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CCAC can help people get care at home By Louie Rosella METROLAND MISSISSAUGA Oakville residents must think about healthcare planning the same way they think about retirement, the head of the Mississauga Halton Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) told a crowd recently while officially releasing the organization's annual report. "People come to us when they're in crisis and it's very difficult for us, them or their family members to plan during a time of crisis," CEO Caroline Brereton said. "Part of tonight is about educating the community about how to get care at home." Brereton said residents, no matter what age, must start planning for their future healthcare needs and their final years. This includes remaining close to a support network that will help you through health issues and illnesses, deciding where you're going to live -- "will where you currently live meet your needs as you get older?" Also, deciding "who gets to make decisions for you when you can't make decisions." "Good decision-making now makes for good health care," she said. Mississauga Halton CCAC's 2011/12 Annual Report to the Community, titled Health Care At Home, was revealed to the more than 150 people in attendance at the release event held at BraeBen Golf course's clubhouse on Terry Fox Way in Mississauga. 9 · Thursday, June 14, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com "People come to us when they're in crisis and it's very difficult for us, them or their family members to plan during a time of crisis. Part of tonight is about educating the community about how to get care at home." Caroline Brereton, CEO Halton Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) It revealed an Alternative Level of Care (ALC) rate of 6.5 per cent, meaning seven out of every 100 hospital beds in the area were occupied by patients who could receive more appropriate care in the community. This remains below the Local Health Integration Network's target of eight per cent of beds occupied by alternative level of care (ALC) patients. This is "excellent news" for people who need hospital care because it means they will get in quicker for surgical procedures and other needs, the CCAC said. In 2010-11, the organization's rate was 5.4 per cent. The report also showed that 1,051 clients were served through the CCAC's home care programs in 2011-12, up from 989 in 201011. The CCAC also saw a 10 per cent increase in palliative care clients, helping more than 1,600 people "die with dignity, in their own homes," Brereton said. Mississauga Halton CCAC served more than 39,000 clients last year, the report showed. Recent Statistics Canada data shows how quickly the senior population is increasing across the country. Population data also shows the Mississauga Halton region is aging rapidly. By 2018, it is projected that one in four residents will be over the age of 55. There will be a projected increase of 32 per cent in residents aged 75-84 and a whopping 71 per cent spike in seniors 85 and older, by next year, according to CCAC. The Mississauga Halton CCAC coordinates in-home and community support services, information and referral and long-term care placement. It is funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and serves more than one million residents in the communities of south Etobicoke, Mississauga, Oakville, Georgetown, Halton Hills and Milton. · Haircuts for kids in specialty cars · Private parties for boys and girls · Boutique style shopping WHAT WE DO: $16 GRAND OPENING SPECIAL · Game Systems and DVDs for older kids · Updos, Highlights and Feathers 380 Dundas Street East, Oakville (SE Corner of Trafalgar and Dundas) Call (905) 257-7750 for your appointment today! LIQUIDATION Rotary Club of Oakville Trafalgar *Not valid in conjunction with any other offer. Offer expires July 31 2012. www.littlesproutscutsforkids.com June 22-24, 2012 Fri. 4-11 pm, Sat. 10 am-11 pm, Sun. Noon-7 pm White Loveseat & Chair 2 Chair Dining & Set Palm Harbour EastHampton NOW NOW Sheridan College Trafalgar Road Campus FREE ADMISSION DINING SETS www.oakvillefamilyribfest.com PLATINUM SPONSOR HOST SPONSOR MEDIA SPONSORS NOW NOW NOW Ribs, Chicken & more Musical Acts Kid's PlayZone Crafters & Vendors Lots of Parking FREE Shuttle PLANTS & ACCESSORIES SOFA/LOVE SEATS CHAISES & ROCKERS DOORS CLOSING FOREVER 50 OFF OFF 60 % OFF 50 50 % OFF NOW % BEDROOM 60 % ALL WEATHER WICKER ARM CHAIRS WAS: $259.99 $ 99 99 % OFF GOLD SPONSOR SILVER SPONSORS Epoch Times Home Digest Toronto Star 700 Dundas St. E. · Mississauga ON (Dundas & Cawthra) 905-566-1212 MON - THURS 10 - 6 FRI 10 - 8 · SAT 10 - 5 SUN 11 - 5