Aerial view of Vancouver General Hospital Campus

The VGH Physiotherapy Student-Led Elder Care Clinic (SLECC) provides a time-limited, goal-oriented outpatient rehabilitation service for frail community-dwelling seniors who have or are experiencing a recent decline in physical mobility from an acute hospitalization and/or a progression of chronic conditions.

The SLECC is a teaching clinic and partners with the UBC Department of Physiotherapy to support education in geriatrics for physiotherapy students. The team consists of physiotherapy students under the direction and supervision of a licensed physiotherapist. It is an active rehabilitation program. Participants are expected to partake in a goal-directed active exercise program and follow through with home-based recommendations.

The clinic aims to improve functional abilities and quality of life by working on strength and balance. Not only reducing fall risk but also enabling people to continue to live at home. 

How to access

  • Check eligibility

    The program is limited to elders who are frail or experiencing a recent functional decline and are residents of Vancouver.

    Referrals from acute settings are prioritized.

    • Individuals living in Vancouver within the Vancouver General Hospital catchment.
    • Age 70+ (clients aged 64-69 years will be assessed on a case-by-case basis)
    • Individual recently discharged from hospital or emergency department or is awaiting surgery.
    • Willing and able to attend a 1-hour initial assessment and 1-2x/week follow-up sessions in person at VGH.
    • Has cognitive ability to participate in an exercise program – must be able to consistently follow simple verbal and/or physical cues.
    • Ability to transfer independently or 1-person minimal assistance.
    • Willing and able to follow through with recommendations (eg: home exercises) or has family support to do so.
    • Will have transportation arranged for initial and follow-up appointments.
    • Consents to be treated by physiotherapy students under the direction of a supervising physiotherapist.
  • Get a referral

    Who can refer:

    • Physiotherapists as part of discharge planning from VGH and CAMU
    • Physiotherapists from Community Home Health
    • Physicians or Nurse Practitioners
    • Other health care professionals (e.g. Occupational Therapists, Case Managers)

    Download the Student-Led Elder Care Clinic referral form

  • Languages offered

    English. Interpreter services are available.

Hours of operation

Currently open
  • Monday:   9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday:   9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday:   9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Thursday:   9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Friday:   9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Saturday:   Closed
  • Sunday:   Closed

How to get here

If driving to VGH, leave enough time to find parking before your appointment. Consider dropping off elderly family members before seeking parking.

Pay parking 
Parkades can be found at the intersections of 12th Avenue and Laurel Street and within the Gordon and Leslie Diamond Centre entering on Laurel Street in the block between 10th and 12th Avenue. Download parking rates for VCH facilities

Free parking
You may be able to find 2-hour free street parking, though spaces are very limited. With a valid SPARC parking permit, free 3-hour parking is allowed on residential streets without the need for a residential parking permit (*Note: City of Vancouver by-law is subject to change. For more information visit the City of Vancouver Accessible Parking page.

Resources

    • Improve your Function, Mobility and Independence

      Overview of the program and referral information for patients and families accessing elder care at VGH.

Vancouver General Hospital (VGH)

Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) offers specialized health-care services to residents in Vancouver and across the province through regional programs. We provide a full range of basic and highly specialized emergency health-care and trauma services to British Columbia.

Physiotherapy Elder Care Outpatient Clinic

The Physiotherapy Elder Care Outpatient Clinic addresses a gap in service for the elderly population living primarily in the VGH area and provides a unique learning experience in Geriatrics for Physical Therapy students.