Living Well with Home Care Project
The Living Well with Home Care Project is a collaboration between partners Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Loyalist Family Health Team, Ontario Health atHome and the FLA OHT. The project is designed to improve home care services for adults. The Project will make care more accessible and connected for both the people receiving care and their families, as well as health-care providers in the community.
This project seeks to integrate home care services directly into Health Homes in our community, beginning with the Loyalist Family Health Team. It is aligned with the FLA OHT's broader mission of connecting everyone in our region to a team of health-care professionals in a People-Centred Health Home.
Benefits of the project
Embedding home care within Health Homes provides a more coordinated, comprehensive approach to care, where a team of professionals work together to address each person’s individual health and wellness needs. Connecting home care providers with a primary care health team in a Health Home also strengthens communication and collaboration among doctors, nurses, and home care teams, creating a more seamless and personalized care model that supports people in achieving their best health.
This initiative also aims to reduce emergency visits and hospital stays, while empowering people to take an active role in their care. Additionally, it connects people to community services, offering comprehensive support to help people to live and age comfortably and independently at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is home care?
Home care is health care or supportive care provided by a health-care professional or caregiver at a person’s or client’s home. Home care services are for people of all ages who require care in their home, at school or in the community.
Seniors and people with complex medical conditions of all ages can often stay in their own homes to receive care if they have some support. This includes:
- People with chronic conditions
- People who require palliative care
- People who require post-acute care at home
- People with disabilities who require care over a longer period to remain safe at home
Who is eligible?
Someone is eligible for this project if they:
- Are currently a patient of the Loyalist Family Health Team
- Have a current OHIP number
- Are 18 years or older
What is the timing of the project?
In the first month of the project, we will focus on identifying and enrolling individuals who need home care services but are not currently receiving them, ensuring they can quickly access the support they need. In the following months, we will begin transitioning patients already receiving home care services into the program. These patients will be informed about any upcoming changes and will be guided through the process.
What types of services will be provided?
Home care services may include access to an "Aging Well at Home" advocate who will help you navigate available community resources. You'll also be able to receive home care services such as personal support workers, nurses, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists, who can come to your home. Additionally, the project connects people to other community resources like Meals on Wheels, transportation services, and more to support overall well-being at home.
Who is involved in the program?
The FLA OHT, in conjunction with partner organizations highlighting the participation of Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Loyalist Family Health Team and Ontario Health atHome, is working to improve how home care services are provided to the community. This group is focused people receiving the support they need in a way that’s both effective and caring, right where they feel most comfortable - at home.
As part of a provincial selection process, SE Health was chosen as the service provider organization for this project. This means SE Health will play a central role in delivering high-quality home care services as part of this collaborative effort to meet the needs of our community.
Will my home care services change under this new model?
Under this new model, your home care services will become better coordinated, meaning your care team will communicate more effectively with each other. You’ll also see more consistency in the home care providers who visit your home, which helps build stronger relationships and ensures more continuous care. All of these improvements aim to provide better overall health outcomes and a smoother care experience.
Your primary care providers, including your physicians and the allied health team within the Loyalist Family Health Team, will remain the same. However, your home care providers, like personal support workers (PSWs) and nurses, may change, but the team is working hard to ensure a smooth transition and keep your providers as consistent as possible.
Who can I contact for more information?
For more information or any questions, please contact your designated care coordinator.