“It really takes a multidisciplinary team to meet the needs of patients.”
“We work together with the common goal of optimizing a patient’s function and preparing them for discharge to the most appropriate setting,” explains Tricia Illman, a Registered Occupational Therapist at the Regional Rehabilitation Centre’s Adult Wheelchair and Seating Clinic.
Recovering from stroke, trauma, surgery, spinal cord injury or acquired brain injury can be a challenging and stressful experience for patients. The Centre’s specialized teams assist patients on their journey of recovery and help them become independent.
“It really takes a multidisciplinary team to meet the needs of patients,” says Tricia. “This may include nurses, dietitians, respiratory therapists, social workers and psychologists, among other specialists.”
Whenever possible, the hope is to discharge patients back home. When this cannot be done safely, patients may be discharged to other facilities where their care needs can be met.
With 74 inpatient beds, the Centre offers both inpatient and outpatient services. Depending on the specific clinic, patients are referred to the Centre locally or from communities across the province.
“We involve the whole family when providing care because they play an essential role in a patient’s recovery,” says Tricia. “The work we do is specialized to the needs of each patient, and no two patients are alike. It feels wonderful knowing that we can make a real difference in their lives when needed most.”
