HOME CARE SERVICES INCREASED TO SUNRISE 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 Sunrise 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," said Healthy Living Services Minister, Graham Addley. "As well, we are providing 24-hour crisis support through our provincial HealthLine, ensuring access to the information and the support they need."

The Sunrise Health Region will receive $134,000 annually for the enhancement of current home care services and the addition of a mental health home care component.

"The enhanced services that this funding provides is great news for the region," Sunrise Health Region Chief Executive Joe Kirwan said. "These services allow patients to be discharged earlier, allowing for better utilization of acute care beds."

Sunrise Health Region submitted a plan to the government, outlining the implementation process for this new initiative. The region will receive $67,000 for home care/mental health initiatives for the remainder of this fiscal year, and $134,000 annualized funding for 2006/07 fiscal year.

The additional funding will allow Home Care to provide services for those who will be discharged from acute (hospital) care. Such services as personal care, which includes help with bathing, grooming, dressing, and help with medication will be provided free of charge for up to fourteen days after discharge. Care management and nursing services are provided free of charge, as well. Mental health home support services such as medication monitoring, general supervision, socialization and coping with isolation will also be enhanced.

The new mental health home care component will also offer services, at no charge, for up to 14 days following hospital discharge. 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

Vince Bornyk Sunrise Health Region Yorkton Phone: (306) 786-0112