If executed properly, the increased funding has the potential to create positive changes for seniors as well as families caring for elderly relatives who have been injured, had surgery, or live with chronic illnesses. As such, we believe this funding will allow families living in Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville and surrounding areas to manage the daily demands of caregiving more efficiently while reducing stress and financial burdens.

 

Two Key Challenges in Today’s Healthcare System

First, hospitals have too many patients occupying beds that should be used for those needing immediate treatment. Second, due to an aging population, there are increasingly greater numbers of individuals requiring ongoing support. Therefore, creating opportunities for providing care to patients in their homes addresses both these issues simultaneously.

Care received at home can produce multiple benefits, including reduced stress for the individual receiving care, the ability to maintain a sense of familiarity, maintaining emotional stability through connection to family members and being able to participate in their usual routine.

Additionally, studies indicate that the majority of patients treated at home tend to recover faster and have fewer “avoidable” hospital readmission rates.

As stated above, the funding increase from the province of Ontario is intended to build upon existing models of service delivery by increasing direct services provided at home and improving communication among all parties involved in delivering the care (i.e., physicians, nurses, therapists, etc.)

 

What Home Care Funding Means for Families

The intent behind the funding increase is to provide patients and their families with expanded access to direct care at home. Patients and families will likely gain greater access to home visits from registered nurses, physiotherapists, and personal support workers.

With this expansion of care at home, there is a possibility that more patients and/or families will be able to receive assistance with various aspects of daily living activities (e.g., wound care, medication management, mobilization/physical therapy activities, bathing/dressing activities) in the comfort of their own homes rather than having family members perform those tasks.

Similarly, an elderly person who is recovering from surgery may benefit from structured support during his/her transition from hospital to home. Structured support may include scheduled visits from nurses and/or therapists, which will assist him/her in achieving a safer and smoother transition.

These changes can have a tremendous impact on households that are juggling caregiving responsibilities with employment obligations, child-rearing responsibilities and/or other responsibilities.

 

Relief for Family Caregivers

Many family caregivers face incredible burdens. Among their responsibilities are coordinating medical appointments, managing medication schedules, preparing meals, and facilitating safe movement within the home. While performing these responsibilities initially can be time-consuming, over time, these responsibilities can result in a variety of negative consequences to the caregiver, including mental fatigue and physical exhaustion.

 

How Community-Based Services Help Ease the Burden

Increased availability of professional home visits, along with expanded respite options for caregivers, enables them to take breaks, return to work, or focus on their relationship with their loved one rather than taking responsibility for each medical task themselves.

Supporting caregivers is crucial because a caregiver who receives consistent support is much more likely to remain mentally and physically healthy, avoid burnout, and deliver quality long-term care.

 

Safer and Faster Transition From Hospital To Home

One of the largest risks associated with transitions from hospital to home occurs when there is inadequate planning. When adequate planning is lacking, patients may not continue with prescribed medication plans, may fail to attend required follow-up medical appointments, or may return to the emergency department due to preventable complications related to their underlying condition(s).

The plan developed by the Ontario government provides a framework for creating a more integrated healthcare system. Ultimately, the goal is for hospitals, primary care teams and home care providers to communicate more effectively; schedule appointments earlier; and develop comprehensive care plans prior to discharging patients back into their communities.

Planning Ahead for a Safe Return Home

Preparation of the home may include acquiring necessary mobility aids, bathroom safety items, or installing a temporary sleeping area. Additionally, some families may seek out sources for renting a hospital bed during a loved one’s post-surgical recovery.

 

Setting Up Homes Appropriately Supports Recovery At Home

While professional care is essential for effective recovery at home, so too is the preparation of the home environment. Creating a safer environment can reduce the risk of falls, promote improved comfort levels, and facilitate more efficient caregiving practices.

For some families, that may involve a medical bed for rent during recovery from an injury, illness or surgery. Other families may need to rent a hospital bed for several weeks while a parent regains sufficient strength and mobility to resume normal activities. By making practical decisions regarding appropriate home equipment to support their loved one during recovery, as well as making arrangements for skilled home visits, families can convert what otherwise might be challenging times into more stable and dignified experiences for both the patient and the caregiver.

Disclaimer: The intent of this article is for general knowledge only. It does not provide you with any professional medical, legal, financial (or) other type of expert advice. We try to stay as accurate as possible, but governments can change health care policies and eligibility for public funding. Please go to an appropriate health care provider or official governmental agency website for your specific needs. Any Reliance on information contained in this posting will be at your own risk. No liability will be assumed by you for actions taken on this post.