Dec 2023 combined

Newsletter

VOLUME 7, NUMBER 12

December 2023

This Month’s Activities

CONTACT US Payphone numbers for clients 415-897-9752 415-897-1562 Canyon Manor 415-892-1628 Social Services Workers Aldo (Soc Serv Manager) ext. 319 Jesus - ext. 317 Dennis - ext. 337 Josue - ext. 318 Nadia – ext. 328 Forensic Clinicians Michlene (Clinical Director) ext. 321 Madi – ext. 351 Kelsey – ext. 363 If you have any questions, feedback, or there are any topics you’d like to see addressed in the newsletter, please contact us at 415-892-1628 Ext 309.

Warm and happy greetings from the Canyon Manor Rehab Department! The holidays are a joyous time as we celebrate Christmas and another year of wonderful work. Rehab is ecstatic about celebrating the holiday cheer and festivities with our clients! Our traditional Christmas Tree Outing invites clients explore and select a tree from a nearby Christmas Tree Farm and then enjoy decorating (see below) where they come together and adorn the tree while listening to Christmas music and drinking delicious hot cocoa with marshmallows. Bread and Roses will be blessing Canyon Manor on 12/22 with a LIVE performance where clients will be able to sing-along to some of their favorite Christmas songs. The Christmas caroling will continue throughout the month during Music Group led by our guitar strumming staff, Karen. Our local baker and our esteemed MHW, Jeanine, will be baking tasty, delightful pastries and sweets for all our clients and staff to enjoy. To keep things light and merry, clients will be able to enjoy a modified program week starting on 12/25. Santa (played by our very own staff, Patrick) and his elves (Rehab) will be arriving with presents for all on Christmas morning! Our beautician will be coming in twice this month, offering clients with fresh, new haircuts just in time for the holidays. A celebration for December birthdays will be held on 12/28 with fun games, cake, and ice cream. Canyon Manor will end this lovely year on a delightful note and ring in the New Year with our annual New Year Eve’s Party.

Canyon Manor Christmas Party 2023 at Trek Winery

A Closer Look Three generations of Social Services Managers. Aldo DiFede (left) joined Canyon Manor in Feb 2023, David Epstein (middle) retired in 2016 from Canyon Manor after 40 years and Jim Quigley (right),after retiring as Social Services Manager, returned as the Assistant Program Director. Thank you David For joining us at the party and you years of leadership, Jim for your commitment and dedication, and Aldo for your hard work and positive energy.

Newsletter

VOLUME 7, NUMBER 11

November 2023

This Month’s Activities

CONTACT US Payphone numbers for clients 415-897-9752 415-897-1562 Canyon Manor 415-892-1628 Social Services Workers Aldo (Soc Serv Manager) ext. 319 Jesus - ext. 317 Dennis - ext. 337 Josue - ext. 318 Nadia – ext. 328 Forensic Clinicians Michlene (Clinical Director) ext. 321 Madi – ext. 351 Aisha – ext. 304 Kelsey – ext. 363 If you have any questions, feedback, or there are any topics you’d like to see addressed in the newsletter, please contact us at 415-892-1628 Ext 309.

The days are shorter, the nights grow longer, and the signs of winter are all around us. Crops have been harvested, animals have begun to hibernate, and plants have gone dormant. For many, life begins to slow down, with introspection and an almost instinctual sense to self-preserve through the winter months. November is a common time folks like you and I, and our residents, begin to contemplate the year past and plan for the new year on the horizon. In our April newsletter we shared about seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and how the changes through the seasons influence one’s thoughts, feelings, and behavior. November is a common month for some to feel the onset of an affect change. Those who thrive in the sunny warm weather may feel a shift and settling of energy. And for many others, this time of the year is filled with excitement invigorated by the holiday season and cold wet weather. The importance of acknowledging this is to honor that we all experience the seasons of life differently. Bringing awareness and encouraging self-reflection helps us all learn, grow, and move closer to being the best versions of ourselves.

Thanksgiving at Canyon Manor has a long tradition of dinner being served by our staff with table settings, decorations, extra servings, sparkling cider, and dessert. We wish you, your loved ones, and all our clients and staff a Happy Thanksgiving and we also honor those who use this day as a time to reflect, remember and honor their ancestors. Gobble til you wobble.

Native American Heritage is observed throughout the month and seeks to honor the multiple and diverse cultures and histories of the indigenous tribes that have populated the Americas, specifically North America, for thousands of years.

First observed in November 1990, Native American Heritage Month encourages the American public to learn about the rich and diverse traditions of the hundreds of tribes from the past to the present. Other awareness days throughout November include Veterans Day, which looks to celebrate the service that our veterans have provided in keeping Americans safe, as well as those who gave the ultimate price what they believe in. One day to keep in mind is Transgender Day of Remembrance, which brings awareness to the violent death of Rita Hester, a transgender African American woman in the late 1990s. As the years passed, Transgender Day of Remembrance is meant to remember every transgender person who has tragically lost their lives to violence.

Canyon Manor has numerous fun activities for our clients in November.

Clients will be able to buy delicious Chinese food 11/1 and 11/15, as well as having a Pizza Night on 11/29. Clients looking to buy amenities can look forward to Manor Mart on 11/8. For fun and games, Rehab will host Wii Games Group on 11/3 and 11/7, Board Games on 11/10 and Karaoke on 11/17 and 11/21. There will be a Thanksgiving Themed Birthday Party on 11/28. Lastly, there will be a

Modified group schedule for Thanksgiving 11/13 and 11/24. We look forward to seeing you for the last Newsletter of 2023!

Getting to Know Our Staff

Group of the Month Pet Group Here at Canyon Manor, we do our best to work with and support our clients holistically when and wherever possible. Some people are extroverted, others introverted; some are social, some like individual time with others and fewer interactions. One of the most interesting phenomena is when we have a client who is by choice, non-verbal, perhaps isolative, and minimally involved in our program completely light up and come alive the second one of our therapy dogs come trotting along. These folks who often don’t talk much, do much and prefer to be left alone, can be a challenge in assessing if this is a symptom of a diagnosis, a result of trauma, or numerous other causes and determining the best way to support them.

Scout and Cookie help us to connect with clients who we may not otherwise find a way to do so. Through them we can observe, further assess, and attempt to identify methods we can connect with and support the client. We offer Pet Group weekly where our clients can mingle, snuggle, and play with our therapy dog Scout, a golden doodle who is a gentle loveable certified therapy dog. At times Cookie, a French bulldog makes appearances at the facility with her youthful playfulness and loud noises (grunts and snorts) bringing smiles and joy to staff and clients. Thank you, Scout and Cookie, for your care for our clients and staff.

In this month’s Canyon Manor Newsletter, we’d like to introduce one of our Rehab Services Therapist, Enrique Olguin. Enrique was born in Oaxaca, a state and city in Mexico. As a child, Enrique wanted to either be a pilot or study medicine and become a physician. Enrique pursued medicine in Mexico, having an interest in psychiatric care and treatment.

Enrique emigrated to the United States of America in 1983, but also travelled to Mexico occasionally. In the United States, Enrique’s love for learning languages and about cultures grew. Enrique finds that knowing about language and cultures strengthens one’s ability to work in the mental health field and an extra bonus is that people who work in mental health grow as individuals while they help others, gaining just as much insight and compassion for the clients they are serving as they do for them self. A challenge Enrique has observed through his work is that mental health can be a draining profession as there are times you will see people at their worst. For those interested in going into the field of mental health, Enrique believes that learning more than one language can be useful tool when establishing connections with patients, as well as furthering your understanding of mental health and treatments. In his free time, Enrique enjoys going on hikes, reading books on philosophy such as Stoicism, and staying connected to his cultural roots. Thank you, Enrique, for your efforts here at Canyon Manor! Keep up the great work!

A Closer Look Getting our clients out of the building and in the community is one of the most important things we can do to prepare folks for a successful discharge.

This month we took a group to Angel Island. Following is a quote from one of our staff who led the outing. “We had a super successful outing on Friday. Clients were smiling throughout the trip and reported enjoying their time on Angel Island. There was a part at the beginning that was steep and challenging, but all the clients pushed through and made it to the top!

Overall, super rewarding and one of my favorite outings to date.” Rehab Therapist

Newsletter

VOLUME 7, NUMBER 10

October 2023

This Month’s Activities

CONTACT US Payphone numbers for clients 415-897-9752 415-897-1562 Canyon Manor 415-892-1628 Social Services Workers Aldo (Soc Serv Manager) ext. 319 Jesus - ext. 317 Dennis - ext. 337 Josue - ext. 318 Nadia – ext. 328 Forensic Clinicians Michlene (Clinical Director) ext. 321 Madi – ext. 351 Kelsey – ext. 363 If you have any questions, feedback, or there are any topics you’d like to see addressed in the newsletter, please contact us at 415-892-1628 Ext 309.

Hello, and welcome back to Canyon Manor’s monthly newsletter! We have reached the spookiest month of the year, October! The tree leaves are turning a crisp gold and the weather colder as we approach the end of the year. We have several events and treats for our clients that invite the appreciation of autumn!

First, let’s look at what October brings for all of us, client. October is full of noble causes that bring attention to important social movements and medical conditions.

October is home to many month-wide awareness’s such as ADHD, Breast Cancer, and LGBTQ+ History.

ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by difficulty in staying focused on one thing at a time, and hyperactive behavior that can lead to impulsivity. Many are diagnosed with ADHD in their childhood, and it is not unusual for a late diagnosis to occur in adulthood.

Many organizations like the Children and Adults with AttentionDeficit/Hyperactivity Disorder or CHADD work to educate the public about ADHD and provide support to those who are diagnosed with it.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month works to spread awareness of “to-look-for” symptoms as breast cancer can be a life-threatening illness. Breast Cancer grows around the breast area of both men and women and is the most diagnosed cancer amongst American women.

LGBTQ+ History is a celebration of the diverse history of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer communities. Much of the focus is allocated to the decades of civil rights movements around the world. Started by high school teacher Rodney Wilson in 1994. LGBTQ+ history has expanded to dozens of countries and continues to grow each year.

Canyon Manor has a lot of fun activities for this month. For general events, there will be Manor Mart on 10/11 where clients can buy snacks and beauty products.

Chinese food takeout on 10/4 and 10/18 from a local Chinese restaurant and a Pizza party at 10/25 from Domino’s. For Halloween themed events, there will be a Pumpkin Patch Outing and a Pumpkin Decorating Contest in the latter part of October. Finally, there will be a Halloween-themed Birthday Party of clients on 10/31. We look forward to the rapidly approaching 2024, but in the meantime,

we will continue to provide the best service to our clients.

Thank you and see you next month!

Getting to Know Our Staff

Group of the Month Orientation Group When clients first arrive at Canyon Manor, they might have a lot of questions and concerns; How long will my stay be, can my family visit, how do I earn passes, can I go back to court, and when can I go home, are some of the most common questions that clients might have.

This is where Orientation Group comes in.

As the name suggest, Orientation Group educates new clients to everything that they will need to know to get their needs met and be successful here at Canyon Manor. During Orientation Group staff discusses and educates clients on where, when, and how to have their needs met in addition to providing clients with handouts, worksheets, and materials that will assist in becoming familiar with Canyon Manor, the program, and support their progression and success to discharging back into the community.

Orientation Group is a great forum for clients to have questions answered and ease their worries when first arriving.

We’d like to thank staff who facilitate this group and help clients when they first arrive. Thank you!

