HOME CARE SERVICES INCREASED IN PRAIRIE NORTH 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 by Prairie North 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."

The Prairie North Health Region will receive $162,000 annually, for the enhancement of current home care services and the addition of a mental health home care component.

"Prairie North currently offers strong home care and mental health programs," Prairie North Health Region CEO David Fan said. Further strengthening our short-term acute home care services enables us to enhance continuity and access to care. The mental health home care component will be added in partnership with health care organizations and will focus on clients who require increased levels of support to prevent re-admissions."

Prairie North 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 Prairie North 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 care component will also offer services at no charge for up to 14 days. These services include case management and home support, and crisis response through the province's toll-free HealthLine.

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For More Information, Contact:

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

Linda Lewis Prairie North Health Region Phone: (306)446-6625