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

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.

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.

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.

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.