Canyon Manor continues to grow and provide our clients with quality treatment. Today we’d like to introduce Josue Alejo, a Social Service Worker, and a newer employee to the company. Josue was born and raised in Vallejo, CA and graduated from Vallejo High School. From there he attended junior college at Solano Community College before transferring to University of California Davis to obtain his bachelor’s degree. He used an internship as a Case Manager for youths to gain experience in the field of social work before being hired at Canyon Manor. One pro working in the mental health field that Josue believes in is helping those who are struggling and being a cornerstone in their growth. A con that Josue identifies with is the emotional exhaustion that comes with working with patients with grave disabilities. One tip that Josue gives for someone interested in the mental health field is to learn to have compassion for yourself as there will be times where you feel alone. Some of Josue’s hobbies outside of work include watching/playing soccer with friends, jogging, walking his three Poodle/Chihuahua pet dogs, and spending time with his family.

Halloween at Canyon Manor Happy Halloween Featuring: The Golden Girls Where’s Aldo?

The Joker Pokémon The Farm Fam Cats Spiders The Hap’n Cap’n And a whole lotta laughter and fun

Newsletter

VOLUME 7, NUMBER 9

September 2023

This Month’s Activities

CONTACT US Payphone numbers for clients 415-897-9752 415-897-1562 Canyon Manor 415-892-1628 Social Services Workers Aldo (Soc Serv Manager) ext. 319 Jesus - ext. 317 Dennis - ext. 337 Josue - ext. 318 Nadia – ext. 328 Forensic Clinicians Michlene (Clinical Director) ext. 321 Madi – ext. 351 Aisha – ext. 304 Kelsey – ext. 363 If you have any questions, feedback, or there are any topics you’d like to see addressed in the newsletter, please contact us at 415-892-1628 Ext 309.

On September 23rd we celebrate the autumn equinox, a day with nearly an equal amount of daylight and darkness. As the daylight begins to shorten and the nights feel longer its common for people to feel energy changes within themselves. Some may have a feeling of abundance as they harvest things in their lives both literally and metaphorically while others may feel a sense of comfort and settling as we move into the time of year often associated with reconnection, reflection, and preservation. In nature, preparation for the winter begins as ripened crops are harvested. Here at Canyon Manor, we begin preparation for the holiday season while holding on to the last bits of the summer warmth and sun. Thank you for joining us as we honor and celebrate the seasonal changes and welcome to another Canyon Manor newsletter.

September 1st starts National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. In 2021, more than 48,000 Americans were lost to suicide, over 12.3 million adults seriously considered suicide, and 1.7 million people attempted suicide. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth and young adults between the ages of 10 and 24 years old. And the suicide rate for veterans was more than 50 percent greater than for non-veteran adults. Suicide is a serious issue and awareness helps to identify the signs, symptoms, and prevention of suicide. If you or a loved one is feeling suicidal you can call “988” Suicide and Crisis Lifeline to speak with trained individuals that can help.

September is also Blood Cancer Awareness Month and Hispanic Heritage Month. Educating the public on what Lymphoma and Leukemia is and the symptoms can help people to get checked out by a physician before the condition can spread or become more serious. Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes and celebrates the contributions that the Hispanic community has made for the United States of America. First introduced in June 1968 by California Congressman George E. Brown, the implementation allows for Hispanic Americans to be celebrated across the country.

At Canyon Manor we have a ton of fun activities for our clients throughout the month. The friendly and fantastic folks for Bread and Roses will perform a concert for our clients on September 8th at 2: 15 PM. Clients looking to express themselves through their hair will be able to get haircuts on September 15th and the 29th at 3:30 PM. Manor Mart, our little shop for clients to buy basic amenities and snacks, will be held on September 13th at 1:30 PM. Our final community BBQ, an event where staff cook some delish burgers and hotdogs for our clients, will be held on September 29th accompanied by a live band performance. Clients will also be able to buy some Chinese food on September 6th and 20th, as well as Pizza on September 27th. All our clients celebrating their birthday in September will have a birthday bash on the 26th. Finally, clients will have a karaoke night on the 19th and 29th of September.

Getting to Know Our Staff Our family here at Canyon Manor continues to grow, with new faces being hired to grow in their lifelong careers. Today we have two staff members that have contributed greatly to Canyon Manor over the years: Pricsilla Navas and Valencia Renee Davis.

Group of the Month Money Management Financial literacy is an underrated skill that everyone, regardless of how much money you’re making or where you live, should strive to master.

Taught by one of our Social Service Workers, Jesus Navarrete teaches our clients the financial skills that are crucial for surviving once out of a locked facility like Canyon Manor. Most clients are on a fixed income and learning to budget the cost of living and personal needs isn’t as easy and simple as it may seem.

Skills like budgeting are essential for clients to have money that will last them for food, clothing, and amenities.

Here at Canyon Manor, we have a number of groups like Money Management that help our clients develop and strengthen the necessary skills needed to be success in our facility and when they are discharged!

Pricsilla Navas is one of our skilled Mental Health Workers with over five years of experience working at Canyon Manor. She was born and raised in Marin County for most of her adolescent life, but moved to Sonoma County when she was fourteen.

Pricsilla graduated from Casa Grande High School before enrolling in Santa Rosa Junior College. At the JC, Pricsilla studied Communication and Journalism. She transferred to Sonoma State University where she achieved a bachelor’s degree in communications.

One negative of working in a mental healthcare setting, according to Pricsilla, is that it can be emotional and mentally draining because it might seem that there is no progress or change with the people that you are working with. A positive that Pricsilla identifies with is that working in a mental healthcare setting allows for growth in empathy and builds relationships between the staff and clients. One tip that Pricsilla would give to those interested in working in a setting such as Canyon Manor is to not believe the movies and stereotypes concerning mental health patients. Instead, come with an open mind and strive to be great. Some of Pricsilla’s hobbies when not working include hiking around Marin County, swimming and reading books.

Valencia Renee Davis is one of our compassionate Psych Techs who has lent her skills to Canyon Manor for over eighteen years. Valencia was born in Louisiana to her mother and father, the latter of which was serving in the United States Airforce.

Previously stationed in California and loving the weather and environment, Valencia’s father moved the family to the Golden State when Valencia was still an infant. Valencia was raised in Sonoma County and graduated from Rancho Cotate High School. Having seen the effects that Schizophrenia has on family members, Valencia decided to become a Psych Tech to be able to help those who suffer from the same mental illness.

Valencia began to work at Canyon Manor, working as a Mental Health Worker and a part-time Social Service Worker with around fifteen clients under her caseload while still in school. Once graduating as a Psych tech, Valencia took over as a relief mednurse for the weekend. Eventually Valencia moved to working during the Noc shift, having worked this schedule for the past fourteen years. A pro that Valencia identifies working in the mental health field is how much the field continues to grow with innovation like Trauma Informed Care and empathy-based treatment. A con is that there can be a lot of burnout if staff do not take care to distress outside of work. A tip Valencia has for those interested in working in mental health is to be observant of your environment, the clients’ and coworkers’ moods and affect so that you know how to navigate any situation. In her spare time, Valencia likes to garden and going to the beach and soaking her beach in the sand, as well as spending time with family and friends.

Shout out to Priscilla and Valencia for their contributions! We appreciate you!

Newsletter

VOLUME 7, NUMBER 8

August 2023

This Month’s Activities

CONTACT US Payphone numbers for clients 415-897-9752 415-897-1562 Canyon Manor 415-892-1628 Social Services Workers Aldo (Soc Serv Manager) ext. 319 Jesus - ext. 317 Dennis - ext. 337 Josue - ext. 318 Nadia – ext. 328 Forensic Clinicians Michlene - ext. 321 Madi – ext. 351 Aisha – ext. 304 Kelsey – ext. 363 If you have any questions, feedback, or there are any topics you’d like to see addressed in the newsletter, please contact us at 415-892-1628 Ext 309.

Welcome back to another Canyon Manor Newsletter! The weather just keeps on getting better, so be sure to enjoy these days of summer before schools resume and vacations end.

The month of August is full of fun-filled groups and activities at Canyon Manor for our clients.

But first, let’s take a moment to reflect on some of the special awareness days in August that highlight important social issues.

August is National Black Business Month, which brings to awareness to the struggles and successes that African American business-owners across our nation have experienced, currently and throughout history. One of the main objectives for National Black Business Month is for Americans to better understand and appreciate what black-owned businesses contribute in terms of contributions, culturally, quality, diversity, and equality. August 1st is World Lung Cancer Day, and while all types of cancer can be concerning, lung cancer is the third most common diagnosed cancer in the United States of America and one of the most common around the world. It is such a common form of cancer that the Lung Cancer Research Association estimates that one in sixteen people will be diagnosed with lung cancer. Bringing awareness to lung cancer is important in spreading information about the prevention, early detection, and treatment. A few other dates to note include Remember Slavery Day on the 23rd, Women’s Equality Day on the 26th, Anniversary of the March on Washington on the 28th and finally National Grief Awareness Day on the 30th. Please join us in bringing awareness to these issues one day at a time.

Canyon Manor has some exciting groups and activities in store for our clients this month. First is our Special Beach Outing where clients will visit McNears Beach in Marin County overlooking the San Pablo Bay. This outing includes a BBQ, walks on the pier, lounging in the grassy field, and an overall leisure vibe with the sights, sounds and smells of the ocean while reading magazines, tossing a football, or playing catch with a frisbee. Manor Mart happens twice a month in conjunction with Banking and is one of the most popular and active days at Canyon Manor where clients can buy toiletries, snacks and much more. This is a great opportunity to support the strengthening of our client’s financial intelligence, budgeting, and money management. On the same day clients will be able to purchase a delicious Chinese meal from local restaurant China Palace. Haircuts will be held at 3:30 Pm on the 4th and 18th. For music lovers, Karaoke will occur on the 4th and 18th at 7:30 PM and Bread & Roses will hold a live music performance via Zoom on the 18th at 2:25 Pm, we hope they resume live in person performances soon. Canyon Manor will also hold an August Birthday Party for every client celebrating their birthday. Clients will be given cake and drinks. Finally, clients will be able to enjoy some hot pizza on the 30th.

Getting to Know Our Staff For this edition of Canyon Manor’s Newsletter, we’d like to introduce Amy Fox and Jeremy Verde.

Group of the Month Exercise and the Fast/Slow Walks While we at Canyon Manor specialize in the treatment of gravely disabled and severely mentally ill clients, we also want to provide a balanced plan that doesn’t neglected exercise. That is why we would like to mention two frequent groups that clients can participate in: Exercise and our Walks.

Exercise Group is a fifteen-to-thirtyminute activity where clients can participate in light exercises to the tune of 1980s’ rock music. These exercises, like jumping jacks, stretches, and such are meant to stimulate the muscles and promote a healthy lifestyle to our clients.

We also provide two different types of walks around the neighborhood. The Fast Walk is the longer of the two and has clients walking at a quicker pace and longer distance as a group to enjoy some fresh air. The Slow Walk is shorter and at a slower pace designed for the residents who for various reasons move at a more leisurely pace. We’d like to thank the staff that facilitate daily.

Thank you!

Amy Fox is our Business Office Manager and handles a variety of important functions such as payroll and first contact with those who are interested in pursuing a career with us. A San Francisco Bay Area native, Amy was born and raised in Sebastopol, helping around her family’s dairy farm. She graduated from Petaluma High School, which boasts seven generations of alumni from Amy’s family. After graduating from Petaluma HS, Amy decided to pursue a higher education and spent two years at Santa Rosa Junior College. After her time at Santa Rosa JC, Amy spent six months in Vienna, Austria. A self-admitted history enthusiast, Amy learned how to speak German through high school and when she saw a picture of Vienna, decided to spend some time abroad. After coming back to the States, Amy enrolled at CSU Sacramento State where she achieved a bachelor’s degree in communication. After overseeing a multitude of businesses, and gaining valuable skills in accounting, Amy was reached out on Indeed for a position at Canyon Manor. According to Amy, working at Canyon Manor has shown her to be truly grateful for good health and believes to thrive in a difficult field like mental health, one must be compassionate to both clients and staff.

An important tip Amy would like to give to those interested in mental health is to be kind to others and to work hard for the betterment of you and those you help. Some of Amy’s hobbies outside of work include learning about history, traveling to historic locations and spending time with her beloved family.

