Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker [no translation available].
Mr. Speaker, I'd like to discuss the critical need for respite services and aftercare -- after hours home care in my riding. Mr. Speaker, many elders want to live in their homes for as long as possible. The GNWT currently provides residents with home and community care service after medical based -- after a medical needs-based assessment. This includes respite services so full-time caregivers can take a break. The respite program for local communities is funded by health and social services and supports families in small communities who have children with special needs or loved ones with disabilities.
Mr. Speaker, this program is active in Deline, Fort Smith, Aklavik, Fort Liard, and Fort McPherson, where respite workers provide safe individualized and flexible respite support to families and primary caregivers. The program is designed to hire and train local residents so they can provide in-home or in-community relief for caregivers, families and children and youth with disabilities. They work with NWT Disabilities Council to receive training and first aid CPR certification. We need opportunities like this in the Deh Cho communities, Mr. Speaker.
Many residents also need after hours care or medical attention outside of regular clinic hours. Some of these residents are elders who can no longer drive or have family members who could assist them. We have heard that the current departmental policy prohibits nurses from providing emergency services outside health centres. But, Mr. Speaker, having a home care worker with first responder training, someone with a vehicle who has the proper liability insurance and is familiar to residents, could drastically change the delivery of health services in communities in my riding where there are no ambulatory services. I will have questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from the Deh Cho. Members' statements. Member from Yellowknife Centre.
