HELP Plus now available in Vancouver, Richmond and on the North Shore
HELP Plus officially launched this week in Vancouver Coastal Health. It provides advanced health equipment on short-term loan to people with complex care needs so they can remain at home longer or can be discharged from hospital sooner.
The program is available to people who reside in Vancouver, Richmond and on the North Shore (up to Horseshoe Bay). Occupational therapists or Physical therapists can access the required equipment through HELP Plus on behalf of clients in both acute care and home health programs for a period of up to six months, with a possible three-month extension.
“HELP Plus supports VCH’s Home is Best philosophy,” said Janice Lochbaum, Director, Home Health and Hospice, Vancouver Community. “As we all know, home, not hospital, is where patients want to recover from illness or injury, or to live out their final days.
VCH is piloting the program through a three-year partnership with the Canadian Red Cross.
Who are clients that are appropriate for Help Plus?
- Patient is ready for discharge from hospital and equipment access is a barrier to discharge.
- Client is at home (includes Assisted Living) but will imminently (within 7 days) go to hospital if equipment is not available.
- Client is at home (includes Assisted Living) but at imminent risk of harm if equipment is not available (e.g. skin breakdown)
- Client is at risk of placement into residential care.
What equipment is available?
Group A:
- Electric hospital beds
- Floor-to-ceiling poles
- Threshold ramps
- Mattresses and overlays
- Mechanical lifts and slings
Group B:
- Amputee board and extension pad
- Various cushion styles
Items in Group A will be delivered and installed at no charge within 5-7 working days. Priority delivery of Group A items can be arranged within 3 working days under special circumstances. Refer to HELP Plus manual on the Red Cross website for more information. Group B items must be picked up by the client or family unless they accompany a Group A item.
Need training or more information?
HELP Plus staff in-services took place throughout April at acute and community sites in Richmond, Vancouver and on the North Shore. If you are interested in more information, please contact your rehab leader directly.