A high level Model of Care Framework has been developed to ensure the clinical, physical and social needs of residents moving into the new housing units are fully supported. The Model of Care Framework, developed with input from the George Pearson Centre (GPC) Redevelopment Committee, is aligned with the Pearson Dogwood Consensus Paper and City of Vancouver Policy Statement. It reflects evidence-based best practice, extensive literature review, data analysis and an in-depth review of current resident needs.
The Model of Care supporting residents in the new housing units is designed to enable everyone to live full and meaningful lives, with confidence in the level of care and support provided. Supporting resident choice is the overarching philosophy for GPC transition planning and individual care plans will be prepared for every resident moving into the new housing units. This will ensure specific requirements, as well as resident preferences and priorities, are understood, addressed, and adjusted as resident needs change.
A detailed review of current resident needs helped the Project Team develop general resident profiles encompassing different levels of support requirements. This information was used to plan for staffing and support for residents in the new housing units.
With a goal to ensure a consistent and flexible workforce that meets resident needs, the Model of Care Framework is based on a ratio of 1 staff for every 2 residents during the day. In the evenings this drops to 1-3 and overnight there will be one staff for every four residents when the service requirements are lower. There will always be nursing and support staff on site and immediately available, 24/7.
When costing out the Model of Care Framework for the first 50 residents who transition, the Project Team assumed a mix of residents with varying cognitive and physical care needs. The staffing model includes total support workers, with professional oversight for complex support needs including Registered Nurse (RN), License Practice Nurse (LPN), Mental Health Worker, Social Worker, Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist, Recreational Therapist, Speech Language Pathologist, Dietitian, Respiratory therapist. There will also be House Coordinators available to assist residents.
While each house will have dedicated staff, the care team will work together across the housing units to ensure flexibility and familiarity to meet resident needs at all hours of the day and night. This means total support workers and nurses will work together, along with other specialized services and community supports to address the comprehensive needs of all residents. The level of support required will vary by individual and by time of day. If needed, staffing resources can be pulled from other housing units. Residents also have access to other on site supports such as the Community Health Centre and primary care services.
Total Support Workers will play a key role in supporting resident choice and social needs. These attendants provide care, assist with activities of daily living and home management tasks. They also support residents to participate in community activities. Total support workers are members of the interdisciplinary care team, they are responsible for ensuring daily activities set out in the care plan are completed as required, this includes community outings and social activities requested by the resident.