Members of HSN’s North East Specialized Geriatric Centre (NESGC), a regional program specializing in care for older adults, proudly presented their innovative approach at the 2024 Canadian Geriatrics Society Annual Scientific Meeting in Calgary, Alberta in April. The conference is a key gathering of over 400 healthcare professionals across Canada.
The NESGC’s presentation titled, “Discharge outcomes from a combined acute and reactivation unit for older adults with frailty: Does early admittance make a difference?”
The study showcased the Reactivation Care Unit’s (RCU) success in providing specialized and tailored care for older adults with frailty. By admitting patients directly from the Emergency Department to the RCU, the team achieved remarkable outcomes, including a reduced length of stay, decreased need for inpatient rehabilitation after their hospitalization, and a trend toward fewer patients being designated ALC (who occupy a hospital bed but do not require the intensity of services provided in that care setting).
Melanie Briscoe, Administrative Director for HSN’s NESGC, reflected on the RCU’s journey, “The 20-bed unit at Daffodil Terrace, operational from 2021 to 2023, was our testing ground for this care model. With its success, we’ve expanded into the new 52-bed Acute and Reactivation Care Centre (ARCC), enhancing our capacity to provide specialized care to older adults to reduce their length of stay in hospital and get them back home.”
The ARCC, which opened in November 2023, is a testament to HSN’s commitment to geriatric care. Designed to reverse or stabilize health decline, the Centre helps older adults regain independence through specialized care. Dr. Jo-Anne Clarke, Medical Director for NESGC, emphasized the growing need for such facilities, “The population of older adults in Northeastern Ontario is expected to grow in the coming years. The ARCC is crucial in helping to provide the best care to older adults while making sure they can get back on their feet and back into the community instead of remaining in hospital.” Dr. Clarke is proud to have her team present their findings at the national conference, “It was important to share our positive results to inspire continuous improvement and contribute to the drive for excellence in patient care for older adults.”
The ARCC not only provides expert medical care but also offers recreational and rehabilitative activities, with access to a gym, a common eating area for groups and social engagement, and a courtyard. These facilities aim to foster independence and improve the quality of life for patients. The community has played a pivotal role in supporting the ARCC, with funds from the HSN 50/50 Cash Lottery contributing to the Centre’s equipment.
The project’s total capital cost stands at $11.9 million, with $9.6 million coming from the provincial government and $2.3 coming from HSN’s Volunteer Association through the successful HSN 50/50 Cash Lottery for the North. This collaborative effort underscores the community’s commitment to ensuring high-quality care for Northeastern Ontario’s aging population. “The generosity of our community and donors has been instrumental in providing equitable, high-quality healthcare to Northeastern Ontario’s patients and their families. Their contributions are a true testament to the spirit of giving. We are immensely grateful for their support, which is vital in sustaining our efforts to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients,” expressed Anthony Keating, President and Chief Development Officer for HSN’s Foundations and Volunteer Association.