Having the option to be able to recover at home, rather than in a hospital, was an amazing experience for me.

I’ve had a phobia of hospitals since I was a child. I can’t tell you what a relief it was to learn about a program where I could recover in the comfort of my home, free from any anxiety and stress, following my medical procedure and it’s wonderful to know this program is supported by the community through the Victoria Hospitals Foundation.

I was introduced to the Hospital at Home program last spring, after having some trouble with my kidneys. My doctor discovered I had a serious urinary tract infection. My kidney function was down to 22%. I was sent to the emergency at Royal Jubilee Hospital where I was told I would need to spend the night. I can’t tell you what a stress that was. I immediately started to worry. Are my kidneys failing? How much time will I have to spend here? Will I make it out of the hospital? The fears just took over. I ended up spending the night in a recliner hooked up to monitoring equipment.

I still vividly remember the first time I stayed in a hospital. It was here in Victoria, and I was about six years old. A little boy about the same age shared the room with me. We had become friends, bonded by our experience. One day, they took him away for testing and he never came back. I was later told he had died. That experience has stayed with me my entire life.

A similar scenario played out again when I was 11. My father was in the hospital undergoing treatment for sinus cancer. He was supposed to go to the hospital to get better, but he never came home. I know it happened over 50 years ago, but these experiences have stayed with me, and I’ve had a real fear of hospitals since then. I associate them with difficult events in my life. It’s why I jumped at the chance to recuperate at home with the Hospital at Home program.

After spending the night in hospital last April, a nurse said I was eligible for a program where my doctor and hospital staff could continue to monitor my condition, but I wouldn’t have to stay in the hospital. I could be at home. I was so happy. The stress I had been feeling since I had arrived just melted away. I didn’t even hesitate when she asked if I was interested. I jumped on the chance and immediately said ‘yes!’

I applaud the Hospital at Home program. I can’t say enough good things about it—in fact, I let everyone know how great and profound it is. And how our community supported it in the first place.

My wife picked me up from the hospital that morning. I was sent home with the medication I needed. Hospital staff also came by to deliver the items I would need at home, like an IV poll, and a heart monitor. I was given some instructions along with a panic button device which I had to wear around my neck. If I needed to connect with the hospital, I just hit the button, and staff were standing by to speak to me and assess my needs. I was still registered as a hospital patient; I knew I could return to the hospital at any time, and they would admit me if I felt I needed to be there.

A nurse visited my home everyday, sometimes twice a day. My doctor also called daily, and a nurse would call in the evening to make sure I was feeling well. They received all the information they needed from the devices they were using to monitor me. There was no work for me or my family. If the hospital needed an extra test or urine sample, a nurse would just bring it along when they paid their visit.

It was exactly like being in the hospital, only better because I was at home.

I loved knowing that I was receiving the best care while also enjoying the comforts of home. I could sit in my favourite chair and watch all my favourite tv shows. I loved that I could sleep in my own bed and wear my own clothes. I could eat a pickle whenever I wanted. I believe you heal so much faster when you’re comfortable.

Being nearby meant my wife didn’t have to worry about driving to the hospital or having to find parking. More importantly, she didn’t have to worry about not being there with me. All these little things add stress on family members, too. I was so happy I wasn’t putting that on her.

I understand that the Hospital at Home program isn’t suitable for everyone. It has specific criteria to determine who can safely receive care or recover at home. Patients with more complex or serious medical needs typically require round-the-clock hospital care and wouldn’t qualify. But for those who are eligible—and prefer to be at home—it’s a truly valuable option.

I can’t end without shining a light on how exceptional the program is for our healthcare system, too. Hospital at Home is helping the hospital system by prioritizing hospital beds for those who really need it. I have learned since, too, that benefits include lower rates of hospital-acquired complications and fewer readmissions to hospital. How special that is.

I thank every caregiver, every leader and every donor who has made the Hospital at Home program available to us, here in Victoria. It is a gift—for patients, for families, for our community.