Utilizing additional PSW funding from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, the Burlington home has selected three of its PSWs to each serve one month as a continuing holistic improvement co-ordinator (CHIC).

Working closely with director of care Pat Cervoni as well as registered staff, the CHIC will mentor new and current team members while assisting with and monitoring such areas of responsibility as restorative care, falls prevention, and skin and continence care.

The CHIC will also put quality improvement processes into action.

“We are really excited about it,” Cervoni says, adding it will be a new and interesting role for PSWs.

Administrator Arlene Lawlor notes the program aligns with the ministry’s Residents First quality improvement initiative and focus on restorative care. It takes a holistic approach to strengthening resident-centred care while developing the problem-solving and people skills PSWs need.

“They’re front-line staff and they’re the ones who know the most about what’s going on on a day-to-day basis with the resident,” Lawlor says, adding the CHIC program captures that information and builds on it to help enhance communication and documentation with registered staff.

For the PSWs, who undergo a full day of CHIC orientation, it’s an opportunity to heighten their critical thinking skills, support and inspire their peers, and broaden their scope of understanding of long-term care.

“They’re going to learn a lot and be part of all of the different teams we have,” Cervoni says.

With more time to connect with the 64 residents and families, the CHIC becomes a “spokesperson for residents” and adds to the quality and value of care they receive, Lawlor says.

The CHIC will report regularly to Cervoni, with goals to be set and any areas of improvement determined and reviewed.

This reporting, combined with feedback from staff, residents and families, will measure the effectiveness of the program.

The program is to be evaluated at the end of the trial run.

Cama Woodlands is owned and operated by the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church.

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