Preparing to leave G.F. Strong

We will start early during your stay to talk about your discharge. There are many things that help to make your discharge successful, so early discussion and planning help. We will cover common topics such as: 

• the accessibility of your home,
• your finances,
• your support network, and
• equipment that you may need. 

Experts in these areas and topics include your social worker, occupational therapist and physiotherapist. 

When you leave G.F. Strong, you may be returning home or need to follow an alternative plan.  Depending on your health needs, the team may advocate for you to be transferred to your local community hospital to access local services to aid with your transition home, or they may recommend other living arrangements. They will be able to provide information on both  private or public care options on services such as home supports, assisted living and extended care.

For some, the team will advise on creating a “Plan B” for accommodations, in case your home is not ready at discharge, or you have not found permanent housing. It is important to consider how your care needs will be met wherever you are living, and that your place is accessible for you. Unfortunately, the team cannot extend your stay based on housing issues. 

Occupational therapists may ask for photos and/or measurements of your home to determine your home set up, and what modifications would be required to ensure a safe discharge home. Sometimes a home visit is requested by your rehab team, depending on your circumstances and rehab goals.

The process for obtaining the equipment you need does take time and includes identifying what will most likely be needed, trialing some specific pieces, receiving guidance on selecting a vendor, determining the length of time the equipment may be needed, ordering/borrowing and then receiving the equipment and getting it appropriately set up for you. 

Every person gets better at different times. Your time at G.F. Strong is just one step in getting better. Remember, rehabilitation does not stop with inpatient rehabilitation; it is an ongoing process that continues after you leave. Some people require ongoing therapy upon discharge. Your team will share options for you to consider, so you can continue to work towards your goals in your community. 

The days leading up to your discharge date are often busy as we support your transition from G.F. Strong. We know that any transition, while exciting, can also feel daunting. This is often a time to solidify your plans, say goodbyes to peers and staff, and continue to ask questions and learn. Your team members will finalize their recommendations for you to follow through on. 

On your last day, we ask you to be prepared to leave by 10 a.m. Please confirm your leaving time with your nurse and unit clerk, so that we can help ensure you have a plan for your belongings to be ready to go, and we can have your prescriptions and discharge paperwork ready for you.

As you near the end of your inpatient stay, we hope you will recall all the dedicated work you put into yourself, and the progress you have made. It really is a time to celebrate your hard work and learnings! 

We hear from many past clients that living with a new condition takes time to adjust to.  You have already started this while you’ve been at G.F. Strong.  Most people find that the first three weeks after they have left G.F. Strong to be another period of big change, as they adjust back to a different living environment, perhaps a different pace of life and a different routine.  

Some tips to help your transition

• Recognize that during this phase you may need a little more rest or down time.
• Gradually build up your new routines. You may find that it will be easier to add more activities into your days as you go, then to be overscheduled before you get home.
• Enjoy the company of those around you, and be prepared to provide them with input about what works best for you.
• Accept a little help. There may be people around you that are happy to get a few groceries or take care of a task for you.
• Let others know specifically how they can be of help to you in the upcoming weeks.
• Be gentle with yourself.  Use each day as an opportunity to continue learning and to grow from.
• Find connection to others and activities that bring you joy.
• You may find connecting with a group of peers with lived experience to be valuable during your recovery journey.

We wish the best for you on the next phase of your journey. You are welcome to reach back out to us to share how you are doing via an email update, a short visit or by sharing your care story. Share your care story | Vancouver Coastal Health