Jeremy Verde is one of our skilled LVNs who help in allowing Canyon Manor to run efficiently and is a friend to both staff and client alike. Born in the Philippines, Jeremy relocated with his family to Novato, CA when he was just three months old. He attended Novato Middle School and Petaluma High School before enrolling at Santa Rosa Junior College. Jeremy explored his options at the JC, taking an interest in computer science, business management, and eventually he decided to pursue nursing after becoming inspired by some of his relatives who worked in healthcare.

Will becoming a Licensed Vocational Nurse, Jeremy started working at Canyon Manor as a Mental Health Worker. Now seventeen years later, Jeremy continues to lift the spirits of staff and clients with his jokes and easy-going personality. Jeremy enjoys the interaction and individual uniqueness working and helping clients and believes that it is paramount to understand and empathize with the struggles that our clients go through daily. When not at work, Jeremy enjoys working out at the gym, playing golf with friends and workmates, camping, and playing Pokémon GO. A tip that Jeremy has for anyone interested in working in mental health is to always treat clients like how you’d like to be treated.

Thank you so much for your hard work, Amy and Jeremy! We appreciate you!

Newsletter

VOLUME 7, NUMBER 7

July 2023

This Month’s Activities

CONTACT US Payphone numbers for clients 415-897-9752 415-897-1562 Canyon Manor 415-892-1628 Social Services Workers Aldo (Soc Serv Manager) ext. 319 Jesus - ext. 317 Dennis - ext. 337 Josue - ext. 318 Nadia – ext. 328 Forensic Clinicians Michlene - ext. 321 Madi – ext. 351 Aisha – ext. 304 Kelsey – ext. 363 If you have any questions, feedback, or there are any topics you’d like to see addressed in the newsletter, please contact us at 415-892-1628 Ext 309.

With the closing of June, we have officially entered the second half of 2023! We’d like to thank all our staff for the great work they’ve done thus far… Let’s Celebrate!!

We kicked off July with our new employee relations colleague Bruce’s band Where’s Ringo performing for all the residents and staff while having a BBQ. It was a beautiful day.

July is commonly known as the hottest month for countries north of the equator, and the coldest month for countries south of the equator. We should all be aware of the hot temperatures ahead of us, so please stay hydrated wherever you are located!

Speaking of awareness, we have a couple of days dedicated to bringing attention to medical and socioeconomic issues around the world. Birth Trauma Awareness week highlights the physical, emotional, and mental challenges women go through during childbirth. Despite significant medical advances to ensure the safety of mothers and their babies, childbirth can still result in severe injuries to the mother and baby, and in extreme cases, death. Even in the most ideal circumstances it takes weeks and months for their bodies to recover and heal. Let us all be mindful of and honor the mothers experience when giving birth to the next generations. July is also National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, dedicated to understanding the anxieties, stigmas, and barriers to mental health services that minority communities face. Some minority-led organizations are working to offer culturally congruent mental health services to under-served communities and have made great progress. Here at Canyon Manor, we strive to honor diversity, culture, and inclusion through mindful and intentional therapeutic best practices such as trauma informed care.

For July, Canyon Manor has several fun activities for our clients to enjoy the summer weather. Our first week of the month will have a modified schedule (primarily recreation groups) to commemorate the 4th of July. Throughout the week clients will enjoy a variety of groups and activities like community walks, board games, dances and more. On the 4th of July, clients will be able to attend a movie screening in our large tv room, take part in a community dance, and play bingo for snack prizes. There will also be a special barbeque lunch for all the clients so they can enjoy the festivities with some grilled hamburgers. For the rest of the month, clients can look forward to a karaoke night on 7/28, pizza on the 26th, and a community birthday party on the 25th for every client born on the month of July. Clients who wish to change their hairdo, haircuts will be available on the 7th. For those needing snack or toiletries, Manor Mart will be taking place on the 12th. A jam-packed month full of fun!

Getting to Know Our Staff

Group of the Month Gardening Group At Canyon Manor, we focus on the personal growth of each client. For clients who wish to see things grow, they can work on our Canyon Manor Garden. Tended by Jackie A and Michelle M, our garden has been a popular group for clients for many years. During gardening group, clients can water plants, till the soil, tend to the fruits and vegetables and harvest what they have grown.

Because gardening takes many weeks to see results, the group teaches clients patience and delayed gratification. When the crops have fully developed, clients are able to enjoy the fruits of their labor and a enjoy the taste of their hard work.

We grow a variety of fruits and vegetables including strawberries, tomatoes, bell peppers, pumpkins and more. Gardening has been a popular group amongst clients for quite some time and continues to help them connect with and appreciate nature while practicing self-care and mindfulness.

This newsletter features pictures from the resident garden that is managed by Jackie Aguilera and Michelle Marin.

Jackie Aguilera is one of our Rehab Therapists who is known for her compassion and dedication. She was born and raised in Vallejo, Ca before moving to San Rafael. Jackie is in her 3rd year at Canyon Manor and first heard of our facility from one of her professors at Sonoma State University, her alma mater. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in sociology and began to career at Canyon Manor shortly after. Jackie shares that her draw to a career in mental health reflects her personal connections to the field. She has always wanted to support people who struggle with mental health issues and aspires to improve the mental health system. Some challenges that Jackie finds working in the field includes the need for more people interested in working in these types of hospital settings and the barriers clients face when accessing resources.

One of the most important things Jackie has learned by supporting our clients is to practice self-care; “Fill your own cup so it overflows onto everyone else”. Some of Jackie’s hobbies include gardening, painting, and taking care of her two dogs.

Michelle Marin is a Nurse Practitioner who has been with Canyon Manor since 2014.

Born in Schenectady, New York, Michelle spent most of her childhood moving around as her father was in the military. One of Michelle’s favorite places she has lived where her father was stationed is Hawaii. Michelle obtained a bachelor’s in nursing from the university of San Francisco and a master’s in psychology from University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). She has worked in a variety of places such as UCSF, The Veteran’s Affairs, Kaiser Permanente, and the Queen of the Valley Hospital in Napa Ca. Michelle has also served as a nurse in the Air Force for twenty years. She was drawn towards mental health through the experiences she had throughout her career. One of the most important things Michelle believes supports our clients is having someone to talk to and finds this to be a great way for our clients to relieve stress and sadness. In her spare time Michelle likes to do arts & crafts, gardening alongside Jackie, reading, playing with her two rescue yorkies Clark and Kent, and spending time with her two sons.

Thank you both for the amazing work you’ve done for our clients!

Newsletter

VOLUME 7, NUMBER 6

June 2023

This Month’s Activities

CONTACT US Payphone numbers for clients 415-897-9752 415-897-1562 Canyon Manor 415-892-1628 Social Services Workers Aldo (Soc Serv Manager) ext. 319 Jesus - ext. 317 Dennis - ext. 337 Josue - ext. 318 Nadia – ext. 328 CONREP Social Services Workers Lisa (Clinical Director) - ext. 361 Michlene - ext. 321 Madi – ext. 351 If you have any questions, feedback, or there are any topics you’d like to see addressed in the newsletter, please contact us at 415-892-1628 Ext 309.

Wow! We have arrived at the middle of 2023 and the cold weather is still going strong.

Fortunately, warmer weather is just at the horizon a soon we’ll need to bring out the sunscreen. June is the month of celebration and relaxation for all those who are graduating, whether that is from elementary school or university. Congratulations to all graduates!

June is the month of a few topics of awareness. LGBTQ+ Pride Month is here to celebrate the meaning and lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people around the globe. LGBTQ+ Pride Month highlights the challenges and achievements that LGBTQ+ people have lived throughout history. One of these individuals is Edith Windsor, a LGBTQ+ rights activist who was the lean plaintiff in the 2013 landmark United States Supreme Court United States v. Windsor. This court case found the Defense of Marriage Act, which limited legal marriage as only between one man and one woman, was in violation of the Fifth Amendment and opened the door for samesex marriage to be legal across the United States of America through further legislation. Other quick awareness is PTSD Awareness Month, which brings attention to the struggles people with stress from traumatic experiences. PTSD can manifest in different ways like reliving incidents, fits of rage or irritability and feelings of guilt. An important federal holiday is Juneteenth, which celebrates the emancipation if enslaved African Americans back in 1866. Let us all keep these date sand events on our minds and in our hearts for a better future.

Canyon Manor’s June agenda is jam-packed with activities and events for our clients.

First and foremost, visitation hours are back in full swing. Any family or friends that would like to visit a client should contact that client’s Social Service Worker for approval. Please follow the voice prompt when calling the facility to reach the Social Service Office. Visitation hours are Tuesday 3PM to 6PM and Saturday/Sunday from 9AM to 6PM. Clients will have a variety of groups and activities to partake in this month. The band Bread and Roses will perform on Friday 6/9 for clients with refreshments to keep everyone cool and happy. Our Art group will provide Father’s Day and Pride Month color pages to celebrate this month’s holidays. There will also be a Pride Month themed Birthday party on Tuesday 6/27 for our clients with June birthdays. Lastly, clients will be able to attend a Karaoke night on Friday 6/30 where clients can sing their favorite songs from a wide selection of genres.

Group of the Month Mindfulness Group The world can be very stressful with responsibilities, unfortunate circumstances and the little inconveniences that come along with life.

Now imagine managing all of that along with a serious mental disorder.

In order to keep our lives on track, we must be mindful of our surroundings and capabilities.

Mindfulness Group is focused on doing just that. Clients that attend this group will learn a variety of skills and techniques to help manage stressful situations. Last week clients learned about meditation while the week before they were taught three breathing techniques to help them calm down. Mindfulness Group’s aim is for clients to use these skills once they are either living on their own or at a B/C, places where they might not have the reassurance of staff like at a closed facility. We will continue to provide the tools essential to living a fulfilling life with a mental illness.

Getting to Know Our Staff This month we at Canyon Manor would like to introduce Dennis Hernandez, a Social Services Worker who has contributed greatly to mental health. Dennis started his career in the field of mental health in Crestwood in Sacramento in 1980. Prior to this, Dennis worked as a carpenter. In the coming years, Dennis worked in a variety of mental health facilities like Crestwood Napa, Sacramento County Jail, Sacramento Mental Health Centre, Aurora Santa Rosa Hospital as a MHW, and even as an Administrator for a Drug and Alcohol program. Dennis finds self-satisfaction in making a positive difference in our clients’ lives, see them stabilize and be granted pass to be in the community, regaining their independency. When outside of work, Dennis can be found along his wife supporting the Las Vegas Raiders, being an avid fan for decades. He also takes car of his beloved pets, a cat and dog, and plans on settling in Nebraska once he retires. Thank you, Dennis, for your excellent service!

Newsletter

VOLUME 7, NUMBER 3

April 2023 This Month’s Activities

CONTACT US Payphone numbers for clients 415-897-9752 415-897-1562 Canyon Manor 415-892-1628 Social Services Workers Aldo (Soc Serv Manager) ext. 319 Jesus - ext. 317 Dennis - ext. 337 Josue - ext. 318 Nadia – ext. 328 CONREP Social Services Workers Lisa (Clinical Director) - ext. 361 Michlene - ext. 321 Madi – ext. 351 If you have any questions, feedback, or there are any topics you’d like to see addressed in the newsletter, please contact us at 415-892-1628 Ext 309.

The sun’s out, spring is in the air, and wow… the first quarter of 2023 has come and gone. Welcome back to our newsletter and thank you for your time and energy to keep up with Canyon Manor. Speaking of energy, April is a time that commonly brings a shift in energy throughout the world. Plants that have been dormant spring to life, animals in hibernation awaken and the sun shines on all of us a little longer.

