Ottawa Citizen

Healthy aging is possible with Bruyère leading the way

Klovan family grateful for treatment received while at Bruyère Continuing Care

- BERNIE FORESTELL

Anne Klovan is a happy lady. As a proud mother of six healthy children, nine grandchild­ren, two great-grandchild­ren and a 69-yearlong marriage to her devoted husband August, Anne has plenty to be grateful for.

One of those things is knowing Bruyère is there for her and her family whenever they need help.

As part of her recovery from a nasty fall, Anne was enrolled in Bruyère’s geriatric day program.

“I enjoyed coming and appreciate­d the attention I received from my physiother­apist and everybody at Bruyère” says Anne.

Anne and August Klovan are typical of the type of patients who come to Bruyère. August is a twotime patient at Saint-Vincent Hospital and Anne recently ‘graduated’ from the 10-week geriatric day program at John and Jennifer Ruddy Geriatric Day Hospital.

“Each time we’ve ended up at Bruyère, we’ve been able to get up and out and back to our lives,” she says. “Our entire family is grateful for the treatment we get there.”

“As our population ages, they tend to have more interactio­ns with the health care system and often their needs become more complex,” says Peggy Taillon, president of Bruyère Foundation. “At Bruyère we know the importance of our role in the lives of our older patients. We work closely with them and their families to ensure they get the right treatment, at the right time, at the right place. That place is Bruyère.”

“We don’t do this alone, however,” says Ms. Taillon. “We work closely with long-term-care homes, hospitals, transporta­tion services and families to ensure our patients get the treatment they need in a timely manner.”

OCT. 1 - NATIONAL SENIORS DAY

“Mother Élisabeth Bruyère founded this hospital in 1845,” says Ms. Taillon. “She and the other sisters put service before self, caring for those who needed their help the most. Her values and legacy are still very much part of Bruyère today.”

“National Seniors Day is an opportunit­y for everyone to stop and thank our parents, grandparen­ts, teachers and mentors who led the way before us. It is also a wonderful chance for us to recognize the patients, families, residents, employees and volunteers all sharing our common goal of enhancing lives and transformi­ng care.”

INVITATION TO THE COMMUNITY

“Our population is aging rapidly,” says Ms. Taillon. “Applying everything we know about prevention and wellbeing, new health interventi­ons and technologi­es are helping all of us live longer lives. With that comes a new responsibi­lity for all of us. We must ensure that organizati­ons like Bruyère are strong for the seniors of today and tomorrow.”

“Bruyère approaches care for our aging population from all angles. The brightest minds in research can be found at Bruyère Research Institute. Leaders in brain health and memory work closely with patients at the renowned Bruyère Memory Program.”

“With the support of our community we will continue to adapt and grow alongside patients and families like the Klovans.”

As Anne’s son Stephan says: “My family is glad there is a day recognizin­g seniors and I’m proud to know there are places like Bru- yère where they are treated like the amazing people they are!”

 ??  ?? Anne Klovan appreciate­s the care she receives at Bruyère and encourages the people of Ottawa to support the programs and services that helped get her back home.
Anne Klovan appreciate­s the care she receives at Bruyère and encourages the people of Ottawa to support the programs and services that helped get her back home.
 ??  ?? Bruyère Foundation employee Andrea Olsen-Black with Stephan Klovan, Foundation president, Peggy Taillon and Anne Klovan.
Bruyère Foundation employee Andrea Olsen-Black with Stephan Klovan, Foundation president, Peggy Taillon and Anne Klovan.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Canada