(L-R): Noreen Wilkins, Transitional Care Assistant, Talia Kean, PATH Coordinator, and Manu Varghese, Transitional Care Assistant. They are on site today wearing their red shirts. Feel free to stop and talk with them to learn more about the PATH program or email any questions to paththunderbay@redcross.ca.
Transitioning from Hospital to home can be challenging, especially for older adults who may face barriers to discharge. That’s where Canadian Red Cross’ PATH (Priority Assistance to Transition Home) program steps in. The PATH program helps support patients with the transition from Hospital to home. A trained worker will escort the patient home and ensure, upon arrival, that they are settled in, comfortable, and safe at home. PATH Transitional Care Assistants (TCAs) provide support to patients two weeks post-discharge from Hospital.
They can assist with:
- Escorted transportation home
- Assistance obtaining prescriptions, medical supplies and or assistive devices
- Settling in at home (up to two hours)
- Providing a meal/snack or assistance with preparing a meal
- Assistance obtaining groceries
- Follow up day after discharge by Coordinator to see how you are doing
- Links to community support services
- Transportation to follow up medical appointment(s) if part of discharge
Eligibility for PATH includes:
- Age 55 or older
- Medically stable and able to be left unattended
- Able to direct their own care
- Independently mobile (or has a caregiver who can assist)
- Recently admitted or discharged from an inpatient unit, or seen in the Emergency Department
- Not live in a long-term care home
With PATH, patients and their families can feel confident knowing they have the support needed to make home a safe and sustainable place to heal.
Access to the PATH program is by referral only. Fax referral forms are being handed out to departments today, or email paththunderbay@redcross.ca to obtain an electronic copy.