By Dave Yasvinski

As part of Humber River Health’s mission to deliver innovative, safe and equitable healthcare, the Organization has created a Seniors Care Program that provides a wide range of resources to patients who are older both in the hospital and out in the community.

DELIVERING OUTPATIENT CARE – The Healthy Living Clinic, located on the hospital’s main floor, consists of a geriatric medical consultation with a geriatric specialist; a Falls Prevention program comprised of physiotherapy, muscle strengthening and education for older people at risk of falling; and the Geriatric Outreach Team (GOT). The GOT, which includes nurses, a social worker and an occupational therapist, consults with 30 patients every month. The team can learn a lot about a patient when they’re assessed in the home – including getting a better picture of any safety issues and whether they can perform daily activities.

Frailty is a key concern, so seniors evaluated at the Apotex Emergency Department (ED) but not admitted to the hospital are flagged to be seen by the Geriatric Emergency Management (GEM) program. These patients receive extra help and guidance from a geriatric nurse to ensure they can return home safely. “The GEM nurse will try to sort out safety concerns and determine what kind of supports are available to assist with continued independent living in the community,” says Dr. Calvin Cheng, one of Humber’s five geriatricians. “We want to make sure people have the best life possible.”

PROVIDING INPATIENT CARE – If older patients need to be admitted to the hospital, the Acute Care of the Elderly (ACE) unit is there for them. Care in this 32-bed medical unit is provided by a geriatrician; a nurse practitioner and a specialized team of nurses; and allied health and social workers to address health needs unique to seniors. There is also an Orthogeriatric Program where older patients who require surgery are cared for by geriatricians afterward.

Consultation with Geriatric Medicine is available for all other seniors. Lastly, admitted patients identified as being at risk for adverse outcomes when assessed in the ED receive support from the Humber Elderly Assess and Restore Team (HEART), which supports patients in hospital and may provide brief follow-up assistance after they return home. “How seniors will manage in the community is a focus from day one,” Dr. Cheng says of the hospital’s efforts. “Our goal should always be to provide better care in their own neighbourhoods.”

To read our full magazine, Care Closer to Home, click here.