Going Beyond What’s Medically Necessary
As Flood & Thomas (2016) explain, in order to have a system that operates more efficiently we must re-address and work toward modernizing the existing Canada Health Act so that we can cover the health services that people need. I believe that in the process of modernizing the Canada Health Act we must move away from a medically oriented focus. Though coverage of medication, doctor visits and hospital stays are all essential health care services the health and well-being of the individual goes far beyond the medical realm. The key to a better health care system is not only treating and servicing individuals but providing them with the tools and resources to be healthy and stay healthy. One of the services that Canada has been lacking is mental health services. To be able to claim a modernized health care system we must change the way our mental health services operate. This does not just include assisting those who are diagnosed with mental illness but include the prevention of such issues through various systems and support.
Speaking in terms of my role in home care I know that individuals are not supported or able to access appropriate mental health and/ or social services due to lack of coverage and awareness. Incorporating coverage of mental health services would improve the well-being, mental and physical health of all Canadians and result in a more efficient system. Christine Elliot (Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Long-Term Care) has paid recognition to this need and has put efforts forward to invest in mental health services to help modernize Ontario's health care system (MOHLTC,2019). Though, I emphasize the importance of putting a focus on integrating mental health services into home and community care. Mental health is just as important as nursing, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and personal support—all services that are provided in home care and are eligible for coverage. Mental health services should be offered in the same matter.
On the other side of those receiving home care are the families and workers who also require emotional support and relief as caring for individuals can frequently result in caregiver burnout. Employers should be obligated to promote mental health and education in the workplace. This could increase work productivity and overall health of workers. A recent survey of regional PSW’s demonstrated that most workers were unable to grieve the loss of long-time clients as they are not properly supported (Durnan, 2019). I believe that both workers in the field and caregivers should be provided with caregiver relief days to allow them to appropriately cope with loss and seek services if required. Implementing these structures could positively influence retention rates and reduce the risk of last-minute sick calls which put clients at risk for missed care.
Those receiving in home care services often still rely heavily on their family members. The health care system does not properly support caregivers. Caregivers tend to be left with the responsibility of caring for their loved ones and this can be very taxing especially without any community resources. Even with home care services many family members and caregivers provide some level of care to their loved ones on a regular basis. Much of the older population wants to remain in their home for as long as possible, while the rest likely do not have a choice but to live in their homes until they are no longer on a waitlist or are in hospital. Caregivers need proper support and relief from the government as the health care system relies on the assistance of caregivers. Individuals who do not have the support of family often result in unnecessary hospital stays (Andrew & Powell, 2015).By giving people the proper resources they need while living in the community this could help relieve the system in the long term. As per the Ontario Caregiver Coalition caregivers are eligible for some financial benefits such as federal tax credits or insurance benefits but this is not nearly enough. In the OCC Pre-Budget Submission they outlined that” supporting caregivers can reduce overall health care costs” (OCC, p.1, 2019).
In conclusion I believe that by improving mental health services specific to those who provide and receive in home care (including family members) can help relieve the health care system and enable individuals to live in their homes longer. I also support the OCC's vision to fight for more financial support for caregivers as this could help streamline in home care and relieve some of the pressures of our vastly growing aging population in need of services.
References
Andrew, M. K., & Powell, C. (2015). An Approach to ‘The Social Admission’. Canadian Journal of General Internal Medicine, 10(4), 20-22. Retrieved May 26, 2019.
Caregiver Allowance. (n.d.). Retrieved May 26, 2019,
Durnan, M. (2019, May 24). Wake-up call: Sudbury isn't facing a PSW crisis, it's in one. Northern Life. Retrieved May 26, 2019, from https://www.sudbury.com/local-news/wake-up-call-sudbury-isnt-facing-a-psw-crisis-its-in-one-1471801
Flood, C. M. & Thomas, B. P. (2016). Modernizing the Canada Health Act. Ottawa Faculty of Law Working Paper No. 2017-08. Retrieved from https://ssrn.com/abstract=2907029
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care:Ontario Adding More Mental Health and Addiction Services in Communities Across the Province. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://news.ontario.ca/mohltc/en/2019/05/ontario-adding-more-mental-health-and-addiction-services-in-communities-across-the-province.html?fbclid=IwAR1AMw5K8oiQxDAr3LrhBzD0ToCk7ms3UkBNAqKneCcELXM3Z6dzSYeprNU
Ontario Caregiver Coalition: OCC Pre-Budget Submission 2019. (2019, January). Retrieved May 26, 2019, from http://www.ontariocaregivercoalition.ca/news.html
Comments