HOME CARE SERVICES INCREASED IN HEARTLAND HEALTH REGION

Released on February 14, 2006

Many hospital and mental health patients will be able to return sooner to their homes thanks to increased support to home care services by the Heartland Health Region and 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."

Heartland Health Region received $100,000 to enhance home care services for patients discharged from acute care, and to deliver an additional mental health home support component this year.

"This funding will enhance Heartland's acute care and mental health systems by increasing the Region's capacity for early hospital discharge," Heartland Health Region President and CEO Ken Wersch said. "People usually prefer to be at home, and with the necessary supports, often recover better in their own surroundings than in an acute or mental health care setting."

Heartland 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, home IV administration and palliative care services currently provided by home care. In addition, fees for personal care services such as assistance with dressing, grooming, bathing, toileting, mobility assistance and medication 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, Saskatchewan Health and the Heartland Health Region will continue to ensure palliative care clients are provided with pharmaceuticals and supplies to address their needs near end-of-life.

The new mental health home support component will also provide services, at no charge for up to 14 days following discharge, to clients according to assessed needs. This is a new service for mental health clients who have not in the past received this kind of support. Heartland staff will now provide enhanced discharge planning, case management and home support services for mental health clients. Crisis response for mental health clients will be provided 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

Carla Roppel Heartland Health Region Rosetown Phone: (306)882-4111 Email: Ex 236