Eastholme Home for the Aged will get $32,600 from the Ontario government through the 2024-25 Equipment and Training Fund.
This funding helps long-term care homes purchase more diagnostic equipment and train staff to manage better and treat residents’ conditions that most often lead to preventable hospital visits, such as urinary tract infections, falls, pneumonia, and congestive heart failure.
The money will allow the purchase of 10 bariatric beds, mattresses, and commodes. This equipment is essential for providing care to residents with bariatric needs.
The bariatric beds will allow for more timely admission of bariatric residents, as the required equipment will be onsite and will not delay the admission until equipment can be procured. As the beds are pressure-relieving, they support wound prevention/closure for bariatric residents.
Ten mattresses with specialized equipment for supporting wound care will also be bought. The pressure redistribution mattresses will potentially reduce ED visits related to wound care and assessment, as pressure reduction mattresses paired with routine skin maintenance will proactively reduce the risk of pressure wounds.
Three Commodes with Specialized Equipment Supporting Bariatric Care and wound care will allow for more timely admission of bariatric residents, as the required equipment will be onsite and will not delay the admission until the equipment can be procured. The commodes also support wound prevention by preventing skin shearing for bariatric residents who may be unable to reposition easily.