City Council Agenda - November 26, 2012 - City of Guelph

Attachment 1There was concern about the reduction in non-medical supports provided by the CCAC without anyother organization picking up the slack.Cost and service limitation based on income was a frequently reported problem. There was universalsupport for making the Snow Angels program more available.The need for interpreters was identified.Many people spoke about the absence of accommodation by employers for those caring for seniors(see “Civic Participation and Employment” above).Community Support and Health Services: Health CareLikesPeople noted that Guelph no longer has a shortage of family doctors. They liked the Family HealthTeam, the support by the CCAC for those who need palliative care, Hospice Wellington and its newfacility, rehabilitation services at St. Joe’s and the West End Centre, HELP (Hospital Elder LifeProgram) for help with delirium management and prevention, EMS, walk-in clinics. Many peopledescribed good experiences with health care generally.Areas for ImprovementThe most frequently heard complaint was about the lack of sufficient health support services to helppeople stay at home or return home to full functioning after a hospitalization. People did not feelthey were given enough hours of care to support them safely at home. Particularly troublesome wasthe limited after hours and overnight support. Peopleare calling emergency services for non-emergencyissues because they don’t know whom else to call.Another major problem was the lack of workerconsistency so the nature and quality of support variedfrom day to day, the same information had to beprovided repetitively and there could be nodevelopment of a trusting relationship.Examples of Innovative Practices:• Guelph “Vial of Life” program encourages olderadults to keep vital health information in a safe“vial” on or in the refrigerator for easy access byemergency services• A pilot project in York Region has expanded thescope of practice for paramedics to provide somebasic health care services in the home.Lack of sufficient funding generally for the CCAC was very troubling. Loss of CCAC funding forpreviously funded supports was a significant concern.Hospital overcrowding, long wait times in the ER and high parking fees at the hospital and someDoctors’ offices were of concern. Lack of urgent care options other than the ER was expressed bysome.Older Adult Strategy for the City of GuelphPrepared by The Osborne Group, October 201230