HOME CARE SERVICES INCREASED IN FIVE HILLS HEALTH REGION

Released on February 14, 2006

Many hospital and mental health patients will be able to return to their homes sooner thanks to increased support to home care services in the Five Hills Health Region and from Saskatchewan Health.

This increased support meets a commitment made by Saskatchewan and other provinces and territories to institute a minimum set of home care services to be delivered across the country.

"Our government recognizes the value of the home care service," Health Minister Len Taylor said. "These new enhancements will support our acute care system by helping people to return home sooner, and to provide quality support to people in their communities, thereby cutting down on the number of hospital admissions and re-admissions."

"This increase in home care services illustrates our commitment to people with mental health issues and their families by providing the supports they need in their homes," Healthy Living Services Minister Graham Addley said. "As well, we are providing 24-hour crisis support through our provincial HealthLine, ensuring access to the information and the support they need."

The Five Hills Health Region will receive $124,000 annually, for the enhancement of current home care services and the addition of a mental health home care component.

"This additional funding is welcomed as it enhances existing support for patients to return home as early as possible from hospital," Five Hills Health Region CEO Dan Florizone said.

The Five Hills Health Region submitted a plan to the government, outlining the implementation process for this new initiative. The additional funding will enhance the case management, nursing, personal care, and home IV services currently provided by home care. In addition, fees for personal care services such as assistance with dressing, grooming, bathing, toileting, and mobility assistance will be eliminated, for up to 14 days, for individuals who meet the eligibility requirements for this short term acute home care initiative. Further, the Five Hills Health Region and Saskatchewan Health will continue to collaborate with community-based pharmacists to ensure palliative care clients are provided with pharmaceuticals and supplies to address their needs near end-of-life.

Transition co-ordinators from the Five Hills Access Center will identify and screen clients to determine whether they meet the criteria. When a person meets the criteria, short term acute home care services will be provided, for up to 14 days, at no cost to the client.

The new mental health home care component will also offer services, at no charge, for up to 14 days. These services include case management and home support, and crisis support on a province-wide basis through the province's toll-free HealthLine.

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For More Information, Contact:

Jocelyn Argue Health Regina Phone: (306)787-4083

Craig Beesley Five Hills Health Region Moose Jaw Phone: (306)694-0300