705 Mackay Street, Tower C, Ground Floor, Room C015
(613) 732-2811, extension 7110
Fax (613) 633-4581
At the Renfrew County Mobile Geriatric Day Hospital, we offer a program for seniors aimed at increasing both their independence and their quality of life. We do our best to assist seniors living in the community in achieving their goals, while they continue to live at home as safely as possible, for as long as possible.
Our experienced team works with patients and their families to help provide aspects of care such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, social work, nursing and geriatric medicine which is provided by a Care of the Elderly physician in Pembroke and a Geriatrician in Renfrew. All of these aspects of care may be needed to address common geriatric issues which require a broader scope of expertise than a family practice setting can usually provide. Starting difficult conversations about future planning is another common reason for referral.
While maximizing each senior's safety and functional independence in their own home is the team's ultimate goal, sometimes recommendations are provided for alternative, more supportive living settings, especially when the current support is limited, and the level of risk is assessed to be too high.
Some of the reasons patients are referred to the Geriatric Day Hospital include:
Throughout their admission, patients and their families have the opportunity to develop positive and trusting relationships with the team.
At the time of his discharge from the Geriatric Day Hospital in 2021, one patient shared, "Until I came here, I didn't care whether I lived or died. I thought no one cared. But you guys did. And now I do care."
Typically, patients attend the program for 1.5 hours per week for up to 10 weeks depending on the individual's goals and specific needs.
When you come in for your first visit, we encourage you to bring along someone who knows you well, such as a family member or a friend. Expect to stay at least two hours as you will meet with three to four members of the team individually, including our physician. Our goal is to get to know you from a physical, cognitive, emotional and social perspective in order to understand your unique needs and develop a plan of care.
Your role is to participate. It is important that you work with the team to develop and achieve your goals. Change is not always easy. The more effort you are willing to put in, the more benefits you will see.
On your first visit, we ask that you bring in all your medications that you are currently taking (including puffers and/or over the counter and herbal remedies).
After your first visit, you will start our group program which includes some gentle exercise. Dress comfortably in casual clothes that allow you to move freely. Good supportive shoes are a MUST (No high heels, backless shoes or sandals please). It is also important that you bring any walking aid that you normally use, or that has been previously recommended for you such as a walker or a cane.
Group sessions occur once a week for up to 10 weeks. Our sessions start with 45 minutes of gentle stretching and strengthening activities led by our physiotherapist. The last 30 minutes is our Brain Fitness program; fun and engaging group activities offered as examples of how we can keep our brains active, led by our occupational therapist.
There are currently two locations: Pembroke and Renfrew.
We are located at 705 Mackay Street in Pembroke at the Pembroke Regional Hospital; Tower C, Ground Floor, Room C015. There is a map on the main page of our site.
We are located at 500 Raglan Street North in Renfrew. The building is offsite from the Renfrew Victoria Hospital (slightly behind the main hospital).
If you require transportation to get to our program, please speak to our staff. We are often able to provide our patients with free transportation through Carefor (in Pembroke) and Renfrew Seniors Support (in Renfrew). We require at least two days advance notice to book this transportation service. Otherwise, the Pembroke location has parking on Deacon Street at a cost of $7 maximum per day. The Renfrew location is $5 maximum per day.
A copy of our referral form can be found below which requires your family physician's signature.
Renfrew County Mobile Geriatric Day Hospital Referral Form
If you do not have a family doctor, or if you have any questions about our program, please contact: