By Rosalind Russell – The North Shore Health Network Geriatric Team says services are expanding at the Thessalon Site.
Network President, CEO Tim Vine, says effective yesterday, geriatric rehabilitation services will be available at the Thessalon Site, by appointment only.
He says offering care close to home is an important part of supporting health and wellness, and rehabilitation services like this allows older adults to live in their homes more independently for longer, reduce travel barriers to access care, and help support a vibrant community.
Vine says referrals to access the geriatric rehabilitation services may be sent by a provider from hospital, emergency department or walk-in-clinics adding referrals by a primary care provider are preferred to ensure a collaborative approach to care. They may also be sent in by patients themselves or a family member on their behalf with all referrals triaged by the intake team.
The goal of the Geriatric Consultation Service is to provide individualized recommendations for older adults with acute medical, surgical and psycho-social needs with a focus on improving outcomes, restoring independence and supporting patients’ transition back to community. Also, to reduce the burden of disability of older adults by detecting and treating reversible conditions, providing optimal patient-centered care, and managing co-existing chronic conditions. The specialized geriatric team provides comprehensive assessment and treatment by various allied health professionals. The team works in collaboration with patients, care partners, inpatient teams and community partners to manage geriatric syndromes and multiple co-existing chronic conditions and to support safe and effective care transitions. Every patient will have access to a Geriatric Assessor (GA), with Comprehensive Geriatric Assessments (CGA) to be completed as clinically required. CGAs will be completed by a GA and the geriatrician/care of the elderly physician (COE). The team initiates an appropriate treatment and follow-up plan developed as needed.
Referrals should be sent through one of the following:
• Fax: 705-356-2574 ATTN: Physiotherapy Department
• Phone: 705-356-2265 ext 2480
• Email: geriatric@nshn.care
• Website: https://www.nshn.care/geriatric-team
For more information about the Geriatric Program, please visit our website: https://www.nshn.care/geriatric-team
Photo: GEM 1: John Stevenson is the first patient to try out the new equipment for expanded geriatric rehabilitation at the Thessalon Site with the assistance of Lisa Straatsma, Registered Kinesiologist (L) and Carli King, Physiotherapy Assistant (R). Photo provided.
GEM2: On Tuesday May 22, 2024 the expanded geriatric rehabilitation services at the Thessalon Site were officially opened. Pictured (L-R): Lisa Straatsma, Registered Kinesiologist, Sulabh Singh, Registered Physiotherapist and Manager of Allied Health & Geriatric Services, Tim Vine, President & CEO, Joanne Falk, Vice-Chair NSHN Patient and Family Advisory Committee, Carli King, Physiotherapy Assistant. Photo supplied.
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