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Webinar to discuss benefits of locally-grown food to LTC residents
The first in a series of webinars hosted throughout 2012 by the Nutrition Community of Practice, part of the Seniors Health Research Transfer Network (SHRTN), will highlight a project focused on increasing distribution of local food products in Ontario. Jane Dummer, RD, will be leading the Feb. 14 presentation entitled “From Our Fields to Your Table — Local Foods to Health Care Facilities,” which will showcase the benefits locally-grown food can bring to long-term care residents and hospital patients. Click here to learn more about the event.
Working in Nursing study seeks participants
Nurses, or co-workers of nurses who work for nurse-staffing agencies, nursing resource teams and/or multiple employers are being sought to participate in a study by the Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing at the University of Toronto. Participants will participate in an interview or focus group to share their experiences. The research study will look at how flexible work for nurses is shaped by the world we live in. The study is approved by the Research Ethics Boards at the University of Toronto and Ryerson University. To take part, contact the study co-ordinator at 1-855-500-6675 or 416-978-4789 or win(at)utoronto.ca. An honorarium will be provided.
Morriston Park cook makes Robbie Burns Day special for residents
Jan. 25 was a special day at Morriston Park Nursing Home, as cook Ada Dam celebrated her 70th birthday, as well as her 16th year working at the Puslinch long-term care home, and to top things off it was Robbie Burns Day. And thanks to Dam the Burns Day celebration was a huge success, says administrator Karen Bolger. On the menu was haggis, steak pies, cock-a-leekie soup, mashed neeps (turnips) and other Scottish favourites. The celebration marks the birth of Scottish poet Robert Burns, best known for his poems "A Red, Red Rose," "The Battle of Sherramuir" and "Auld Lang Syne." Bolger says the day’s success is reflective of Dam’s dedication to residents. “This is a testament to a woman who has given her heart and soul for the last 16 years to Morriston and the residents of Morriston,” she says. To celebrate Dam’s service to the home, staff members presented her with special gifts, including an overnight accommodation in Niagara-on-the-Lake, dinner, wine and chocolate.
2012 Walk for Memories aiming to raise $2.5M
The Alzheimer Society of Ontario is hoping to raise $2.5 million for Alzheimer’s disease research during this year’s Walk for Memories campaign. The Walk for Memories is the largest event in Ontario aimed at raising awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia, and the largest fundraiser that helps support programs for people affected by Alzheimer’s disease and their families. Click here for more information.
NE Family Councils Network holds spring meeting
Registration is now being taken for the North East Family Councils Network spring meeting, taking place May 4-5 in North Bay. The first session of the conference will be held Friday, May 4 from 12:30 to 4 p.m. and will be accessible by video conference to anyone who is not able to attend in North Bay. The second day of the conference will be held Saturday, May 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Accommodations, site locations and a package of full details will be available soon. To RSVP for this conference, contact Shirley Robinson at 705-845-0202 or e-mail shirleylrobinson(at)hotmail.com.
Webinar aims to enhance communication with adults who have aphasia
A free webinar for Seniors' Health Research Transfer Network (SHRTN) members is being offered by the organization. The webinar will share best practices in evidence-based communication methods for caregivers of adults who have aphasia. Information about the Supported Conversation for Adults with Aphasia (SCA) method will highlight the event. The SCA method aims to facilitate productive interactions between caregivers and adults with aphasia. The Jan. 31 webinar is running from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and will include descriptions of the SCA method as well as provide a forum for people to discuss practice settings and how to individualize the method. E-mail eshumway(at)aphasia.ca for more information.
New discovery offers hope for people affected by Alzheimer’s
Research conducted by scientists at the University of Calgary's Hotchkiss Brain Institute is shedding light on how brain cells affected by Alzheimer’s disease die, and the information gathered by researchers Peter Stys and Gerald Zamponi may help find a cure for the degenerative brain disease. According to their research, NMDA receptors, which assist the brain in memory and learning, are malfunctioning in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease. To further the research, the University of Calgary is collaborating with Vancouver’s Centre for Drug Discovery Research and Development to find safe medications to regulate NMDA. Click here to read a news story about the findings.
Too many Canadians dismissing early Alzheimer’s symptoms: Society
The Alzheimer Society of Canada says too many Canadians are dismissing early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. A recent survey of 1,000 caregivers of people affected by Alzheimer’s disease found that 44 per cent waited at least a year before reporting their symptoms to a doctor, and about 16 per cent waited two years. The society says waiting too long to report symptoms can result in delays accessing medications that will ease the disease’s impact on some people. Visit the Alzheimer Society’s Let’s Face It campaign website to learn more about the benefits of early detection of Alzheimer’s disease. Click here to read a related news story.
Residents, families applaud life in long-term care: CBC article
Long-term care home residents and their family members are applauding the care provided by the sector in an article published Jan. 10 by the CBC. The article, entitled “Nursing homes offer more than hospitals, residents say,” shares resident and family-member experiences with life in long-term care, underscoring the advantages people garner from living in a long-term care home. Some of these advantages include the increased socialization, comradeship and support provided by long-term care. Click here to read the full story.
Traditional Santa Claus Parade puts judge in tears
Santa made his seventh annual visit to residents and staff members at Meadow Park on Dec. 15, and the parade of presents, Pere Noels and reindeer left the judge in tears. Santa and the parade, led by the Mocha Shriners Band, marched throughout the halls of the London home, showcasing the costumes of staff members who were vying for the title of Best Float. Many staff and family members, as well as residents joined in for the festive event. The winner of the best float competition was the health care aide float, called the “Island of Misfit Toys.” Second place went to a float of Santa pulling the reindeers, and third place went to volunteers pulling the Polar Bear Express. The floats had the residents and judge laughing with joy and amusement.
Villa Care Centre spreads Christmas cheer
Villa Care Centre residents are spreading Christmas cheer in a few ways. First, they helped to make, package and distribute chocolate fudge to volunteers and community groups that work with the Jarlette Health Services home in Midland. More than 100 packages are being handed out, complete with a card reading: “It was sweet of you to spend time with us, Merry Christmas and thank you from the residents of the Villa Care Centre.” Residents also participated in a bake sale and chili lunch recently. Staff and volunteers donated baked goods and chili and some of the homemade fudge was also available. More than $310 raised by the event was given to the Midland Salvation Army’s holiday campaign, with the cheque presented at the home’s Dec. 12 Christmas tea. Volunteer services and therapeutics co-ordinator Sharon Randall says the idea was inspired by a resident who didn’t think he’d be able to make his annual donation to the Salvation Army this year. “It made us realize that giving to charity has very likely been an important part of celebrating the holidays for many of our residents,” Randall says, adding the residents council collaborated on the lunch and sale.
Extendicare Tendercare resident to carry medal during Rick Hansen 25th anniversary relay
John Fedorchuk is gearing up for this turn relaying the Rick Hansen Medal as it travels through Sault Ste. Marie on a cross-Canada tour. A resident of Extendicare Tendercare in Sault Ste. Marie, Fedorchuk will be participating in the 25th anniversary Relay on Dec. 20 as one of 7,000 participants who have made differences in the lives of others. Robin Mowbray, a registered practical nurse and RAI co-ordinator at the home, volunteers at Searchmont Resort’s sit-ski program and asked Fedorchuk if he wanted to get involved in the program four years ago. Fedorchuk has been using a wheelchair for about 10 years, and Mowbray thought he’d be a great candidate to be a medal-bearer. Though Fedorchuk gets weaker because of multiple sclerosis, he continues to hit the slopes on the sit-ski, says Mowbray. He says he’s excited about participating in the relay, and hopes to meet Rick Hansen. Fedorchuk has invited Hansen to come for a ski at Searchmont if there is snow during Sault Ste. Marie’s portion of the relay.
Have you ever seen a tree made of beans?
