Home / Health / Hospital now feeds parents during long stays
Hospital now feeds parents during long stays
12 Nov
Summary
- One in five families at hospital face food insecurity.
- New program provides $30 daily for caregiver meals.
- Hospital program first of its kind in Canada.
Holland Bloorview Children's Rehabilitation Hospital in Toronto has initiated a groundbreaking food support program for parents and caregivers of inpatient clients. This program, the first of its kind in Canada, provides $30 per day for hot meals on weekdays and grocery credits on weekends. Previously, only patient meals were covered as part of treatment.
The initiative addresses significant food insecurity among families, with one in five reporting challenges and six percent living below the poverty line. Social worker Sue Osbourne highlighted that this support is crucial as many families depend on food banks and find hospital stays financially taxing.
Parents like Jennifer Paiva and Michelle Proc shared their experiences, noting how they often neglected their own meals while caring for their children. Paiva, whose daughter has cerebral palsy, stated the program "changes everything" by making meals more accessible. Proc, who took a leave of absence from work, emphasized that recognizing families' needs is vital for holistic care.
Osbourne stressed that supporting parents, who are integral to the care team, ultimately benefits the children. This program ensures caregivers can prioritize their health and well-being, which is essential during extended treatment periods that can last up to a year.
