A new program within Interior Health is helping independent seniors stay home longer, and it will soon have a positive impact on the elderly in Oliver and Osoyoos.
The Surveillance Nurse Program is a system where nurses check on local seniors via telephone to ensure they are doing fine.
“This program is a great example of a simple idea that has a big impact,” said Sharon Whitby, Home Health Practice lead for Interior Health.
She explained that surveillance nurses help clients remain in their own homes and avoid hospital admissions.
“These are great achievements for both clients and the health care system.”
The fact is most people prefer to stay in their own home to self-manage when they are able, Whitby said.
The focus is on stable, long-term Home Health clients, who have lower needs compared to those in crises.
Nurses phone them to see how they are doing at least once every three months or more if required.
Clients may also call the nurse when they have questions or need assistance.
The program’s goal is to identify any issues as soon as possible to help ensure these independent clients continue to do well living at home.
“The regular calls ensure we are being proactive and supporting clients so they continue to be lower needs for as long as possible,” said Whitby.
For example, clients may need encouragement to increase their activity level, socialize more or quit smoking.
Surveillance nurses are currently located in Penticton, Kelowna, Vernon, Williams Lake, Kamloops, Cranbrook and Castlegar. They support approximately 280 clients.
The new South Okanagan surveillance nurse based in Penticton will be providing support for seniors in Oliver, Osoyoos, Keremeos and Princeton.
She currently has 56 clients on her caseload, which includes seniors from Penticton, Okanagan Falls and Summerland.
“The first phone call is usually the most crucial,” said Tina Pole, one of seven surveillance nurses in the program. “We are able to find out what support they have from family or friends and how they are going to be able to maintain or improve their health.”
Pole said she gets a lot of personal professional satisfaction from knowing she is making a difference in seniors’ lives.
“Just knowing someone is checking in on them and is interested in their health makes them feel safe at home.”
Whitby confirmed the program will expand into Oliver and Osoyoos once referrals are received from Home Health care nursing staff.
Whitby said the nurses are quite surprised at how effective the telephone system is in developing strong connections and relationships with clients.
LYONEL DOHERTY
Special to the Times
