Telehomecare

Telehomecare nursing is a program that enables patients to become partners in their own care, right in their own homes using technology as the enabler.  

The program is designed to help people living with conditions such as congestive heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) achieve the best possible quality of life while learning to manage their condition, through remote monitoring and regular health coaching sessions in their own homes.  

How does it work? 

If you are part of this program, you will receive guidance on checking your own blood pressure, weight, heart rate and pulse. With a touchscreen tablet provided through the program, you can send your results, along with the answers to a few simple questions, to your Telehomecare nurse. If your readings fall outside of your normal range, your nurse is alerted and can respond as needed, and will also communicate directly with your primary care provider. 

In addition to remote monitoring, your nurse provides weekly health coaching geared to your needs. This may include guidance regarding diet, exercise and other factors for optimal health. 

Patient Stories

Telehomecare has a positive impact on patients and their caregivers 

One of Lucy’s primary caregivers for helping her manage her chronic condition is her ex-daughter-in-law Sarah. Sarah was feeling burnt out and trying to cope with Lucy’s needs while working full time and raising her own child. She was initially reluctant about Telehomecare, thinking that it would be a burden on her already stretched time, adding yet another responsibility.

Three weeks into the program, Sarah cannot believe the positive results. Together, Lucy and Sarah are learning about Lucy’s condition and now understand her symptoms, medications and what they are for – and Lucy now knows how to speak to the doctor in an informed manner.

Lucy is more confident in managing her condition and able to make informed decisions about when to visit the doctor. Telehomecare has decreased Sarah’s stress and she is now less overwhelmed by Lucy’s needs saying: “I am a better caregiver.”

Patient experience during COVID 

I would like to share my experience of the Telehomecare program during the COVID-19 pandemic. I was referred to it after a visit to the emergency room at Scarborough General Hospital. At first it felt like homework that I struggled to do due to high fever, extreme weakness and low oxygen saturation. I did not see help from this, only burden. But the nurse, Cheryl, was so thoughtful. She would phone and check on me and she quickly figured out I was getting worse. She insisted on calling 911 despite my resistance. I believe it saved my life. I apparently had COVID, pneumonia and severe hypoxia from it. I ended up being admitted to Scarborough General Hospital for a week and got the appropriate treatment. I am back home now and again, the Telehomecare nurses have been following up. I would like to express my gratitude to these nurses, to their humanity, care and professionalism, especially to my angel, Cheryl. Being an RPN myself and benefiting from this program, I can only imagine how valuable this program is for people without any medical background or anyone to discuss their condition with while being isolated. Wonderful work, team – it’s so appreciated! People need to know that this program works because caring people are involved in this. I am sure this program will be as valuable to others as it was to me. – Patient with the Central East Telehomecare Program