SMARTech Rehab Service
Our SMARTech Rehab Team is led by Gail Giffin, an Occupational Therapist with 35+ years of clinical and administrative experience. Innovation is second nature to Gail, known across the Northwood community for her commitment to mental health, ethical decision-making and her holistic approach to practice. Joined by Megan Chittick and John Singer-Romero, Rehabilitation Assistants, the SMARTech Rehab Service partners with each resident to explore how SMART technology can foster functional independence and social participation.
Rehab Service Objectives
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A. Build comprehensive understanding of health and social care needs.
Use a person-centred approach to understand the lived experience, needs and desires for well being among older adults with complex conditions in Continuing Care
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Partner with older adults to define their needs, desires, and priorities, translating information into practical care goals.
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Help older adults and caregivers map assistive and communication technologies that address these needs to strengthen care in place, maximize independence and sustain safe connection with family and friends.
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Support the care team to help the older adult achieve their goals.
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Position each person as a partner in their health and social care, at the level they choose, including when to let others act on their behalf.
B. Empower self-directed engagement in learning, leisure, relationships, and civic life
Offer assistive technology to maintain or improve functioning and independence
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Provide customized voice-activated technology to enable older adults to manage their environment and preferred leisure options independently
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Offer one-on-one training and follow-up coaching support
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Engage the older adult in individualized rehabilitation treatment and evaluate progress together
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Facilitate real-time troubleshooting to reduce burden and enhance reliability.
C. Enable successful activity and participation in daily life
Maximize facilitators and minimize barriers to goal achievement within an age-friendly environment
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Assess functionality and recommend changes in care and/or living environments
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Identify opportunities/hurdles that affect progress, reduce the Digital Divide, and embed tech into daily life.
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Recommend processes and digital supports to help older adults adopt their digital lifestyle of choice.
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Build health and social care team capacity with respect to assistive technology, supporting learning and advancement of person-centred practice.