Community Support

Community Support programs are intended to assist individuals to live independently at home and, when this is no longer possible, to access facility or residential community based care. Support services, within the program, are available to children and adults with developmental and/or physical disabilities, and seniors. Case managers (social workers or nurses) work with other health care professionals and team members to ensure that clients receive appropriate and quality services.

Community Support services include the following:

1. Home Support Services

Western Health helps individuals and families identify their need for, and/or purchase, home support services as part of coordinated community support. Ongoing case management ensures that home support remains an appropriate community support option for individuals and families. Home support is intended to supplement and not replace the family care-giving role. Community Support staff also participate in the monitoring and approval of home support agencies.

2. Residential Options

Western Health helps individuals and families identify their need for, arrange admission to, and/or pay for, residential options as part of coordinated community support. Staff helps individuals and families choose appropriate options based on individual needs. Options can include board and lodging, alternate family care, independent living arrangements, cooperative apartments, personal care homes and long term care (nursing) homes. Community Support and Community Health staff also participates in the monitoring and licensing of some residential options.

3. Community Behavioral Services

Behavior Management Specialists provide training and support services to individuals, families and support workers.

4. Financial Assessment Services

Western Health helps individuals and families to determine financial eligibility for community support services.

5. Special Assistance Program

Western Health helps individuals and families identify their need for, and/or purchase health care supplies, oxygen, and orthotic products as part of coordinated community support.

6. Professional Interventions

Community Support staff provide professional intervention including counseling, crisis intervention, community development and palliative care, based upon professional assessment and service planning.

For more information about their programs contact:
Corner Brook Telephone (709) 634 - 5551
Stephenville Telephone (709) 643 - 8700
or call your local Public Health Nurse in your area.