Health council report shows majority satisfied with home care

A survey done by the New Brunswick Health Council shows people are generally satisfied with their level of home care, but say it could be better.

The survey of people across the province who receive home care showed that 95 per cent of extra-mural clients and 89 per cent of home support clients say they are satisfied with their level of care.

Stephane Robichaud, the chief executive officer of the health council, says the survey shows how important the role of home care workers is now playing in the health care system.

"When it comes to home support services, and you look at the general element of satisfaction, it's further confirmation that these types of services are really greatly valued by citizens," Robichaud said.

But the data shows that in some areas, there are more concerns than there were three years ago.

In four specific areas, home care in 2012 outperformed home care last year.

In the extra-mural program, the survey found that people are going to the hospital slightly more than before, a counterproductive result since the reason for home care is to keep people out of the hospital.

The survey also found that fewer people are 'very confident' that they can manage their chronic conditions.

Regarding home support, people were most concerned about the specific times home support workers were looking to visit, as well as the range of services that they are able to do for the person.

That's something Hilda Watson understands.

She said she loves her current home support worker, but wishes the worker was able to do some extra chores.

"The only thing is, of course, they're not allowed to wash windows and walls and stuff," Watson said.

"So I'm going to have to look elsewhere for stuff like that."

Watson has trouble getting around her home on her own, making use of a wheelchair and two walkers when it is necessary for her to get up.

If it wasn't for the home care services she receives, she says she'd probably be in a nursing home.

Watson receives two types of home care: extra-mural, consisting of nurses, physiotherapists, and other related fields; and home support, consisting of things like housekeeping and cooking.

Her home support worker comes in every day for roughly four hours, and her physiotherapist visits every once in a while as well.

As far as these arrangements go, Watson said she is pretty happy.

"I would say, from one out of 10, I'm satisfied at nine," she said.

The NBHC will use this survey data to set targets for more provincial initiatives aimed towards seniors, who are the majority of home care clients.

They emphasize that the results show the need for communication between different types of workers all helping the same person, as well as open communication with the person who requires support as well.