A pilot program on the Semiahmoo Peninsula designed to help senior hospital patients return home sooner has gone “better than expected,” according to those who helped launch the service.
It’s also the first of its kind in the province, proponents say – possibly the whole country.
The initiative – temporarily coined ‘the volunteer-assisted discharge program’ – is a collaboration of Seniors Come Share Society, Sources and Peace Arch Hospital, and was spearheaded by the White Rock South Surrey Seniors Health Network.
Launched in January, the program offers assistance to senior hospital patients who are ready to go home but don’t have a family member or friend readily available to help them get there.
Volunteers – who work in pairs – drive the senior home, making sure they have what they need to settle into their routines.
Kathy McIntyre, project manager with the health network, told Peace Arch News that when the groups began working on the project there were no models to be followed.
“From what I can see in the literature, we might be the first in Canada,” McIntyre said. “We’re certainly the first in Fraser (Health Region) and in B.C., unless there are people doing it that haven’t published.”
The service is offered five mornings a week and patients must be mobile and able to sign a consent. A strong emphasis is placed on confidentiality, safety and scope of the service – meaning volunteers can’t lift patients – for the sake of all involved.
“The philosophy behind this was to not replace or supplement a health-care service, but to be a substitute family member,” PAH director Teresa O’Callaghan said.
Along with a safe ride home, patients are also given a resource binder and referrals, and are contacted by Come Share to ensure home-support needs are being met. If the discharged patient doesn’t have groceries at home, the volunteers can stop at Sources Food Bank on the way to pick up a care package. As well, a firefighter will visit to do a quick safety inspection and install a smoke detector if necessary.
Since the pilot began, more than 50 seniors have been assisted by the team of 15 volunteers.
The pilot will continue through the summer, thanks to a donation from local resident John Block and his family. The group is hopeful the program becomes a permanent fixture in the community.
“We’re being watched by other sites and communities with great interest and they’re chomping at the bit to... implement it in their own sites and communities,” O’Callaghan said.
To find out more, call 604-535-4500, ext. 756708.