care providers to honour nominees in six meaningful categories: Cultural Harmony, Trailblazer, Better Together, Champion for Dignity, Spirit, and Leading the Way.

This event highlighted the commitment and passion of individuals and teams who work tirelessly to improve the lives of residents in long term care. Among the nominees, Nakile’s Leadership Team and Behavioural Support Worker Brynn Lowe stood out for their remarkable contributions. Their stories offer inspiring examples of how care can be transformed through dedication, respect, and innovation.

NHNSA Awards Gala was held at Delta Hotel, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Nakile’s Leadership Team and the Cultural Harmony Award

Nakile’s Leadership Team earned a nomination for the Cultural Harmony Award, a recognition that celebrates efforts to create inclusive and respectful environments in LTC settings. The nomination praised the team for turning crisis into opportunity within just 18 months. Instead of letting challenges divide them, they built a workplace where cultural harmony is a daily priority.

This team focused on creating a space where:

• Staff feel valued and supported regardless of background

• Residents experience security and respect for their diverse cultures

• Diversity is actively celebrated rather than overlooked

  
  

Their approach shows that cultural harmony is not just a goal but a foundation for quality care. By fostering understanding and respect among staff and residents, Nakile’s Leadership Team has improved workplace morale and resident wellbeing. This nomination reflects their success in making cultural harmony a living practice, not just a policy.

Nakile Leadership team members in attendance at the gala included Resident Care Navigator, Sally Muise, Director of Care, Brooke Nickerson, and Administrator, Larry Muise.

Brynn Lowe’s Spirit Award Win

Brynn Lowe, a Behavioural Support Worker at Nakile, was nominated for the Spirit Award and went on to win this prestigious honour. The Spirit Award recognizes individuals who embody compassion, dedication, and a strong commitment to resident dignity and quality of life.

Brynn’s nomination highlighted her innovative “Get to Know Me” project. This initiative focuses on person-centred care by encouraging staff and families to learn about each resident’s unique history, preferences, and needs. The project has:

• Inspired colleagues to deepen their connections with residents

• Comforted families by showing respect for their loved ones’ identities

• Enriched residents’ lives through personalized care

  
  

Brynn’s calm presence and deep understanding of residents experiencing responsive behaviours make her a vital part of Nakile’s care team. Her work helps staff and families connect more meaningfully with residents, bringing comfort and dignity to every interaction.

Nakile's Behavioural Support Worker Brynn Lowe celebrating recognition with the Spirit Award of Excellence

The Importance of Recognizing Excellence in Long Term Care

Events like the NHNSA LTC Awards of Excellence Gala play a crucial role in shining a light on the hard work and dedication within the long term care sector. Recognizing individuals and teams who go above and beyond encourages others to adopt best practices and innovate in their own roles.

The categories at the gala reflect key values in LTC:

• Cultural Harmony promotes inclusion and respect for diversity

• Trailblazer honours those who introduce new ideas and methods

• Better Together celebrates collaboration and teamwork

• Champion for Dignity highlights respect for resident rights and individuality

• Spirit rewards passion and commitment to care

• Leading the Way recognises leadership and vision

  
  

By celebrating these values, the awards inspire continuous improvement and remind everyone involved in LTC why their work matters.

How Nakile’s Achievements Inspire the Sector

Nakile’s Leadership Team and Brynn Lowe’s recognition provide concrete examples of how care can improve through focused effort and compassion. Their stories offer lessons for other LTC facilities:

• Building cultural harmony requires intentional action. Nakile’s leadership did not wait for harmony to happen naturally. They made it a priority by creating policies, training, and an environment that values diversity every day.

• Person-centred care changes lives. Brynn’s “Get to Know Me” project shows how learning about residents as individuals leads to better care and stronger relationships.

• Supporting staff wellbeing benefits residents. When staff feel valued and supported, they provide better care. Nakile’s leadership understands this connection and works to maintain a positive workplace culture.

• Recognition motivates ongoing excellence. Awards like these encourage care providers to keep improving and innovating, knowing their efforts are seen and appreciated.

  
  

These examples demonstrate that long term care is about more than meeting basic needs. It is about creating environments where residents feel safe, respected, and valued every day.

The Nakile Team celebrating at NHNSA Awards Gala in Dartmouth

Moving Forward with Pride and Purpose

Nakile’s recognition at the NHNSA LTC Awards of Excellence Gala is a proud moment for the facility and the wider LTC community. Brynn Lowe’s Spirit Award win and the Cultural Harmony nomination show what can be achieved with dedication and heart.

For those working in long term care, these stories offer encouragement to keep focusing on what matters most: the people they serve. By building workplaces that value diversity, respect dignity, and foster meaningful connections, LTC providers can make a real difference in their residents’ lives.