NIAGARA CONVALESCENT CARE

PROGRAM

What is the Niagara Convalescent Care Program?

The Convalescent Care Program provides quality care to individuals who need time and support to recover strength, endurance, and functioning before returning home from a visit to hospital. Convalescent care programs are designed to meet the health care needs of clients while reducing pressure on crowded hospitals, thus making the most effective use of system resources.

Niagara’s convalescent care program can accommodate up to 20 clients at one time.

Individuals in the program have access to a range of services provided by a team of on-site professionals, including family physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses (RNs and RPNs), personal support workers, physical and occupational therapists, and social workers.

Where is it located?

The program is located at Linhaven long-term care home, 403 Ontario Street, St. Catharines.

How long can a client stay in the program?

Clients must stay a minimum of 7 days to a maximum of 90 days per year. The expected length of stay in the program is between 30-45 days.

Who is eligible for the program?

This program is best suited for individuals who are motivated and capable of returning home within 90 days. They are individuals who need additional recuperative care and support to improve their health before returning home. Examples include individuals recovering from surgery or mild stroke.

The program is open to Niagara residents 18 years of age or older who require on-site nursing care 24 hours a day, assistance with activities of daily living, or monitoring throughout the day.

The program is not intended for individuals waiting for admission to a long-term care home, requiring complex continuing care or palliative care.

Is there a cost?

There is no cost to individuals in the program. Linhaven has been fully funded by the province of Ontario to operate the program until May 2015.

What is the application process?

All applications to the program are processed by the local Community Care Access Centre (CCAC), which also:

• Determines eligibility for the program• Assists in developing care plans• Manages the admissions process• Facilitates program discharge plans

A healing path home

What role do hospitals play?

Hospital staff play a key role in identifying appropriate applicants and facilitating applications and referrals to the CCAC. They also:

• Work with Linhaven and CCAC staff to develop care plans for each client which include goals and a discharge plan which must be in place prior to the client leaving the hospital

• Provide hospital-based specialists and follow-up services as needed

• Communicate with physicians about the convalescent care program and expectations

What is Linhaven’s role?

Linhaven staff respond to requests for admission and determine the program’s ability to provide care for applicant. A physician at Linhaven formally admits clients to the program. Linhaven staff work with clients and families to develop, with hospitals and CCAC, individual care plans, which include goals and discharge plans.

Who is responsible for transportation to Linhaven from the hospital?

Transportation and associated costs are the responsibility of the client.

The Niagara Convalescent Care Program is a partnership involving:• Niagara Region Senior Services

• Linhaven long-term care home

• Saint Elizabeth Healthcare

• Hamilton, Niagara, Haldimand, Brant Community Care Access Centre

• Ministry of Health and Long Term Care

• Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant Local Health Integration Network

For more information, contact: Andrew Adamyk, Administrator Linhaven 905-934-3386, ext. 4101

www.niagararegion.ca