Squamish ‘superhero’ rehab team making a difference in client care

Last winter, an elderly Squamish resident underwent a laminectomy at Lions Gate Hospital to treat a T3 spinal cord tumour that was causing high grade spinal cord compression. She also had a secondary diagnosis of permanent neurologic deficit of the left knee. Following surgery, she was transferred to Squamish General Hospital (SGH) for recovery.

The initial home care discharge plans for the lift-dependent client included twice daily home support for personal care and assistance with bed mobility.

The plan, however, went better than expected thanks to teamwork, a motivated patient and the unexpected loan of key equipment.

Collaborative effort pays off

The loan of an unused hospital bed from Hilltop House, a residential care facility in Squamish, was set up in the patient’s home prior to discharge. Not long after that, the Sea to Sky Home and Community Care rehab team (rehab assistant Lupita Sapien de Cordero, physiotherapist Heidi Drygas, and occupational therapist Louise Ridewood) were permitted to borrow a sit-to-stand lift from SGH that gradually helped their client reach a full standing position.

“The patient was very motivated. A couple of weeks into her rehab she was able to sit and started moving her legs independently.”

By spring, the client was able to stand at the bedside with a one person assist, able to transfer to the commode and be independent with bed mobility.

Client’s independence improves

Home support was then able to be reduced to a once daily visit.

Hilltop House also loaned out a Taurus walker in early May that enabled the client to walk across the room independently.

She was then able to transition to a four-wheeled walker, transfer in and out of her shower and with ongoing support from the rehabilitation assistant was able to progress to mobilizing outdoors.

As a result, the client’s need for home support decreased and she was receiving only three visits per week.

“This client made a great recovery because she was motivated and engaged in the rehabilitation that we were able to provide in her home. In collaboration with her supportive family, Hilltop House and Squamish General Hospital, the Sea to Sky home and community rehab team were able to access the equipment needed to aid her progression.

“With regular care and review provided by both the occupational therapist and the physiotherapist and consistently working with the rehabilitation assistant we were able to help our client achieve her goals and significantly reduce her dependence on home support services,” says Karen. “These team members really are our very own rehab superheroes here in Sea to Sky.”

Thanks to the loan of a ‘sit-to-stand’ lift from Squamish General Hospital, the Home and Community Care client was able to reach a full standing position.