Enhanced Activation and Restorative Care

Abstract

As the Canadian population ages, it becomes increasingly important for hospitals to address and implement programs and policies that ensure elderly patients are receiving the right care in the right place at the right time. Despite the vast majority of elderly patients being healthier than ever, it is important to recognize the rapid deconditioning that occurs when they are admitted to an acute care hospital. Although it is recognized that children need to be treated differently, we fail to recognize the same is true for older adults. The Enhanced Activation Program was conceptualized during consultation with community partners while discussing the aging at home strategy. It was during these consultations that gaps in service for the frail elderly were identified and the Enhanced Activation Program was developed.

A systematic review of the evidence on home care reablement services

“…The purpose of the study was not to evaluate the effects of reablement on the outcomes of interest (five studies). 13–17…”

The Impact of Introducing Restorative Care on Client Outcomes and Health System Effectiveness in an Integrated Health Authority

“…Findings in this area were not consistent with those reported in a prior Canadian study. 11 According to Barnable et al, 2 there are numerous factors such as age, functional decline, lack of discharge planning, and the availability of home supports that contribute to an individual being designated ALC. Restorative care is only one of several strategies to prevent ALC in acute care and to reduce barriers associated with older adults not being able to return to previous place of residence.…”

“…There is a growing body of evidence that supports a restorative care model to improve outcomes for older adults. [10][11][12][13][14] In 2013, a 14-bed inpatient Restorative Care Unit (RCU) was introduced in a LTC home operated by the RHA in keeping with recommendations of a previous research study. 2 Restorative care targets were elderly, post-acute patients who are at risk of delayed discharge, but who are not eligible for intensive inpatient rehabilitation.…”

“…There is a growing body of evidence that supports a restorative care model to improve outcomes for older adults. 10-14…”

“…A recent Canadian evaluation of a restorative care and enhanced activation program found that individuals scoring 20 to 25 required more time to recover and were most appropriate for restorative care. 11 Due to limited access to community-based rehabilitation; individuals scoring between 10 and 25 on the BRASS were deemed appropriate for the RCU in this study. Inclusion and exclusion criteria specific to the RCU are illustrated in Table 1.…”