The GTA Rehab Network is a proud recipient of Healthcare Excellence Canada Phase II project funding as part of the Enabling Aging in Place collaborative, which supports the implementation of practices that enable older adults to age, with formal support, wherever they call home.

Earlier this year, Phase I funding supported Network planning for implementation of a post-fall pathway initiative in the North Western Toronto OHT (NWT OHT), in collaboration with Toronto Paramedic Services. The community paramedic team assists older adults who have fallen but are not hospitalized by offering referrals to rehabilitative care or other services to prevent future falls. Prior to the Phase I  launch, all 40+ community paramedics in Toronto completed the senior-friendly care e-learning modules from the Regional Geriatric Program of Toronto to further enhance their expertise in providing care for older adults.  They also attended a Network webinar on standardized assessments used for the initiative. In addition, the Network engaged community providers in the NWT OHT and mapped their services to appropriate pathway streams, facilitating a more coordinated referral process for community paramedics.

Next steps for the Network include engaging potential new community providers, analyzing data and feedback arising from the first Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle, and working with Runnymede Health Care Centre and West Park Healthcare Centre to develop processes for the third arm of the pathway: Direct Access to Inpatient Rehab from the Community.

We are most grateful for the Phase II funding, which will support an expanded program launch and focus on creating program sustainability.

For more information, please contact the GTA Rehab Network directly.

Participating Network members:

  • Humber River Health
  • Runnymede Healthcare Centre
  • University Health Network / West Park Healthcare Centre