“Is this not the prettiest Christmas tree you have ever seen, even though it’s made out of kidney beans?” Poetically put, these were the comments overheard at the Meadow Park Nursing Home while staff and family members created sculptures out of canned goods from its inaugural “can”struction food drive in November. Staff and family members donated canned goods throughout November, helping the local Western Ontario Therapeutic Community Hostel (WOTCH) community. With the donated goods, residents used their imagination to “can”struct Christmas sculptures in the shapes of Christmas trees, presents, and the letters to “X-Mas.” The creations are displayed in the front window for everyone to see and will be donated to the WOTCH community on Dec. 22.
Temiskaming Lodge celebrates First Nations culture
Temiskaming Lodge embraced its First Nations culture recently. The Haileybury long-term care home devoted November to celebrating its Native roots. Resident Bertha Wabi, who is Algonquian, taught residents and volunteers how to make bannock. Meanwhile hairdresser Debra Alexander, who is Métis, shared stories and artifacts that have been passed down through her family.
Alexander showed a birch-bark canoe that she had made, along with other items including moccasins and a coat. “Legends and stories have always been an important part of Native culture,” says Kathy Ruddy, activity and volunteer co-ordinator at Temiskaming Lodge. “These stories have traditionally been passed down from generation to generation through oral telling.” The event was well-received by residents, Ruddy notes. Residents also enjoyed making totem poles, leather arm bands and beaded key chains, she adds.
Movember spirit raises money, home’s community profile
Manitoulin Lodge got into the “Movember” spirit by raising money for prostate cancer research while raising the profile of the home in the process. Two male staff members at the home, Lee Turley and Nick Docktare, grew moustaches throughout November to raise money, and the local newspaper, the Manitoulin Recorder, covered the story, notes activity director Gloria Hall. Hall adds that the women working at the home, which is located in Gore Bay, Manitoulin Island, wanted to show support for male staff members. “We thought this would be a nice way for the female staff to support what the male staff were doing because the male staff members often support what the females are doing to raise funds for breast cancer research,” she says.
Gilbert Heffern Award for journalism excellence established
The Ontario Long Term Care Association (OLTCA) has established the Gilbert Heffern Award, which will recognize journalists who demonstrate excellence in reporting on the long-term care sector. The first award will be presented at the 2013 OLTCA Convention and Tradeshow, and nominees will be selected based on work completed in 2012. The award has been established to recognize former OLTCA director of communications and public relations Gilbert Heffern, who recently passed away. “Gilbert helped direct the OLTCA through some of the sector’s most tumultuous times,” says OLTCA CEO Gail Paech in a statement. “His innovative public affairs strategies helped educate stakeholders and the public about the challenges facing long-term care.” Click here for more information.
Arbour Creek embraces the spirit of giving
For a third year, Arbour Creek Long-Term Care Centre has partnered with the not-for-profit Children of Christmas Past in the spirit of holiday giving. The Thomas Health Care home in Hamilton is hosting a tree with tags bearing the first names of long-term care residents and area seniors in need, and their Christmas wish. Staff, families and community members select a tag, purchase the gift and return it wrapped. Children of Christmas Past volunteers collect the presents and deliver them on Christmas Day. “The response is just amazing,” recreation and leisure director Kim Dooley says, noting last year’s tree was replenished with tags three times. Even Arbour Creek residents will take a tag and purchase a gift. “They know where it’s going, and some of them know how it feels not to have somebody and I think it really touches them. They can also see the impact within the home,” Dooley says, as some residents at Arbour Creek and its sister Pine Villa home are recipients.
Pine Villa dolled up in pink for charity
Pine Villa Nursing Home staff and residents were recently in the pink for breast cancer care and research. They made at least $100 in donations to wear pink clothes, accessories or casual scrubs every Friday in October, which was Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The money, earmarked for a local breast cancer support office, was also raised through the Stoney Creek’s home October daffodil campaign, with donors’ names put on paper flowers that were displayed. Recreation and volunteers manager Karen Cerantola says residents jumped on board the dress down campaign after seeing posters around the Thomas Health Care home and witnessing the first Friday. Her staff created scarves from pink sequined material that residents are still wearing around their necks, heads, wrists and even on their walkers.”They all want to help out every time we have a fundraiser,” Cerantola says, adding giving back to the community reinforces residents’ sense of self-worth and independence.
Kensington Gardens residents enjoy autumn treats
A fall fair and haunted house highlight a busy and favourite season of Kensington Gardens residents. During Halloween week, the large activity room at the Toronto not-for-profit home was transformed into a “spooktacular” space enjoyed by more than 100 residents and staff, plus Girl Guides and other community members, says life enrichment supervisor Colleen Madden. They enjoyed the festive decorations and many activities inside the haunted house, including a witches’ brew, pumpkin carving, spooky bingo, scary movies and a costume party. The Oct. 21 fall fair featured games like ring toss and other activities, a visit with farm animals, and seasonal and fair food like freshly-made popcorn and candy apples. Madden notes residents enjoyed the company of 12 volunteers from Sales Force, a local business that kindly provided the helpers. She says it was a great day for everyone, with a few lucky winners leaving with some great prizes.
Double scoop of delight served at ice-cream parlour
An ice-cream parlour at Pine Villa Nursing Home Oct. 26 that doubled as a fundraiser and celebration may have set the pattern for regular social gatherings for a cause. Recreation and volunteer manager Karen Cerantola says staff from various departments and shifts enjoyed getting together so much that they expressed interest in repeating it. Their delight was enhanced by the delectable sundaes, balloons and 1960s music that played. “It was a very carefree afternoon but in the end we fundraised and it was for a good cause,” Cerantola says. She notes that about $35 in cash and 10 grocery bags of food donations for the Stoney Creek Community Food Bank were collected from guests, who included volunteers, residents from the Thomas Health Care long-term care home and adjacent New Village Retirement Home, and families passing by with their children. The parlour celebrated Long-Term Care Week, which guests learned about from Cerantola and her staff and an information poster board on display.
Residents growing beards to raise money
It’s a “chin up” for the gentlemen residents of Southampton Care Centre this month. The Bruce County long-term care home’s men have been challenged to put away their razors and grow their beards throughout November while collecting pledges to support residents’ council activities. Resident and family services co-ordinator Andrea Prentice says she thinks the men are up for the challenge. “Our resident ladies groups facilitate several fundraising events for our community partners throughout the year, and the gentlemen thought they would like to contribute to something a little closer to home by directing the funds to the residents’ council,” she says.
Activity director Brenda Misch adds, “Our residents’ council is very active in supplementing the homes programming envelope. Special entertainment and disability bussing is very expensive. The generosity of the council allows more residents to participate in outings and group programs like Tim Hortons coffee socials.” Prizes will be awarded for several categories but the Jarlette Health Care Services staff will be encouraging the best Santa beard as they prepare to kick off the holiday season.
Avalon Retirement Centre grows great pumpkin
Avalon Retirement Centre beat out 10 other Jarlette homes in a pumpkin-growing challenge, with an entry that weighed at least 120 pounds. The winner was nurtured for months by Jack Barber, Don Webb and other long-term residents as part of the Orangeville home’s horticulture program, led by the life enrichment team’s Hazel Keating. The project attracted curious residents, families and staff to the courtyard garden, and the pumpkin earned a spot on the local newspaper’s front page. Life enrichment co-ordinator Sherry Braic says the project was an exciting first-time achievement and source of pride for residents as they helped it and watched the pumpkin grow.
Meadow Park residents host Wilton Grove students
The Meadow Park Care Centre hosted 10 students from the Wilton Grove Public School to a healthy lunch at the London-based home. The students joined the residents as a part of their 1,000 Acts of Kindness campaign, giving residents and students an opportunity to connect. The students sang Halloween songs and the home provided lunch including vegetable soup, sandwiches, yogurt, bananas and pumpkin cookies. Residents provided goody bags for the children. “We hope to have them back here again at Christmas for lunch,” says life enrichment co-ordinator Michelle Bronsard.
