HOME CARE SERVICES INCREASED IN KELSEY TRAIL HEALTH REGION

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

The Kelsey Trail Health Region will receive $98,000 annually, for the enhancement of current home care services and the addition of a mental health home care component.

"The enhancements to home care are a proactive means to improve health status of Kelsey Trail Health Region residents," Kelsey Trail Health Region President and CEO John Wegener said.

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

Services will be provided based upon assessed need and determined through the assessment and case management process.

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 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

Julie Cleaveley Kelsey Trail Health Region Tisdale Phone: (306)873-3100