Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 22, 2026
Methodology for Establishing a Community-Wide Life Laboratory for Capturing Unobtrusive and Continuous Remote Activity and Health Data
Published on: July 27, 2018
Community First: A Scalable Approach to Integrated Care in Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities.
Melissa Chang1, Jen Recknagel2
1Melissa Changsenior director, connected care and naturally occurring retirement communities (NORC) Innovation Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, has over 20 years in healthcare leadership. Melissa brings people and ideas together to deliver new ways to approach health and well-being. Her track record spans work across sectors (acute, mental health, primary care, home and community), addressing scale and sustainability for some of healthcare's most pressing challenges. Her expertise in change management, implementation science and digital health is currently focused on delivering integrated models of care working with communities and individuals most in need. Melissa has helped lead pivotal initiatives across the province, from improving wait times to advancing integrated care programs that connect services and create much-needed capacity. She also serves as board chair at Unison Community Health Centre, Toronto, ON, advocating for equitable access to care.
The University Health Network (UHN) NORC model integrates health and social care for older adults aging in place. This approach enhances belonging, reduces emergency visits, and improves overall system integration for community-based care.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs) present unique challenges for aging in place.
- Integrating health and social care is crucial for supporting older adults in their homes.
- Existing models often struggle with scalability and comprehensive care coordination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and evaluate the University Health Network (UHN) NORC model for aging in place.
- To assess the model's impact on older adults' well-being and system integration.
- To demonstrate a scalable, values-driven approach to community-based care.
Main Methods:
- Implementation of the UHN NORC model across 30 sites.
- Integration of health and social care services within NORCs.
- Focus on adaptive leadership and relational care practices.
Main Results:
- Increased sense of belonging among older adults.
- Reduced emergency department visits.
- Improved patient experience, health outcomes, and system integration.
Conclusions:
- The UHN NORC model effectively supports aging in place for older adults.
- The model offers a scalable solution for community-based care.
- This approach can alleviate growing healthcare system pressures.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Continuing Care
01:19Restorative Care
01:29Documentation in Long-Term and Home Healthcare Setting
Long-Term Care Facilities
01:30Specialized Care Centers and Settings-II
Rural health centers are specialized care facilities in remote locations with very few medical personnel. The primary care providers who run the centers are mostly Registered Nurse Practitioners. Here, emergency treatment is provided to critically ill or injured patients before they are transferred to the closest hospital. Fortunately, due to advancement in technology, many rural healthcare facilities and professionals have easy access to diagnostic and treatment...
01:30Community Based Intervention
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
01:30Specialized Care Centers and Settings-I
Daycare centers
They provide several functions. Some facilities care for healthy newborns and children whose parents work, while others are medically focused and care for...