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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.
Abstract:
The naturally occurring retirement communities (NORC) Innovation Centre (NIC) at University Health Network (UHN) is reshaping aging in place through the UHN NORC model - a scalable, values-driven approach that integrates health and social care in NORCs. Currently implemented in 30 sites supporting more than 4,500 older adults, the model builds capacity for adaptive leadership and relational care practices to ensure that older adults can age well at home. Guided by local leaders, inter-professional teams and community partners, the model brings together social support, health promotion and timely access to care. Early results show increased sense of belonging, reduced emergency visits, improved experience and outcomes and stronger system integration. The UHN NORC model offers a solution to enable community-based care for older adults and a viable path to relieve growing system pressure.
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