Project Overview

Background

CP@clinic is a community health program for older adults running in many parts of Canada. During a session, community paramedics perform one-on-one health assessments. They measure older adults’ risk for heart disease, diabetes and falls. They also assess their quality of life, social isolation, and poverty. The results of each session are sent to the older adult’s family doctor so that they are up to date with their health. The program has improved quality of life, decreased risk factors for chronic diseases and reduced the need for emergency health services.

Rationale

The health of older adults in the Northern Indigenous community of Moosonee, Ontario is poor. The community does not have many resources to support older adults at home. There are a high number of 911 calls, and a lack of care programs and long-term care facilities for older adults. In partnership with the Weeneebayko Area Health Authority Paramedic Services (WAHA-PS), we propose to implement CP@clinic in Moosonee. However, it needs to be adapted to their unique setting, cultural practices and to the resources of their community.

Research Plan

This study will have 3 phases. Phase 1 will gather information on how to adapt the delivery and different parts of CP@clinic to an Indigenous community. Phases 2 and 3 will be running CP@clinic and measuring it. We will look at whether it is feasible and accepted. We will also look at whether there are health benefits for the participants.