On Air Now

John Tesh

7:00pm - 1:00am

  • 519-537-1047

Now Playing

Pilot Project Helps Families Ease Into Long Term Care

stock photo

After hearing an update on the Woodingford Lodge's Family Transition program, Oxford County council will promote it across Ontario. At last Wednesday's meeting they requested council to support an appeal to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

OXFORD COUNTY - Oxford County council will support and promote the Woodingford Lodge's Family Transition program across the province.

During last Wednesday's meeting, the facility gave an update on the outcome of their pilot program so far. It allows families to ease into long term care. 

Warden Larry Martin says putting a loved one in a long term care home can be extremely difficult. 

"I've done it and it's not very easy on anybody, as far as that goes. So if this transition period the way they're talking to try to ease them in and make friends and get them comfortable prior to, it's just fantastic and I hope it works."

Council's report says the program found participants experienced less anxiety and depression and they reduced physician calls and emergency, which saved them $600,000. It also has reduced burnout from caregivers by greater than 50%.

Warden Martin says it's a step in the right direction.

"I'm surprised that it's taken so long to get somebody to realize that we can save money by keeping people and getting them, not eager to go in, but realize this is a better place to be than where I am."

They requested council to support an appeal to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, which is to adopt, expand, further improve and enhance the program by applying it across the province.

The report adds the improvement of the quality of life for the family member is greater than 90%, which is a double increase from the initial entry from the program.

Read here to learn more about the Woodingford Lodge and their Family Transition program.

More from Local News

Comments

Add a comment

Log in to the club or enter your details below.
Rating *

Weather