1. Meet Paul
Paul is 60 years old, and is a caregiver for his husband Jack who has had a moderate/severe stroke.  Paul and Jack have been together for 23 years. Paul has been a caregiver for many almost two decades. Jack has been blind for 20 years, he has epilepsy and had cancer, a heart transplant and two previous minor strokes. Paul has provided support to Jack for years prior to this most recent stroke.
Paul is a senior community health care financial executive and is well acquainted with the health care system. He works near Bridgepoint and can drop in if needed. Paul says that being a caregiver has meant, in addition to providing emotional, physical and financial support for Jack, that he also must ensure other supports are available e.g. staff, volunteers and family.
Paul and Jack live in a semi-detached house in Riverdale. They have 1 dog and 1 cat and a committed, loving relationship with one another. At this point, Jack has been in hospital for 5 months and this is the longest Jack has been away from home.
Before Arrival:
Jack spent 24 days in ICU and an additional 2 months in acute care with various complications. Just after the stroke, Paul was anxious, worried and didn’t know what was going to happen.
Early on, he knew they would want rehab close to where they lived. They didn’t want to travel to Toronto Rehab – Bickle or go to Providence because it was an older facility. Paul educated himself about high intensity rehab versus reconditioning while at St. Mike’s. He was anxious for Jack to start rehab early because he knew this would be critical to improvement. At the same time, he worried was Jack well enough to transfer? He felt relieved when he found out Jack was going to Bridgepoint.
Arrival to Rehab:
Paul felt happy, safe and supported on arrival to Bridgepoint. He was able to take the day off work to be with Paul and was happy that Jack would have a private room. On arrival he had a tour and was happy with the facility, the bed, the equipment and the very responsive, helpful staff. He thought this was “amazing” and that he would not have to worry at least right now. This was a relief. He felt heard and was a valuable part of the story and team. He made sure to inform the team of Jack’s other needs and represented his partner to advocate for best care.
Care in Rehab:
Paul felt involved throughout rehab. He felt incorporated in the delivery of care and that the team always gave him the option to go on appointments or attend training and therapy. He attended most appointments including the swallow study. Paul did feel there was not enough therapy especially weekends and so family and friends were able to supplement with walking practice. The PT provided guidance on how to do this. Paul understood the instructions and could be more attentive to specific instructions. It would be helpful if information were written down and left for him especially when he is not able to be there. Paul felt he frequently had to have Jack relay information especially with short/mid term plans. He wasn’t clear on when to buy equipment, day programs or government funding.
Transitioning:
Discharge planning was communicated at least 5wks in advance. They were able to plan progressive home visits, had weekend passes and a home visit by the team was offered. The weekend passes were all great. Paul was able to hire a Personal Support Worker prior to discharge. Paul requested and received information about post-discharge supports and arranged for outpatient rehab. He did not feel anxious about discharge. Paul was able to take vacation at the time of Jack’s discharge to help everyone adjust to the new plans.
Continuing the Journey Home:
Paul has had previous discharges home and Jack was in much poorer physical condition. So this time he is not anxious because he knows they can do it. Paul has help when Jack goes home and feels that they are very fortunate with Jack’s current health status. Paul has workplace supports for his well own well being and he has his own goals that he wants to achieve still.