HOME CARE SERVICES INCREASED TO REGINA QU'APPELLE 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 Regina Qu'Appelle 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 Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region will receive $554,000 annually for the enhancement of current home care services and the addition of a mental health home care component.

"We welcome this support from government to enhance and expand home care services in our Region," Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region Executive Director of Family Medicine, Home Care and Palliative Care Dawn McNeil 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 Regina Qu'Appelle 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, home support, and crisis response.

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For More Information, Contact:

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

Roy A. Derrick RQRHA Phone: (306)766-5230