Pine Villa doubles up on commemorations
Pine Villa Nursing Home is marking both Long-Term Care Week and Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. At an ice-cream parlour during Long-Term Care Week, which runs to Oct. 28, residents, families, staff and volunteers enjoy a sundae for a non-perishable food donation to the Stoney Creek Community Food Bank. “It’s a fun afternoon but also helping the community,” says recreation and volunteers manager Karen Cerantola, who created the event with food services manager Jaimie Journeaux. The Thomas Health Care home will also donate to the food bank half of its proceeds from an annual 50-50 draw, which ends in November. A number of Pine Villa’s 41 residents are joining staff in dress down pink Fridays, with donations for a local breast cancer support office. Cerantola says residents wanted to participate after the first Friday, so staff created scarves from pink material for them. Pine Villa is also raising money for the cause through its October daffodil campaign, with donors’ names put on paper flowers that are displayed. Cerantola says the activities reinforce community spirit at the home.
Provincial Long Term Care Inc. recognized by UNICEF for fundraising
UNICEF Canada presented Provincial Long Term Care Inc. (PLTC) with a certificate of appreciation recognizing the organization for its Relief for Africans in Need (RAIN) campaign. The money will combat famine relief. PLTC ran a series of community events at five retirement living and long-term care homes, and hosted a corporate event in Toronto that raised more than $82,000, including a match by the Canadian government. The presentation was made at PLTC`s Shelburne Residence Retirement Home, which played a key role in fundraising by hosting a community dance at the Shelburne Legion. Christine Ozimek, chief operating officer at PLTC acknowledged the effort put into the fundraising, and said everyone involved should be proud of their work.
Drive-in days revisited at Heartwood
Residents at Heartwood Long Term Care Home were recently treated to a trip down memory lane when staff members at the Cornwall long-term care home recreated the experience of seeing a drive-in movie. By setting up a film screen borrowed from a local church and placing chairs in the parking area, staff members were able to replicate a drive-in cinema. The featured movie was the 1959 Marilyn Monroe classic Some Like it Hot. Staff members parked cars in the front row, the lights were shut off, and a concession stand complete with popcorn, hot dogs, chocolate bars, candy and slushies added to the authenticity of the evening. “From the moment Marilyn Monroe graced the screen, and a resident yelled out, ‘look at her legs,’ staff knew the event was a success,” says activation manager Lisa Herjavec. “To see the look on the residents’ faces, and then to see the same look of excitement on the faces of the staff was truly rewarding.”
Arbour Creek staff jump to it for Alzheimer Society
With residents, families and friends cheering them on, Arbour Creek Long Term Care Centre staff staged a skip-a-thon Sept. 28 for the Alzheimer Society of Hamilton and Halton. The early fundraising tally sat at $900, with director of recreation and leisure Kim Dooley saying they’d likely reach their $1,000 goal. It’s the most money ever raised for the cause by the Thomas Health Care home, which created the skip-a-thon to relate healthy living with Alzheimer’s disease, Dooley says. Sponsored as a team, staff from many departments plus a student and the home’s hairstylist skipped for 30 minutes in front of the Hamilton home. Enhancing their fun was music, balloons and residents watching from the front patio and balconies. “Everyone was excited and happy to be there. It was just amazing to be part of it,” Dooley says, noting the dedication and preparation required of staff to skip for 30 minutes straight. Joining in the event were top Thomas Health Care officials Augustus Thomas, Rita Thomas, Shirley Thomas-Weir and Natalie Thomas-Morgan.
Annual spa day a treat for Meadow
Park residents
Making their way through pampering stations, the women of Meadow Park
Nursing Home enjoyed facial massages, foot massages, manicures, hair and
make-up at the London home’s annual spa day. Michelle Bronsard,
life enrichment co-ordinator at the Jarlette home, says “we had
such a great time . . . and the residents all looked great.” It’s
the fifth year that staff members have provided the spa day. Bronsard
says between 15 and 20 people attended whatever stations they wanted.
“One lady said, ‘I want it all done and I could be here all
afternoon,’” says Bronsard. “She wasn’t going
to miss out on anything.” The home regularly does manicures and
make-up, so the kits and supplies were on hand. The only expenses were
non-alcoholic sparkling wine, cheese and crackers and foot spa supplies.
Joyce Brewin worked at Meadow Park for about 20 years, and recently retired
from housekeeping. Bronsard says Brewin always volunteered at the spa
day, and came this year, too. “She continues to help out with the
residents,” says Bronsard. Brewin and another volunteer, Nessie
Prince, “were amazing,” helping to porter residents to the
spa, greeting guests and helping to get food.
Resident ambassadors honoured
at Specialty Care Bradford Valley
The contributions of Specialty Care Bradford Valley’s resident
ambassadors were saluted at a Sept. 7 ceremony at the long-term care home.
Specialty Care president Lois Cormack joined administrator Luanne Campeau
in presenting certificates and small gifts to each of the Bradford home’s
27 resident ambassadors, with local media covering the event. A company-wide
program, the ambassadors are residents who volunteer their time and energy
in many ways at the home. They do everything from serve on a welcoming
committee to delivering mail to caring for plants and the resident cat.
Cormack says the ambassadors enhance residents’ quality of life
and are a tremendous help to families and staff. The program reflects
Specialty Care’s enabling choices model, which gives residents the
chance to continue to give to others.
Specialty Care Bradford Valley residents enjoy new Wii Fit
Specialty Care Bradford Valley marked National Seniors Day on Oct. 1 with
a fun new addition to the home. A Nintendo Wii Fit console as well as
two balance boards and accessories were donated to the long-term care
home in Bradford by the Be Well Chiropractic Health & Wellness Centre,
also in Bradford. Recreation therapist Rebecca Larter says residents are
enjoying it as they become more familiar with the video games, which feature
various forms of exercise and balancing. Larter, who notes some residents
are having fun just watching others use it, says the home’s restorative
and programs teams will make great use of the Wii Fit in the ensuing cold
weather months. The Be Well centre says it donated the system because
it can help residents stay physically active. Skills required to master
Wii Fit enhance balance, posture, mobility, endurance and muscle control.
Annual open house draws 97 people
to residences
Almost 100 people attended the annual open house of Tendercare
Living Centre, McNicoll Manor and Moll Berczy Haus last month. Joanne
Maxwell, programs manager for Tendercare Living Centre, says the food,
music and arts and craft sale are always a highlight of the afternoon.
The three facilities are all managed by Extendicare. Tendercare is the
long-term care home. McNicoll Manor is a retirement residence, and Moll
Berczy Haus is the German retirement residence. By opening the doors to
the community, Maxwell says it’s hoped admissions to all three home
areas are increased. Another goal, she adds, is providing knowledge of
the services offered at the homes. Snacks and entertainment are enjoyed
in the recreation room,. Opposite the rec room, a craft rooms is set up
that displays what the residents have made in the facility so visitors
“get a true picture of what type of activities we offer to our residents,”
says Maxwell. There is an art therapy club, a Chinese art therapy club,
a jewelry club, and a recently started stocking flower club. The room
is filled with items created by the club members, and visitors can purchase
at the display. “They can see the quality level of programming that’s
offered to the residents,” says
Maxwell.
RAIN campaign total tops $82,000 for famine relief
Provincial Long Term Care Inc. (PLTC) is thankful for the support
of its Relief for Africans in Need (RAIN) campaign, which raised $82,000
including matching by the Government of Canada’s relief fund. The
campaign, supported by UNICEF Canada, will aid famine relief in Africa.
“Every single member of our staff, residents and their families,
as well as our local volunteers should feel proud of what they have accomplished,
said Christine Ozimek, chief operating officer at PLTC. “From Toronto
to Thornbury to Port Hope,” we have increased awareness about the
crisis in Africa and helped support relief efforts through UNICEF. On
behalf of PLTC, I would like to be the first to congratulate everyone
on a job well done.” PLTC homes across the province hosted events
including barbecues, bingos, quilt sales, bakes sales and a dance. At
Regency Manor, resident services co-ordinator Kim Raymond shaved her head
in front of the home’s residents, families, staff and volunteers
after exceeding her goal of raising $500. In total, Raymond raised $900.
Ozimek expressed her gratitude to UNICEF for “ensuring that the
funds we raise are delivered to those who need it most. We couldn’t
have accomplished what we did without their support.”
