Northumberland Paramedics Launch Full-Scale Operations for Home-Based Care Program for Seniors

Pete Fisher
2 years ago
• Categories: Community, Editor Choice, Local

On Thursday, October 13, 2022, Northumberland County Deputy Warden Mandy Martin was joined by MPP David Piccini, Northumberland Paramedics Chief Susan Brown, and community member Bruce Gilley to celebrate the official launch of full-scale operations for the Community Paramedicine for Long-Term Care program.

This program offers innovative home-based care to eligible seniors throughout the county, including:
· 24-7 access to in-home and remote health services;
· non-emergency home visits;
· in-home testing procedures, such as blood pressure readings, 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs), oxygen saturation tests, blood draws, blood glucose readings, weight measurements, and more testing procedures to come;
· ongoing monitoring of vital signs for chronic medical conditions; and,
· assessments, referrals, diagnostic procedures and point-of-care testing.

These preventative care services are available to seniors who live in Northumberland County that are either on the waitlist for long-term care, have been assessed as eligible for long-term care but are not yet on a waitlist, or are soon to be eligible for long-term care.

“My experience with the Community Paramedicine for Long-Term Care program has been extremely positive. The medical checkups I have received through the program have provided me with a sense of security, and reduced my reliance on 9-1-1 services. The Community Paramedics have a very prompt response time. It is clear that they love what they do and wish to perform at their best. I appreciate the connections I have formed with paramedics through this program.” Bruce Gilley, Patient, Community Paramedicine for Long-Term Care Program

“The Community Paramedicine for Long-Term Care program is an innovative way to enhance the delivery of essential healthcare services in Northumberland. By delivering personalized, preventative care directly to seniors’ homes, this program is sure to positively impact the lives of many seniors and their families, and strengthen the local healthcare system,” said Mandy Martin, Deputy Warden, Northumberland County

The program is delivered by a team of dedicated certified paramedics who have completed an additional 100 hours of specialized training in areas such as geriatrics, comorbidities, lab work, point-of-care testing, medication interactions, mental health, palliative care and blood draws.

In February 2022, the Province announced $7.5 million in one-time funding to support the Community Paramedicine for Long-Term Care program until March 2024. The program launched initial services in May and has been progressively expanding intake.

“The Government of Ontario is providing better care, closer to home through the expansion of the Community Paramedicine program to every eligible senior in Ontario,” said MPP David Piccini. “I would like to thank Northumberland County, who have always been strong advocates for this program, as well as the incredible paramedics of our community.” David Piccini, MPP, Northumberland-Peterborough South

The program has now reached full-scale operations and Northumberland Paramedics are inviting community members who would like to refer themselves or someone they care for (a family member, neighbour, friend, etc.) to the program to call client services at 1-833-718-1942 or complete the referral form on our website at Northumberland.ca/CPprogram.

“The Community Paramedicine for Long-Term Care program offers tremendous value to our community. Working with our community partners, this is another opportunity to make healthcare services more easily accessible to vulnerable residents — improving the quality of life for seniors and their families, while also helping to manage the high demand for these services from hospitals, clinics, emergency services and long-term care facilities in Northumberland. We look forward to welcoming new patients to the program as we continue to expand the delivery of these services across the county.” Susan Brown, Chief of Northumberland Paramedics

Health care partners can also refer their patients to the program using the OCEAN eReferral System or by fax at 905-373-8567.