Empowering Caregivers: The Essential Caregiver Program Pilot

Great River Ontario Health Team’s partners Carefor, St. Joseph’s Continuing Care Centre (SJCCC), Cornwall Community Hospital (CCH), Hôpital Glengarry Memorial Hospital (HGMH) and Winchester District Memorial Hospital (WDMH), with support from the Ontario Caregiver Organization, are excited to provide an update on the launch of the Essential Caregiver Pilot Program.

The program launched on October 7, 2024, with Carefor and SJCCC engaging with clients/patients and caregivers to promote the program, and send referrals to CCH where the caregivers can attend Essential Caregiver education and receive a photo Caregiver ID badge. The hospital provides caregiver education on topics such as infection prevention and control and personal protective equipment, and provides each caregiver with a caregiver ID badge that has their picture on it. As the project unfolds, staff across participating organizations will also undergo training on the Essential Caregiver Program’s principles and the significance of caregiver inclusion in patient care. This educational effort underscores the program’s commitment to fostering collaborative relationships between caregivers and healthcare professionals for improved patient outcomes. WDMH and HGMH have also provided education to their staff to recognize and accept the caregiver ID badge.

Thanks to the collaboration of all partners, the launch has already shown amazing interest and early successes. So far, 40+ caregivers have received Caregiver ID badges. We are well on our way to meeting, and exceeding, the target of onboarding 70 Essential Caregivers by the end of March!

In addition to referrals coming from Carefor and St. Joseph’s Continuing Care Centre, clients/patients and caregivers have been calling and stopping in at CCH to get more information on the program.

What is an Essential Caregiver Program?

The Essential Caregiver Program seeks to enhance the involvement of caregivers throughout a person’s healthcare journey. Its core objective is to identify and support caregivers as indispensable partners in care delivery. Unlike traditional visitors, essential caregivers are deeply familiar with the needs and behaviors of the person they support, enabling them to provide crucial insights to healthcare professionals, especially when the patient may be unable to communicate effectively.

Who Are Essential Caregivers?

Essential Caregivers (EC) are selected by the patient or substitute decision-maker. This could be a family member, friend or neighbor who is actively involved in the care provided to a person they are supporting. Essential Caregivers are individuals who advocate for the patient and provide the patient with critical, ongoing, personal, emotional and physical support and care.

What Can Being an Essential Caregiver Include?

• Emotional support and physical presence to promote patient well-being.
• Assistance with activities of daily living such as feeding, mobility, personal care and hygiene.
• Support with communication impairments such as hearing, visual, or speech, or cognitive impairments such as memory.
• Advocate regarding values and cultural and spiritual beliefs of patient.
• Assistance for the patient to connect with family and friends and keep them informed.
• Support in helping the patient with care planning and decision making.
• Involved in discharge planning.

What Are the Benefits of Being in the Essential Caregiver Program?

• Improved Communication: The program fosters seamless communication between caregivers and the care team, ensuring everyone is informed and involved.
• Enhanced Access: Caregivers gain improved access to the person they are supporting, facilitating greater participation in their care journey.
• Safety Training: Caregivers receive essential safety training, equipping them with the skills to provide effective care while prioritizing safety.
• Access to Resources: Participants gain access to the Cornwall Community Hospital’s Family Caregiver Centre, a valuable resource hub for support and information.
• Enhanced Patient Outcomes: By actively involving caregivers, patients receive more comprehensive support, leading to better health outcomes.

By recognizing caregivers as essential partners, healthcare organizations not only enhance patient experiences but also create a more compassionate and inclusive care environment. As the program expands and evolves, it holds the promise of revolutionizing healthcare delivery, one caregiver at a time.

For more information

Telephone: 613-938-4240 ext. 3519
Email: cch.communications@cornwallhospital.ca