NEWS RELEASE
IOOF SENIORS HOMES
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Last Halloween, Judith Mills suffered a harrowing experience when she fell in her home.
Her devastating trauma led to identifying issues with her heart, kidneys, and dangerous levels of potassium. Judith, who has limited mobility, was rushed to a local trauma centre, where 60 pounds of fluid was removed from her body. Over the next few months, she received life-saving surgery and many treatments to stabilize her condition.
Judith and John — her husband of 53 years — worried about how they would manage and keep their independence after Judith suffered such a critical health event. Judith, a breast cancer survivor and no stranger to the difficulties of a lengthy recovery, now faced new health challenges that made her worry about how they would cope.
Then the IOOF Seniors Homes convalescent care team stepped in. They offered a reassuring and comforting path forward, and a road map to recovery and independence. Judith was admitted to the IOOF’s convalescent care program to begin her rehabilitation journey.
The convalescent care program at the IOOF provides rehabilitation services to those who require extra time to recover from surgery or illness. Individuals are actively involved in regaining strength, endurance, and functioning. The goal is to support independence by allowing the residents to return to their own homes.
In 2013 the IOOF opened 20 convalescent care beds to the community. At the unit, Judith joined fellow residents faced with similar rehabilitation challenges. During intensive physiotherapy they were able to cheer on each other’s successes and receive positive encouragement.
“Over the years we have seen the program benefit a lot of people tremendously. It is incredibly rewarding to see our patients gain physical and mental strength over the course of their stay,” said Denise Smith, convalescent care co-ordinator, IOOF Seniors Homes.
The physio care team, along with Judith’s hard work and determination, were able to get her back on her feet walking unassisted for the first time in 10 years, and even driving her own car.
“If you have the right attitude, the will to improve yourself, and the mindset that you can do it, even if you aren’t there yet, they will help you to do more than you ever thought,” said Judith. “Watching others in the program has been such a gift. It’s an important social aspect to be on the same unit with others who are going through similar challenges — we’re all here to get well.”
Community members and seniors can use the convalescent care program to rehabilitate while allowing them to remain independent in their own homes. Judith has now returned to her family home with her loving husband and is thankful for her time at the IOOF.
“The holistic approach of social stimulation, health teaching, physical activity, proper nutrition, and specialized nursing care helps our residents to regain their health and confidence needed to return home independently or with some support in the community,” said Margaret Kolodziejczyk, physiotherapist, IOOF Seniors Homes.
Patients can even be referred to the program by their own family physicians for prevention and improvements to their quality of life. There is no cost for the care or participation. The program is funded through the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
The IOOF team creates an individualized plan with interdisciplinary care team goals based on each resident’s unique needs. Individual needs will be assessed for a minimum of seven days, and patients can stay up to a maximum of 90 days per calendar year.
Services in the convalescent care program include 24-hour nursing and personal care, rehabilitation and treatments, fully equipped physio gym, medical care by physician and on-site nurse practitioners, three nutritious meals and snacks throughout the day, social, recreational, and spiritual programs, housekeeping, and access to all amenities. Seating and mobility assessments are available prior to discharge if required.
Speak to your health-care provider or contact the Local Health Integration Network at 1-888-721-2222 to determine if the program meets your needs. For more information about the convalescent care program at the IOOF Seniors Homes contact the home at 705-728-2389.
If you would like to support the convalescent care program and the IOOF, visit www.IOOF.com to learn how you can help make a difference in the lives of residents and local seniors.
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