Canadian Red Cross and CarePartners join forces to create vital new home care organization

TORONTO, Oct. 19, 2012 /CNW/ - The Canadian Red Cross in Ontario recently merged its personal support and homemaking division with the nursing and therapy services of CarePartners to create a vibrant new home care organization - Red Cross Care Partners - which is poised to be a leader in meeting the needs of Ontario's aging population, as well as the shift in health care from institutions to the home and community.

"The creation of Red Cross Care Partners brings together the expertise of two highly respected home care providers and ensures our ability to offer more integrated, client-centred care; something we know Ontarians need and want," said Ron Kelusky, director general for the Canadian Red Cross in Ontario.

The Canadian Red Cross and CarePartners each have a long history in providing high quality, professional home and community-based care.  Both organizations recognized that more integrated, seamless care will result in better outcomes for clients. Following a comprehensive due diligence process, the two merged their services in order to offer a new level of client-centred care.

"Study after study confirms what our clients already know: remaining at home is, by far, the best place to age or to recuperate," said Linda Knight, outgoing CEO for CarePartners. "Integrated care within the home ensures better outcomes, peace of mind, convenience, and above all, a happier and healthier lifestyle."

"For the Canadian Red Cross, this new venture is the most effective way to ensure we are able to support our clients' needs into the future, as well as play a leadership role as the community and home become focal points for the delivery of health care," said Kelusky.

All other programs and services of the Canadian Red Cross including disaster management, first aid, swimming and water safety, and violence and abuse prevention, continue to operate within the Canadian Red Cross through the support of thousands of volunteers and the generosity of donors.

About Canadian Red Cross

The Canadian Red Cross is a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which includes the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross and 187 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Our mission is to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity in Canada and around the world.  A priority for the organization globally is supporting health and well-being.  In Canada, the Canadian Red Cross has been delivering personal support and homemaking services for more than 80 years.

About CarePartners

CarePartners is an integrated nursing and rehabilitation company that provides high quality, client driven health care. Innovative and cost-effective approaches are used to deliver a comprehensive list of services to clients in their homes, workplaces, and in clinic settings. Client, employee and contractor satisfaction and empowerment are important factors that have made CarePartners a trusted name in home health care for over 25 years.

About Red Cross Care Partners

With the creation of Red Cross Care Partners, a new dimension in home care is now available to Ontarians. Bringing together the Canadian Red Cross's tradition of compassion, experience and quality personal support services with the respected nursing and therapy services of CarePartners, this new organization is an innovative response to the ever-growing demand for home and community-based health care.

Red Cross Care Partners offers a comprehensive network of services to clients in urban, rural and remote communities across Ontario.  A dedicated team of nurses, therapists and personal support workers deliver a broad range of expert and cost-effective services ranging from chronic illness management to nutrition, physiotherapy, and personal support,  all aimed at helping to ensure clients enjoy the freedom and independence that comes with staying in their own homes.

For more information visit:  www.redcrosscarepartners.ca

SOURCE: Canadian Red Cross - Ontario Zone

Tanya Elliott, 905-460-7966