In the world of mental health, one of the common shifts in energy we see is one’s mood. Many have heard of and experienced Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is commonly associated with depression or sadness during the winter (and can still apply to other feelings and seasons). One can’t help but draw some connections to how the plants and animals endure the winter and how we as people experience winter. Some thrive, some survive, and for some folks the longer nights, shorter days, cold and wet weather, and holidays bring on the feelings of sadness… or perhaps an instinctual desire to hibernate. For other folks the winter is filled with happiness and excitement for winter weather, holidays, and festivities. Either way, people who do experience winter sadness tend to feel this lift as spring and April arrives. Have you noticed any shifts of energy within yourself or others? We can feel it hear at Canyon Manor and in typical fashion the Spring is bringing about renewal, rejuvenation, and new growth.

April is earth month and stress awareness month. Earth day is on April 22nd and national stress awareness month brings attention and awareness to the negative impact of stress. We will be honoring both and turning our attention to the resident garden this month while having our regular groups and activities. Do you believe that connecting with nature reduces stress? According to a study done in 2019, spending 20 minutes connecting with nature can lower stress hormone levels.

Getting to Know Our Staff We are excited and proud to introduce our three Hall Charge’s for the AM shift Jana, Janine, and Rosa. Collectively they have over 65 years’ experience in the field, and this shows in the wisdom and talents they bring to care for our residents and support Canyon Manor.

Jana is originally from Carson, California, has worked for Canyon Manor 21 years, is the mother of 2 adult children and has 5 grandchildren. She came to this field with the desire to help others in part due to her having a brother who is living with Schizophrenia. Jana has found through her work the power of relationships and repetition. Consistent and regular therapeutic interventions and self-care reminders helps people get better. This requires constant staff interactions with residents and Jana believes the relationships that she forms with residents is essential “it’s like we become family and you never really know how much of a difference we make but every once in a while, clients will tell you how much we mean to them, and it’s nice to know you make a difference”.

Group of the Month Trauma is a buzz word in mental health and is often attached to an individual or group experience of a traumatic event/occurrence.

There is also systemic and institutional trauma that happens to individuals who are moved through the legal and mental health system as certain rights are removed.

Despite this being done out of caution and care for the individual and the community, it doesn’t feel that way to the individual who is in the throws of a mental health crisis. Those individuals still retain rights including being treated with dignity, respect, and fairness by the law. Patient’s Rights is a weekly group facilitated by our local patient’s rights advocate and provides a forum for residents to learn about their rights as patients and conservatees.

They can also express concerns, ask questions and be guided towards resources to help address and meet their needs. Patient’s rights advocates often bring information to the facilities working collaboratively and supportively to ensure residents rights are always being honored.

Getting to Know Our Staff (cont) In her free time Jana enjoys gardening, concerts, and spending time with her 2 cats and 5 grandkids.

Janine is from Healdsburg and has worked with Jana for the past 20 years at Canyon Manor.

Janine believes she fell into this work, starting as a care giver and found a love for helping to make people’s lives better. One of Janine’s approaches to her work is that “there’s usually more than 1 way to do something and it takes a village”. Janine believes it’s important to lead by example when working with residents and empathy should drive our work and interactions, “clients are very empathic and intuitive”. Janine enjoys time by the pool, going to movies, going out to eat with friends and loves her cat, Maisie. Janine is quite renowned here at Canyon Manor for her baking skills. One might say baking is her love language and Janine doesn’t shy away from showing her love for her colleagues and clients. Throughout the year Janine provides goodies to program groups, “hall parties”, and holidays. Rumour has it you may even catch Janine with a stick of butter in her pocket ready for some baking or spreading.

Rosa is originally from Guadalajara and has been with Canyon Manor for 8 of her 15 years in the field. Rosa is the mother of 3 adult children and has 2 grandkids. Rosa’s work is very rewarding to her and due to a recent medical condition, she had to miss work and depend on help from others for a month which gave her perspective. “No matter how strong you may think you are you are always vulnerable…enjoy your health while you have it”. Rosa sees her work as an investment in the future and through caring for others she can prepare, appreciate, and perhaps influence the care she will one day rely on from others. A healthy lifestyle is important for Rosa, and she enjoys riding her bike, working out, and eating healthy, which she does while working 2 jobs and studying for school. Fun fact, both Rosa and Jana have children who are/were employed here at Canyon Manor as mental health workers. We are lucky and honoured to have these 3 amazing people as part of our Canyon Manor family. Hall Charges have the most direct contact with our residents and often develop the strongest relationships.

Their care for others covers the entire spectrum of behavioural health services and the impact they have had on countless people’s lives is honourable and humbling.

The term “level of care” is commonly used to describe healthcare and behavioral health facilities. The level of care is determined by the level of support the resident requires based on medical and behavioral health needs. Higher levels of care require more licensed professionals with greater staff to client ratios. As you move down the levels of care the requirements are less restrictive and staffing ratios lessen to the point an individual is living as independently as possible in the community.

Emergency Room/Emergency Department (ER/ED): This is where law enforcement may bring someone having a mental health crisis, or an individual in crisis may walk in. People will not stay here long and likely be transferred to the nearest CSU or PES. Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU): These are not intended for people to stay beyond 24hrs. If during the 23hrs it is determined that the person will need ongoing care, then a 5150 (72hour hold) is obtained and the person is referred to a PHF. Unfortunately, due to a lack of available beds in PHF’s someone can stay at the CSU longer than intended or desired.

Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES): Same as CSU. These facilities (CSU, PES) are staffed physicians, nurses, and social workers who work collaboratively with a number of behavioral health partners to develop short and long-term treatment plans.

Institutions for Mental Disease (IMD): An IMD is general term that refers to a facility that has over 16 beds with the primary focus being mental health as well as receiving nursing care. This can be a PHF, MHRC, SNF-STP Psychiatric Health Facility (PHF): This is where someone on a 5150 or 5250 hold is placed for further stabilization and assessment. This is also where one may be placed on a temporary conservatorship (TCON) which places a legal hold for up to 90 days. This is not meant to be a longterm placement and often individuals are referred from here to an MHRC for longer term treatment.

Mental Health Rehabilitation Center (MHRC): Canyon Manor is an MHRC. This is where someone is either on a TCON or permanent conservatorship and would benefit from ongoing psychosocial and psychiatric treatment. The average length of stay is around 12 months but can be shorter or longer.

Skilled Nursing Facility – Special Treatment Program (SNF-STP): SNF’s provide skilled nursing services as well as rehabilitative services for people who are chronically ill or recovering from a medical procedure. If a SNF has a focus on mental health, it is and STP. Residential Care Facility/Adult Residential Facility (RCF/ARF): More commonly known as a board and care, this is considered a lower level of care from IMD’s where an individual from the age of 18-59 is no longer in a locked facility and has the freedom to come and go at their leisure while receiving support for things like meals, medications, laundry, and other basic services. This along with an augmented or enhanced ARF/board and care is where most of our residents at Canyon Manor discharge to. Augmented or Enhanced RCF/ARF’s have more staff, structure and programming and can often serve as a step between an IMD and an RCF/ARF. Residential Care Facility for Elderly (RCFE): These facilities provide care for 60 years and older who do not require ongoing medical assistance from staff. Basically, a board and care for seniors. At times someone below 60 may be accepted if they have similar needs.

Newsletter

VOLUME 7, NUMBER 3

March 2023 This Month’s Activities

CONTACT US Payphone numbers for clients 415-897-9752 415-897-1562 Canyon Manor 415-892-1628 Social Services Workers Aldo (Soc Serv Manager) ext. 319 Jesus - ext. 317 Dennis - ext. 337 Josue - ext. 318 CONREP Social Services Workers Lisa (Clinical Director) - ext. 361 Michlene - ext. 321 Madi – ext. 351 If you have any questions, feedback, or there are any topics you’d like to see addressed in the newsletter, please contact us at 415-892-1628 Ext 309.

Welcome back to the Canyon Manor Newsletter! Are you ready to spring forward into March? It has been a cold wet February in the Bay Area with snow falling on the hills and mountains all around us in levels many are seeing for the first time in their lives.

Did you know that March is National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month? How does this pertain to Canyon Manor you ask? Cooccurring disorders is a common term in mental health and most often used to describe substance use/abuse and mental illness (MI) occurring at the same time. However, it is not uncommon for us to see another form of co-occurring disorders with developmental disabilities (DD) occurring simultaneously with substance use/abuse and MI. In California, typically folks with developmental delays are served through the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) by the Regional Center, a statewide network of 21 community based non-profit agencies. The DDS is governed by different laws and regulations than the mental health system.

However, at times a person with developmental delays is better served by the mental health system through a Lanterman Petris Short (LPS) conservatorship. Some of the biggest challenges working with someone who has both DD and MI are determining the course and modality of treatment, both pharmacologically and behaviorally. Despite the challenges one of our guiding principles at Canyon Manor is to lead with compassion and to treat the person, not the diagnosis.

International Women’s Day is on March 8th, which celebrates the cultural, political, social, and economic achievements of women across the globe!

Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17th, a holiday celebrated across the globe in remembrance of Ireland’s patron saint of the same name and in typical Canyon Manor fashion we will enjoy corned beef and cabbage for dinner. Don’t forget to wear green! In March the colors green and purple are used to symbolize hope, women’s rights and the coming of spring. We wish you, your family, the women in your lives and your loved ones a month of warmth and wellness, and don’t forget to change your clocks on the 12th.

Group of the Month Getting to Know Our Staff The importance of healthy communication and its impact on health and wellness can be minimized and overlooked, especially for folks who struggle with mental health. The symptoms of mood, personality and psychotic disorders all have significant impact on one’s quality of communication with others.

Canyon Manor’s Open Dialogue Group gives our residents the space to express their thoughts and concerns in a non-judgmental environment while giving our staff an opportunity to observe, assess, and support residents’ communication style and skills.

Headed by Social Service Worker Dennis Hernandez, Open Dialogue deals with a variety of topics that both residents and staff bring to the group and discuss. Topics range from feedback on what residents find helpful and unhelpful about the program to horoscopes and the local news and weather.

This group provides a forum and structure for folks to engage in dialogue and with the support of Dennis and staff, residents are encouraged to practice skills like active listening, checking assumptions, staying on topic, and awareness of tone, pace, and clarity when speaking. Did you know that there has been research that shows the prognosis of someone experiencing their first schizophrenic break significantly increases when the family and the individual are able to develop a shared understanding and common language used to describe what they are collectively experiencing. Underlying this is the importance of validation and the acknowledgement of the other.

This month we would like to highlight two of our Canyon Manor colleagues. One is a veteran of 43 years, the other is brand new to Canyon Manor, and both have ties to our Social Services Department. Jim Quigley moved to California from New Jersey in 1972 after enlisting in the Army and completing advanced training as a social worker.

He drove across country in his 1969 Ford Galaxy convertible to his new assignment as a social worker at Fort Ord in Monterey Ca. After completing his service, Jim moved to Sonoma County and went to Sonoma State College where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in psychology and business management, and started a family. Jim joined Canyon Manor in 1980 as a mental health worker while still in college and eventually moved into the social services department where he was a social worker, manager, and recently has accepted the role of Assistant Program Director. Jim enjoys being a grandfather to his two grandchildren and enjoys travelling with his lovely wife Janice to Hawaii, where they visit regularly. Jim built his home in Sebastopol and enjoys quite time at home with his wife and hopes to travel to Ireland soon.

Aldo DiFede joined us as our new Social Services Manager in mid-February. Aldo was born in Redwood City, raised in Fremont, and has been working in mental health for over eighteen years. Aldo began his career as a mental health technician while studying and playing baseball at a local junior college. He transferred to San Jose State University and obtained a Bachelor of Arts in recreational and leisure studies, becoming a California Licensed Recreational Therapist. An athlete all his life, Aldo enjoys playing competitive slow pitch softball and has competed in leagues and tournaments both locally and regionally. An avid sports fan Aldo follows the San Francisco 49ers, Giants, and the Golden State Warriors. Other than sports, Aldo enjoys spending time with his lovely wife Raquel and their two dogs Cali and Bear, bowling, and cruising the Napa Valley in his 1954 Ford Crestline Victoria. What attracted Aldo to the field of mental health was his observation of the need for more staff with patience, compassion, and understanding for clients. He also saw the importance of and need for personal self-care. With his background in recreation and leisure, and the philosophy that one must help themselves first before they can help others, Aldo felt like it was a natural fit for him to work with and help others.