Home raises $161 during SuperWalk
Residents from Jarlette’s Meadow Park Retirement Lodge in London
recently raised $161 for the Parkinson’s SuperWalk. The London home’s
third SuperWalk was highlighted by 50 participants and 15 residents doing
laps around their home led by the encouragement of a live band named Travel
N Riverboat. Some residents did upwards of 19 laps for the good cause,
and one resident did 30 laps of the home in only an hour.
Provincial Long Term Care
Inc. raises $75,000 for African famine relief
A seven-week fundraiser by Provincial Long Term Care Inc. (PLTC) is expected
to raise $75,000 for famine relief in Africa. Last week, an exclusive
cocktail reception and auction drew about 100 people to Blowfish Restaurant
in Toronto to wrap-up fundraising and the Relief for Africans in Need
(RAIN) campaign launched by PLTC. With the dollar-for-dollar match by
the federal government, the total will exceed PLTC’s goal of $50,000.
The fundraising was supported by UNICEF Canada. Christine Ozimek, chief
operating officer at PLTC says the organization decided to support famine
relief because “PLTC has been dedicated to the care and well-being
of those in need for over 35 years and this was an opportunity to extend
that care to those in developing countries. It was also a way for those
living in LTC to give back.” Each of PLTC’s five long-term
care and retirement living homes hosted community campaigns. Events at
individual homes included barbecues, a dance, draws, coffee breaks and
muffin sales and one staff member at Regency Manor raised more than $500
by shaving her head. PLTC is a family-owned and operated group of dual
retirement living and long-term care homes located in small towns across
Ontario.
Quick-thinking staff keeps
everyone calm during severe weather warning
A recent severe weather watch upgraded to a tornado warning gave the staff
at Southampton Care Centre a chance to utilize some of their emergency
plans. Because of the upgrade, staff members brought all 88 residents
at the Bruce County home into the interior hallways of the building. Charge
Nurse Rosemary Arns and staff at the Jarlette Health Services-owned home
worked very hard to calm the residents. To help alleviate the stress,
staff told confused residents they were hosting a street party. The idea
really seemed to work as the next morning the residents were talking about
the “street party,” explains activity director Brenda Misch.
“The staff did a wonderful job or reassuring us, no one was frightened
and the staff handled the situation very well,” says residents’
council president Kay Easton. “I could not have felt safer anywhere
else.”
OLTCA calls on new government to support rebuilding, maintenance of homes
With the demand for long-term care expected to triple by 2035, the Ontario
Long Term Care Association is calling on the next provincial government
to support the rebuilding and maintenance of care homes. The call to action,
entitled “Access for All: High Quality Long Term Care Homes for
Seniors Now,” is asking the new government, ahead of the Oct. 6
election, to immediately take action to ensure access to state-of-the-art,
modern long-term care homes. The OLTCA says this is needed “to avoid
a crisis of access, quality and availability of care in the future.”
In a statement issued Aug. 22, OLTCA CEO Gail Paech says, “Long-term
care homes across the province are providing exceptional quality, specialized
care to some of Ontario’s most vulnerable citizens. But we also
care for the buildings that our residents call home. We need them to be
redeveloped and properly maintained so we can continue providing exceptional
quality care in a home-like environment within the community.” Click
here to learn more.
Residents from sister homes enjoy outings
together
Residents from two Thomas Health Care homes are enjoying some interesting,
full-day excursions together. Pine Villa Nursing Home and New Village
Retirement Home in Stoney Creek and nearby Arbour Creek Long Term Care
Centre in Hamilton are pooling resources for summer and fall trips to
Medieval Times in Toronto, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Safari Niagara in Stevensville,
and other destinations. Arbour Creek recreation director Kim Dooley spearheaded
the idea to engage residents in new or familiar experiences. Offering
the outings jointly using a wheelchair-accessible bus “really makes
it more cost-efficient and accessible for residents,” she says.
Dooley and Pine Villa recreation and volunteers manager Karen Cerantola
say residents love the change of scenery and pace. At Medieval Times,
for example, residents enjoyed eating a feast with their hands and seeing
horses, costumes, and jousting and other demonstrations, talking about
it long afterwards. Families are also on board because “they love
to see their parent part of something and that means so much to them,”
Dooley says.
Extendicare staff shows
they have heart
Extendicare’s fitness co-ordinator Luci Hubbard had wanted a team
in the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s Ride for Heart for several
years, but between vacations and workload it was difficult to get off
the ground. However, when colleague Bill Moffatt had a heart attack, he
became the driver for corporate staff to sign up. The team raised almost
$4,000 in its first ride on Aug. 18 in Markham. Hubbard says she tries
to keep her colleagues as fit as possible, and she was “absolutely
delighted” to see Extendicare’s “Extend-a-Life”
team participate this year. “I’m going to push for two teams
next year,” she says. Besides fundraising, the event is also a lot
of fun, and Moffatt rode for the first time this year. “I’m
sort of a different guy since I had my heart attack,” he says. “It
was a lot of changes for me. I was a typical overweight fat guy that smoked
too much and ate bad food and it caught up with me.” Moffatt was
the team’s largest fundraiser, collecting $900.
Main Street Terrace residents set sail
Main Street Terrace residents set sail on Lake Ontario aboard the Tall
Ship Kajama recently. The annual summer cruise provides a nice change
of pace and scenery, as well as socialization with other passengers and
the crew of post-secondary students, says program manager Lori Jones-Chizewski.
Among the 24-member group from the Revera Inc. home were residents from
the East Coast, who particularly enjoyed reminiscing about fishing and
other aspects of life on the water. Other residents enjoyed seeing changes
that have occurred in Toronto. Jones-Chizewski notes that the ship is
wheelchair accessible and the group enjoyed a picnic lunch prepared by
the home.
Annual cruiser night a
hit at Meadow Park London
A car club paid a visit to Meadow Park London recently for the sixth consecutive
year, and it was a record turnout of 50 cars, says volunteer and nutritional
co-ordinator Mary Ellen Sharp. Resident, staff members and volunteers
wore poodle skirts, hula-hooping and twisting the night away. Ken Chaplin,
the car club’s organizer, was “very pleased” at the
enthusiasm from everyone at Meadow Park, says Sharp. Cars included two
1986 Zimmers, a 1956 Chevrolet and a 1932 Model A. The event also saw
a 50-50 draw that raised $220 for the home’s residents’ council.
Proceeds from home’s
‘goldfish insurance’ go to residents’ council
Southampton Care Centre put a new twist on the Bruce County long-term
care home’s goldfish races by offering staff members a chance to
buy “goldfish insurance” so they would not have to swallow
a fish. The joke was well taken after staff learned that it was a Goldfish
cracker. All proceeds from the “insurance” are going to residents’
council to help fund activities. Other events at the home’s fishing
derby day included a display of poles and lures by a staff member and
a chance to catch fish.
Westmount LTC contest entry depicts residents
are living, learning
Staff and residents of Westmount Long Term Care Residence are in the midst
of preparing their entry for Chartwell’s annual Living Our Corporate
Values Contest. Amie Wilker, resident support service manager for the
Kitchener home, says the team is going to illustrate the people come to
the Westmount “to learn, they come to live, they come to grow”
and continue on with their lives. Three residents’ goals are going
to be focussed on in the video. One senior will be shown with text saying
he wants to walk again. Another, a trumpeter will be shown with text saying
he wants to maintain his ability to play music. The third resident will
be seen looking out the window at the daycare centre, watching children
ride their bikes, with text saying she’d like to ride a bike again.
The video will play Katy Perry’s song “Firework”, while
showing the same three residents on bars with a restorative therapist,
with his trumpet, and on a Duet tandem wheelchair bike. Other residents
and staff will be filmed in the parking lot doing a flash mob dance, says
Wilker. The entry will be filmed on Aug. 16 for the competition in mid-September.
Maplewood annual BBQ brings people together
Maplewood's recent annual summer barbecue once again served as the perfect
forum for bringing residents, families, staff members and volunteers together
in an atmosphere full of good food and fun. Corkery credits the event's
success to the work of team members from all departments who came together.
"We have amazing staff here and all of the staff worked together,"
she says. Of note, Corkery says three PSWs — Kathy, Tina and Linda
— proved to be champions during the event when they encouraged residents
to get up and dance to the Elvis tunes performed by impersonator Matt
Dowsett, who was the star of the show.
