HOME CARE SERVICES INCREASED TO SASKATOON HEALTH REGION

Many hospital and mental health patients will be able to return to their homes sooner, and with additional support, thanks to increased support to home care services by the Saskatoon 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 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 Saskatoon Health Region will receive $646,000 annually, for the enhancement of current home care services and the addition of a mental health home care component.

"By creating additional links among acute care, home care and mental health programs, we will be in a better position to implement initiatives that will facilitate more effective and efficient provision of health services in these areas," Saskatoon Health Region President and CEO Maura Davies said.

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 Saskatoon Health Region will continue to ensure palliative care clients are provided with pharmaceuticals and supplies to address their needs near end-of-life.

Additions to the mental health home care plan include ensuring a positive, effective return to the community and/or the prevention of re-admission for those people with a primary mental health diagnosis. The plan will provide case management and home support, prevention of hospitalization, and crisis response.

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For More Information, Contact:

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

Leanne Nyirfa Saskatoon Health Region Saskatoon Phone: (306)655-3386