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Post by ls on Mar 6, 2014 8:26:56 GMT -5
A friend has COPD and I've offered to help do some research. I'm going to read through this site (any others recommended as well?) but have a quick question regarding West Park (toronto). The rehabilitation program has been recommended to my friend (not sure whether residential or not - is residential only for people outside Toronto or is it a different program?). Is it an effective program? What about the one at Toronto Western as an alternative (a lot more convenient geographically).
TIA
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Post by sandy07 on Mar 6, 2014 11:00:21 GMT -5
I will leave the answer to your question to someone familiar with Toronto. Maybe Mary will come along soon. In the mean time you could call around. Is the a Lung Assoc. group in Toronto? You might be able to find a phone number for them.
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Post by Blossom/Jackie W. on Mar 6, 2014 12:02:18 GMT -5
It's an excellent program Is from what I've heard. I know there's a few visitors and members that have gone there; hopefully they'll see your post in the next day or 2 and add some info here.
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Post by ls on Mar 6, 2014 12:53:33 GMT -5
Thanks!
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Post by shelley on Mar 6, 2014 22:26:24 GMT -5
Westpark has, I believe (haven't been there for awhile) both a residential 6 wk. program and an outpatient program that people attend 3 times a week. Both are excellent programs and in fact, Westpark has been on the leading edge of pulmonary rehab all along. The most intense program is the residential and you do not have to live out of town in order to attend it.
Now, there are a number of good rehab programs in the Toronto GTA. For example, Credit Valley Hospital in Mississauga, are the only ones that have a swimming pool as part of their weekly program. That was lots of fun. Toronto Western also has a highly recommended program.
If you have been advised or referred to Westpark, you are in good hands. My only problem with the residential program was I simply did not want to be away from my family for 6 weeks but I was still very strong at that point, plus I was an exercise bunny and rehab for me was in question as being needed at all. I have known many people that have gone through both of Westpark's programs and have come a very long way.
I'm sure some others from the GTA will add their comments.
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Post by muggsmom on Mar 7, 2014 7:38:56 GMT -5
I spent 6 weeks at West Park last summer, and I would tell your friend not to hesitate. I have not had a major exacerbation since, and before I averaged 3/year requiring hospitalization and intubation. The staff is fantastic and a lot of fun. The first 3 days are testing - physiotherapy, respiratory therapy, sleep lab, etc. Then they set up an individual program for you.
The first class started at 9:00 with 1/2 hour of breathing exercises, followed by your first exercise session. It may be walking, treadmill, bike, weights, etc. Then lunch and an information class. Then another exercise session and you're usually finished by 4:00.
The information sessions cover things such as housework, bathing, diet, medications, dealing with the stigma of COPD, almost any topic you can think of. Yes, even your sex life.
They encourage you to go home on weekends so you can use what you've learned and see where you might be having difficulty. Of course, like anything, you only get out of it what you put in. There were several people over the six weeks I was there that they sent home because they just wouldn't do the work.
There is also stuff to do in the evenings if you're interested, Bingo, cards, game night, even a pub night complete with a glass of wine or beer (with Dr.'s approval). There's a small library with 2 computers and the grounds are large and beautiful, so there is lots to keep you busy.
I found it a very positive experience and would highly recommend the program.
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Post by mary57 on Mar 7, 2014 9:42:06 GMT -5
I have not gone to a rehab program yet, so far I am functioning and it has not be brought up.
I would not hesitate to attend West Park for either of their programs, a little history of West Park, it started life as the 'old' TB sanitorium in Toronto, in the 30's and 40's. It was 'far' out in the country air, with little cottages for the residents and top of the line medical care for the day.
Over the years it has grown into the multi purpose care facility that you see today. They have wonderful programs for people with a wide variety of issues.
Sorry if I've gone on and on about this hospital, but as a former LION this was one of 'our' major recipients of fundraising and support.
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Post by ls on Mar 7, 2014 16:06:55 GMT -5
Thank you all for your comments. My friend is really resisting a pulmonary rehab program --- I'm trying to marshal arguments for doing it.
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Post by sandy07 on Mar 7, 2014 22:29:27 GMT -5
Just tell your friend it's "use it or lose it". Rehab will show them how to use it.
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Post by Lighthousekeeper on Apr 17, 2014 18:00:21 GMT -5
My father would have been considered a "residential" patient at West Park and he only lived 35 minutes away. I do know that after a couple weeks his condition was improving and he was permitted to go home on weekends.
He always spoke highly of his stay at West Park!
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Post by barb7330 on Apr 17, 2014 19:01:36 GMT -5
Do you have to be referred by a Dr. and how do they charge.
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Post by Lighthousekeeper on Apr 17, 2014 19:49:19 GMT -5
I do believe he was referred to West Park. Your best bet would be to mention it to your Family Doctor, your Respirologist or you could also contact West Park directly, I am sure they all would be better suited to answering any of your question than I could. Here is the website for West Park. >>> www.westpark.org/ |
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Post by muggsmom on Apr 18, 2014 3:29:44 GMT -5
Yes, you have to be referred and there is no charge, it's the same as being in the hospital.
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