An evaluation of the Bridges program as an alternative to institutional care
Date
1999
Authors
Kolysher, Sandra
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 1999
Abstract
"The Government of Alberta's vision for health is healthy Albertans living in a healthy
Alberta. It's a broad and long term vision that includes not only the quality of health services,
but also the importance of promoting and protecting good health for individuals and for
Alberta as a whole (Alberta Health, 1998, p. 6)". Health restructuring has created much
change in the delivery of care to Alberta's citizens. The expectation for change has resulted in
the need to be innovative in the delivery of care while remaining accountable to the people.
This philosophy, in part, has led to the development of the Bridges Program. The purpose
of the evaluation is to appraise the worth ofthe newly introduced Bridges Program. The
study examines the success of the program in its ability to keep clients identified as requiring
institutional care in the community for as long as possible. The study examines the ability of
the program to maintain the client's functionality in terms of mobility and activities of daily
living.
The evaluation examines:
• The caregiver's involvement and support provided by the staff of the program.
• The client's utilization of acute care services while attending the program.
• The cost of the program based on comparison of costs in institutions and costs provided
in similar programs.
• The impact the program has had on other community services.
• The impact ofthe program on quality of life issues for the client and the caregiver.
The pilot utilized a mixed method approach, which employs both quantitative and
qualitative strategies for data gathering and interpretation. It is both an improvement and
effectiveness evaluation. The pilot utilized a mixed method approach, which employs both quantitative and qualitative
strategies for data gathering and interpretation. It is both an improvement and effectiveness
evaluation.
Data was analyzed using a case design strategy. Clients and caregivers have been
assessed both at the beginning and at the end ofthe pilot. The test scores and information
were then measured and compared.
Results of the pilot:
• Supported the belief that the program could maintain clients assessed as institutional
level of care in the community.
• Indicated that the client's functionality and mobility were improved or maintained.
• Supported that the quality of life of the clients and their caregivers was improved.
• Showed a reduced cost of services to functionally dependent clients.
• Appears to have reduced the use of acute care services such as the emergency
department.
• Has allowed for monitoring and early intervention for high-risk clients who live in the
community.
The evaluation ofthe program provided the Chinook Health Region the opportunity
to examine the worth of a community-based service versus institutional care with the
hope of initiating similar programs in rural settings.
Description
viii, 45 leaves ; 29 cm. --
Keywords
Older people -- Care -- Alberta -- Lethbridge -- Case studies , Older people -- Alberta -- Lethbridge -- Services for -- Case studies , Older people -- Long-term care -- Alberta -- Lethbridge.