WRHA Long Term Care Strategy

What is the Long Term Care Strategy?

• A plan to balance services and resources within the Long Term Care sector of the Winnipeg Region.
  
  
• The strategy supports the concept of "Aging in Place."  Aging in Place is designed to preserve the ability of Manitobans to remain in their communities for as long as possible.
  
  
• It includes creation of affordable community housing with support options as an alternative to Personal Care Home (PCH) placement and extended lengths of stay in hospital.
  
  
• The strategy involves collaboration between the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA), Manitoba Health, Manitoba Family Services and Housing, and other key stakeholders.

The Long Term Care Strategy has four models:

• Supports to Seniors in Group Living (SSGL) – Enhanced support services provided to seniors in existing community congregate settings.  This model supports health promotion and independence with a goal of aging in place. There is no additional charge to residents for this service. Target population: Individuals (primarily seniors) who do not require 24 - hour support and supervision.
  
  
• Supportive Housing (SH) – The program provides personal care and support services to individuals in group, community settings.  Supportive Housing sites are "sponsor-managed," that is, the sponsoring organization funds the capital cost and acts as landlord.  WRHA funds the care component.  The individual pays for the rent and service package (i.e. meals, laundry and housekeeping). Target population: Individuals who require 24-hour support and supervision (primarily seniors with cognitive impairment). 
  
  
• Specialized Supports (SS) - This model provides services for individuals whose health and personal care needs require specialized supports to live in the community. Target population:  Individuals with complex health needs and/or challenging behaviors, young adults with physical disabilities, and persons with acquired brain injuries.
  
  
• Personal Care Home (PCH) – A facility-based, congregate setting for individuals who can no longer be safely supported in their own community. Residents pay a daily residential rate (income-based). WRHA funds the care component. Target population: Individuals who require 24-hour professional care and supervision. 

What will be different with implementation of the Long Term Care Strategy?

• Availability of community-based housing with support options as an alternative to PCH placement.
  
  
• Improved PCH environments for people who need that level of care.
  
  
• Enhancement of services to support seniors living in community, congregate settings.
  
  
• Increased ability to support people in the community who require specialized services.
  
  
• Flexibility and choice in community alternatives.

Supporting Healthy Living for Older Adults

Many older adults want to remain independent and live in their own communities for as long as possible. Click on the links below to view the Supporting Healthy Living for Older Adults brochure:

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