Community Care Durham advocates for an innovative senior care model in Scugog

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard

SCUGOG: Addressing the needs of an aging population is an ongoing and evolving issue in many communities, and recently councillors heard from one local group taking new steps to alleviate some of those concerns.

Community Care Durham (CCD) CEO James Meloche addressed the Township of Scugog council on Monday, December 2nd, outlining a bold vision for addressing the challenges facing older adults and their caregivers.

During the presentation, Mr. Meloche reintroduced CCD and urged council to support the "Program for the All-Inclusive Care of the Elderly" (PACE) model, a transformative, cost-effective approach designed to integrate health and social services for at-risk seniors.

Meloche emphasized the urgency of the crisis. "Services for seniors are fragmented, leaving families to navigate a complex network of providers," he said. "This leads to caregiver burnout, avoidable hospitalizations, and unsustainable health and social systems. PACE offers a solution which strengthens community and supports independence."

The PACE model provides a team-based, comprehensive approach to care, coordinating services like primary and specialty medical care, home health services, and even transportation for participants. Mr. Meloche highlighted the success of the model, noting, PACE participants experience fewer hospital stays, better quality of life, and lower mortality rates. "PACE isn’t just a program—it’s a lifeline for seniors and their families," he explained.

Mr. Meloche also shared CCD’s longstanding commitment to Scugog residents, highlighting key achievements such as delivering 7,448 meals and facilitating 3,476 rides in the past fiscal year. "Our mission has always been to enrich the quality of life for people wherever they call home," he said.

Looking ahead, CCD envisions establishing a PACE-based Health and Wellness Centre in Durham, starting with Whitby in 2026. Mr. Meloche urged Scugog’s council to advocate for a "Made-in-Durham" solution tailored to local needs. "We need your support to align efforts with Durham Region and Ontario Health to make this vision a reality," he explained.

Councillors responded positively to the proposal, acknowledging its potential to address gaps in senior care. Mr. Meloche concluded with a call to action: "Together, we can create communities where older adults are empowered to thrive. Let’s prepare for the future by responding to the needs of today."