We are thankful and proud to have Jim and Aldo here at Canyon Manor!

The Lanterman-Petris-Short (LPS) Act is named after the California State Assemblyman Frank Lanterman, Senators Nicholas Petris and Alan Short, and was signed into law by Governor Ronald Regan in 1967 going into full effect July 1, 1972. This act ended inappropriate, indefinite, and involuntary commitment of individuals with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and chronic alcoholism with the exception for criminal cases.

5150 hold: This is a 72 hour hold and involuntary placement to a locked psychiatric facility for evaluation after being determined to be “gravely disabled” and unable to provide food, shelter, and clothing for themselves and/or be a danger to self or others.

5250 hold: This extends the hold to 14 days and requires a court hearing with the same guiding principles as a 5150 hold, and can last up to 30 days.

5350 hold: Also known as a T-con or temporary LPS conservatorship and under the same guiding principles as above, is authorized by the courts and requires a the treating psychiatrist and medical director of the facility to initiate and sign for. This can last up to 180 days and if further placement i n a locked facility is needed then a permanent LPS conservatorship is ordered by the courts.

Permanent LPS: is a misleading term. This is only valid for 1 year and the individual retains the right to challenge the conservatorship in court after 6 months. After 1 year the conservatorship can be renewed and requires legal proceedings to occur like above with a psychiatrist recommendation and explanation.

Newsletter

VOLUME 7, NUMBER 2

February 2023

This Month’s Activities

CONTACT US Payphone numbers for clients 415-897-9752 415-897-1562 Canyon Manor 415-892-1628 Social Services Workers Aldo (Soc Serv Manager) ext. 319 Jesus - ext. 317 Dennis - ext. 337 Josue - ext. 318 CONREP Social Services Workers Lisa (Clinical Director) - ext. 361 Michlene - ext. 321 Madi – ext. 351 If you have any questions, feedback, or there are any topics you’d like to see addressed in the newsletter, please contact us at 415-892-1628 Ext 309.

Welcome back to the Canyon Manor newsletter. How are those resolutions going? Here at Canyon Manor, we are excited moving into February, and started 2023 with some wonderful things for both the residents and staff. In January we had a visit and training from Raul Almazar RN, senior consultant for SAMHSA National Center for Trauma Informed Care (TIC), and are excited to partner with Raul to bring the highest quality of care and best practices to our residents and program.

February is Black History Month, honoring African American history, achievements, and their central role in United States from its inception. Where would we be as a society without the accomplishments of George Washington Carver on agricultural science, or Madam C.J. Walker who was the first African American woman to become a self-made millionaire, Mark Dean the coinventor of IBM’s original personal computer and the color PC monitor, and who doesn’t know who Michael Jordan is. The list goes on, includes countless others and we honor you all for never giving up on your vision and dreams.

This month also celebrates Groundhog’s Day, Valentine’s Day, and Presidents Day. We plan to celebrate with several fun activities and events. Bread & Roses (an organization that brings live music to facilities like Canyon Manor) will perform a virtual concert via Zoom on the 10th. The Valentine’s Day Dance on the 14th will be filled with singing and dancing to R&B classics, and there will be a birthday party on the 24th celebrating the February birthdays.

Other fun social activities this month include Wii video games, board game night, and Bingo where clients can socialize, have friendly competition, and win a menagerie of rewards. It will be a fun-packed month for the residents here at Canyon Manor! We wish you all a month filled with love.

Group of the Month

Current Events There are a lot of events that happen around the world. The transmission of information in this digital age has made it easy for anyone to access world events.

Here at Canyon Manor, staff hold Current Events Group is where clients are informed and discuss events ranging from local to international news. The residents enjoy hearing about the various happenings around the world and engaging in discussion. Other forms of news include the stock market, celebrity news, sports, legislation, and environmental. Current Events Group is facilitated by one of our tenured social service workers Dennis Hernandez and in addition to learning about the happenings around the world, Current Events also focuses on any developments within the facility, such as news on any changes to the program, groups, and upcoming special events. Current Events is not only about Current Events, but also an opportunity to observe and assess where a resident is at in their recovery process.

As clinicians we pay attention to someone’s awareness to the date, day of the week, time, season, year, etc. We also notice one’s ability to track conversations, stay on topic, and the quality of interaction with others. This information is valuable to help determine the extent one’s diagnosis and symptoms are having on the person. This informs the treatment team how well their medications are working and what kind of individualized psychosocial support we could provide to best support the individual.

Getting to Know Our Staff Canyon Manor would like for you to meet Bimal Kumar, one of our most dedicated long tenured team members! Bimal is one of the pillars in our kitchen and a talented chef. One of her many talents is cooking nutritious meals that taste good and are enjoyed by residents and staff. Bimal is nearing her thirtieth year at Canyon Manor and continues to provide the same high-quality care since she started and is popular with both clients and staff. If you’re lucky, you might be blessed with some of Bimal’s delicious home cooked Fijian dishes.

In addition to her passion for helping our residents, another aspect of the job that Bimal enjoys is meeting new people.

Whether they be staff, residents, or visitors, you will likely be greeted with a big smile and warm welcome.

In her spare time, Bimal enjoys spending time with her family, sewing elegant fabrics, and taking her beloved dog out for walks. We often talk about self-care in the behavioural health field and for Bimal, gardening and tending to her flower beds offer peaceful respite after work. We are proud and honoured to have Bimal as a part of our Canyon Manor family and applaud her dedication and passion to be of service to others.

Exciting Changes Trauma Informed Care (TIC): is a change in the framework for working with others from to “what’s wrong with you?” to “what happened to you?”. Trauma (historical, personal, community, organizational) and the adverse effects these may have on someone historically has been pathologized as abnormal or unhealthy rather than conceptualized as a normal response to abnormal situations. As an alternative to pathologizing diagnosis and mental/behavioral health challenges TIC invites the view that all behavior has meaning, symptoms are adaptations, it is more therapeutic to work with others from a place of comfort vs. control, and that we build on success not deficits. This change in clinical perspective supports Canyon Manor to work with our residents from a person centered, strength based, recovery focused and compassionate approach that will contribute to better, longer lasting, successes.

Newsletter

VOLUME 7, NUMBER 1

January 2023

This Month’s Activities

CONTACT US Payphone numbers for clients 415-897-9752 415-897-1562 Canyon Manor 415-892-1628 Social Services Workers Jim (Manager) – ext. 319 Jesus - ext. 317 Dennis - ext. 337 Monica -ext. 328 Josue - ext. 318 CONREP Social Services Workers Lisa (Manager) - ext. 361 Michlene - ext. 321 Madi – ext. 351 If you have any questions, feedback, or there are any topics you’d like to see addressed in the newsletter, please contact us at 415-892-1628 Ext 309.

January brings the celebration of a new year. For many a new year symbolizes a time of change, letting go, and embarking on something new. At Canyon Manor we are excited for what the new year will bring. We have new colleagues, new residents, and new opportunities to enhance the services we provide while we honor those who have travelled before us paving the way and having a positive impact on our Canyon Manor family. We wish everyone health, happiness and wellness and thank you for being a part of our journey and success.

This month residents will begin the year undecorating the Christmas tree and making goals for the year. Bread and Roses, a nonprofit organization that brings live music to facilities such as Canyon Manor will host a performance via zoom for our residents. As we do on many holidays, Martin Luther King Jr Day is on the 16th and will be a modified program day. The residents will enjoy a walk, bingo, and the movie Selma, based on voting rights marches in 1965.

The lunar new year, most known as Chinese New Year will be celebrated on the 22nd and this is the year of the rabbit.

The special activity for this month is a nacho fundraiser.

The funds will be used to pay for a pop up theatre in the large TV room with the feature movie James Bond will be shown with refreshments. Have a wonderful January and stay tuned for what’s in store for February at Canyon Manor.

Group of the Month

Getting to Know Our Staff Quarterly Meeting Did you know that all residents have an interdisciplinary treatment meeting every 90 days? This meeting is to review the progress one has made in their mental health wellness and recovery process, which includes recovery goals, medications review, and discharge plans. The resident is strongly encouraged to attend but is not required, and invitations are extended to the residents’ family, county conservator and case manager.

This meeting is facilitated by the Canyon Manor treatment team which includes the Hall Charge, Nurse Practitioner, Social Service Worker, Rehab Therapist, Medical Director, Psychiatrist, and Program Director.

We meet in person and the option to attend via phone is available. The overall goal of this meeting is to support the resident to discharge with long term success in the community. If you would like to know more about the quarterly meeting, please contact the social services department and we would be happy to assist you.

We would like to introduce Mitchell Geis, or as staff and residents refer to him as “Mitch”. Mitchell is no stranger to Canyon Manor and has worked at Canyon Manor over 17 years in a variety of roles in the program and nursing department. For the past 6 years Mitchell was the program director for a behavioural health facility in Napa while working on call at Canyon Manor and in September accepted and returned to us as the program director. Mitchell was recently licensed as an associate marriage and family therapist and is excited to work with residents in this capacity while supporting the campus administratively as the program director.

In his free time Mitchell enjoys golf, bowling, sports, good food, good music, riding motorcycles, being on or near water, and spending time with his family and dog Cookie. He is passionate about helping and making a difference in the lives of others. Mitchell is excited to launch Canyon Manor’s Trauma Informed Care Initiative and is also in the process of launching the use of PointClickCare, an electronic medical record system. You will hear more about these exciting changes in the future but for now please join us in welcoming Mitch as our new program director.

Exciting Changes PointClickCare(PCC) is a cloud-based system to store documents and information.

As Canyon Manor moves to improve its sustainability and efficiency, PCC will help reduce our paper waste and carbon footprint while enhancing our productivity and quality of care. Faster and easier access to an electronic medical record will streamline clinical documentation and create more time for resident care.

Newsletter

VOLUME 6, NUMBER 11

November - December 2022

These Months’ Activities

CONTACT US Payphone numbers for clients 415-897-9752 415-897-1562 Canyon Manor 415-892-1628 Social Services Workers Jim (Manager) – ext. 319 Jesus - ext. 317 Dennis - ext. 337 Monica- ext. 328 Josue - ext. 381 CONREP Social Services Workers Lisa (Manager) - ext. 361 Michlene - ext. 321 Madi- ext. 351

If there are any topics you’d like to see addressed in the newsletter, please let us know by calling Josue at 415-892-1628 Ext 381.

If you feel you have received this letter in error or are not interested in continuing to receive it, please call Josue to be taken off the mailing list at 415-892-1628 Ext 381.

November activities include the much-anticipated Thanksgiving lunch in which residents were treated to a delicious meal with all the Thanksgiving staples; turkey, mash potato, collard greens, and cranberry sauce all served by the dedicated dietary staff.

December continues the festive spirit with the decoration of the Christmas tree, where residents help in adorning the tree with ornaments, lights, and topped off with a glowing angel. The modified program schedule also provides residents with activities such as movies and bingo for that Christmas cheer.

Residents are also treated to nighttime drive-ins where they can view many of Novato’s homes adorned with Christmas lights.

Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month

The month of November is known as Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. Alzheimer’s Diseases is a common form of dementia that affects over 5.8 million Americans as of 2020. Alzheimer’s Disease is an insidious disease that mostly affects people 65 years and older, although younger people can also be diagnosed with the disease. Symptoms can

Group of the Month

include memory loss, poor judgement, and decrease in work output. Alzheimer’s Disease becomes more common in people the older they are, with symptoms usually manifesting around 60 years of age. Alzheimer’s Disease can be a difficult illness to deal with for both the patient and their family. Available programs help in the caring of family members with Alzheimer’s and providing support for their family members.

