On March 4^th, Carefor is marking the first anniversary of launching its new Client Management System (CMS), Alayacare. This year has seen significant strides in improving both the efficiency of internal processes and the quality of care provided to clients.

One of the primary achievements of Alayacare has been the standardization of business processes across Carefor’s home and community care programs. “We’ve streamlined operations and moved from paper-based documentation to electronic records,” explained Amy Boudreau, Vice-President of People, Strategy, Performance, and Partnership. This transition has not only reduced administrative burdens but also enhanced the accuracy and accessibility of client data. Staff now have real-time access to information, allowing them to track client care activities and improve service delivery.

Another significant advantage of Alayacare is the ability to monitor staff locations, ensuring client safety and enabling more effective coordination. By knowing where staff are at any given moment, Carefor can ensure that the right care is provided when and where it’s needed. “This has had a direct impact on the safety of our clients,” Boudreau said, highlighting how the system improves the ability to respond promptly to client needs.

While the changes have been primarily internal, the long-term vision for Alayacare is to benefit clients directly. In the future, Carefor plans to reduce the time spent on documentation, allowing staff more time to focus on care delivery. “We’re not there yet, but as we become more comfortable with the system, we hope to streamline documentation further,” Boudreau shared.

A key feature of Alayacare is its ability to consolidate all client information into one platform, providing a 360-degree view of the services clients are receiving across various programs. This single client record enhances coordination and communication among different departments, from nursing to retirement homes. “Having all this information in one place allows for more efficient documentation and a clearer understanding of care plans and goals,” Boudreau noted.

Looking ahead, Carefor is working to expand Alayacare to its community support service programs and retirement homes, with a targeted launch by the end of May. This expansion will bring together the various services Carefor provides, ensuring even greater efficiency and care continuity.

In the longer term, the addition of features like a family portal and secure messaging will allow Carefor to engage more effectively with families and enhance overall communication. “We are building the foundations now to support these future enhancements,” said Boudreau.

While there’s still work to be done, the progress made with Alayacare in the past year represents a crucial step toward more efficient and effective care. As Carefor continues to refine and optimize the system, the focus will remain on removing obstacles to better care and providing clients with the attention they deserve.