A visitor is someone who spends time with the patient. They are not actively involved in daily support and care and do not attend meetings or healthcare appointments. Visitors are not engaged as members of the care team.
Essential Care Partner (ECP) Pilot Program
Please note: The Essential Care Partner (ECP) program is being piloted on C2 Integrated Stroke Unit.
An Essential Care Partner (ECP) is a close family member, friend, or other trusted person who has a strong, caring relationship with the care recipient. They play an important role in the person’s life and naturally support them by helping with daily routines, offering comfort, emotional and spiritual support, companionship, or helping them understand information.
This support can occur at home, in hospital or any care setting. The ECP may or may not be the Substitute Decision Maker (SDM).
In healthcare, the ECP is welcomed as part of the health‑care team and together with the care recipient, explores how they will be involved in day‑to‑day care, planning, and decision‑making.
ECPs at BCHS
The Essential Care Partner Program at Brant Community Healthcare System (BCHS) recognizes the important role that family members, caregivers, and trusted support people play in a patient’s health, healing, and overall well-being. ECPs are considered part of the care team and provide emotional, cognitive, physical, and communication support throughout a patient’s care journey.
What's Involved
- Patient (or POA/SDM if the patient is deemed incapable) identify the Essential Care Partner
- Complete ECP Application to be a recognized ECP at Brant Community Healthcare System
- Receive confirmation and training materials from the Essential Care Partner Program
- Complete attestation that you reviewed the training materials
- Discuss support activities with the care team and patient
- Support the patient as their Essential Care Partner in collaboration with the care team
Interested in Applying?
Requirements:
- Must be chosen by the patient or POA/SDM if deemed incapable
- Must be 16 years of age or older
- Must provide continuous support
Please reach out to essentialcarepartner@bchsys.org with any questions or concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is an ECP different from a visitor?
How will the care team know that I am an Essential Care Partner?
Essential Care Partners will be indicated in the patient chart for the care team. You will also be provided with a badge to wear while you are on the unit. The badge can be picked up when you arrive and returned before you leave.
What types of activities can I support?
All activities must be discussed with the care team to make sure they are appropriate and that you have the information you need to keep your loved one safe. Examples of activities include:
- Comfort
- Socialization
- Cultural and Spiritual Interaction
- Emotional Support
- Physical Support
What are the benefits of being a recognized ECP at Brant Community Healthcare System?
- Meet the patient’s healthcare goals and improve their hospital stay
- Support patient transition home
- Learn new skills and help patients in most effective ways
- Improve communication with the care team
Additional Resources
Resources for Caregivers
- Ontario Caregiver Organization
- The Reitman Centre for Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support and Training | Sinai Health
- Caregiving Strategies - Provincial Geriatrics Leadership Ontario
- Ontario Health @ Home
Contact Us
The Brantford General
200 Terrace Hill Street
Brantford, ON
N3R 1G9
519-751-5544
The Willett, Paris
238 Grand River St. North
Paris, ON
N3L 2N7
519-442-2251
Support the BCHS Foundation
The BCHS Foundation is committed to raising critical funds to support the top priority needs of the Brantford General Hospital and the Willett Urgent Care Centre.