Long Term Care- Spine Care Program
Our Long Term Care-Spine Care Program is an extension of our clinic based Spine Care Program adapted to fit the unique clinical needs of
the Long Term Care and/or Assisted Living geriatric population as well as nursing staff in the long term care work environment.

Overwhelming research in this resident population identifies a high prevalence of spinal pain as (36% to 70%) which is under reported and
unmanaged, resulting in higher risks for falls, immobility, aggression and cognitive impairments. Click here for research.

Our program objectives are as follows:

• Improve the quality of care for residents
• Improve resource utilization by reducing avoidable/inappropriate hospital use/transfers
• Provide early diagnosis and intervention to manage spinal conditions
• Provide education and clinical care to nursing staff
• Conduct research/outcome evaluation
• Reduce healthcare costs
  
  

Rationale for Program:

• Spinal conditions resulting in persistent pain, falls related injuries, functional &
  cognitive impairment and diagnostic testing (plain film
  x-rays) represent the top reasons for hospital admission which may be avoided by
  spinal evaluation and clinical management provided in LTC homes
• Health human resource shortage, particularly registered nurses and physicians.
  The addition of spine care clinical specialists in
  the sector may alleviate work load from medical and nursing staff and fill currently
  unmet needs in the sector.
• The high prevalence of spine work related injuries and WSIB claims in nursing staff can
  be addressed with onsite clinical specialists in this area.

Expected Benefits

• Provides timely evaluation of spinal conditions reducing long-term LTC operating costs
• Reduces persistent unresolved spinal pain and increases physical function and mobility
• Improves efficiency of the LTC homes by ensuring appropriate care for all patients
• Reduces the risk of falls
• Reduces need for drug therapy and potential iatrogenic adverse effects
• Reduces avoidable hospital admissions for higher needs residents
• Decreases turnover of nursing staff by reducing workload
• Reduces WSIB claims and “lost work days” through education (prevention strategies) and onsite management of spinal injuries in
  nursing and personal care staff
• Increases in resident satisfaction and marketability of home/organization

Program Financing Options:

• Resident Basic Program: Funded through Medicare Plans including MOHLTC Nursing and Personal Care/Restorative Care
  Funding Envelopes, OHIP and in some cases Extended Health Insurance)
• Resident Enhanced Program: Funded through Medicare Plans including MOHLTC envelopes, OHIP, Extended Health Insurance or
  Long Term Care Insurance plus small (recoupable) resident expense and/or home financing for additional funded specialists)
• Employee Program: Funded through employee Extended Health Insurance