The Erie St. Clair Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) has approved changes to a home care program that gets patients out of the hospital faster.
LHIN officials say the program now allows patients to recuperate at home longer with support services that are tailored to each patient's needs.
The LHIN has extended the program from 30 days to 60 days to allow more time for patients to consider their options if they are no longer able to remain in their own home. During those 60 days, patients will also have access to rental equipment that's provided by the LHIN.
David Simpson, director of patient services and home and community care, says the program has helped over 76 people get home over the last year with additional support. He also says fewer patients are ending up in long-term care homes prematurely, and are returning home.
The program's administrators admit that right now the service is at near capacity, and they are looking for provincial funding to expand it.