Pandemic Status and Misc. Updates Discussion Group happens once a week and is an outlet for residents to speak about whatever they want. It is a time for residents to express their interests while also getting to know their fellow peers. In December, residents discussed the holidays and their wishes for the upcoming year. Many residents expressed gratitude towards their family members and staff, with the

All visitors, official or familial, are required to do a Rapid Covid Test and test negative before meeting the resident. Furthermore, family visitors must meet the resident in the patio area; family visitors are not allowed into the facility to minimize Covid exposure

Christmas tree being the center of

risk. Visitors on official business such as Conservators,

admiration. Discussion Group allows

Case Managers, and so forth must also do a Rapid

residents to voice their interests and

Covid Test and test negative before entering facility.

concerns in a welcoming environment.

Regardless of official or familial visits, all visitors must always wear a mask to protect themselves and the residents.

Canyon Manor is beginning to make substantial changes to their record-keeping system by going paperless in the coming month. A new phone system has also been implemented. All callers to the facility should dial 1 to reach the chart room.

Newsletter

VOLUME 6, NUMBER 10

October 2022

This Month’s Activities

CONTACT US Payphone numbers for clients 415-897-9752 415-897-1562 Canyon Manor 415-892-1628 Social Services Workers Jim (Manager) – ext. 319 Rachel - ext. 317 Dennis - ext. 337 Monica- ext. 328 CONREP Social Services Workers Lisa (Manager)- ext. 361 Michlene - ext. 321 Madi- ext. 351 If there are any topics you’d like to see addressed in the newsletter, please let us know by calling Rachel at 415-892-1628 Ext 317.

This month’s activities include Bread and Roses performing over Zoom, a pumpkin patch outing, pumpkin carving contest, trick-or-treating and preparing for Día de los Muertos in November. Multiple pumpkins are brought back from the pumpkin patch outing and used for the carving competition. Residents get into teams to carve their pumpkins and when completed their peers rank the top three. These are displayed in the foyer area after completion and the teams receive prizes. Staff will facilitate Trick-or-Treating on the evening of Halloween inside the facility. In addition, residents are having a contest for the best three skull colorings for Día de los Muertos. The winning artists will receive prizes and their masterpieces will be displayed in community areas for all to enjoy.

Mental Illness Awareness Week

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The first week of October is Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) which was established by Congress in 1990. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) uses

Group of the Month

Residents’ Rights group occurs once a

MIAW as an advocacy tool to speak about mental health.

The theme for 2022 was “What I Wish I Had Known” covering topics including stigma, medication, therapy, and more. NAMI also has its first book “You Are Not Alone” with stories from people with mental illness and caregivers. In addition, NAMI has videos on their website regarding “What I Wish People Knew” about specific diagnoses. Learn more at: https://www.nami.org/GetInvolved/Awareness-Events/Mental-Illness-AwarenessWeek

Pandemic Status

week with the local Marin County Patients’ Rights Advocate. The Advocate attends via Zoom; she can see and speak to the residents in the group. She is able to talk to residents after group about their individual situations to assist in answering any specific questions. She also

In late September, Canyon Manor had several staff

communicates resident concerns to

test positive for COVID in a short period of time.

Canyon Manor staff as needed. The Rehabilitation department facilitates this group and assists with the technology, having the Advocate’s Zoom screen appear on the large television for the group to see and communicate with her. Canyon Manor is grateful to have such a wonderful partnership with the Patients’ Rights Advocate!

When this occurs, the facility is placed on outbreak status by local public health. The residents and staff are tested twice a week and must have no new positives for fourteen consecutive days. Luckily, during this outbreak only staff tested positive and programming continued per usual. The outbreak ended mid-October which allowed residents to resume passes into the community. Resident oxygen stats and temperatures no longer need to be taken daily as they were before. Residents are asked if they are experiencing any COVID symptoms daily and rapid tests are available as needed. Visitation is permitted and rapid tests are no longer needed to see a resident. Visitors may be screened at the door for symptoms prior to seeing the resident.

Newsletter

VOLUME 6, NUMBER 9

September 2022

This Month’s Activities

CONTACT US Payphone numbers for clients 415-897-9752 415-897-1562

This month’s activities included Labor Day, a modified

Canyon Manor 415-892-1628 Social Services Workers Jim (Manager) – ext. 319 Rachel - ext. 317 Dennis - ext. 337 Monica- ext. 328 CONREP Social Services Workers Lisa (Manager)- ext. 361 Michlene - ext. 321 Madi- ext. 351

a modified schedule on the holiday. Residents have

If there are any topics you’d like to see addressed in the newsletter, please let us know by calling Rachel at 415-892-1628 Ext 317.

program week, and a showing of a new release movie with popcorn and soda. Labor Day was a three-day weekend with informed staff that they enjoy having a light week of groups occasionally and some have experienced this in other facilities they have lived at. Due to this feedback, the program department has implemented a modified program week once a quarter. The groups that are available are recreational and enjoyable. Some examples are games, pet group, walks, and movies.

Suicide Awareness Prevention Month

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The month of September is known as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month (SPAM) by the National Association of Mental Illness (NAMI). On

Group of the Month

their website are resources regarding suicide prevention, quick facts, crisis resources, blogs, and personal stories. In addition, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline began earlier in the year (July 2022) making it easier for people to call for help. The 988 number connects to the previous 10-digit Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The original Lifeline continues to function as well. Information can also be found at 988lifeline.org

Pandemic Status Discharge Planning occurs once a week and welcomes all residents.

One does not have to be close to discharge to attend. This group reviews skills that residents will need to discharge from Canyon Manor and stay out of locked psychiatric

During the month of September, residents were able

placement. Some topics include

to return to community passes which was much

staying busy during the day, knowing how to get one’s medications, staying in touch with health care

appreciated. Residents can earn these passes through the level system, which assesses each client’s hygiene, behavior, medication adherence, and program participation. Residents also must wear their

providers, and coping skills to remain

mask consistently and properly in community areas of

substance free. Residents are shown

the facility to demonstrate that they can do so when

online resources that will assist them

in public areas on passes. Residents continue to have

as well.

their oxygen saturation and temperature taken twice a day. Rapid antigen tests are available to test anyone who is not feeling well. Family and friends may come to visit if they can bring a rapid COVID test with them to perform at Canyon Manor prior to seeing the resident. Visits will occur outdoors as a precaution.

Canyon Manor is grateful that those who caught COVID in the last outbreak recovered swiftly.

Newsletter

VOLUME 6, NUMBER 8

August 2022

This Month’s Activities

CONTACT US Payphone numbers for clients 415-897-9752 415-897-1562 Canyon Manor 415-892-1628 Social Services Workers Anthony (Manager) – ext. 319 Rachel - ext. 317 Dennis - ext. 337 Monica- ext. 328 CONREP Social Services Workers Lisa (Manager)- ext. 361 Michlene - ext. 321 Madi- ext. 351 If there are any topics you’d like to see addressed in the newsletter, please let us know by calling Rachel at 415-892-1628 Ext 317.

This month’s activities were limited due to the COVID outbreak; however, rehab staff, interns, and CONREP staff put together several activity packets for residents to keep them occupied while the program was temporarily paused.

These included art supplies, beading, dream catcher kits, journals that had reflection and affirmation prompts, mindfulness materials, puzzle books, and directions ways to exercise. Residents could also make requests for different items, i.e., magazines or board games. When most of the community was out of isolation, a modified program occurred to allow for some groups. In these groups, residents expressed gratitude that staff made a huge effort to help them stay busy while they were quarantined to their rooms.

Appreciation at Canyon Manor

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Canyon Manor appreciates its staff, residents, families, and outside agency staffs’ understanding of quick changes that occur due to COVID-19. Staff continuously come to assist our residents during outbreaks. Residents do a decent job isolating to

Group of the Month

their rooms as requested per COVID protocols.

Families and county staff collaborating with residents are mindful of the visiting guidelines and are willing to follow the strict rules when they come in person.

We are grateful to have such a compassionate community surrounding Canyon Manor and supporting our residents in their recovery. Thank you all!

Pandemic Status Manor Mart occurs once a week simultaneously with banking. This is a small store that is set up in one of the group rooms. Manor Mart has items such as shampoos, lotion, makeup, other hygiene products, T-

At the tail end of July, Canyon Manor went into outbreak

shirts, underwear, socks, snacks, and

status with a few residents that tested positive for COVID.

sparkling water. A small number of

Testing continued twice weekly for both residents and

residents can enter the room at once

staff. By August, several residents tested positive. Room

and pick out their items. When ready, residents go to the cashier staff who writes them out a receipt.

changes were made to place positive residents together which became known as “red” rooms. Residents who had roommates that tested positive but had not tested positive themselves were also grouped together and were

Manor Mart allows residents to

considered exposed, also known as “yellow”. Positive

practice being out in the community

residents had to quarantine for ten days and be

as well as budgeting their needs and

asymptomatic to be out of their quarantine. Exposed

wants.

residents had to quarantine for fourteen days and test negative as they could have developed symptoms from their recent exposure. Most clients were out of their quarantine period by mid-August. Luckily, all residents who tested positive over the outbreak had very mild symptoms such as congestion or sore throat. No resident was in medical distress and all were being checked on by nurse practitioners as well as nursing staff regularly.

Newsletter

VOLUME 6, NUMBER 7

July 2022

This Month’s Activities

CONTACT US Payphone numbers for clients 415-897-9752 415-897-1562 Canyon Manor 415-892-1628 Social Services Workers Anthony (Manager) – ext. 319 Rachel - ext. 317 Dennis - ext. 337 CONREP Social Services Workers Lisa (Manager)- ext. 361 Michlene - ext. 321 If there are any topics you’d like to see addressed in the newsletter, please let us know by calling Rachel at 415-892-1628 Ext 317.

This month’s activities started with the week of Fourth of July.

There was a modified program schedule for the holiday that consisted of a dance, bingo, and a movie. The week continued with a modified schedule as Canyon Manor provides a light group schedule one week per quarter as a break to the residents. An Ice Cream Social Fundraiser was held which pays for snacks given at the Community Planned Activity held on Fridays. Bread and Roses made a virtual appearance for a musical performance. A summer party was held with games such as badminton, basketball, and cornhole. At the end of the party, snow cones were available to all residents in many flavors. Lastly, residents have been enjoying painting the bricks of the labyrinth in the backyard space (see photo above).

Smoking at Canyon Manor

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Smoking tobacco is not encouraged at Canyon Manor. Residents have typically been smoke-free for weeks prior to arriving. They may choose to smoke when using passes they have earned through the level system. Due to the pandemic, Canyon Manor

Group of the Month

Education group occurs once a week

authorized residents to smoke on the patio when this was previously not allowed. This decision was made to help prevent exposure of covid-19 from being in the community, especially since smoking requires one to remove their mask. Smoking within the facility’s locked area, including the backyard, is not allowed. This causes a high fire risk as residents may throw a lit item into a dry grassy area. Staff take this seriously and when residents are caught smoking it results in a loss of privileges for a short time.

Pandemic Status

and covers a wide range of topics.

Some examples include current events, sex education, cultural competency, and mental health subjects to name a few. When relevant, the group may watch a short

Most of July Canyon Manor residents were covid-free.

Staff members who had tested positive had done so at

documentary or series to learn about

home and therefore did not come into the facility. In the

a topic. Handouts, videos, and visuals

last days of the month, a resident tested positive and

on the white board are used as

was isolated immediately. By the end of July, a few

needed to better explore talking

clients tested positive for covid. Because of this, passes

points. Some discussions are continued for several weeks. If a video

off facility property were cancelled although clients can use passes on the front patio. All residents are encouraged to wear masks even when there is no

is shown, time is allowed at the end of

outbreak to help prevent them from catching covid in a

group to review. Group leaders are

situation like this. Visiting is discouraged but still

open to topics to delve into suggested

permitted with the conditions that the resident is

by residents.

neither positive or exposed, the visitors bring their own tests to use at Canyon Manor and test negative prior to seeing the resident, and masks are to be worn, meaning food cannot be brought to the visit. Testing for residents and staff will occur twice a week. Stay safe!

