Musculoskeletal Rehab Program brochure - Providence Care

Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Program

Items to bring to the rehabilitation unit comfortable clothing - easy to put on and take off (slacks/shorts and loose track suits are best for therapy) comfortable lace-up walking shoes (if you do not have any, please do not buy new shoes; a therapist will recommend shoes after you arrive) hearing aids with spare batteries glasses dentures wrist watch copy of any special diet which you have been following at home any equipment that you were using at home prior to your admission (such as a cane, walker, wheelchair, or ankle/foot brace) - make sure it is clearly labeled with your name bathing suit all medications that you were taking at home prior to your hospital admission calendar

Contact Providence Care Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Program St. Mary’s of the Lake Hospital 340 Union Street P.O. Box 3600 Kingston, ON K7L 5A2

Working with you to maximize your independence and quality of life

Tel: 613-544-5220

toiletries: kleenex, shampoo, comb/brush, toothbrush/paste, electric shaver, makeup, etc.

Please ask on your arrival about anything else you would like to bring to your room (e.g., television, radio).

Further information will be available after admission to the Program.

www.providencecare.ca Content of this publication is available in accessible formats upon request to the Communications Dept.

September 2013

Purpose

Treatment

Preparing for discharge

The purpose of the Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Program is to help you to regain independent mobility and self care as soon as possible after your operation, illness, or accident so that you can safely return home.

Treatment involves a team approach in which a number of health care professionals work with YOU to plan and carry out your musculoskeletal rehabilitation program.

Your discharge home will be determined by your abilities, safety and independence.

Usually your stay in hospital will be from two to four weeks.

Who will benefit?

The inpatient Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Program is directed towards people 16 years of age and older who are: recovering from hip fractures recovering from orthopaedic surgery such as joint replacements experiencing flare-ups with rheumatoid arthritis or other types of chronic pain conditions recovering from multiple fractures following accidents recovering from a lengthy stay in hospital and you need to be stronger and more independent to return home medically stable and for whom all acute investigations have been completed able to actively participate in the Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Program and learn the necessary skills to return home safely.

You will be under the daily care of nurses, ward physicians, and/or nurse practitioners.

Your rehabilitation program will be supervised by a physiatrist (a medical doctor who specializes in Rehabilitation Medicine).

Progress is achieved through daily participation in therapy. For most patients this will involve two to three hours per day of structured time with a physiotherapist and occupational therapist. It is expected that you will continue to practice what you have learned in therapy on the Rehabilitation unit.

The nurses will assist and encourage you on the ward to work towards your goal of independence.

In addition, you may be under the care of other health care workers specific to your needs. They could include a social worker, discharge planner, psychologist, pharmacist, dietitian, spiritual care associate, or a case manager from the Community Care Access Centre.

Family members are encouraged to be actively involved in your rehabilitation. Family will be asked to attend therapy, to provide support in applying what you’ve learned and to prepare for any difficulties that might be encountered at home prior to your discharge.

Depending on your needs at time of discharge, community services may be arranged if you are eligible and require assistance in returning home. These services could include in-home visits by a nurse, physiotherapist, occupational therapist or other professionals. You may also be eligible for Outpatient therapy or the Day Hospital program.

If returning home is not possible, accommodation in appropriate facilities such as residential, nursing home or complex continuing care will be discussed with you and your family. Arrangements will then be made for your discharge to the most appropriate environment.