Home care in Canada is in growing demand, but how do we ensure it is safe?

Home care has been growing in popularity in recent years due to several factors including an aging Canadian population, advances in medical technology making it possible to provide more care at home, and a desire among patients to receive care in the comfort of their own homes.

Many Canadians want to age in their own home and community, with a study from the Canadian Institute for Health Information finding that three quarters of Canadians say they want to die in their homes, yet only 15% manage to do so (CIHI, 2018). This means that they may require health and social supports and services to safely stay in their home for as long as they are able. With an aging population, it is important as Canadians to understand and adapt our services to fit the needs of this emerging demographic.

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Home care can be a cost-effective solution to healthcare problems, as it often costs less than care provided in a hospital or other facility. Additionally, it can help to improve patient outcomes and satisfaction, and reduce the risk of hospital readmissions. However, it is important to note that while home care can be an effective solution in many cases, there are potential risks and challenges associated with receiving care at home, including:

1.????Lack of access to emergency care: In the event of a medical emergency, it can be difficult for patients receiving care at home to access prompt and appropriate treatment.

2.????Quality of care: The quality of care provided by home health agencies or individuals may vary, and patients may not receive the same level of care as they would in a hospital or other healthcare facility.

3.????Medication management: Patients receiving care at home may be responsible for managing their own medications, which can be difficult and increase the risk of medication errors.

4.????Infection control: There is a risk of infection in home care settings, particularly if proper precautions and infection control measures are not taken.

5.????Safety: Patients receiving care at home may be at increased risk of falls or other accidents due to limited mobility or the physical environment of their home.

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The question is now: How can Canadians ensure that homecare is safe?

Imagine this: Jane Doe has been discharged from the hospital following Hip Replacement Surgery. She needs to stay at home and receive treatment and support for her daily activities, such as walking up the stairs. Her family is worried about whether she will be taken care of properly and wishes to prevent any accidents at home, like a fall. The family contacts a home care service provider and relies on them to keep their mother safe and healthy.

To mitigate these risks and ensure that Jane’s homecare is safe, it is important for Jane and her caregivers to choose a reputable home health agency and work closely with them and other healthcare providers to develop a plan of care that considers her circumstances. Additionally, her family should take steps to ensure the safety of their home environment and follow recommended precautions and guidelines to reduce the risk of infections and other health and safety hazards.

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TAMVOES is one of the platforms that home care agencies are adopting to ensure the safety of patients like Jane, as well as ensuring the professional standards of the Personal Support Worker are upheld. Without connecting Jane to the providers, or proper accountability on the homecare agency’s end, she is at risk of the many unfortunate pitfalls of home care.

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How are home care agencies using TAMVOES to ensure home care is safe?

1.???? Emergency plans: Using the platform, healthcare providers can build out a plan and document it in case of emergency, with regular testing.

2.???? Facilitating communication: TAMVOES connects the clients, their families, and care workers to provide the best care based on their circumstances. This can include sending real-time updates and alerts, as well as allowing for easy scheduling of appointments and changes to care plans.

3.??? Recording and tracking care: Using TAMVOES, PSWs are able to record and track the care that they provided to clients. This can include tracking medications, vital signs, and infection history or safety incidents.

4.??? Implementing security measures: TAMVOES has implemented security measures such as encryption and secure login procedures to protect sensitive client information which is crucial for reputable homecare agencies.

5.????Verifying the identity of care workers: The agency can use TAMVOES to verify the identity of care workers before they begin working with a client. This can include conducting background checks and verifying credentials so that the care provided meets professional standards.

6.????Getting feedback from clients and their family: The platform can be used to get feedback from clients and their family about their experience with the home care services, and adjust the care being given accordingly.

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While the Canadian population continues to age, it is integral for the next generation to keep searching for innovative solutions to these problems and ensure that Canadians can age peacefully. With a more interconnected healthcare system using platforms such as TAMVOES, Canadians and home care agencies alike are starting to put together the pieces of the fragmented puzzle that is the healthcare system.

Check out our website for more information at tamvoes.com or, if you or a loved one required home care assistance, check out our tech-enabled home care service for the Kitchener-Waterloo (ON) area, tamcarehomehealth.com.