Abstract

Canadian research identifies a growing segment of older adults with mental health and/or substance use (MH/SU) conditions. This has implications on home care programs, which typically serve older adults but were not established for MH/SU concerns. This project determines the nature and prevalence of mental health and substance use among home care clients in Manitoba and examines the impact on provision of service to this population. Ten years of data from the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority’s (WRHA) public home care program were used. Clients’ clinical and service data were reviewed retrospectively for prevalence of mental health and substance use and clinical and service characteristics of MH/SU clients. Interviews and focus groups were conducted with a cross-section of WRHA Home Care staff and external service partners to explore the current context and implications for supporting MH/SU clients. Analyses found MH/SU conditions in home care have increased over time, to a current prevalence in one-third of clients. SU/MI clients are younger in age and present significant differences in clinical status and care considerations. Interviews identified the need for specific staff training, enhanced recruitment and retentions strategies, attention to staff safety and development of networks of collateral community base support resources for adults with MH/SU issues to address the growth and complexity of needs found in SU/MI clients. MH/SU conditions are important clinical considerations in home care, with service challenges. Results have transferability for policymakers and service providers to address MH/SU needs in communities and enhance client care

Presenters

Don Fuchs
Professor, Faculty of Social Work, University of Manitoba, Manitoba, Canada

Hai Luo
Associate Professor, Faculty of Social Work, University of Manitoba, Manitoba, Canada

Lori Mitchell
Performance Lead, Business Performance Management, Shared Health Manitoba, Manitoba, Canada

Details

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation in a Themed Session

Theme

Medical Perspectives on Aging, Health, Wellness

KEYWORDS

Home Care, Mental Health, Addictions, Health and Social Supports

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