Continuity with the community is maintained
through a variety of ways. Family conferences, referred to as a "benchmark of
high-quality services", are held frequently by the geriatric team to discuss
patients’ medical and functional situation and discharge options. In order to ensure
continuum of care to patients and relieve some of their anxiety towards discharge, CLSC
professionals attend the conferences along with the patients and their families.
Professionals from CLSCs Côte-des-Neiges, N.D.G./Montreal-West, René Cassin, and St.
Laurent are regular partners at our family conferences. In cases where family meetings are
not necessary, links with the CLSC are ensured by providing all pertinent patient
information to them.
The Geriatric Consultation Clinic is a direct support service to the
community. Family doctors refer geriatric patients to the clinic for an expert opinion
regarding their medical and functional problems. It is not unusual for a CLSC professional
to contact one of our team members directly to discuss a patient they feel may benefit
from a clinic appointment.
Although the CLSCs are our primary allies in the healthcare system, the
team works with many other public, private and volunteer organizations in the community
such as the Cummings Jewish Centre for Seniors, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs,
and the Alzheimer’s Groups. Our team has solid links with inpatient and outpatient
services at rehabilitation centres. Community involvement widens the support network
necessary to the well-being of the elderly. Reaching out to the community is one of
the main objectives of St. Mary’s Hospital Geriatric Program.
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Last updated on March 14, 2007 |