Resident surprised with birthday gift from Ottawa Senators
Hazel Stewart has been an Ottawa hockey fan for a long, long time. So
when the resident of Revera’s Longfields Manor in Barrhaven was
celebrating her 105th birthday, who better to surprise her than the Ottawa
Senators hockey club. Longfields Manor acting executive director Carol
Lavoie says the independent and quiet Stewart had given staff permission
to organize something for her birthday. But when a representative of the
hockey club arrived at the party with a pink Ottawa Senators jersey with
her name and number 105 on the back, Stewart was thrilled. Lavoie says
Stewart is a very content and humble woman that doesn’t like a lot
of attention drawn to her. But it’s not every day that staff get
to celebrate 105th birthdays, so they were happy to plan a surprise. “We
were very excited,” says Jones. “It’s fun.” Staff
says the team is a work family, and when residents mark a milestone, it’s
like celebrating their grandma’s birthday.
Main Street Terrace takes
fundraiser in stride
Main Street Terrace residents, families, volunteers and staff, together
with area schoolchildren, stepped it up June 10 to support the Stephen
Lewis Foundation’s Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign. A walk
and barbecue at the Revera Inc. home in Toronto netted approximately $350
to help African grandmothers caring for children orphaned by AIDS. Program
manager Lori Jones-Chizewski says the second annual fundraiser was a plus
on many fronts. “It was a great outdoor event, it brought in some
of our community members to see us, and residents were able to help someone
else.” About 10 residents walked or wheeled around the block, joined
by students from a Montessori school partnered with the home. Money came
from hot dog and hamburger sales and freewill donations. Revera has chosen
the grandmothers campaign as a corporate charitable initiative.
Fun Fair marks anniversary, raises funds
at Garden City Manor
More than 250 people attended a fun fair at Revera’s Garden
City Manor in St. Catharines on June 22 to mark the home’s anniversary
and raise funds for the palliative care room, Serenity Place. Residents,
staff and families were all invited to share a barbecue, live entertainment,
pony rides and a bouncy castle for the kids. The Programs Team was assisted
by the Management Team in organizing the event on the home’s yard,
and in total more than $600 was raised to go towards refurbishing the
palliative care room through numerous raffles and a 50/50 draw.
Residents release butterflies they helped
nurture
Residents at Muskoka Landing in Huntsville recently had fun watching several
caterpillars turn into butterflies over the span of a month. Once the
larvae the home purchased online became butterflies, the winged critters
were kept overnight and released the next day. Twenty-five residents turned
up for the release party at the Jarlette Health Services home. Program
manager Pamm Reain says residents enjoyed watching the different stages
that took place between the time the home received the larvae to when
the caterpillars sprouted wings and became painted lady butterflies. “It
was bringing nature into the home,” says Reain. “Residents
found this fascinating.”
Award nomination sparks family reunion
From as far away as Utah, family members joined a Meadow Park Chatham
resident recently in celebration of the senior’s accomplishments.
Doug Stuart was surrounded by his family to mark his recent nomination
for the OLTCA Lifetime Achievement Award. While Stuart was not selected
for the award given at the annual OLTCA convention, the long-term care
home decided to recognize his nomination and invite his relatives to take
part. “It was a very touching reunion with family coming all the
way from Utah to celebrate and spend time with Doug,” says Lydia
Swant, co-ordinator of resident, family and volunteer services. The family
gathered together to see their 95-year-old father, grandfather and great-grandfather
receive his certificate and reminisce.
Big hearts at Hallowell House raise funds for heart and stroke
It takes a big heart to ride a big bike. So goes the slogan for the Heart
and Stroke Foundation’s Big Bike fundraising events across the cross
country and in early May, the team from Revera’s Hallowell House
in Picton proved their hearts are as big as any. The team, captained by
restorative aide Diane Williams, raised $2,150 in the four months leading
up to the May 7 ride, when the team of 29 pedalled the huge bike to raise
awareness of cardiovascular health. “At Hallowell House, we encourage
our staff and residents to get involved in the community,” says
Leanne Weir, Executive Director, “We saw the Big Bike ride as a
really fun way to do this and to show our support for a very worthwhile
cause.” The heart and stroke foundation says last year, more than
40,000 Canadians took part in a Big Bike ride in more than 200 communities
raising more than $7 million for research.
Resident reminisces with fellow Shriners
From riding along in a fire engine in the local parade to fundraising
for children with special needs, Lloyd Guyett enjoys being a Shriner.
The Meadow Park Chatham resident had time recently to share those memories
and others when he visited with fellow Shriners, Jim Shillington and Pierre
Doré. The men visited with Guyett and they celebrated International
Shrine Awareness Day, which was June 6. Guyett and his visitors are members
of the Mocha Shriners in London, Ont. “The gentlemen spent time
reminiscing about the past and the time and effort spent fundraising for
the Shriners Hospitals for Children,” says Lydia Swant, resident,
family and volunteer services co-ordinator at the long-term care home.
Shriners International is a fraternity rooted in fun and fellowship. Its
roughly 325,000 members support a health-care system of 22 hospitals dedicated
to improving children’s lives.
Report speaks to role
LTC can play reducing wait times
The Ontario Long Term Care Association (OLTCA) is applauding Health Quality
Ontario’s (HQO) 2011 report for its acknowledgement of the role
the long-term care sector can play reducing hospital wait times. Of note,
the report says 67 long-term care homes are reporting available beds.
These available spaces provide the sector with opportunities to help reduce
wait times in the acute-care system. “We look forward to working
with all health system partners, such as the Community Care Access Centres,
to identify bottlenecks in the placement process, and ensure people in
need can quickly find appropriate care,” said OLTCA CEO Christina
Bisanz in a statement. “Today’s document reaffirms the need
for the long term care sector to be a key health system partner in addressing
long term care wait times and alternative levels of care challenges.”
Click here
to read more.
Roberta Place residents
offering advice to royal newlyweds
“Keep your words tender and sweet for some day you may have
to eat them,” “Compromise,” and “Marry once and
make it work,” is some of the sage advice that Prince William and
Kate Middleton will receive from Roberta Place residents as part of the
Barrie home’s celebration of the marriage. Life enrichment co-ordinator
Anita Crane says a guest book complete with residents’ marital tips
and their own wedding photos is to be sent to the local MPP for channelling
to the royal couple. Crane notes that many of the Jarlette home’s
residents share an affinity for royal family members and “it was
very important for them to be part of the big day.” The celebration
included a special breakfast on the wedding day April 29 for all 140 residents.
Dressed in their finest, including special hats and floral pieces they
made, residents enjoyed bangers, baked beans, English muffins and a royal
toast of “champagne” orange juice. Residents also replicated
Union Jacks and watched the wedding. A number of them also shared their
royal-related memories and experiences during a segment aired on local
TV. “More royals have to get married,” Crane exclaims, noting
the activities generated around the wedding provided many therapeutic
benefits for residents. Staff were also engaged and excited by this current
event. “The mood was electric,” Crane says.
Country star swings by
Meadow Park Chatham
Meadow Park Chatham had something to sing about recently when Canadian
country star, Michelle Wright, paid a visit. The singer, whose greatest
hits include Take It Like a Man, Safe in the Arms of Love and Nobody’s
Girl, was born in Chatham. Wright and her mother stopped in to visit the
singer’s childhood babysitter, Helen Kiekens, a resident of Meadow
Park Chatham. After reminiscing with Kiekens, Wright chatted with other
residents and staff and posed for a few photographs. “Staff, visitors
and residents were a buzz with the visit and Michelle was so friendly
with everyone,” says Lydia Swant, co-ordinator of volunteers and
resident and family services co-ordinator. “Michelle is someone
that all Chathamites are familiar with.”
Main Street Terrace volunteers
treated royally
Main Street Terrace volunteers were treated royally at the Revera
Inc. home’s annual volunteer appreciation event. Held April 28,
the luncheon featured a traditional British meal of roast beef and Yorkshire
pudding with all the fixings, Union Jacks prominently displayed, and classic
English songs sung live. The Toronto home’s bell choir also wrote
a volunteer tribute to the music of the Beatles’ Yellow Submarine.
