Primary Community Care
Primary community care brings together people who need help with people who provide help. Services are as close to the client as possible. The client is the focus.
The term "primary community care" is similar to "primary health care". However, "primary community care" is used to show the need to direct services toward the community level.
Characteristics of the Primary Community Care Approach
| √ | Provide the right services. | Caregivers collaborate with different disciplines so people get the care and support they need. |
| √ | Use the most appropriate caregiver. | Caregivers use a clear referral and transfer process so people see the right caregiver - whether in their own community or elsewhere. |
| √ | Provide the best setting. | People access services as close to a home as possible, in a culturally sensitive environment. |
| √ | Give service when people need it. | People have access to emergency care all day every day, directly or through the NWT call centre. The call centre screens and refers call to a caregiver. |
| √ | Be efficient & economical. | Over time, early intervention and harm reduction programs affect the kind of care people need. Professional caregivers use best practices. We invest in our caregivers and build capacity. |
| √ | Encourage public participation. | The public has a unique perspective of the health and social services system. We listen to what the public says and keep them informed. |
| √ | Be accountable. | We all help monitor and evaluate the system. |
| √ | Gather & share information. | Caregivers share information to help people get the care they need. Caregivers totally respect their client's confidential information. |
Primary Community Care Principles
- Universality: Individuals have access to the services they need and are treated fairly and with respect in the health and social services system.
- Personal Responsibility: Individuals and families have personal responsibilities to address their health and social needs.
- Basic Needs: Publicly funded programs and services will address basic health and social needs in a way when these needs cannot be met by an individual or family.
- Sustainability: The health and social services system will operate in a way that does not threaten its ability to meet basic health and social needs over the long-term.
- Continuum of Care: Programs and services will fit together as seamlessly as possible and will be integrated with other services wherever possible.
- Prevention-Oriented System: All activities of the health and social services system will support the maintenance of physical, social and mental health in addition to the treatment of illness and injury.
- People-Oriented System: All activities of the health and social services system will support an approach that places the needs of people first.