The Geriatric Inpatient Unit is a hospital program for seniors with multiple health problems who will benefit from a health care team approach to inpatient assessment/review, treatment and rehabilitation. The purpose of the Inpatient Unit is to help individuals become as independent as possible in mobility and self-care after an operation, illness, accident or gradual decline in health, allowing a safe return to place of residence. Length of stay is variable, ranging from two to six weeks, depending on individual needs and rehabilitation progress.

Treatment:

Treatment involves a team approach in which a number of health care professionals work with the patient to customize their care plan. The care team usually includes nurses, physicians who specialize in geriatric medicine, a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, speech-language pathologist, psychologist, registered dietitian, social worker, spiritual care worker, pharmacist, recreation therapist, discharge planner, and a case manager from Community Care Access Centre. We are also a teaching facility and may have health care students assisting in assessment and treatment.

Progress is achieved through daily participation in therapy. For most patients, this could involve a total of 2 to 3 hours per day of structured time with various clinicians, as mentioned above. With permission, family members are encouraged to be actively involved in care planning and recovery. They are welcomed and encouraged to attend therapies, and to provide support in applying what has been learned.

Preparing for Discharge:

Weekend or day passes, planned well in advance to ensure that care needs can be met, are part of the program whenever possible.

Prior to a planned discharge, the team reviews progress and makes recommendations. If discharge to home is not possible, alternate living arrangements will be discussed with the patient and his or her family.

If eligible, community services may be arranged prior to discharge. These services may include in-home visits by personal support worker, nurse, physiotherapist, occupational therapist or other professionals. Eligibility for outpatient therapy or the Day Hospital program is also a possibility.

Discharge will be determined by abilities, safety and independence.

For more information regarding the Geriatric Inpatient Unit, please consult our brochure here.*

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