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CKHA @ Home is a new service for those returning home after a hospital stay, with comprehensive and personalized support.
Published Jan 14, 2026 • Last updated 1 day ago • 3 minute read
Adam Topp, Chatham-Kent Health Alliance president and chief executive, speaks during Tuesday’s launch for CKHA @ Home. At right is Chatham-Kent–Leamington MPP Trevor Jones. (Trevor Terfloth/Chatham Daily News)Article content
To help provide a more seamless transition for patients, Chatham-Kent Health Alliance has launched a $1.3-million, provincially funded home-care program.
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CKHA @ Home is a new service for those returning home after a hospital stay, with comprehensive and personalized support.
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The aim is to help manage demand for in-hospital medical beds, which has been increasing each year. On an average day, CKHA operates 22 medical beds above capacity — 40 per cent more medical patient days than the hospital is designed to support.
A special event was held Tuesday to launch the program, with hospital officials and MPP Trevor Jones (PC-Chatham-Kent–Leamington) on hand.
Adam Topp, alliance president and chief executive, welcomed the funding, adding the first patients are expected this week.
“This is going to help us get patients home sooner,” he said. “Get them into a home environment where they can heal much better after their stay in hospital.”
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A dedicated patient navigator leads the program, working with the patient and family members to create a personal care plan once they leave the hospital.
The care team may include nurses, personal support workers, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, social workers and other professionals through a partnership with ParaMed Home Health Care.
Patients benefit from medication management, followup appointments and connecting with essential resources such as transportation, caregiver support, Meals on Wheels, and Let’s Go Home with Homeward Bound program, a service provided through the Canadian Red Cross Society.
The program is flexible, allowing the level of support to adjust based on the patient’s evolving needs over about eight to 16 weeks.
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For patients requiring care beyond 16 weeks, the team ensures a connection to ongoing Ontario Health at Home services.
“This is an important step in strengthening health-care services for residents across our communities,” Jones said. “This investment puts patients first.
“The sooner that families and the patients leave the hospital to recover at home, the better their outcomes are going to be.”
A dedicated 24/7 phone line, run by ParaMed Home Health Care, is available for patients and families with questions or concerns. It can be reached at 519-966-5200.
CKHA @ HOMEWhat is the process?
Before you leave the hospital, your navigator and team will meet with you and/or your family to create your care plan. It will be shared with everyone involved in providing your home care. Your first home visit will be scheduled before you leave hospital.
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What if I need to be readmitted?
If your medical condition changes and you need hospital care, CKHA @ Home will continue to support you when you return home. Your team will be kept informed and plan for your transition back home.
What happens when I get home?
The day you are discharged, you will be called by a team member to ensure you got home safely. Your team will then:
Visit you within 48 hours of your arrival home.Check in with you daily for the first three days.Decide with you how often to check in with you after the first week.
Your CKHA @ Home patient navigator can be reached at 519-358-5818 Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
What if I need ongoing care?
If you need care after 16 weeks, your team will connect you with Ontario Health at Home home care services.
After eight weeks, you and your team will review your progress and plan for your ongoing care. At about 12 weeks, if you require ongoing care, your team will help you plan for this.
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