Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first hospital in Ontario to offer a specialized at-home program for mental health and addiction care. This initiative, in collaboration with Bayshore HealthCare Integrated Care Solutions, aims to bridge a crucial service gap in the healthcare system.
A New Approach to Continuing Care
The Waypoint At Home program is designed for individuals who no longer need intensive hospital care but still require assistance to safely transition back home or to a community setting. Travis Mealing, Waypoint’s communications officer, highlights that this program is a significant achievement, providing essential services that facilitate a smoother transition for patients leaving the hospital.
“The Waypoint At Home program is a milestone achievement that helps address a service gap within the healthcare system,” Mealing stated.
Comprehensive Care and Support
The program offers a range of services including care coordination, professional care and treatment, personal support services, and homemaking or community support services. Dr. Nadiya Sunderji, Waypoint’s president and CEO, emphasized the collaborative nature of the program, stating:
“Keeping pace with an increased need for care while also addressing service gaps within the healthcare system requires the leadership, innovation and expertise of many partners.”
Program Details and Delivery
Eligible patients receive between eight and 16 weeks of care in their homes post-hospitalization. This ensures they have timely access to expert and compassionate care tailored to their specific needs. The program’s multidisciplinary team includes mental health and addiction specialists, nurses, behavior therapists, behavior support workers, personal support workers, and social workers.
The process begins with a program coordinator meeting patients and their families in the hospital to discuss their care needs and the benefits of the program. Services are individualized and may include professional care, treatment, personal support, and homemaking or community support services.
Enhancing Recovery at Home
Rhonda Johnstone, director of Waypoint’s outpatient and rehabilitation services, noted the importance of providing care in familiar surroundings:
“The Waypoint At Home program helps us provide the right care, at the right time and in the right place, where patients can feel most comfortable to continue on their journey to recovery.”
Preventing Emergency Visits and Readmissions
Danielle Holler, Bayshore’s regional director, emphasized that the program aims to prevent unnecessary emergency department visits and readmissions, showcasing Bayshore’s commitment to innovative solutions tailored to the unique needs of this population.
Conclusion
The Waypoint At Home program is a groundbreaking initiative that not only addresses a critical gap in the mental health and addiction care continuum but also enhances patient comfort and recovery. By bringing specialized care into patients’ homes, Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care and Bayshore HealthCare Integrated Care Solutions are setting a new standard for post-hospitalization care in Ontario.
Related topics:
