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Rehabilitation

Inpatient Geriatric Rehabilitation

The inpatient geriatric rehabilitation program at Bruyère Health is a bilingual, OHIP-covered program designed to help older adults improve their functional abilities and regain independence.  

 

Our patients 

We support older adults who have experienced a decline in their ability to perform daily activities due to a recent illness, injury, surgery, or any condition affecting their independence. 
 

Our care 

Your rehabilitation is led by an interdisciplinary team of health care professionals who will work with you to assess your needs, provide treatment, and help you prepare for a safe return to the community. 

 

Therapy takes place throughout the unit, including our gyms, hallways, at the bedside, and other therapy spaces, where you'll practice everyday activities that support your recovery.  

 

Length of stay and discharge planning  

The average length of stay is three to four weeks. Shortly after you arrive, we begin discharge planning as part of our Home First philosophy, working with you and your family to support a safe return home or to the setting in the community that best meets your needs. 

 

Learn what to expect during your stay 


 

 

Admission criteria

To be admitted to the inpatient geriatric rehabilitation program, you must:  

• Be 65 years or older 
Have the medical stability and energy needed to participate in therapy sessions each day. 
Have identified goals that are specific, measurable, and timely 
Have the ability to learn and retain new information 
Have the motivation and willingness to participate in therapy 

Your care team

Physicians: They are the team leaders. Your physician will provide a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment, looking at all aspects of your health and well-being.  

 

Nurses: They are the team member patients and families will see the most. They look after your daily needs and provide care 24 hours a day. They provide you with the coaching, education, and support that is required to attain maximal function and health. 

 

Social workers: They provide support to the patients and families during the rehabilitation stay. They will help you navigate the discharge process by reviewing discharge options with you and your caregiver or loved ones.  

 

Dietitians: They personalize nutrition recommendations to support the prevention and management of chronic disease, such as diabetes. They can also provide you with advice to optimize your health. 

 

Physiotherapists: They are movement specialists. They help patients regain strength, coordination, and balance to increase mobility and independence. 

 

Occupational therapists: They are activity specialists. They help you return to your typical daily activities and recommend assistive devices and equipment to improve your independence. 

 

Speech language pathologists: They are communication specialists. They perform assessments and develop treatment plans to help with things like speaking, understanding, reading, and writing. They also have specialized knowledge in evaluating and treating swallowing disorders and will make recommendations to allow patients to eat and drink safely. 

 

Rehabilitation assistants: They will help patients work through the exercises given to them by the therapist as well as provide support during treatment sessions. 

 

Pharmacists: They have expertise to ensure that patients are on safe and effective medications and are here to answer any questions you and your caregivers/loved ones may have about the prescriptions. 

 

Spiritual care: They offer non-denominational or religious support based on your needs. They create a safe space where patients and caregivers/loved ones can express their emotions, talk about the challenges, and process the life challenges with which they are faced. 

 

Researchers: The innovative work of investigators at the Bruyère Health Research Institute contributes to a better, more responsive health care system. As a patient, you may be asked to participate in this research that will help improve care to Canadians. 

 

Checklist - what to bring

Clothing 

• Supportive, closed-toe shoes, i.e., shoes with a closed heel and good grip 
Comfortable everyday clothing 
A belt or suspenders  

 

Toiletries   

Toothbrush, toothpaste, denture adhesive/glue.  
Hairbrush or comb, hair ties/clips  
Shaving supplies  

 

Personal Items    

Glasses, hearing aids, or dentures (with storage cases) 
Any mobility aids or equipment you currently use, such as a walker or cane 
Any special equipment you normally need (e.g., CPAP machine)   
A reusable water bottle 

 

Items to consider:  

List of contact information of relatives or friends   
Books, magazines, crossword puzzles, etc.   
Personal devices, i.e., phones, tablets, or laptops with charging cords  

 

Please do not bring jewelry or other valuables, as the hospital is not responsible for lost or stolen items. 

How to make a referral

Any registered health care provider can submit a referral.  

 

Referrals are made through the Ocean MD online platform.  

 

Allied Health Professionals: please consult this document for setting up your account. 

 

Physicians and Nurse Practitioners: please get started with Ocean - OceanMD with the support of the Ocean (ppt) user guide. 

Contact us

For more information, contact 

 
Bruyère Health Admission & Patient Flow Department 

Tel.: 613-562-6262, ext 4000 
Email: Admissions@bruyere.org  
Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  

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