Program staff presented an original song as well. Each of the 50 volunteers
present, including several residents, received a gift while Diane Abernathy,
a 38-year volunteer, received a basketful of items from a nearby British
shop as a “special remembrance to her and all that she does,”
program manager Lori Jones-Chizewski says. With the home since it opened,
Abernathy’s done everything from working at socials to sorting items
rummage sale items to visiting with residents. Jones-Chizewski says she’s
an inspiration: “At 80 years old, she’s still out in the community
and contributing.” Jones-Chizewski adds that it’s important
to the home to recognize its volunteers as they are “part of our
family.” The royal theme blended into other events that week, like
English comedy night, in the run-up to Prince William’s wedding.
On April 29, wedding day, residents discussed the royals, enjoyed tea
served on fine china and live music, and wore hand-crafted hats.
McGarrell Place
residents connect with family, friends at home and abroad
rrell Place resident
was able to see his son in British Columbia for the first time in a year.
The resident was “so excited. He had a look of sheer joy,”
resident service co-ordinator Jennifer Kunz says. This is one of the meaningful
moments made possible for the Revera Inc. home’s residents following
the Internet call-service’s launch, Kunz says. “Staying connected
to loved ones is one way to enhance the quality of life of residents living
in long-term care,” she says, adding Skype is free, readily available,
and adds an extra dimension as parties can see as well as hear one another.
Staff set up Skype on one of the London home’s resident computers,
which also has a 24-inch monitor, microphone and headphones to assist
with communication challenges, and the specialized Pointerware software
that increases accessibility for seniors. Kunz says residents were eager
to try Skype. The first call was to a family member vacationing in Ukraine
but regularly visits his mother at McGarrell Place. Other calls have been
placed to northern Ontario and Michigan, Kunz says.
Rockwood Terrace
residents enjoy Mother’s Day spa
Rockwood Terrace residents celebrated Mother’s
Day with a little pampering and socializing May 5. Nearly all of the County
of Grey home’s 67 female residents enjoyed relaxing facials, manicures,
massages and foot baths at the all-day spa. Program and other team members
provided the hands-on treatments, while volunteers welcomed participants
to cozy corners created around the room for conversation, treats and refreshments.
Avon products were available for sale too. A harpist and pianist provided
soothing music, and two of the Durham home’s maintenance team members,
decked out in tuxedo T-shirts, got down on bended knee to give each participant
a carnation. Resident and family services manager Teri Fischer says the
home opted for a spa day over its traditional Mother’s Day tea to
create a social occasion that is “even more special” for residents
and honours all women at the home. “They just loved the spa,”
Fischer says of the residents’ response, noting some stayed at the
event for the whole day. One recipient of a foot spa commented, “I
feel like a cat. Now I know why they purr.
Every day is Mother’s Day at
Morriston ParkMother’s Day officially falls on May
8 but it’s a year-round celebration at Morriston Park. It is home
to 28 female residents, many of whom are mothers, grandmothers or great-grandmothers.
Administrator and director of care Karen Bolger says it’s a blessing
to know these women, particularly for staff who have lost a mother, grandmother
or great-grandmother. One resident is affectionately called “GG,”
at her request. It’s short for “great-grandmother” and
was first coined by her granddaughters. On Mother’s Day, the independently-owned
home in the Guelph-Milton area plans a tea on the deck overlooking a large
pond frequented by many waterfowl and the rest of the treed grounds. “What
a wonderful tranquil environment to share the beauty of nature while celebrating
your mother,” Bolger says. She notes that the much anticipated tea
culminates a week of enjoying flowers that fill the home for Mother’s
Day. “Plus it marks spring for residents,” she says. Bolger
says the home wishes all mothers living in long-term care a Happy Mother’s
Day.
Royal wedding watchers include Forest Heights
residents
Count Forest Heights Long Term Care Centre
residents amongst the millions of royal wedding watchers. Program manager
Alison Roberge reports interest is running high at the Revera Inc. home
in Kitchener for the April 29 marriage of Kate Middleton and Prince William,
eldest son of the late Diana, Princess of Wales. “This is exciting,
this is big news. A lot of them are just waiting for this event because
they followed Princess Diana so closely and then now to see the follow-up
with the ‘Wee One’ as they call him, it’s quite interesting.”
The home’s celebration was to kick off with an April 25 social hour
featuring a toast to the couple. A royal wedding tea, complete with white
gloves, fine china and a volunteer server, follows on April 27. On the
wedding day, residents will gather at 2:30 p.m. to watch a recreation
staffer’s recording of the nuptials. Families are welcome at all
of the events, which Roberge says provide “tremendous therapeutic
value” to residents. They get to socialize, reminisce and be part
of a current and global event.
Home celebrates ‘Cuckoo
Day’
Everyone has heard of April Fools Day, but what about Cuckoo Day? Traditionally,
the return of the cuckoo bird in mid-April represents the start of spring.
Some towns go as far as to celebrate with cuckoo fairs, drawing hundreds
of visitors. “We decided to declare April 14 Cuckoo Day —
and what would a Cuckoo Day be without cuckoo hats?” says Avalon
Care Centre activity director Sarah Murray. Residents, families, staff
and volunteers at the home were encouraged to wear their silliest-looking
hats on April 14. For those residents who didn’t have access to
hats, the home scheduled an afternoon of “Cuckoo Crafty Creators”
the day before, making crazy-looking hats out of paper plates, feathers,
ribbon and whatever else they could find. As part of Cuckoo Day, staff
members at the Orangeville home also scheduled programs such as “bird
brain teasers,” “cuckoo history,” and an afternoon showing
of the classic film One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.
Up, up and away
Leacock Care Centre’s Second Wind Dreams program scored another
success April 13 when one of the Orillia home’s residents had his
wish to go on a helicopter ride granted. Resident Rene Jobin and his niece
Pat Jobin, accompanied by Georgian College therapeutic recreation students
Jessica MacKenzie and Caleigh McNalty, went to Lake Simcoe Regional Airport
where they were met by Greg, their pilot, who took the group on a 40-minute
flight around the Orillia area. Rene didn’t waste any time getting
into the helicopter, the students say. “His only wish was to fly
over Leacock to see what the building looked like from above,” write
MacKenzie and McNalty in an e-mail to the Morning Report. The
students add that camaraderie between Rene and Greg was evident. “As
they finally left the chopper, the two discussed having Rene celebrate
his 90th birthday with a helicopter ride next year. Greg also asked if
he could visit Rene and share a coffee with him this summer.” Leacock
and Georgian College are partners in the Second Wind Dreams program.
Fundraising evening brings
'Hope for the Cure'
Telfer Place hosted a charitable evening recently that netted approximately
$2,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society. The idea grew from personal support
worker Helen McKenzie’s plan to cut her long locks to raise money
and make a wig for those touched by cancer. Program manager Christine
Hurst notes a number of staff members at the Revera long-term care and
retirement home in Paris have been affected by cancer, so “doing
something like this gives them a chance to come out and support each other.”
Open to the public for a $5 admission fee, “Hope for the Cure”
featured a silent auction of items donated by the Town of Paris, plus
a 50-50 draw table manned by residents’ council volunteers. At least
100 community members enjoyed a tower of cupcakes and refreshments as
well as musical entertainment. They also witnessed McKenzie’s hair
cut and an honourary walk by about 20 cancer survivors, led by a bagpiper,
around the home’s candle-lit indoor balcony. Hurst says it’s
hoped the event will be held annually.
Carlingview Manor staff
eat up Nutrition Month event
Fun and education fused at a staff wellness event marking Nutrition Month
at Ottawa’s Carlingview Manor. Team members filled the staff lounge
March 9 for a smoothie demonstration with taste samples and take-away
recipe booklet, and a contest to colour an apron with food items from
the kitchen. A Canadian Diabetes Association representative offered nutritional
resources such as menu planners. Registered dietitian and event organizer
Maheen Pasha provided foods to taste like dragon fruit and blood oranges,
which she says amazed samplers with their flavour and appearance. The
Revera home’s staff educator added to the fun, with balloons popping
on her grapevine costume with every hug. Pasha, inspired to hold the event
by staff’s frequent questions on nutrition, says they found it fun
and informative. She adds that she appreciates the support of the home’s
management and staff and donations from residents’ council and sponsors
Sysco and McCain.
