NNSL file photo
A paid family/community caregiver pilot project that had been set to begin this spring in Hay River has not yet started.
Hay River is one of several communities selected for the pilot project.
"In Hay River, we continue to seek a community partner organization," said Lisa Giovanetto, a communications officer with the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority, in written responses to questions from The Hub. "Challenges in finding an organization to partner with have led to delays in implementation and we do not have a start date for the program at this time."
Giovanetto added that Covid-19 has been another factor that has impacted the pilot project's launch dates.
Along with Hay River, the pilot project will be presented in Behchoko, Dettah, N'Dilo, Yellowknife and Tuktoyaktuk, and the program is at various stages in each community.
The Department of Health and Social Services is funding the pilot project, while the territorial health authority will administer the program in collaboration with the Hay River Health and Social Services Authority.
The two-year program will provide additional supports around the home and community for elders, seniors and persons with disabilities who have ongoing care or support needs.
Each community is accepting a predetermined number of applicants. They will have a caregiver who is paid up to four hours each week to help them with tasks around the home and community, such as cleaning, meal preparation, hauling wood, snow removal, running errands, shopping and more.
Clients can select their caregiver of choice, which can be a family member, a friend or a community member.
Following the completion of the pilot project, the program will be reviewed and considered for permanent territory-wide implementation.