Aging at Home

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Source of the article: http://champlainlhin.on.ca/Page.aspx?id ... e_Strategy

Aging at Home Strategy
Ontario is investing $1.1 billion over four years in the Aging at Home Strategy in sectors such as community support services; hospitals; Community Care Access Centres; long-term care homes and other sectors. Aging at Home, as initially announced in 2007, is a strategy that provides a continuum of community-based services for seniors and their caregivers to allow them to stay healthy and live independently and with dignity in their homes.

The Aging at Home Strategy also aims to decrease the number of patients who become alternate level of care (ALC) in Ontario hospitals. ALC patients are individuals who are occupying acute care beds in hospitals, but would be better cared for in another setting whether it be their own homes or long-term care homes.

This year, the Champlain LHIN is receiving $9,894,398 to fund local programs that provide health services to seniors in the comfort and dignity of their own home, allowing them to continue leading healthy and independent lives and avoid unnecessary visits to hospitals.

Champlain LHIN Aging at Home Projects
The Aging at Home Directional Plan was developed in 2007, in collaboration with a number of partners across the Champlain LHIN. It guided the Champlain LHIN Aging at Home Strategy towards developing a wide range of services across our region and the continuum of care for seniors. Over the last three years, the Strategy has evolved and a number of projects were. The Champlain LHIN currently funds more than 40 Aging At Home projects

Assisted Living Services for High-Risk Seniors is a safe, affordable and cost effective alternative to Long-Term Care Homes for some. This program is a viable option for seniors who need help with everyday activities and who – without this help – are at risk for losing their independence and choice, in terms of a place of residence. A lack of assisted living services in the homes of these seniors can detract from their health and safety, and force them into inappropriate and more expensive institutional options. Currently there are a number of programs for seniors across Champlain. The Champlain LHIN is funding more programs with the new assisted living services for high risk seniors living in different areas in our region.

The program consists of individual care plans developed to meet the needs of eligible seniors. This includes the provision of personal support worker assistance to seniors in their homes through scheduled and unscheduled visits around the clock. The Care Coordinator will evaluate and revise the care plans, as needed. For example, services could include personal care, medication monitoring, light housekeeping, meal preparation, and security and reassurance checks.

Aging at Home in the News
Assisted Living Programs: Helping Seniors with Physical Disabilities Live Independently
“It’s an effective model for many seniors with disabilities.”

Lucille was hospitalized on a number of occasions for her heart condition, unfortunately leaving her visually-impaired husband Cyrille alone at home. The situation created significant stress for the couple.

But now, thanks to a new bilingual supportive housing program in Rockland, Lucille and Cyrille are receiving the daily services they need to live independently and with dignity in their own community. The program provides help with personal care, meals, light housekeeping and groceries. If needed, clients are reminded to take medications. Support staff is around the clock for all non-medical needs. Care plans are individualized and flexible.

The apartments are built with special equipment such as hand rails; wheelchair-accessible bathrooms and laundry rooms. Technology is also important.“We have a bracelet to call for help,” says Lucille. “It’s very good care.” To promote social activities, the building has a common room where residents meet to play cards or bingo, do puzzles and chat.

“The Assisted Living Program delivers client-focused care, reduces emergency room visits, and improves access to needed services,” says Colette Lavictoire from the Canadian Red Cross. “It’s an effective model for many seniors with disabilities.”

The Assisted Living Program in the Eastern Counties is managed by Canadian Red Cross Community Health Services, the United Counties of Prescott-Russell and Clomatek Enterprises Inc. The supportive services are funded through the Champlain LHIN’s Aging at Home Strategy.

Champlain LHIN Focus on Health Communities – 2010 Report