He was critically hurt in a 2009 car crash. He's still in hospital, 16 years later
CBC
Ken Rekowski has had to make a home of his room at the Renfrew Victoria Hospital for most of the last 16 years.
The 53-year-old was first admitted in 2009 after a car crash left him with a serious brain injury. Since then, he's been waiting for suitable permanent care in the community.
"As far as I know … I'm cooped up in here for the rest of my life," Ken said.
When CBC visited in early February, Ken's room still had a small Christmas tree to one side, dog-themed decorations and a photo of Ken with his motorcycle and dog Harley.
His twin sister Kareen says he spends most days entirely in his bed, even though he can get around using a wheel chair.
"I feel like criminals have more freedom than I do," Ken said.
Ken still dreams of outings in the community with family and friends and wants to start a business involving dogs.
"I want to get back out into ... the free world where I can actually do something productive," he said.
Kareen says Ken is occupying a hospital bed because they haven't been able get the necessary supportive care for him to live in his hometown.
"When it comes to acquired brain injury and especially in a small community like ours, there really is no choice. We need to create choices," she said.
Kareen said throughout Ken's long hospital stay, she's worried about him getting appropriate care in his community.
After a brief placement in a community home, Ken is again facing a challenge faced by people with acquired brain injury in the province: a long uncertain wait to be discharged from hospital.
Ken was first hospitalized in January 2009. On the night of the car crash, he was on his way to his job as a security guard just outside Renfrew, Ont. Road conditions were poor and he lost control of his car.
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