Newsletter

VOLUME 6, NUMBER 6

June 2022

This Month’s Activities

CONTACT US Payphone numbers for clients 415-897-9752 415-897-1562 Canyon Manor 415-892-1628

June activities included an outdoor barbeque, music from Bread & Roses, a first run movie, the monthly birthday party, Father’s Day and rainbow art for Pride Month. For Father’s Day the kitchen staff made roasted turkey with asparagus and sweet potatoes. Bread & Roses had a Beatles sing-a-long with lyrics presented on the screen for residents to follow. A first run movie is getting a movie the day that it was released on DVD. The movie chosen was Moonfall. At the end of every

Social Services Workers Jim (Manager) – ext. 319 Rachel - ext. 317 Dennis - ext. 337 Courtney - ext. 318 CONREP Social Services Workers Michlene - ext. 321 Lisa- ext. 361 If there are any topics you’d like to see addressed in the newsletter, please let us know by calling Rachel at 415-892-1628 Ext 317.

month there is a birthday party celebrating those who had a birthday. The birthday residents are allowed in the party first and are given a slice of cake and ice cream. Once birthday residents have been served other residents may join and can enjoy some cake as well.

Celebrating Pride

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June is Pride Month which honors LGBTQ+ individuals.

Pride month provides needed space for advocacy for this group to have a voice and rights. Mental Health America (MHA) has a quick read on connections between LBGTQ+ and mental health with facts and references for further reading at https://mhanational.org/lgbtq/pride

Group of the Month

Canyon Manor has decorated common areas with “Love is love” signs as an ally to the LBGTQ+ community. In addition, a core value of Canyon Manor is “Diversity Matters”. Staff embrace and celebrate diversity including the LBGTQ+ residents.

The source at the bottom of the photo above reads: LGBTQ+ Mental Health: Insights from MHA Screening, 2019. https://www.mhanational.org/sites/default/files/201909/LGBTQ%2B_Mental_Health.pdf

Pandemic Status Gardening group has started and is a much-enjoyed group! Planter boxes have been built on facility grounds for the group to use. Residents have filled the boxes with soil and have planted tomatoes, watermelon, pumpkin, green beans, sage, carnations, and more. Recently the group worked on propagating succulent plants to grow roots in the planter boxes. Residents are reminded to stay hydrated and work together to make the garden happen. The garden is watered regularly, including outside group time as needed to help it flourish.

Canyon Manor is grateful that during the facility’s latest outbreak status which ended on June 28th, no resident tested positive. Residents and staff tested twice a week with antigen tests during the outbreak. Staff, residents, and visitors are required to wear masks. Visiting during an outbreak can occur if one agrees to wearing an N95 mask during the entire visit, bring a rapid test to perform at Canyon Manor prior to seeing their loved one or provide results of a PCR test done within the last 48 hours. During outbreak status, visitors are not to bring food for sharing or taking back into the facility. Canyon Manor understands these are frustrating times and not ideal visiting circumstances. We thank you for your continued patience, understanding, and cooperation.

Newsletter

VOLUME 6, NUMBER 5

May 2022

This Month’s Activities

CONTACT US Payphone numbers for clients 415-897-9752 415-897-1562 Canyon Manor 415-892-1628 Social Services Workers Jim (Manager) – ext. 319 Rachel - ext. 317 Dennis - ext. 337 Courtney - ext. 318 CONREP Social Services Workers Michlene - ext. 321 Lisa- ext. 361 If there are any topics you’d like to see addressed in the newsletter, please let us know by calling Rachel at 415-892-1628 Ext 317.

If you feel you have received this letter in error or are not interested in continuing to receive it, please call Rachel to be taken off the mailing list at 415-892-1628 Ext 317.

In May, residents celebrated Mother’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, enjoyed a modified program for Memorial Day and had the first barbeque of the year. For Mother’s Day, supplies to make cards to send to Mothers were provided. Memorial Day brought a three-day weekend from the typical group schedule allowing residents an extra day to relax and participate in activity groups such as a walk and movie. The first barbeque had chicken, coleslaw, and pineapple.

Residents ate in the backyard and enjoyed the nice weather. As summer comes closer, more barbeques will occur for lunch.

Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. The National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) brings the message, “Together for Mental Health” as this year’s theme.

Green ribbons are a symbol that represent mental health awareness. Learn more on NAMI’s webpage at https://www.nami.org/Get-Involved/AwarenessEvents/Mental-Health-Awareness-Month

Food in the Milieu

Canyon Manor is making an effort to prevent excess food coming into the facility. Residents are asked to avoid bringing food back from passes that cannot be consumed on the pass. It is asked that if visitors bring food, to only bring enough for the visit, as residents are not permitted to keep any food in their rooms. Residents are served three full meals a day along with a morning snack, and a snack during evening medication administration.

Vending machines are made available in the evening as well. Canyon Manor is asking friends and family not to send food and snacks in the mail as it does not follow these guidelines. It is acknowledged that residents often gain weight while in a setting such as Canyon Manor, and the staff would like to promote exercise and movement with a healthy amount of food intake. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Pandemic Status

Several staff have tested positive for Covid-19, causing Canyon Manor to go into outbreak status. Residents and staff are tested twice a week when this occurs. Thankfully, there have been no positive residents thus far. This also changes visiting guidelines as those who wish to visit need to show proof of vaccination, take a rapid covid test of their own at the door, or show results of a PCR test completed in the last 48 hours. They must also wear an N95, and refrain from bringing food. Canyon Manor hopes to pass through this outbreak status quickly. Keeping the residents, staff, and community safe is a high priority. Please be patient with us as we navigate this change.

Newsletter

VOLUME 6, NUMBER 4

April 2022

This Month’s Activities

CONTACT US Payphone numbers for clients 415-897-9752 415-897-1562

April activities included Earth Day, Easter, Bread and Roses, and an outing to the movies. Earth Day was spoken about in group and art groups encouraged an Earth Day theme.

For Easter, eggs were colored and an egg hunt occurred.

Canyon Manor 415-892-1628

There were boiled eggs, plastic eggs with chocolate, and

Social Services Workers Jim (Manager) – ext. 319 Rachel - ext. 317 Dennis - ext. 337 Courtney - ext. 318 CONREP Social Services Workers Michlene - ext. 321 Lisa- ext. 361

received a gift card to the Manor Mart which has hygiene

If there are any topics you’d like to see addressed in the newsletter, please let us know by calling Rachel at 415-892-1628 Ext 317.

If you feel you have received this letter in error or are not interested in continuing to receive it, please call Rachel to be taken off the mailing list at 415-892-1628 Ext 317.

some with money inside. The winners of the egg hunt supplies, beauty supplies, and snacks among other things.

The special outing was to the movie theater where the group watched “The Lost City”. Information about other holidays were posted which included Ramadan and Hanamatsuri.

Getting to Know Our Staff

April is Occupational Therapy (OT) Month! People may not think of Occupational Therapy as a profession in the mental health field; however, they are a vital part of the Canyon Manor team. The Occupational Therapists work on the rehabilitation team who lead most of the groups. They assist residents with their activities of daily living (ADLs), organize the special outings and

decorate the facility with current themes throughout

Group of the Month

the year. They are also the liaison when a speech therapist is needed for a consult. This occurs when a resident needs a swallowing assessment. Canyon Manor OTs have also supported local graduate occupational therapy students from both Dominican and San Jose State University to provide field work placements.

Pandemic Status Life Skills is a group that occurs once a week for the Conrep residents. Recently this group made some meals such as the enchiladas pictured above. The group teaches and practices skills that are needed when living independently, such as being able to cook for oneself. The group also allows time for the residents to practice their socializing skills by talking to one another and having a good time. There is also a Coping & Living Skills group that occurs weekly for all Canyon Manor residents to join that reviews similar skills.

Canyon Manor continues to keep procedures in place to protect residents and staff from Covid-19. Masks continue to be worn by staff and residents. Passes into the community are being granted and residents who chose to smoke tobacco are doing so on the Canyon Manor patio to prevent them from having their masks off in the community. Temperatures and oxygen stats are taken on all residents twice a day. Staff are required to take a rapid test once a week. These rapid tests are also used to rule out Covid when a resident is experiencing symptoms. Visitors are to show proof of vaccination or take a rapid test of their own prior to visiting with a loved one. It is preferred that visiting happens outside. Visiting is scheduled through the residents’ Social Services Worker to ensure there is adequate space for social distancing.

Newsletter

VOLUME 6, NUMBER 3

March 2022

This Month’s Activities

CONTACT US Payphone numbers for clients 415-897-9752 415-897-1562

March activities included a Zoom appearance from Bread and Roses with a duet singing performance. For Saint Patrick’s Day, there was a leprechaun drawing contest.

Canyon Manor 415-892-1628

Although there was a first-place winner, all residents were

Social Services Workers Jim (Manager) – ext. 319 Rachel - ext. 317 Dennis - ext. 337 Courtney - ext. 318 CONREP Social Services Workers Michlene - ext. 321 Lisa- ext. 361

month was an outing to the movies. The residents on the

If there are any topics you’d like to see addressed in the newsletter, please let us know by calling Rachel at 415-892-1628 Ext 317.

If you feel you have received this letter in error or are not interested in continuing to receive it, please call Rachel to be taken off the mailing list at 415-892-1628 Ext 317.

given prizes that participated. The special activity this outing watched the movie “Dog”. As always, the birthday party is held on the last Friday of the month and is enjoyed.

Those who had birthdays within the month enter the dining room first to enjoy a piece of cake.

Getting to Know Our Staff

March is Social Work Month by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). The theme for this year is, “The Time is Right for Social Work”. At Canyon Manor, Social Services Workers practice social work skills by building and maintaining rapport with individual residents, co-leading several groups, assisting residents in maintaining connections to outside supports and continuously working with

Group of the Month

residents and their outside providers towards discharge to a less restrictive environment. We appreciate all the work the Social Services Team does! We also appreciate all the Social Workers in the field that collaborate with us in providing resident care.

To learn more about Social Work visit: https://www.socialworkers.org/News/Social-WorkMonth

Pandemic Status Staff Escorted Outings are the earned opportunity for residents who have reached level three. On this outing, staff take a handful of residents to a drive thru restaurant of the group’s choosing. After

Canyon Manor remains cautious regarding Covid-19 by

picking up the orders together, the

continuing to check residents’ temperatures and oxygen

group comes back to Canyon

status. Staff that are vaccinated and boosted are testing

Manor’s spacious front patio to

once a week with rapid Covid tests. Rapid tests are also

enjoy the meal. This earned

used if a client is symptomatic to rule out Covid. Visitors

opportunity is important because

are to show proof of vaccination at the door either by

it allows staff to assess how well a

showing their Covid vaccination card or a picture of it.

resident listen and follows

Those who are not vaccinated are required to do a rapid

instructions. These are important

test prior to visiting, often outside the facility before the

skills needed for when the resident

visit. While here visitors are to wear masks. It is permissible

earns a higher level associated

for food to be brought and enjoyed during visits outdoors

with an opportunity to use peer

although no food is to go back to the residents’ room.

passes without staff supervision.

Outings are also occurring for a maximum of three hours a pass. If one wishes to have a visit or outing, please contact the Social Services Worker that works with your loved one.

