In the east of Montreal, 29 elderly patients who are hospitalized in geriatrics at the Maisonneuve-Rosemont and Santa Cabrini hospitals no longer need acute care, but must stay because there is not enough room in the CHSLD.
In an attempt to unclog the system, since the beginning of the year, the CIUSSS de l’Est-de-l’Ile-de-Montréal has temporarily sent dozens of patients home while a room becomes available in shelter, which usually takes between three and four weeks.
“We were able to return home to more than 80 users while waiting for their accommodation,” explains Michele-Ann Thompson, home care coordinator.
The help of caregivers is often required, but they are not left to their own devices. They are provided with services 24 hours a day.
“We have services, of course, of social workers. It is this person who will make the requests for accommodation, nursing care, auxiliary services, therefore attendant to the beneficiaries at home, ”adds Ms. Thompson.
This is how Thérèse Dupuis, who lives alone, was able to return home on September 9 following a one-month stay at Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont. She had once once more fallen in her apartment and there were fears for her safety.
“I was knocked out here, I was knocked out there, I was knocked out everywhere,” remembers Thérèse Dupuis, CIUSSS patient
She can count on the presence of an auxiliary 24 hours a day.
“I take great care, if you will. If she wants to eat, I prepare her food. If she wants to go to the bathroom, I will accompany her to be sure that she has taken her walker,” summarizes Malika Bourbia, care assistant.
