“IT’S NOT JUST WONDERFUL TO HAVE PAUL HOME, BUT ALSO TO HAVE HIM HOME SAFELY.”
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“AS PIONEERS, WE LEARNED A GREAT DEAL AND CAN OFFER FEEDBACK THAT WILL INCREASE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROGRAM.”
Paul, a retired teacher and high-school principal, suffers from multiple sclerosis (MS), a degenerative neurological condition characterized by a gradual worsening of neurological function and disability over time. In June 2025, Paul developed severe pneumonia, which caused respiratory failure. He was admitted to Lakeridge Health in Oshawa, where the healthcare team determined he needed a tracheostomy.
His wife, Christine, also a teacher, is the “point person” on all of the care decisions for Paul. “He is unable to vocalize because he is mechanically ventilated with the aid of a tracheostomy cuff (balloon),” explains Christine. The tracheostomy cuff seals the airway to allow for effective mechanical ventilation and to reduce the risk of aspiration. The cuff prevents speech since it blocks air from passing through the larynx and vocal cords.
In August, Paul was transferred to Michael Garron Hospital’s ICU to assess his ability to be weaned from mechanical ventilation. “Paul, our son, Gregory, his wife, Darya, our daughter, Janaya, and I hoped he would be able to return home if he remained stable when off the ventilator. Unfortunately, this wasn’t possible. We needed to address the next steps for Paul.”
Christine spoke with the patient manager at the Grace to see if there was a bed available on their Recovery/Vent unit. Unfortunately, no bed was available at the time, and so Paul returned to Lakeridge Health. A short time later, the patient manager at the Grace reached out to Christine, explaining that they were developing a new program that would support ventilated patients transitioning directly home from acute care. Paul would essentially be pioneering this unique pathway to home.
“The goal was for Paul to come home,” says Christine. “As educators, we’ve always been keen on supporting new learning and developing education. Why couldn’t we learn? Not only is it better when the patient is at home where they can thrive, but the cost becomes much lower than a patient remaining in an ICU. We believe it is in the best interest of everyone to promote this type of program.”
From October to Paul’s discharge from Lakeridge Health on December 17, 2025, Christine and her family members, along with PSWs who were committed to caring for Paul at home, were trained by the Toronto Grace’s respiratory educator in coordination with Lakeridge Health’s ICU healthcare team. “The training gave us a thorough knowledge of ventilator equipment,” says Christine, “and we learned how to perform Paul’s respiratory care through simulation sessions using mannequins for hands-on training, several hours of in-class teaching, completion of computer modules, and supervised bedside training.”
“The transition home would not have been easy if we didn’t have the 24/7 support from the Toronto Grace. Everything seemed overwhelming at first but we soon settled into a daily routine.”
Although Paul developed pneumonia again in February 2026, he was able to overcome the crisis and return home. As a result of the training they had received, Paul’s family and the PSWs who assist him are able to continue to support him at home.
“As pioneers,” says Christine, “we have learned a great deal and can offer feedback that will help to increase the effectiveness of the program.”
Christine knew that there would be unexpected difficulties but is happy that they took a chance with the Toronto Grace’s Transition Home from Acute Care program. “It’s not just wonderful to be able to have Paul home, but also to have him home safely. Throughout his educational career, Paul has always served as a role model for his students and colleagues, demonstrating that physical challenges do not limit one’s ability to contribute, participate, and lead. His example inspires those around him, and he is still able to participate as an educator. I think this will give hope to anyone.”