Providence Care has officially opened the doors to its new care facility, Providence Transitional Care Centre, and is now admitting patients to its first 30-bed unit.
"This centre is something the south east region has never had before, but so desperately needed," said Marie-Jo Cleghorn, Program Manager. "For many people, treatment and recovery doesn't end after they're discharged from an acute care hospital. They often need additional support before they can return home safely, that's where this centre comes in. Transitional care is all about helping individuals build strength and stamina, so they're set up for success for when they go back home or to another level of care like high intensity rehabilitation."
"We're admitting a wide array of patients, including older adults who may have fallen and injured themselves, people recovering from surgery and individuals living with cognitive disorders such as dementia," added Diana O'Grady, Patient & Client Care Vice-President. "We're meeting the needs of our community and region by ensuring patients get the right level of care they need for aging, mental health and rehabilitation when they need it. We also know through early identification of need and timely access to care and intervention, patients can avoid crisis situations, meaning they can stay safely in their homes longer."
What makes Providence Transitional Care Centre unique is it's not only accepting referrals from acute care hospitals and emergency departments, but also family doctors, home and community care.
Once a patient is admitted to the centre they'll work with an interprofessional team featuring physicians, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, personal support workers, and more. Together, along with loved ones and caregivers, the team will create an individualized care plan focusing on a patient's goals.
"The patient's care plan will be tailored to goals that are meaningful and specific to that person," said Cleghorn. "We'll work with them to practice activities of daily living. Everything from getting out of bed and going to the bathroom safely, to going down a flight of stairs and preparing a meal. It's a high level of activation, which ultimately will help prepare them for their move back into the community."
In addition to transitional care, the centre will also be offering restorative care, cognitive behavioural support, short-stay respite, and convalescent care.
Length of stay varies, but may be up to 60 to 90 days. Planning for discharge starts as soon as a patient arrives, so required care and services are in place following their stay.
Providence Care has partnered with Queen's University Department of Family Medicine and the Southeastern Ontario Academic Medical Organization (SEAMO) for 24/7 physician coverage to support patients at the centre.
"This is an exciting time for Providence Care and our healthcare system here in the region," said O'Grady. "Patients now have access to vital restorative care and other specialized services. The goal is to avoid unnecessary emergency department or acute care admissions which in turn frees up space for individuals who need acute care. This centre is going to help support patient flow and allow individuals to get the proper care in the right place."
Patients will be admitted gradually to the first 30-bed unit over the fall. The opening of the second 34-bed unit will be announced at a later date and is contingent on staffing.