Patient feeling at home at Bruyère’s new Geriatric Day Hospital
02/27/2018
Three years ago, Mr. Ende was admitted to Bruyère for the first time. He had suffered an injury following a terrible fall in his garage. Bruyère was the only place that could help him. When he was transferred to us, our care team members were ready to welcome him. They immediately started working with him on his recovery. Three weeks later, Mr. Ende was back on his feet and the rest is history.
Last November, Mr. Ende’s physician referred him to Bruyère’s John and Jennifer Ruddy Geriatric Day Hospital to work on his balance and walking issues. He was worried that Mr. Ende might be at risk for another bad fall. As soon as Mr. Ende learned that he would be coming back to Bruyère, he was on board.
Mr. Ende was very impressed with our newly renovated Geriatric Day Hospital. He loved the fact that the space had been redesigned as an open concept. The Bruyère staff was still as friendly and helpful as he remembered—he felt in the right place.
As part of his rehabilitation, Mr. Ende came to the Geriatric Day Hospital twice a week for 10 weeks. He recently graduated from the program on January 4, 2018. “I'm 86 years old and still living on my own thanks to Bruyère. In my experience, there is no better rehabilitation program in all of Ottawa," he claims.
Our physicians and nurses were more than just kind to Mr. Ende. They helped him understand his care plan and got him involved in setting clear goals and objectives. Our physiotherapists were his coaches and cheerleaders for each exercise throughout his journey at Bruyère. They made sure he was making good progress every week. As for our occupational therapists, they helped ensure Mr. Ende was able to accomplish his daily tasks safely.
Located in the Élisabeth Bruyère Hospital in the Byward market area, the John and Jennifer Ruddy Geriatric Day Hospital is a bilingual interprofessional outpatient program that aims to optimize the health and quality of life of frail community-dwelling seniors.
“I would like to express my sincere thanks to the best staff—and you all know who you are. Thank you also to the donors and to everyone who helped to make this program the best program in the city," he concludes.
The John and Jennifer Ruddy Geriatric Day Hospital receives more than 5,500 visits each year—playing it part in helping Bruyère achieve its vision: Enhancing Lives. Transforming Care.