Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care has become the first hospital in Ontario to offer an at-home program specifically designed for specialized mental health and addiction care.
Travis Mealing, Waypoint’s communications officer, explained that the program targets individuals who no longer need hospital-level care but still require assistance to transition safely back to their homes or community settings.
“The Waypoint At Home program is a milestone achievement that helps address a service gap within the healthcare system,” Mealing stated, noting that the program is delivered in partnership with Bayshore HealthCare Integrated Care Solutions. “The program offers care coordination, professional care and treatment, personal support services, and homemaking or community support services.”
Dr. Nadiya Sunderji, Waypoint’s president and CEO, highlighted the program’s collaborative nature: “This program is a wonderful example of how the hospital works with its partners to better meet patient needs and help more people access care. 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.”
Waypoint At Home provides eligible patients with eight to sixteen weeks of in-home care following a hospital stay. The program ensures timely access to expert and compassionate care for those needing specialized mental health and addiction services typically offered in hospitals.
The program brings a range of support directly to patients’ homes, including mental health and addiction specialists, nurses, behavior therapists, behavior support workers, personal support workers, and social workers. A program coordinator initially meets with patients and their families while they are still in the hospital to discuss care needs and potential benefits. Services offered include care coordination, professional care and treatment, personal support, and homemaking or community support services.
“Even though a hospital stay may be necessary, it can also be difficult to be away from home in unfamiliar surroundings,” said Rhonda Johnstone, Waypoint’s outpatient and rehabilitation services director. “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 continuing their journey to recovery.”
Bayshore regional director Danielle Holler emphasized the program’s goal to reduce unnecessary emergency department visits and additional admissions. “It highlights Bayshore’s dedication to addressing the unique needs of this population through innovative solutions,” she added.
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