LTC helps resident with MS return home
Garden City Manor staff collaborates to meet young resident’s needs
Friday January 27, 2012 -- Deron Hamel
A man in his mid-30s affected by multiple sclerosis (MS) is once again living independently after receiving interventions from all departments, as well as connections to community resources, while a resident at Garden City Manor.

The home’s social worker, Alana Fabers, says it was collaboration from staff members throughout the St. Catharines long-term care home that made this success possible.

With the help of the Revera long-term care home’s recreation department and physiotherapists, the resident worked to build his strength and become more independent in many of his daily activities.

Nursing and dietary staff provided the daily support necessary to improve the resident’s physical health.

As a social worker, Fabers was able to help the man connect with community resources related to accessible housing, in-home care and independent daily living.

“Our staff collaboratively worked together to educate and support each other during the immediate learning curve we faced having a young Resident with MS,” Fabers tells the Morning Report.

“Taking the time to discuss as a team the unique care needs of the young resident allowed us to provide quality care that our resident deserved. In turn, the resident was able to work towards the goal of reintegrating into the community and living independently.”

Working with the home’s recreation department, the resident helped create a program that helped him use a computer. This was important because the resident was unable to verbally communicate. Through a computer, he was able to relay his needs and wishes to staff.

Once the resident had computer access he was able to navigate websites to learn more about MS.

“Through the computer the resident was able to overcome communication barriers, as well as educate him and the staff on the specifics of MS in order to have his needs met within the home,” says Fabers.

The resident reached his goal and moved out of Garden City Manor and into accessible housing earlier this month.

“Although we are sad to see him go, we are happy he reached his goal of reintegration into the community,” says Fabers.

“This would have not been possible without the personal strength and determination of the resident and the exemplary teamwork demonstrated by the staff at Garden City Manor.”

Fabers says the man’s story underscores the potential the home has to provide care to younger residents affected by a multitude of health issues.

One of the major benefits of living at Garden City Manor, she notes, is that it eliminates travel barriers people may face.

“(At the home), residents have physiotherapy, recreation, nursing, dietary and their social-work needs all under one roof,” says Fabers.

If you have feedback on this article please contact Deron at 800-294-0051, ext. 23, or e-mail deron(at)axiomnews.ca.