Therefore, a strong argument can be made that home care is not as fragmented as frequent assertions imply, especially when compared to other parts of the healthcare system. Home-care programs routinely make greater efforts and are more successful than other healthcare sectors in connecting with other institutional and community resources. More studies are needed on the effects of different provincial policies to spur experimentation with other innovations. Similarly, we do not know whether different service limits have different effects on clients' health and welfare and what these effects are. The provinces want federal dollars for home care, but as little interference in provincial policy as possible.
Agreement inevitably involves compromises.
Therefore, while it may be possible to reach agreement on issues currently in line with provincial policies such as public administration and eligibility based on assessed need, one key question is on what points compromises will be made. Another key question is whether Canadians would benefit enough from a negotiated settlement that provides more money for home care even if none or only some of the key elements are addressed. References DeCoster, C. and A. Kozyrskyj. Report on Long-Stay Patients in Winnipeg Acute Care Hospitals. Manitoba Centre for Health Policy and Evaluation.