Fashion comes to Leacock
Care Centre
On March 25, residents and guests from the community were treated to a
runway-style fashion show at Leacock Care Centre where volunteers, staff
and family members modelled the latest fashions. “We wanted to bring
the community into the facility and raise some excitement for our residents,”
says Dorothy Stevenson, the home’s chaplain and event organizer.
“The feedback was fantastic.” She says the residents were
honoured by the fact that Alia & Tanjay, the store that provided the
fashions, would stage such an event in their home. Based on the experience
and the pleasure it brought to all involved, Stevenson says it’s
certain to become a regular occurrence.
E-learning for all Ontario homes launches today
Starting today (March 31), all Ontario long-term care homes can
access free, online courses designed to support their understanding of
the new Long-Term Care Homes Act. Focused on abuse and neglect, residents’
rights, and physical restraints, the training modules are provided by
Upstairs Solutions. Another four webcasts will be developed through Colleges
Ontario’s CONNECT, with a specially-formed panel of various stakeholder
organizations helping to shape the content. This initiative is funded
by Ontario’s Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, following approval
of an Ontario Long Term Care Association (OLTCA) proposal. OLTCA director
of policy and professional development Nancy Cooper says web-based education
is readily accessible and easy to use, making it an important avenue for
long-term care staff to add to their body of knowledge. “Ontario
care teams work hard for residents and families,” OLTCA CEO Christina
Bisanz says. “Increasing staff knowledge enables these teams to
work most effectively. By providing opportunities for innovations in staff
education, we can realize significant time and cost savings with proven
e-learning methods.” Click
here for more information.
Shamrocks help home recognize staff and
others for contributions
Shamrocks offering pats on the back to people who make a difference to
residents at Southampton Care Centre have adorned the walls of the Bruce
County home throughout March. The green paper clover leafs with people’s
names attached are aiming to show the home’s appreciation for their
hard work. “The idea recognizes the contributions, dedication and
hard work that all members of the team have to offer, and that sometimes
we forget to congratulate and compliment each other,” explains activity
director Brenda Misch. The Bruce County home’s activity staff organized
the month-long recognition event, and engaged residents by having them
help create the shamrocks as the need for more and more “pats on
the back” became evident, notes Misch. The wall boasts thanks to
volunteers, residents, family members, nursing, laundry, cleaning, environmental,
dietary, activity and management staff, as well as community partners.
“The residents and staff have had a great time perusing the walls
daily to see who else has been recognized,” says Misch.
Sherwood Court collects
more than 1,400 postcards
Sherwood Court has collected 1,405 signed postcards for the Ontario
Long Term Care Association’s campaign seeking adequate long-term
care funding. Executive director Sandra Cardillo says it’s a “phenomenal”
result for a home of just 96 residents. She credits three active and vocal
family council members for going “above and beyond” and leading
the charge at the Revera home in Maple. Handing out copies of a two-line
sentence that read, “Your signature will help Sherwood Court in
ways you couldn’t imagine,” the campaigners garnered support
from residents, staff and many families, Cardillo says. She believes the
personal nature of the appeal and simply asking for support led to the
strong response. With the theme “It Takes a Team to Care,”
this year’s campaign stresses every department in a home needs adequate
funding to meet ministry standards.
Villa Care Centre residents
embark on spiritual meditation
Villa Care Centre’s recently launched spiritual meditation
program is a window to residents finding a divine sense of peace and well-being
so they accept life’s journey and their daily challenges and know
that they are not alone. Chaplain Cindy Wendel leads the 30-minute sessions
at the Jarlette Health Services home in Midland. Creating a serene environment
with music and simple, prayerful language, she guides residents through
tension-release and breathing exercises then contemplation of gospel stories.
For many residents, the program reconnects them with previous spiritual
teachings and experiences and “allows them to explore soul searching
again,” Wendel says. She appreciates the home’s support of
the program, noting “there is a spiritual realm that’s important
and vital for a person becoming whole.” Wendel adds that it’s
beneficial for residents to learn about modern techniques like meditation
and the program fosters a connection to the community.
O’Neill Centre residents
embracing Zumba
Forty-two residents at the O’Neill Centre participated
in the Toronto home’s inaugural Zumba Gold class, led by instructor
Julie Pollock. Characterized as a “new, innovative program”
at the home, programs manager Emily Apigo says Zumba is an excellent way
for residents to perform cardiovascular exercises and enhance mobility.
Zumba is also an effective vehicle for decreasing depression and anxiety
in people, notes Apigo. Developed in the 1990s in Colombia, Zumba combines
moves from a variety of Latin dance styles with aerobic exercises. Zumba
Gold is the name of a Zumba regimen designed for seniors. Currently, Zumba
Gold classes are being offered to residents every other Wednesday, but
Apigo says she hopes to eventually see the program run weekly.
Students exceed fundraiser’s goal
by $2,500
Four students from the therapeutic recreation
program at Georgian College raised $4,020 during Leacock Care Centre’s
Bowling for Dreams fundraiser March 11, in support of the home’s
Second Wind Dreams program. The event, which took place at Rainbow Lanes
in Orillia, exceeded the goal of raising $1,500. Second Wind Dreams pairs
Georgian College therapeutic recreation students with Leacock residents
to fulfil residents’ dreams. Second Wind Dreams events are fully
funded through the fundraising efforts of students. “Our goal was
to raise $1,500 during our Bowling for Dreams fundraiser. With the help
of our 80 participants who collected sponsorship pledges, we raised $4,020.45
for this wonderful cause,” says Laurel Beveridge, one of the organizers.
“We would like to thank all of the participants who came out to
support Second Wind Dreams, as well as our sponsors who donated many prizes
for the event.”
102 candles
Well-wishers were on hand recently to mark an important milestone for
Rose Cowley. With friends, residents and staff by her side, the Trillium
Court Seniors’ Community resident celebrated her 102nd birthday
March 1. Now living in Kincardine, Cowley was born in Toronto in 1909.
She married at 25, moving to Kitchener with her husband, Colin. They were
married for 25 years and had a son together. Cowley has two grandchildren
and two great-grandchildren. She moved to Kincardine when she was 95 to
be closer to her son.
Villa Care Centre resident
spearheads tasty fundraiser
Villa Care Centre residents, families, staff members and volunteers recently
enjoyed a tasty fundraiser at the Midland home. They baked treats for
the Feb. 11 sale, then snapped them up. Resident Michael Campbell spearheaded
the event to help the Huronia Seniors Volunteer Care Team (HSVCT). These
volunteers from the Jarlette Health Services home formed a registered
charity to operate a wheelchair-accessible van for residents and community
members and are now fundraising for a replacement vehicle. Campbell, who
has used the service and “loves to be involved in the home,”
had great support for his idea, says volunteer services and therapeutics
co-ordinator Sharon Randall. “It was a great effort,” she
says, noting staff member Kim Arnott baked for the sale and volunteered
her time to help on the day of the sale. Campbell recently presented a
$333 cheque to HSVCT’s Don Copping, Stan Bastedo and Warren Lindsay.
Young cheerleaders put a little kick into Family Day at Roberta Place
A group of three- to six-year-olds put a little kick into Family Day for
Roberta Place residents. About 15 of the CheerPride All-Stars’ youngest
members, accompanied by their parents, siblings and grandparents, made
their first visit to the Barrie long-term care home Feb. 21. Manager Amanda
Thompson and coaches Emily Magnusson and Kristina Grant had the girls
do jumps and lunges, form a pyramid and demonstrate dance moves in each
of the three home areas. They then visited with each resident. Volunteer
services co-ordinator Sheila MacDonald says residents loved the interaction
with the children, making Family Day very special. “They were just
adorable, and they want to come again,” she says, noting a summer
performance in the garden would accommodate the older All-Stars’
high-flying manoeuvres. The idea to bring the troupe to the Jarlette home
came from a staff member whose daughter is a member.
