Health centre working to reduce functional decline for seniors in hospital

The South Bruce Grey Health Centre has introduced Personal Support Workers (PSWs) into the acute care team model for the organization in an effort to reduce functional decline for seniors while in hospital.

Research shows that seniors experience dramatic functional decline, the loss of independence in mobility and performing activities of daily living, during hospitalization due to factors such as prolonged bed rest and reduced mobility. For patients over age 65, functional decline can result in falls, longer length of stay in hospital, and increased readmission rates.

In February, 2016, the health centre introduced PSWs into the acute care team model at the Kincardine and Walkerton sites on a trial basis, having one PSW available five days per week to assist patients with performing activities of daily living, such as getting out of bed for meals, opening food containers, and increasing mobilization.

The trial was funded by the South West Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) Senior Friendly Hospitals initiative, and is modeled on the Restorative Care Unit at the health centre's Chesley site, which focuses on helping patients regain their
independence after the acute phase of an illness with the expectation that they will be able to return home.

During this trial, a significant decrease in functional decline was observed, and the occurrence of falls dropped 66 per cent during the periods of time the PSW was on the patient unit. Patients are screened on admission for risk of functional decline and again upon discharge.

“Introducing PSWs into the acute care setting has been a positive addition for the patient experience and also for supporting nursing staff,” says Maureen Rydall, the health centre's chief nursing officer. “It is a busy environment, and this ensures that patients are getting all of their needs met.”

The project has now been implemented at all four hospital sites, including Chesley and Durham, and continues to reduce functional decline for seniors in hospital and provide a more positive patient experience.



Personal Support Worker (PSW) Julie Burrows (R) assists patient Eunice Emmerton at the Kincardine hospital; with them, are Maureen Rydall (L), the South Bruce Grey Health Centre's chief nursing officer; and family member Ed McGillivray; photo courtesy of the South Bruce Grey Health Centre