Home First
Home First is an approach that helps eligible hospital patients to continue their recovery safely at home while receiving enhanced home-care services for up to 60 days. These patients are often frail seniors who have completed their acute care treatment. Your health care team and the hospital-based Home and Community Care Coordinator (formerly CCAC) will co-ordinate any service required to ensure a safe discharge home.
What are the main benefits for patients and families?
Patients can recuperate in a familiar environment, reducing the risk of losing strength from lack of mobility while remaining in hospital. There is no cost for eligible services provided through Home and Community Care.
Seniors have more time to improve their health status prior to making a major decision about their future care needs.
What are the main benefits for the health system?
Home First helps people get better at home and relieve pressure on hospitals.
Preventing premature admission to long-term care homes results in greater access to these beds for individuals who require a more intensive level of care.
When appropriately managed, care in the home can moderate the demand for more costly health-care options while maintaining a person’s independence.