Enhanced supports for tri-county seniors

Dianne Corbett, a nurse practitioner for geriatrics, has been hired to improve chronic disease prevention and management for seniors in long term care settings. This support will reduce the number of long term care residents attending their local emergency department for illness. The aim is to help seniors avoid long hospital stays by providing more proactive treatment and care and ultimately to improve their quality of life. Corbett is based at the Yarmouth Regional Hospital and will support residents, families and long term care settings throughout the district. She previously practiced in St. John’s, where she worked closely with residents and their families and health care staff serving a geriatric population.

A nurse is working as a system navigator and is supporting seniors who come to the Yarmouth Regional Hospital emergency department. Patti Roberts works to identify seniors that can return home in the community to live either independently or at home with family or loved ones. She also works to identify patients and families that would benefit from respite care or palliative care.

South West Health has provided $7,550 to the VON Tri-County Branch’s adult day program. This added funding will allow the VON to expand their existing program from one half-day per week to two-half days per week. The VON’s program provides weekday support and activities for seniors so that loved ones receive a break from their caregiving responsibilities. This program is based in Yarmouth. South West Health has provided $15,302 to the VON Tri-County Branch so they can establish an ambulatory care clinic to serve the needs of seniors and others in Barrington and area. This clinic will reduce the demand on emergency services. Clients will be able to have their care provided more appropriately at the clinic as well as avoid travel and lengthy waits in busy ER departments. “These supports have a dual purpose, not only do they support our senior population in a more proactive way in the community, but they will also help to alleviate some of the pressures on our hospitals,” says Tanya Nixon, VP community health. “Providing enhanced supports directly or through our partners will help improve the quality of life for our senior population and for their caregivers,” she adds.

Funding support was provided by the Department of Health in the amount of $348,000. “We appreciate receiving new funding that allows us to better serve our population and to ensure better use of health care resources,” says Blaise MacNeil, CEO.