Making the move: Forging a better path to long-term care
The idea of moving out of the comfort of one’s home, or losing one’s independence can be stressful and even frightening. In order to help alleviate common stressors related to moving into long-term care, we have developed a unique transition program that supports not only the future resident, but their family as well.
What is the Family Transition Program?
The Family Transition Program is for individuals in Oxford County who are 18 years of age or older and are waiting for permanent placement into long-term care.
The purpose of the program is to support the individual and their family during the long-term care admission process by providing a unique, supportive and transitional model of care to help the individual adjust to the long-term care experience prior to their first day of admission into a residence.
Individuals and their families are invited into a host facility to allow them the chance to become more familiar and comfortable with the experiences, programs and care team within the facility while still on the waitlist for permanent placement into long-term care.
Once a placement becomes available, the Family Transition Program will assist with the transition into the individuals selected facility (not necessarily the host facility).
How does the program work?
The Family Transition Program is designed to support an easier transition into long-term care for individuals in need and their families. The program will help reduce stress, depression and responsive behaviours often associated with transitioning into a new environment and adjusting to living in a long-term care facility.
The program will help reduce the emergent needs and provide the support of community partners and physicians, ensuring client information for the resident in waiting is shared amongst the entire care team.
Key program features include:
- A resident and family focused approach to care
- Completion of supportive community screening
- Ensuring required services and community supports are in place prior to admission
- Review of life and medical history, and previous community agency involvement and access needed to continue services
- Provide support to family of soon-to-be resident to protect well-being of the entire family
Learn more about the benefits of this program right from two of our clients, a mother and her daughter who have benefited from participating in the program.
How do you apply for the program?
Interested participants will meet with a member of the Family Transition Program team for an interview to discuss the program.
The interview will allow the program team to review personal and other relevant information to help create a Family Transition Program chart that will be shared with the receiving long-term care facility for permanent placement.
Additional assessment may be suggested to support a potential participant’s journey through the transition program. As this program is voluntary assessments will only be completed if consent is given.
How much does the program cost?
County of Oxford is supportive in nature to expand the concepts and philosophy of this resident and family centred transitional program to other stakeholders and municipalities across the province. The goal of offering a tailored approach to transitional services is the focus.
There is no cost associated to participating in this program or the assessment process.
Interested in participating? Have further questions?
Residents of Oxford County who are currently on the wait list for long-term care and are interested in participating in the Family Transition Program are invited to contact Woodingford Lodge.
For further information about this program, please contact:
Tina Gray, Coordinator of BSO and Transitional Services
519-421-5557 ext. 2004
tgray@oxfordcounty.ca
Caregiver support group
Caregivers need support too. Caring for a person living with dementia can result in stress, isolation and risk of psychological and physical health problems. Join us to take a break, discuss common experiences of caregiving, and to share ideas and resources.
For further information about the caregiver support group, please contact:
Tina Gray
519-421-5556 ext. 2004
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