Perley Rideau Helping More Patients Return Home

OTTAWA, Nov. 21, 2012 /CNW/ - The Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre recently received approval from the Champlain Local Health Integration Network to increase its convalescent beds from 22 to 34, effective April 1, 2013.   The additional 12 beds will help provide the best care for an individual in a cost-effective manner and will free acute care hospital beds for those in need of that service.

Convalescent Care is short-term care for medically stable clients who no longer need acute care in hospital, but do need more time to recover before returning home.

Perley Rideau CEO Greg Fougère says that "supporting individuals to transition to home fits right into the Perley Rideau strategy.  It not only relieves pressure on acute care hospitals but also supports the Aging at Home Strategy and other provincial government directions for seniors' care and support."

The convalescent care program is designed to better meet the needs of clientele in need of strengthening and improving functional abilities after surgery or an acute care hospitalization.  Perley Rideau has been providing convalescent and respite care for over 10 years and has seen increasing numbers of clientele who are able to go directly home rather than being sent to rehabilitation services. Satisfaction with this care has been very high.

"To build a more coordinated health system, we need to ensure that people receive the right services, in the right place, at the right time. People who require a period of convalescence before returning home will now have greater access to these services at The Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre," says Chantale LeClerc, Champlain LHIN CEO.

Perley Rideau is certified by the Accreditation Canada's Standards for Long-Term Care Services.  Perley Rideau staff believes that providing for the optimal recovery and care of its clients ultimately improves patients' quality of life and benefits the health care system in a variety of ways.

SOURCE: The Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre

Sylvie Moncion
[phone], ext. 2835