Research
Long Term & Continuing Care
SFNFCI’s definition of Long-Term and Continuing Care:
A supportive, collaborative, and interdisciplinary care network that provides comprehensive health and personal care to individuals of all ages, supporting their physical, mental, spiritual, and social well-being. This client-centered, holistic approach follows individuals through various life phases, ensuring they receive the necessary support to live safely and healthily, whether at home, residential facilities, or in long-term care settings. The care process integrates culturally sensitive and traditional practices, is free of systemic barriers, and addresses complex needs. It facilitates seamless transitions through life’s journey, empowering individuals to thrive in their chosen continuum of care, fostering ongoing health, and well-being throughout their life’s journey.
Who is included?
Long-Term and Continuing Care (LTCC) includes individuals of all ages who require support whether temporarily or throughout their lives. This may include:
- Children and youth in group homes
Even if they do not have a disability, these individuals require ongoing care and support. - Young people transitioning from child-specific to adult-specific systems
This includes those living with disabilities or those aging out of group homes who still need assistance. - Individuals experiencing substance misuse or recovery
People in this group may require assisted living or support services during different phases of addiction or recovery. Some may also experience brain injuries or psychosis that require additional care. - Elders and aging adults
Including those in long-term care homes, assisted living, or receiving home-based care. - Anyone requiring a level of care at any point in life
LTCC is not only for those needing lifelong care. It also includes people who need support for a period of time, such as someone recovering from an illness, injury, or substance use.
National Activities: Virtual National LTCC Gathering
Regional Activities: Research
From May to September 2022, as part of the LTCC Project, research was conducted with long term care and continuing care experts and community services to share promising practices and visions for a continuum that better meets the needs of members living in First Nations communities.
Two case studies that demonstrated building a client centered path to bring adult members home and a service pathway to transition a member to a long-term care facility were completed. A LTCC Resource Directory was created to provide First Nations with information on programs and services that will help build capacity in the continuum of long term and continuing care.
This research identified significant themes to move forward with long-term and continuing care in Saskatchewan. Five recommendations were suggested including the need to work together as communities, regions and multi-level governments to create a framework that addresses the long-term and continuing care on First Nations. Other recommendations focused on better use and sharing of data to enable good planning, and the need for a long-term plan in each community that is reflective of their current and future state. Next steps in this area will include engaging with Community Based Organizations (CBO’s) and health and social service experts to discuss working together and preventing overlap in activities.
Local Activities: Long Term and Continuing Care
Knowledge Sharing Forum
Almost 150 individuals from organizations across Saskatchewan who work with people who require long-term and continuing care gathered in a LTCC Knowledge Sharing Forum hosted by SFNFCI on March 29-30, 2023.The event was an opportunity to continue the conversation with CBO’s and health and social service individuals on the information gathered through the Virtual National LTCC Gathering and the Regional research.