Geriatric Rapid Rehab
West Park's Geriatric Rapid Rehab Program
Visits to the emergency department can be particularly challenging for older adults. 
Even a short illness can result in weakness, fatigue, increased risk for falls and loss of independence.
In February, West Park Healthcare Centre launched the Geriatric Rapid Rehab program, a pilot project that offers a bridge to help seniors successfully transition from the emergency department and back to their homes.
In partnership with the emergency department at St. Joseph’s Health Centre (SJHC), the high-intensity program provides a short stay (up to 14 days) with a specialized geriatric medicine and rehabilitation team focused on helping seniors get back on their feet. The pilot project has started accept patients from other acute care facilities as well.
“We envision the program as part of a larger umbrella of ‘expedited access’ programs to rehab,” says Dr. Jamal Depradine, West Park’s Geriatrician. “And, in the future, perhaps an expedited access pathway via primary care and community referrals.”
The pilot program targeted transferring one to two patients per month to the Geriatric Rapid Rehab program and since March 2023 has successfully transferred six patients into the program.
Delivered successfully, the Geriatric Rapid Rehab program has huge impacts on patient care and the health system including maintaining functionality for seniors so they can remain living independently, and avoiding admission and repeat visits to the emergency department.
Linking patients back to family physicians
Patients are encouraged to book an appointment with their family physician within two weeks of discharge. If a patient is admitted to the Geriatric Rapid Rehab program, their family physician will receive a copy of their patient’s discharge summary, recommendations and follow-up to ensure continuity of care.
Prior to discharge, the patient will be linked to community and outpatient supports or programming including a follow-up with either the SJHC, West Park’s or another geriatric clinic if appropriate.
Virtual Townhall with Dr. Depradine
In June 2023, Dr. Jamal Depradine, West Park’s Geriatrician and Rapid Rehab program lead, spoke at a West Park Foundation Townhall about this innovative program:
