Ministerial House Statement – Investments in Home Care

An effective and sustainable Home Care Program is critical to addressing the existing and emerging needs of Prince Edward Island’s aging population and provide health care to Islanders in the comfort of their own homes.

The Department of Health and Wellness is strategically investing in enhancements to home care services and expansion of the home care program across our great province.In the past, the province has relied heavily on more costly acute and facility-based care to provide continuing care services and invested less in home-based services.

Since 2007, this government has increased funding for home-based care in Prince Edward Island by $6.5 million, representing a 55 per cent increase in funding.

Since 2008, investments of 1.3 million were made in a Palliative Home Care Drug Pilot Program to improve access to medications at the end of life. During this period, 22% more palliative care patients were able to receive care at home, translating to a reduction of 6,620 acute care days and a cost savings of $6.5 million.The Home Care for the Frail Elderly program was introduced at the QEH in September 2011. It provides additional hours of home care to frail seniors allowing them to return home from hospital sooner and remain at home longer. There are currently 25 clients in the program.

We know that having the proper human resources intact is extremely important as well.

We have seen 46 full time equivalent positions added to the home care program in recent years, an increase of 38 per cent in staffing over three years, increased hours to provide additional capacity and expanded evening and weekend services.

The strong year-over-year increases in Home Care recognize the key role that Home Care plays in the Healthy Aging Strategy and in moving toward a sustainable system that provides care to Islanders in their homes.

Since coming to power, this government has invested in both a new direction and new dollars for home care.

Thank you.