Homewood Health Centre, Guelph, Ontario

[Quang]

Any thoughts on the 2-month inpatient PTSR treatment (Program for Traumatic Stress Recovery) given at Homewood Health Centre in Guelph, Ontario?

My cousellor recommended I try it 5 years ago, but I dismissed it at the time, for multiple reasons. Today I am running out of options and am starting to lose hope, so I am reconsidering.

As this is a serious personal and financial investment, I would welcome accounts from anyone who went through the program, knows somebody who did, or has any form of useful knowledge.

Cheers,
Q

 

[Quang]

The only description I could find is at the Tripadvisor Q&A section for the Homewood Cafetaria!
Not a very long review, but better than nothing. At least it does provide some information.

I am not allowed to post web links (account is too fresh), so here is the full text:

The accommodations are in nice newer hospital rooms. The floor is really nice. The rooms are usually doubles or four in two rooms with a shared bathroom. The dining doom is downstairs and offers a decent selection of food at each meal. The PTSR program area also has a couple of comfortable lounges that are common areas, and the hospital itself has many private areas to sit and reflect. Check out the Greenery,The library and the Cafe. The grounds are stunning and walking the grounds is a highlight of a stay at Homewood. There are many activities and you will make associations with fellow program participants and find plenty to do to entertain yourself while in Guelph.

Remember that quiet private time will be important, but socializing is also part of the program. You will have no trouble finding a good balance at Homewood. The accommodations are simple, yet comfortable. You will have your own locking closet as well. Leave expensive jewelry at home, but laptops and devices can be stored in your locked closet area. Enjoy your stay and I wish you well.

 

[shimmerz]

Yes, I know of people who have done Homewood. It was also suggested to me that I attend. I could not afford it, nor could I mingle with a bunch of people in a house.

I have heard mixed reviews but also, I have noticed that people keep going back. That can be see as a good thing or a bad thing I suppose.

Who recommended this to you? A psychiatrist/psychologist? Are you female? If so, have you tried women's college hospital? Also, why not, for the investment, go to a trauma specialist?

 

[Quang]

Ya, I decided to save money for the 2 months of lost income (family need to be fed). The semi-private amenity fee is covered by one of our insurance plans, so financially it is doable for me.

My counsellor recommended it to me, she knows people there and has had good feedback. She says I could greatly benefit from it.

To answer your question I am a male, with cPTSD due to childhood abuse. I have had several therapists, EMDR helped me a lot, but now I am reaching a point where I need something different.

A break from work and family may also be something I need. A change of routine and reference. Some kind of soft reboot of my life.

We live 40mins from Guelph, so logistics is not a problem, and separation won't be too difficult.

Thanks for your input, shimmerz

 

[CelticHarp]

Hi, I'm sorry I don't have details for you, but a woman I met spoke highly of it. She is a doctor herself so I assume she knows what a good facility is.

 

[FoxGlass]

Rather than start a new thread I thought I would tag onto to this one.

I am now on the wait list for semi-private room at Homewood for the PTSR program.

Has anyone been recently? Thoughts?

@Quang - did you end up attending the program?

Thanks

 

[Quang]

Hi @FoxGlass,

I was denied by my insurance because they only cover residential treatment for addiction, not mental health. I decided to go ahead anyway even though it is going to cost me much more than initially planned.

I was put on the wait list early January, and Homewood called me last week to tell me I was to start this coming Thursday. I told them I can't because I have an EEG and a neurologist appointment this month and I don't want to miss them (unrelated condition). They told me that once I have started I can't leave for appointments, so we had to postpone till end of June.

I am a bit disappointed because I had been waiting four months already and now I have to wait almost two extra months. At least I have start date now, so it'll be easier to organise myself at work. And I'll also be able to attend my daughter's high school graduation, so all is not that bad.

 

[FoxGlass]

Thanks for the update @Quang

It is quite pricey if your paying yourself. I am still waiting to see if my insurance will cover it.

It's too bad they don't let you leave for appointments like that....definitely disappointing. But as you mentioned, good you have a better idea for a date now and can prepare.

 

[FoxGlass]

My insurance has agreed to cover the cost of semi-private room, so I'm on the official list now. I'm also on the short notice cancellation list, so who knows when I might go. They told me 2 - 6 months wait and no real timeframe on the short notice list.

"in-patiently" waiting now :roflmao: