Testimonials
Barb’s story: Finding comfort and confidence at home​
Barb Quarry was struggling with chronic back pain that made daily life difficult.
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“I was in so much pain, only walking would help,” she recalls. “I’d walk in circles up and down my hallway, just hoping the pain would stop. Some days, I’d almost be in a panic.”
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When her medication stopped working, Quarry found herself in the emergency department three times. “I didn’t want to go to the hospital,” she said, “but I didn’t know what else to do. I really got to know the ambulance and paramedics who brought me in!”
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After her third visit, a staff member at the hospital spoke to Quarry about St. Mary’s Health @ Home’s hospital-to-home service, a short-term program designed to help people recover safely at home with nursing and personal support services.
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“They made it easy for me to sign up,” Quarry said. “It’s the best program you could offer!”
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A team approach to care
Through the 21-day hospital-to-home program, Quarry received daily visits from a personal support worker (PSW) and weekly nursing visits. Her PSW, Dede, quickly became a trusted part of her care routine.
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“Dede came to my house to make sure I took my medication, helped me get out for a walk, made lunch and just made life so much easier,” Quarry said. “The team also helped me with showering and ordered me a bath chair, which made a big difference.”
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Dede described his role as providing “respite, understanding and compassionate care for clients as if they were part of my own family.”
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According to Quarry, “That’s exactly what he did!”
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In addition to PSW support, Quarry’s nurse helped her understand her medications and manage her pain, while a physiotherapist taught her simple stretches and arranged for a wheelchair at a reduced price to make getting around safer.
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Feeling supported and empowered
For Quarry, one of the most meaningful parts of the experience was knowing she wasn’t alone.
“The biggest thing was feeling like I was part of a team,” she explained. “I didn’t have to take on all the responsibility because there were professionals there to help me.”
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With the coordinated support of her care team, Quarry was able to remain at home with her husband, Don, instead of returning to the hospital. Don, who previously worked in long-term care, found reassurance in knowing they had a team to lean on.
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“It was comforting to know that there was someone we could call — people who cared about what happened next,” said Don.
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Unstoppable compassion is meeting people where they are in their homes
Thanks to the St. Mary’s Health @ Home program, Quarry has not needed to return to the emergency department. Instead, she continues to receive ongoing support through Ontario Health @ Home, bridging the short-term program into longer-term home care support.
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“Now, instead of calling 911, I call St. Mary’s Health @ Home,” said Quarry. “It’s the best program you could offer. I feel supported, safer and part of a team.”
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Through personalized nursing care, compassionate PSW support, and coordinated follow-up, Quarry’s outcome has been remarkable — better pain management, reduced hospital visits, and renewed confidence in living safely at home with her spouse.
Unstoppable compassion is meeting people where they are in their homes
When Sandy Starr of New Hamburg, Ontario pulled her hamstring after a slip and fall at home, she didn’t expect it would lead to a hospital stay. After a few days in the hospital, Starr worried about her ability to transition back to living independently at home. Not only did she have a leg injury to recover from, but Starr, who lives alone, also has to manage her chronic health conditions, diabetes and hypertension.
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I was discharged, I was nervous about being on my own again,” Starr recalled.
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But her concerns quickly dissipated. Starr was referred to the care team with St. Mary’s Health @ Home, who specialize in helping people transition from hospital to home. Her care team developed a plan focused on safety, mobility and confidence as she transitioned back to independent living.
To start, Starr received twice-daily visits from a personal support worker (PSW). In the mornings, her PSW helped with showering and getting ready for the day. In the afternoons, they worked on short, supervised walks to build her strength and stability.
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“I looked forward to my PSW visits,” said Starr. “Having someone there made me feel secure. My PSW, Dede, encouraged me to take small steps every day — and before I knew it, I was feeling more like my active self.”
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Her PSWs also supported her with light household tasks, such as tidying up and meal prep, which helped Starr focus on her recovery. “One challenge for some people is not knowing what home care can really do,” she says. “My PSWs didn’t shy away from helping — one even offered to wash my floors! I was so grateful.”
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Starr’s home care team also included a nurse, who helped with medication review and health teaching for her diabetes and hypertension. With home care support, Starr’s mobility improved significantly, and she began to regain her independence and emotional confidence — key goals in her recovery plan.
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Rebuilding strength through physiotherapy
Initially, Starr declined a referral for physiotherapy, unsure if it was necessary. But with encouragement from her care team, she later accepted — and it became one of the best decisions she made.
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Her physiotherapist, Madelon Harper, provided tailored exercises to strengthen Starr’s lower body and improve her balance. “Every week there’s a new exercise,” Starr explains. “We do things like seated marching, hip flexions, knee rocks and neck rotations. Madelaine always reminds me to listen to my body. Some days I can do ten reps, other days only five, and that’s okay.”
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Another physiotherapist helped Starr improve her walking technique after noticing she was dropping her foot. “Having that awareness made a big difference. Now I know what to watch for.”
Over time, these exercises helped Starr regain strength, coordination and confidence in her movements — marking a turning point in her recovery.
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Feeling grateful and independent
Today, Starr is back to enjoying the activities she loves — including walking and playing bocce ball.
“The physiotherapists helped me understand what my body can and can’t do, and to listen to it,” she shares. “Thanks to them, I can get back to the things I enjoy — and I haven’t slowed down at all!”
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Reflecting on her experience, Starr says she received more from home care than she ever expected:
“As someone who lives alone, I was worried about coming home from the hospital. But the St. Mary’s Health @ Home team gave me confidence and support. I felt cared for every step of the way.”
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Through coordinated nursing, PSW and physiotherapy support, Starr’s journey resulted in improved mobility, renewed independence, and invaluable emotional support — allowing her to return to her daily routines and favorite activities with confidence.