Advocacy campaign garners 20,000
postcards supporting adequate funding
Ontario Long Term Care Association (OLTCA) member homes have delivered
more than 20,000 signed postcards to MPPs in support of adequate funding
to help the sector meet ministry standards. Adding to this, more than
7,000 e-postcards have been sent to MPPs, as part of the OLTCA’s
“It Takes a Team to Care” campaign. “Campaign participants
are sending a strong message to the provincial government that it must
adequately fund long-term care,” said OLTCA CEO Christina Bisanz
in a press release. This year’s campaign is emphasizing that every
department in a long-term care home plays an important part enriching
residents’ lives. To meet ministry standards, homes are saying that
every department needs adequate funding. Click
here to read more.
Eden House battles winter blues
through poetry
Eden House Care Facility Inc.’s. fun approach to beating the winter
blahs has tickled many funny bones. A staff poetry contest garnered an
outstanding response with many quality entries sharing humorous, sentimental
and personal thoughts on the family-owned, long-term care and retirement
home in Guelph. Volunteer Sue Martin, family member Marion Nichol and
administrator John Bouwmeester were challenged to select winners. First
place and $500 went to Karen Bannon for her poem called “A Nice
Place to Live.” Jessica Fiddler and Maggie Bond placed second and
third for “Breakfast at Eden House” and “Smile”
respectively, and earned $300 and $200. Honourable mention, and $100 each,
went to Pat Lanfranchi, Jillian Richmond, Jennifer Cargill, Kim Bishop
and Joan Williams. Classic Care Pharmacy generously donated $500 to the
pool of prize money.
Home hosts friendship supper
Friendship was on the menu at Meadow Park Care Centre London recently.
The long-term care home treated residents and their friends to a special
dinner Feb. 11, consisting of chicken cordon bleu, baked potato, fresh
asparagus and a cheesecake with fruit sauce. A local pianist provided
entertainment during the meal. “There is no friendship day so we
wanted to create one,” says recreation manager Linda Oke. She notes
Valentine’s Day can be painful for residents who have lost their
partners. “We felt it was very important to honour best buddies.”
Annual PSW Conference Scheduled
The annual 2011 Personal Support Worker (PSW) conference is scheduled
for Wednesday, May 4 at the Holiday Inn and Suites in Markham. The conference,
now in its seventh year, is organized by Preferred Health Care Services,
and event co-ordinator Meagan Whitehorn is expecting approximately 150
people to attend. “We celebrate this day especially for such hardworking
employees,” says Whitehorn, “whether they work in a long-term
care home or work in the community. It’s a very empowering day.
The conference this year will feature a dramatic portrayal of Alzheimer’s
disease progression by Ryerson University’s ACT II Studios, as well
as presentations and workshops focused on personality dimensions in the
workplace. All Ontario PSWs are invited to participate. For information
contact 647-242-3840.
Sweet surprise warms hearts at Caressant Care Fergus
A sweet surprise made Caressant Care Fergus residents feel “very
loved” on Valentine’s Day, activity director Jaclyn Saunders
says. Each of the 84 residents received a handmade valentine from customers
of Laura Demers’ Jammed Lovely gift shop in Elora. Delivered to
the home’s doorstep on Valentine’s Day morning, the cards
were distributed by Saunders. “This was out of the blue, we had
no idea this was happening and it was a very nice donation,” Saunders
says, adding it “thrilled” residents. Some of them commented
how nice it was for someone to care. Demers says she gives back to the
community when she can and came up with the idea to offer gift bags to
customers who donated three or more homemade valentines. More than
130 came in during a month. Some valentines were made by children in what
Demers suspects are parents’ efforts to teach the importance of
giving back to the community.
Southampton Care Centre showing support
for Jamaican home
The temperature at Southampton Care Centre is heating up as the Bruce
County long-term care home’s residents and staff members gear up
to “Jingle for Jamaica.” Jingle for Jamaica is the name of
a fundraiser the home is holding in support of the Sister Grace Nursing
Home in Kingston, Jamaica. The fundraiser is bringing together staff,
residents, volunteers and families collect the loose change that has been
“jingling” in bottom of their purses, junk drawers, car ash
trays and pants pockets, explains Brenda Misch, the Jarlette Health
Services-owned home’s activity director. Misch adds that a windup
event will be hosted at the end of this month.
Avalon Care Centre residents get into the
“sweetheart’s swing” of things
A pre-valentine dance at Avalon Care Centre in Orangeville put more than
80 residents, families and friends in the “sweetheart’s swing”
of things. This inaugural celebration was held in the Jarlette Health
Services home’s lower level auditorium, which was decorated with
shimmering red and white decorations. An entertainer played music from
all eras that got residents on the dance floor, including those in wheelchairs
who circled and strutted their stuff. Residents preferring to watch held
hands with staff and volunteers while swinging and swaying to the beat.
Refreshments, as well as heart-shaped brownies and sugar cookies made
earlier by residents, were enjoyed. Outside of the auditorium, residents
and their sweethearts had their pictures taken at a photo booth for a
donation to the resident activity fund. Activity director Sarah Murray
says there was “no end to the compliments from everyone” on
the decorations, entertainment and fun they had. She adds that the event
was a “ray of sunshine” after enduring outbreaks and dismal
weather.
Afton Park Place celebrates love
Residents and staff members at Afton Park Place celebrated love on Valentine’s
Day, as the home hosted a special day that featured residents’ wedding
photos and a bridal fashion show. To honour people living at the home,
staff members displayed residents’ wedding photos and memorabilia
in the home’s community hall. In the afternoon, the home hosted
a bridal fashion show that saw staff members and their friends bring in
wedding gowns to show residents. Some gowns dated back to the 1930s, but
there were also modern designs, notes Vicki Di Giovanni, manager of life
enrichment at the Sarnia long-term care home. “We wanted residents
to reminisce about their weddings,” she notes.
Kingston home shares successes
from previous campaigns
Specialty Care Trillium Centre in Kingston will be “wholeheartedly”
participating in OLTCA’s 2011 advocacy campaign, says administrator
Jennifer Powley. The home will be trying to get family and residents’
councils, as well as staff members, involved, she says. Thinking back
to the 2009 campaign, she says a lesson learned was the participation
of the family council, and the home will be asking for the family council’s
help and support again this year. “The family council really took
it on and really helped us in getting support within the community itself,”
says Powley, adding the team went door-to-door with the postcards.
Residents’ involvement key in advocacy campaign
At Muskoka Landing in Huntsville a couple of residents usually take on
the OLTCA advocacy campaign as a project, carrying the postcards in their
wheelchair or walker, and talking to residents and visiting family members.
Activation co-ordinator Pamm Reain says the home also puts up a display
board at the entrance with postcards available to sign, and visitors can
hand them into the main office or to the resident and family services
co-ordinator.
Residents raise $652 for Alzheimer Society
Inclement weather didn’t stop Parkview Manor residents from participating
in a charity event that raised $652 for the Alzheimer Society Grey-Bruce.
On Feb. 1, residents strolled around the cement walking path at the Chesley
long-term care home in support of the Alzheimer Society’s Walk for
Memories. “The cement walking track around the home is being kept
free from snow, as several of Parkview’s residents utilize this
for their outdoor exercise on a daily basis,” explains executive
director Carole Woods. The ambitious residents also walked around
inside the home as part of the event. January was Alzheimer’s Awareness
Month and residents at long-term care homes throughout Ontario hosted
Walk for Memories events in support of the society.
Residents raise money for Alzheimer’s
research
Residents at Southampton Care Centre recently raised $1,600 for Alzheimer’s
research at the Bruce County long-term care home’s annual Walk for
Memories. Residents worked throughout January, which is Alzheimer’s
Awareness Month, with the home’s restorative-care staff and physiotherapists
to collectively walk 60 kilometres. This surpasses the group’s goal
of 40 kilometres. Staff, volunteers and family members selected residents
to team with and collected pledges on their behalf. This is the fifth
year the Jarlette Health Services-owned home has held the event.
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