Island Health has announced it will be providing all home-care services for seniors by the end of 2019, replacing the current care provider of 15 years, Beacon Community Services.
The shift from privately-run care to government-run comes as Island Health’s contract with Beacon Community Services comes to an end this October.
Both organizations are hoping for a seamless transition, and Island Health is confident that they will be able to offer the best care possible for residents.
“Home support helps people live independently in their home and be safe,” reads a release by Island Health. “For clients and their families, it makes a real difference in people’s lives by bringing care to their doorsteps and supporting them to live at home and in their communities longer and safely.”
Home support for clients in @VCHhealthcare, @Fraserhealth & @VanIslandHealth are being strengthened. The new model will provide better integration w/ team-based care and more reliability, quality, & continuity that many clients and families depend on. @AnneKangMLA @SrsAdvocateBC
— Adrian Dix (@adriandix) March 13, 2019
Everyday, Beacon Community Services visits 2,600 different clients across 3,000 homes on Southern Vancouver Island. Starting November 1st, 2019, these thousands of clients will transition to Island Health care.
Meanwhile, Beacon Community Services will continue to operate its other charitable community services and programs across the island.
“We want to thank Beacon Community Services for their 15 years of service in home support delivery,” said Kathy MacNeil, Island Health President and CEO. “They have been a valuable partner and we look forward to continuing our partnership in key areas of shared focus.”
Care workers from the non-profit service agency have also been offered positions on the new Island Health team to continue working in the same capacity.
See also:
- Thousands of day spaces for adult and seniors coming to Vancouver Island
- BC announces $240 million to increase direct care hours for seniors
While Island Health operating home support care is new to Victoria and South Vancouver Island, the government health service already delivers home support to North and Central Vancouver Island.
“This innovative, team-based approach will allow care providers to assist one another to respond to unpredictable, changing needs of clients, meet unscheduled client needs through frequent communication and ensure that changes in client conditions are recognized in a timely way, allowing early intervention,” reads the release.
“The community neighbourhood teams will also work in partnership with local family physicians to support clients and their families.”
