Wednesday, November 09, 2011
Residents of Long-Term Care Homes Benefit from New Program
‘Residents First’ Enhances Quality of Life
November 9, 2011 - Long-term care homes in the Champlain region are participating in a new program called Residents First, aiming to improve the day-to-day lives of seniors. The province-wide effort involves Health Quality Ontario, LHINs, and the long-term care sector. It’s an important quality-improvement project that will bring about lasting change.
The Champlain LHIN, which provides roughly $310 million in operational funding to 60 long-term care homes every year, is an active partner in Residents First. Of the 60 homes in the Champlain region, 51 are now participating. It is expected all homes in the region will be on board by March, 2012.
The Residents First program involves training staff, putting into place new protocols known as ‘best practices,’ and reporting on progress.
By transforming current practices in long-term care homes, Residents First provides a better quality of life and greater dignity for individuals. Launched last year, the initiative focuses on preventing or resolving common challenges faced by seniors in this setting, including incontinence, falls, and pressure ulcers. The program also promotes medication safety, improved documentation of client care, and a more supportive environment for seniors with behavioural issues due to dementia.
Recently, three long-term care homes in the Champlain region won Residents First Improvement Awards from Health Quality Ontario for reaching key milestones. They were: Bonnechere Manor in Renfrew, Hillel Lodge in Ottawa, and Marianhill in Pembroke.
“Residents Firs is beneficial for residents and families because it enhances their experience of the health system,” said Chantale LeClerc, Interim CEO of the Champlain LHIN. “The initiative addresses the needs of one of the LHIN’s priority populations – people with complex health conditions. Staff at all participating long-term care homes should be commended for their motivation and involvement.”
In the Residents First program, administrators and designated facilitators in long-term care homes receive training to support their colleagues in developing and putting in place quality-improvement plans. Participants are linked to Residents First leaders in other homes through educational events and webinars so they can share experiences and provide advice.
For example, in October, 2011, Residents First leaders from across the Champlain region gathered to work on different tools used to build plans, implement ‘best practices,’ and measure performance. They also spoke about how best to engage front-line staff in the new initiative.
This is just one of many programs improving health services for seniors in the Champlain region. In addition, the LHIN has put in place assisted-living services in seniors’ homes and ‘assess and restore’ programs for seniors requiring a period of restoration after an acute illness.
Source: Champlain Local Health Integration Network
Email: champlain@lhins.on.ca
Website: www.champlainlhin.on.ca
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