The Manitoba government announced details on an initiative focused on allowing senior citizens with health issues to stay in their houses longer.
The province said it will launch two new “hospital home teams” in Winnipeg.
Premier Greg Selinger said seniors who are currently receiving home care and have fragile health conditions will be able to receive house calls from a newly coordinated team of health professionals, including doctors, nurse practitioners and other health staff.
A pilot project was tested out last year in Winnipeg and showed a reduction in emergency room visits and hospitals admissions by 50 per cent.
"Seniors have told us that they would prefer to stay at home. The health professionals involved with the innovative test project that led to today's decision showed us another approach to help support that goal. This new approach demonstrates how hospital and community providers can work together to provide a more co-ordinated response to support people at home," said Arlene Wilgosh, president and CEO of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.
The province will also introduce more home-based rehabilitation services to help seniors recover from a stroke, injury or fall.
"We know Manitoba families want their loved ones to be in the comfort of their own home as they try focus on getting well. This initiative will ensure they get the personal, individualized care they need in their own homes without having to make many unnecessary trips to the hospital or a clinic," said Manitoba's Health Minister Theresa Oswald.
