Geriatric Day Hospital teams help seniors maintain their independence
The WRHA's Geriatric Day Hospital teams provide services to adults 65 years of age and older to keep them healthy so that they can be independent, safe and happy. The program routinely offers assessments, treatment and short-term rehabilitation that plays a key role in helping older adults remain at home or ease their transition to home from hospital.
Located at Deer Lodge Centre, Riverview Health Centre, Seven Oaks General Hospital, St. Boniface Hospital, and the Health Services facility at 425 Elgin Avenue, the day hospital program provides access to an interdisciplinary health-care team that includes doctors, nurses, and Allied Health professionals such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, recreation therapists, dieticians and dietitians and social workers.
Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, the day hospital's outpatient programs were disrupted. Team members struggled with the closure of their units as we were unable to provide much-needed care to their clients.
To cope with this public health dilemma, the day hospital teams built a communication strategy between sites and community partners and reached out to other provinces experiencing similar lockdown concerns. Much discussion and planning ensued, and a new, virtual program model was born.
Through the use of virtual media including iPads, computers, and smart phones, patients and families alike were anxious to connect with the day hospital teams. Initially, client interactions were simple follow-up telephone calls, but evolved into the current model of client connections ranging from coffee or music discussion groups with therapeutic recreation, exercise sessions with physiotherapy to virtual home visits by occupational therapists. The program's patients now remain safe at home receiving virtual care from their geriatric teams. Today, our day hospital teams have overcome many of the limitations related to COVID-19, using new tools and intervention approaches that will remain long after the pandemic ends. Their adaptability and innovative approach to providing patient care during this pandemic has been an inspiration worthy of recognition and congratulations.