HALIFAX -- The Nova Scotia government is setting up an eight-person advisory council to help it improve home care, long-term care and protective services.

Health Minister Leo Glavine says he wants to hear from friends and families of those that rely on the services.

The government says about 36,000 people a year access the services in their homes, residential care facilities and in nursing homes.

Four members of the advisory council will be either current or former clients of the services, and the other four spots will go to caregivers.

Council members will serve two-year terms.