b'PARTNERS IN CARETransforming care Stock phototo serve people betterThe Ottawa Hospital and Extendicare partner on an innovative transitional care unit for alternate level of care patientsI n 2021, The Ottawa Hospital andhospitals, but who are unable toTransitional care approaches provide Extendicare began to collaboratelive independently and are waitinga missing link in the health care on plans for an innovativefor additional supports or anothersystem and are becoming more transitional care unit that is nowcommunity-based care setting suchcommon across Canada, through serving as a model for tackling one ofas long-term care. a variety of different models of the health systems most persistentcare and governance. The Ottawa challenges. Their partnership, builtWith wait lists for many healthHospital/Extendicare unit, located in on a relationship forged during theservices under pressure, it is notExtendicares West End Villa long-term COVID-19 pandemic, is leading touncommon for these patients,care home, features an integrated better hospital access for peopledesignated alternate level of care orteam of staff from both organizations. in the community and betterALC, to wait in hospital for weeks orExtendicare staff provide support with rehabilitative care for seniors withmonths before moving to the caremeals, activities, well-being supports complex care needs, and others whodestination most suited to their needs.and housekeeping, while hospital need support.physicians and nurses provide care The majority are seniors. Prolongedand clinical oversight, beyond what Like many Canadian hospitals, Thehospitalizations, which offer limitedwould normally exist in a traditional Ottawa Hospital has been facingopportunities for social stimulationlong-term care home. capacity challenges. Across Canada,and physical mobility, can negatively an increasing number of beds areimpact a patients well-being, lead toThe unit began with the ability to care occupied by people who no longera significant loss of muscle tone, andfor 55 patients departing hospital, and need the level of care provided byaccelerate symptoms of dementia. after a year of successful operations 12 LONG TERM CARE TODAY Fall/Winter 2022'