New program in Alliston helps seniors transition out of hospital
Alliston's Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH) is partnering with a local senior's home to provide patients who no longer need acute care a transition out of the hospital.
Riverwood Senior Living Retirement Residence and Home and Community Care Support Services have joined forces with the hospital to create a transitional care program – funded by Ontario Health Central.
Eligible patients will be transitioned out of the hospital and into the retirement home, receiving additional rehabilitative services while waiting for a permanent bed at home or a long-term care facility.
Riverwood Senior Living homes a four-bed transitional care unit, offering patients care for up to 90 days free of charge.
"This is an excellent opportunity for our patients to continue to receive support and additional health care services close to home while alleviating bed capacity pressures in our inpatient units," said Julia Mullen, SMH's chief nursing executive and VP clinical services.
"At times, up to 20 per cent of inpatient beds at SMH are occupied by ALC (alternate level of care) patients. We are proud to be a part of this program that supports our patients, community and local partners."
Those eligible will be identified by SMH's care coordinator/discharge planner in consultation with the inpatient unit physician and team.
Patient services include physiotherapy, occupational therapy and PSW support.
"We are pleased to host the transitional care unit at Riverwood Senior Living and provide a comfortable environment for those in need of additional rehabilitation services while waiting to transfer home or find a permanent location," said Ruth Green, Riverwood Senior Living's general manager.
"Our residence offers the space, amenities and additional support that these patients will benefit from as they continue their care journey."
More information about the program is being provided to eligible patients and families at SMH.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Police identify two of eight migrants pulled from water near Akwesasne, Que.
The Akwesasne Mohawk Police identified two of the eight migrants whose bodies were pulled from the St. Lawrence River earlier this week, but said Saturday they're still searching for a local resident whose boat was found near the victims.

Hungry iguana bites and infects toddler with rare bacterial infection before snatching her cake
A rare infection with tuberculosis-like symptoms was reported in a toddler after an iguana bit her before snatching away a slice of cake on a trip to Costa Rica.
Guilbeault defends carbon price, admits 'average household will pay more,' even after rebates
Canada's environment and climate change minister acknowledged that the average household may eventually pay more for the carbon price than it gets back in rebate payments, but says the Liberal government has other programs to help Canadians lower their energy costs overall.
W5 investigates | Priest, neighbours issue plea for help for struggling international students in Cape Breton
Cape Breton University has more than doubled in size by enrolling thousands of international students, and critics say the campus and community weren't ready. Watch the documentary 'Cash Cow' on CTVNews.ca and W5's official YouTube channel.
Migrant bodies in St. Lawrence 'heartbreaking' but 'predictable,' advocate says
After the bodies of several people were discovered in the St. Lawrence River, who authorities say were likely trying to cross illegally into the U.S., a migrant advocate is questioning why people are fleeing Canada.
April storms bring May norms: Weather Network’s seasonal forecast
The latest seasonal outlook from The Weather Network shows early April will continue to be chilly with flip-flopping temperatures bringing above and below the usual levels of precipitation seen around this time.
At least 26 dead after tornadoes rake U.S. Midwest, South
Storms that dropped possibly dozens of tornadoes killed at least 26 people in small towns and big cities across the South and Midwest, tearing a path through the Arkansas capital, collapsing the roof of a packed concert venue in Illinois, and stunning people throughout the region Saturday with the damage's scope.
Ukrainian official offers plan for a Crimea without Russia
A top Ukrainian official on Sunday outlined a series of steps the government in Kyiv would take after the country reclaims control of Crimea, including dismantling the strategic bridge that links the seized Black Sea peninsula to Russia.
A glass of wine or beer per day is fine for your health: new study
A new Canadian study of 4.8 million people says a daily alcoholic drink isn't likely to send anyone to an early grave, nor will it offer any of the health benefits touted by previous studies, even if it is organic red wine.