Making the move: Forging a better path to long-term care

The idea of moving out of the comfort of one’s home, or losing one’s independence can be stressful and even frightening. In order to help alleviate common stressors related to moving into long-term care, we have developed a unique transition program that supports not only the future resident, but their family as well.

 

What is the Family Transition Program?

The Family Transition Program is for individuals in Oxford County who are 18 years of age or older and are waiting for permanent placement into long-term care. The purpose of the program is to support the individual and their family during the long-term care admission process by providing a unique, supportive and transitional model of care to help the individual adjust to the long-term care experience prior to their first day of admission into a residence. Individuals and their families are invited into a host facility to allow them the chance to become more familiar and comfortable with the experiences, programs and care team within the facility while still on the waitlist for permanent placement into long-term care. Once a placement becomes available, the Family Transition Program will assist with the transition into the individuals selected facility (not necessarily the host facility).

How does the program work?

The Family Transition Program is designed to support an easier transition into long-term care for individuals in need and their families. The program will help reduce stress, depression and responsive behaviours often associated with transitioning into a new environment and adjusting to living in a long-term care facility.

The program will help reduce the emergent needs and provide the support of community partners and physicians, ensuring client information for the resident in waiting is shared amongst the entire care team.

Key program features include:

  • A resident and family focused approach to care
  • Completion of supportive community screening
  • Ensuring required services and community supports are in place prior to admission
  • Review of life and medical history, and previous community agency involvement and access needed to continue services
  • Provide support to family of soon-to-be resident to protect well-being of the entire family

Learn more about the benefits of this program right from two of our clients, a mother and her daughter who have benefited from participating in the program.

How do you apply for the program?

Residents of Oxford County who are currently on the wait list for long-term care and are interested in participating in the Family Transition Program are invited to contact Woodingford Lodge.

From there, interested participants will meet with a member of the Family Transition Program team for an interview to discuss the program. The interview will allow the program team to review personal and other relevant information to help create a Family Transition Program chart that will be shared with the receiving long-term care facility for permanent placement. 

Additional assessment may be suggested to support a potential participant’s journey through the transition program. As this program is voluntary assessments will only be completed if consent is given.

For more information about this program, please contact:

Tina Gray
Supervisor of BSO and Transitions, Family Transition Program
Woodingford Lodge 
519-421-5556 ext. 2004  
tgray@oxfordcounty.ca

How much does the program cost?
There is no cost associated to participating in this program or the assessment process.

Adult day program

The new Adult Day Program provides full-day supervised, therapeutic care for adults awaiting placement into long-term care. Participants will enjoy activities designed to improve cognitive, social, emotional and physical functions in a diversified and socially-inclusive environment. Daily activities include functional fitness, wellness programs, reminiscing/discussion groups, arts and crafts, educational and interactive games, outdoor programs, music therapy, entertainment, pet therapy and multi-aged programs.

Caregivers of participants are also eligible for on-site or virtual support. Staff are well-trained in dementia strategies and interventions and can help families cope better at home to reduce the need for emergency services. Get help with care-planning routines, personhood information and valuable assessments that can be completed during the day program, which will support you and the person in your care as they transition to a long-term care home.

The Adult Day Program is FREE, with support from Ontario Health’s Local Priorities Fund. It runs Monday – Thursday from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Clients must register in advance, and accommodation is based on availability. View the calendar below to see the details on each day.

To qualify, participants must be:

  • Adults 18 years+ with aging, physical or cognitive health needs. Please make staff aware of any responsive behaviours or triggers, if known
  • Oxford County residents in crisis-need of long-term care placement who would benefit from daytime supervision
  • Individuals who require minimal assistance with daily living activities (i.e., eating, toileting and transfers)

View the Calendar

 

For more information and to register, contact the Family Transition Program:

Woodingford Lodge Adult Day Program

300 Juliana Dr. Woodstock, ON
familytransitions@oxfordcounty.ca

519-421-5557 ext. 2004

 

Caregiver support group

Caregivers need support too. Caring for a person living with dementia can result in stress, isolation and risk of psychological and physical health problems. Join us to take a break, discuss common experiences of caregiving, and to share ideas and resources.

For further information about the caregiver support group, please contact:

Tina Gray
519-421-5556 ext. 2004

Other news & updates

One-year program update

In the first year of the Family Transition pilot program, four dedicated staff members supported 40 participants along with their family and caregivers. Read the full update