First stay lasted 13 years
Ken was first hospitalized in January 2009. On the night of the car crash, he was on his way to work as a security guard just outside Renfrew, Ont. The road conditions were poor and he lost control of his vehicle. Initially, doctors thought his injuries were so severe that survival was unlikely. Kareen recalls how the family was advised to plan a funeral. Ken Rekowski is spending most of his days in a bed at the Renfrew Victoria Hospital as he waits to get the supportive care he needs to live in the community. (Matthew Kupfer/CBC) Ken survived, but suffered significant cognitive and physical impairments from the crash. He struggles with forming new memories, often gets confused about what year it is, and deals with what’s called “right-side deficit,” which limits movement in his right leg and almost completely restricts motion in his right arm. He also relies on a wheelchair. In 2016, specialists from Hamilton assessed him over three months and determined that he shouldn’t be occupying a hospital bed. Back in 2019, Ken and Kareen were informed it might be “a lifetime wait.”‘Locked up inside’
However hope faded as time passed; Kareen described ongoing challenges arranging visits or outings with Ken. She became concerned that transfers weren’t happening correctly during bed moves. Kareen felt that overall care didn’t meet what Ken needed-just like at the hospital-he’d often be left sitting for long periods. At one point she discovered he’d been left sitting wearing pants soaked with urine. “Rather than getting back out into the community again, I was locked up inside in a wheelchair all the time,” Ken said.The Return To Hospital / h3 >
On May twenty third two thousand twenty four , following incident resulting knee injures sustained during transfer process , kareem rushed ken back renfrew victoria hospital emergency department seeking treatment immediately.
“It’s devastating,” kareem lamented. “ken doesn’t want go there; neither do I ; Kenny’s friends prefer visiting elsewhere rather than face such situation.”![]()
Currently attempting re-establish supports received prior leaving while coordinating schedule support worker visit Monday through Friday.
“I’m coming evenings bringing dinner ” , kareem noted emphasizing importance nutrition regular meals recovery route ahead /
KEN needs leave facility where presently confined mostly bed rest daily – simply unacceptable !
On readmission circumstance arising earlier mentioned incident raised need urgently request explore shifting funding arrangements toward alternative providers rather than returning previous path ways location. A letter addressed patient ombudsman clarified jurisdictional limitations enforcing dependency cooperation primarily medical institution fulfilling discharge requirements.
The renfrews victorian hospitals declined offer any commentary concerning specific individuals case details highlighted upon repeated inquiries.
Cases Not Isolated
Ontario Brain Injury Association reported similar situations impacting others enduring protracted uncertain timelines awaiting discharge procedures across province , now housing limited options available totaling thirty three designated facilities serving acquired brain injured clientele predominantly /This systemic issue remains unresolved despite CBC coverage surrounding rekowskis six years ago revealing little improvement trends.
“Not whole lot changed since then ,” remarked association president ruth wilcock referencing slight increases availability beds certain areas yet recognizing existing gaps still prevalent demanding urgent advocacy efforts resume addressing needs unmet requirement systems currently failing them.”
“Pursuing diverse avenues assisting clients caregivers navigate respective challenges encountered homes proving complex arduous endeavors without effective alternatives resembling hotel experience synonymous existing limitations present ever worsening shortages acute resource constraints underlying operational capabilities seen facilities struggle accommodate demand adequately “
‘I’ve Been On My Own’
Kareens reflections reveal determination forged throughout sixteen year journey knowing mother aging aged eighty-three additionally requires heightened caregiving assistance highlighting frustrations endured systemic failures prompting aspirations advocate change direction fundamentally improve health landscape affecting families overall experience encountered relying heavily challenging environments exerting pressures continually weighed down individual resilience levels tested daily /
“We desperately require person-centered models integrated healthcare systems properly function effectively supporting those reliant needing extra help” encouraged her stance amid turbulent times requiring collective response partnerships evolve transform positively fostering solutions beneficial wider communities facing similar hardships faced past few decades.“<Ultimately speaking personally I've largely depended solely independent navigating through terrain alone”
<Kareene KEN engage board games play together enjoy spare moments enhance companionship nurturing bonds strengthen relationships amid difficulties confronting them both valiantly persevering endearing each other despite circumstances persistent obstructing journeys forward await brighter days hopeful soon arrive.”
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