Rehabilitation Services

Appointments

Occupational Therapy
(807) 274-4814

Physiotherapy (LaVerendrye)
(807) 274-4815

Physiotherapy (Emo)
(807) 274-3261, ext. 5540

Speech-Language Pathology
(807) 274-4836

Fax for all services
(807) 274-4841

Note: Please bring your health card to every appointment

Hours

Monday – Friday 8am to 4pm
Closed on Weekends and Statutory Holidays

Referral

Must be Physician/Nurse Practitioner referred Pre-school speech-language services do not require a referral.  

More Information

Rehabilitation Services provide quality evaluation, consultative and treatment services for individuals of all ages in the community and region.  The programs encompass a continuum of services including prevention, identification, consultation, treatment and follow-up management.  Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, and Speech-Language Pathology clients are seen on an inpatient and outpatient basis at LaVerendrye Hospital in Fort Frances.  Physiotherapy clients are seen on an outpatient basis at Emo Health Centre. All of our therapists are regulated health care professionals.

Our goal is to assist individuals to attain their highest possible level of active and independent function while providing safe, quality client-centred care through a commitment to service availability, accessibility, and excellence.

Occupational Therapy

• Primary goal is to enable people to participate in the occupations which give meaning and purpose to their lives.
• Designed to restore or maintain a patient’s ability to perform tasks used in daily living, often through developing ways to modify or adapt activities.

Physiotherapy

• Improving and maintaining functional independence and physical performance by promoting fitness, health and wellness.
• Implementing services and strategies to resolve and manage pain, physical impairments, disabilities and limits to participation.
• Educating the public to prevent possible injury or dysfunction.

Speech-Language Pathology

• Assessment and treatment of children and adults for communication disorders including:  articulation, fluency (stuttering), early language development, expressive language (understanding), voice, and oral-motor skills.
• Assessment and treatment of swallowing disorders including functional and behavioural feeding and swallowing difficulties.
• Education and counseling regarding improved communication.

We work with:

• Victims of stroke and other neurological conditions
• Those suffering from arthritis and other rheumatic conditions
• General orthopaedic dysfunction
• Children and adults with developmental delays (speech, cognitive and/or motor)
• Repetitive strain injuries
• Work and sports-related injuries
• Post-fractures and post-surgeries
• Individuals facing the challenges related to growing older
• Motor vehicle accident victims
• Individuals requiring adaptive devices
• Those suffering from chronic or acute ulcers (wounds)
• Many other disorders including respiratory and cardiac, which may disrupt a typical lifestyle
• As time allows we will also provide education to staff and the community in various forums such as in-services and participation in local Health Fairs

Eligibility

Services are covered by OHIP or WSIB.  Those not covered, such as out-of-province or out-of-country, must see the Admitting Department and arrangements can be made for billing.

Continuing Education

Continuing education opportunities are highly recognized, supported and promoted by Riverside Health Care.  Staff are encouraged to take advantage of learning opportunities available to them both locally and out-of-town.  Of critical importance is maintaining and enhancing skills in order to provide quality care and services to the community.

Student Education/Placements

Riverside Health Care is affiliated with the Northern School of Medicine and all placements are arranged through them. Students are exposed to a variety of conditions, depending on their training.  There is ample opportunity to practice interview, assessment and clinical skills in a co-operative, open and well-equipped environment.  A fun and energetic team atmosphere serves to facilitate student’s learning.

“I really appreciated the balance between autonomy and guidance.  I had the freedom to create my own appropriate interventions as I would if I were a practicing clinician.  I was given my own space to complete my charting which allowed me to be organized and think clearly.”

Students are provided with fully furnished accommodations that are usually within walking distance of the hospital, grocery store and downtown area.  All necessities are supplied including housewares, alarm clocks and wireless internet.

"The apartment we were given was great.  It had everything we needed in it already and it was just a short walk to work and the downtown shops”.

There are several popular outdoor activities to take part in such as sailing, skiing, and show-shoeing.  There are hiking and cycling trails within walking distance form the accommodations and the ski trails are groomed for both classic and skate skiing to suit individual interests.  LaVerendrye is equipped with a fitness centre which is open 24/7 and memberships are complimentary for students.  Various restaurants and chops are located in the downtown area.  Movie theatres and shopping centres can be found in International Falls, Minnesota, which is located just minutes from Fort Frances.

“I really enjoyed my time in Fort Frances.  I was happy to get away from the busy city.  I was able to spend time enjoying the outdoors on the amazing ski trails and quiet country roads.”

“Being in Fort Frances is a nice change from being in the city.  The people here in town are really friendly and everything generally moves at a more relaxed pace.  It is really nice to be able to step back, slow down and appreciate things more.”

Related Links

The College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario at www.coto.org
The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario at www.collegept.org
The College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists at www.caslpo.com