Evaluating the Impact of an Integrated Community Care Model for Older Adults

Introduction: The Building an Integrated Community Care Model was a two-year program to support older adults in receiving home and community care services from organizations within the VCS sector in the City of Sarnia and Lambton County, Ontario, Canada.

Description: The ICCM program launched with grant funding from the Ontario Ministry of Health. A goal-based evaluation design was used to assess the implementation and impact of the program. We collected and analyzed data from monthly status reports, surveys of service providers, and client/patient satisfaction surveys, data from key informant interviews, one focus group with service providers, and a reflective discussion.

Discussion: Providers were able to overcome challenges and achieve benefits linked to short-term outcomes. Shared goals amongst providers facilitated the implementation and integration of services. Socially isolated older adults were better served, new partnerships were formed, and community-based initiatives were created. A supportive network of service providers and system planners was created, enhancing the capacity of providers to meet community needs.

Conclusion: This was a complex initiative with multiple organizations coming together in a voluntary governance structure to implement disparate projects. Learnings may be useful to others seeking to implement and assess integrated community care programs for older adults.