Newsletter

VOLUME 6, NUMBER 2

February 2022

This Month’s Activities

CONTACT US Payphone numbers for clients 415-897-9752 415-897-1562

February activities included a celebration of Valentine’s Day and President’s Day. The birthday party was a combination of honoring those born in February and

Canyon Manor 415-892-1628

Valentine’s Day. The special activity for the month was ice

Social Services Workers Jim (Manager) – ext. 319 Rachel - ext. 317 Dennis - ext. 337 Courtney - ext. 318 CONREP Social Services Workers Michlene - ext. 321 Lisa- ext. 361

sandwich. For President’s Day, there were board games,

If there are any topics you’d like to see addressed in the newsletter, please let us know by calling Rachel at 415-892-1628 Ext 317.

If you feel you have received this letter in error or are not interested in continuing to receive it, please call Rachel to be taken off the mailing list at 415-892-1628 Ext 317.

cream bingo where winners of bingo received an ice cream and a couple of movies with snacks. To observe Black History Month movies were shown such as RESPECT which follows Aretha Franklin’s career in becoming The Queen of Soul.

Getting to Know Our Staff

Jackie Aguilera is a team member in the rehab department. She started working at Canyon Manor in May 2021 after graduating at Sonoma State University with her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. She enjoys making a difference in individual’s lives, which draws her to the mental health field. She is going to start gardening group which has been placed on the group schedule just in time for spring. Other groups that Jackie include fitness,

Group of the Month

co-leads include exercise, orientation, art, music, residents’ rights, and education group. She also assists with Manor Mart where clients get a shopping experience including working with a teller and receiving a receipt for the products they purchase. It has been great having you on the team Jackie!

Coming Out of an Outbreak Walking is offered multiple times a week as physical health and exercise are important to one’s overall wellbeing. Walking groups continue even when the facility is closed for visitors, as the group

To come out of an outbreak status, all residents had to test

does not go into any stores or mix

negative for Covid several times in a row. Canyon Manor is

with people from the public. Slow

pleased that this was accomplished by mid-February and

walks are offered for residents

outdoor family visits were allowed to resume. The current

who are unable to keep up with a

guidelines are similar to what was in place prior to the

steady or fast pace. Those who do

closing from the most recent outbreak. Visitors must

not have passes are chosen first

schedule their visit with the resident’s Social Services

for the walk group. The walk is also

Worker. Visiting hours are Tuesdays from 4:30 to 5:30pm

the first step towards passes as it

and Sundays from 9am to 6pm. Visitors must provide proof

is the first opportunity for a

of vaccination and the booster shot. Those who are not

resident to leave the locked areas

vaccinated must provide negative test results within 24

of the facility. They are much

hours of the visit. Meals that can be consumed within the

enjoyed!

visit are permitted; however, no food for the resident to keep in their room is allowed. Masks are to be worn unless eating. We are glad to return to some normalcy during this time.

Newsletter

VOLUME 6, NUMBER 1

January 2022

This Month’s Activities

CONTACT US Payphone numbers for clients 415-897-9752 415-897-1562 Canyon Manor 415-892-1628 Social Services Workers Jim (Manager) – ext. 319 Rachel - ext. 317 Dennis - ext. 337 Courtney - ext. 318 CONREP Social Services Workers Michlene - ext. 321 Lisa- ext. 361 If there are any topics you’d like to see addressed in the newsletter, please let us know by calling Rachel at 415-892-1628 Ext 317.

If you feel you have received this letter in error or are not interested in continuing to receive it, please call Rachel to be taken off the mailing list at 415-892-1628 Ext 317.

January brings the celebration of a new year. As 2022 began, residents assisted in undecorating the Christmas tree. Entertainment was provided by Bread and Roses and was broadcasted over the large television for all to enjoy.

Martin Luther King Day was a modified program day. The schedule included a walk, bingo, and the movie Selma, based on voting right marches in 1965. A nacho fundraiser was held. The funds are used to pay for special activities.

The special activity this month was creating a theatre in the large TV room to show the most recent James Bond movie with a snack.

Getting to Know Our Staff

Ashley Heimann is an RN that works on the nursing team. She has worked for Canyon Manor for 13 years. She started as a Mental Health Worker, went on to the Rehabilitation department, was on-call for Social Services, and began in nursing as an RN in 2011. In June 2019 she was promoted to Team Leader. She has a

Group of the Month

bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Chico State and completed nursing school at the Santa Rosa Junior College. She is a mother of two and enjoys spending time with her family. Thank you, Ashley, for all you do!

Change in Visiting Guidelines Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) has been coming to Canyon Manor to support residents in their sobriety for years. This group occurs on Sunday mornings and has transitioned from in-person to Zoom as needed during the

During the month of January, a handful of Canyon Manor

pandemic. Regardless if the group

residents and staff encountered sickness from Covid. Due

happens in person or is

to this, visiting guidelines changed quickly and were in

broadcasted, they always bring

effect immediately. It was preferred to keep visiting to a

guest speakers to talk about their

minimum and asked that visitors wait until the facility was

experiences, how addiction has

out of outbreak status to visit. Nonetheless, if visiting

affected their lives, and how A.A.

occurred, those coming must show proof of vaccination

has worked for them to change

and a booster shot and proof of a negative test within 24

themselves for the better. Canyon

hours, wear an N95, and social distance. In addition, food is

Manor appreciates having the

not to be brought to the visit. These restrictions can be

support of the A.A. community!

difficult to meet, and the agency thanks you for your patience while our residents rest and recover.

Newsletter

VOLUME 5, NUMBER 12

December 2021

This Month’s Activities

CONTACT US Payphone numbers for clients 415-897-9752 415-897-1562 Canyon Manor 415-892-1628 Social Services Workers Virgil (Manager) – ext. 319 Rachel - ext. 317 Dennis - ext. 337 Courtney - ext. 318 CONREP Social Services Workers Michlene - ext. 321 Lisa- ext. 361 If there are any topics you’d like to see addressed in the newsletter, please let us know by calling Rachel at 415-892-1628 Ext 317.

If you feel you have received this letter in error or are not interested in continuing to receive it, please call Rachel to be taken off the mailing list at 415-892-1628 Ext 317.

December is full of holiday activities. For the special outing, a small group of residents picked a Christmas tree for all to relish. A group was held the following week for residents to decorate the tree while enjoying a hot beverage such as hot cocoa. During the usual Hall Meeting group, sweets were savored during the Hall Parties. There was a Coffee House Social where residents enjoyed pie, cider, and holiday music.

There was also a Christmas sing-a-long. On Christmas Eve, there was a walk, movie, and arts & crafts group. On Christmas Day, Santa came before the traditional meal which was served at lunch. The afternoon concluded with bingo and a holiday movie. By the end of the year, all residents will receive a sweatshirt and sweatpants – a tradition by the Canyon Manor Rehabilitation staff. The week of the 27th will continue to follow a modified program schedule through New Year’s weekend, so the clients get to have a much needed break.

Getting to Know Our Staff

For the end of the year, Canyon Manor would like to appreciate all staff. This year Canyon Manor has been fortunate to not have any Covid-19 cases because staff and residents have been vigilant about following Covid-19 precautions. Canyon Manor’s staff and residents have a high vaccination rate and most residents received the booster this month.

Visitors also have been patient and understanding

of the restrictions that have been in place to keep

Group of the Month

everyone safe. Staff continues to work diligently in the “new normal” since Covid-19 changed the health care and helping professions, while providing and maintaining excellent care to the residents. Thank you to all for your hard work in keeping Canyon Manor safe!

Canyon Manor Christmas Tree Open Dialogue is a discussionbased core group that occurs twice a week. In the first meeting of the week, the group checks in – often about how their weekend went and current events in their lives. Frequently, there is time for clients to ask group leaders questions regarding the facility rules and upcoming activities. In the second group of the week, the news is read and discussed. After talking about the main events happening in the world, the group reviews the schedule of the day at Canyon Manor.

The residents did a fantastic job decorating the Christmas tree with lights and ornaments for the community to enjoy!

Newsletter

VOLUME 5, NUMBER 11

November 2021

This Month’s Activities

CONTACT US Payphone numbers for clients 415-897-9752 415-897-1562 Canyon Manor 415-892-1628 Social Services Workers Virgil (Manager) – ext. 319 Rachel - ext. 317 Dennis - ext. 337 Courtney - ext. 318 CONREP Social Services Workers Michlene - ext. 321 Lisa- ext. 361 If there are any topics you’d like to see addressed in the newsletter, please let us know by calling Rachel at 415-892-1628 Ext 317.

If you feel you have received this letter in error or are not interested in continuing to receive it, please call Rachel to be taken off the mailing list at 415-892-1628 Ext 317.

Thanksgiving Day was a modified program day with a morning walk, Thanksgiving lunch, an afternoon movie, bingo, and an evening movie. Friday after Thanksgiving Day continued to be a modified program day with a similar schedule, allowing residents to have a four-day break from the typical group schedule. Additional November activities included an outing to the movie theatre for clients who are level five and above. Movies are picked based on several factors including timing and what is currently showing in theatre. The movie choice this outing was Red Notice.

Getting to Know Our Staff

Christy Albers is a licensed nurse who works on night shifts. She started working with intellectually disabled people when she was 17-years old and was managing a group home by the time she was 21 years of age. She expanded her skills by becoming a Psychiatric Technician and started working for Canyon Manor in 2003. Her favorite part of working at Canyon Manor is seeing the long term and lasting growth residents achieve during their stay. She states our clients’ meaningful

Group of the Month

changes do not occur overnight but are part of a longer journey, and she is proud to be a part of bringing that to fruition. Residents typically come to Canyon Manor during a time of struggle and staff get to witness their process as they learn to shine. Christy enjoys spending her spare time with her family and her two rescue cats – Amber and Jasper – who she adopted from Forgotten Felines.

From Last Month Another Day group is the dual diagnosis group provided to clients with co-occurring disorders. The group is closed which means that staff invite residents to this group based on the individual’s ability to stay in a group without leaving, and being able to process the material being presented. Group members often do a check-in regarding their sobriety and mental health recovery. Skills to continue to remain sober and mentally stable are discussed as well as common reasons for relapse. Holidays can be a difficult time for folks to maintain their recovery as they often either want to celebrate with loved ones or are mourning losses they have experienced over the years. We thank the group leaders for assisting residents on their path to recovery.

For the month of October, there was an outing to Pronzini Pumpkin Patch where some residents chose three pumpkins for the pumpkin carving contest. The photo above displays the three jack-o-lanterns from this year’s contest.

The residents voted on which made first, second, and third place. The pumpkin on the left made first place; middle made third place; and the pumpkin on the right made second place. It was a close call this year with such great carvings! The pumpkins are showcased in the foyer to show our residents’ excellent skills!

Newsletter

VOLUME 5, NUMBER 10

October 2021

This Month’s Activities

CONTACT US Payphone numbers for clients 415-897-9752 415-897-1562 Canyon Manor 415-892-1628 Social Services Workers Virgil (Manager) – ext. 319 Rachel - ext. 317 Dennis - ext. 337 Courtney - ext. 318 CONREP Social Services Workers Michlene - ext. 321 Lisa- ext. 361 If there are any topics you’d like to see addressed in the newsletter, please let us know by calling Rachel at 415-892-1628 Ext 317.

If you feel you have received this letter in error or are not interested in continuing to receive it, please call Rachel to be taken off the mailing list at 415-892-1628 Ext 317.

October is festive with fall activities. There will be one last outdoor barbeque before the weather changes. There is a pumpkin patch outing in which pumpkins are chosen for the carving contest. Clients make a small team and chose their design for their carving. Teams can work on their pumpkins in several groups. By the end of the month, all residents will have voted on which pumpkin makes 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. All teams will receive prizes accordingly. The October birthday party will be a mixture of the birthday party and a Halloween theme.

Getting to Know Our Staff

Lisa Pack is a new CONREP team member who started in July. She is registered with the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) as an Associate Social Worker and has the goal of being a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) by mid-2022. She has worked with several other populations such as older adults, homeless veterans, and community mental health.

After some time away from the mental health population, Lisa missed working with those experiencing severe mental health challenges and

Group of the Month

decided to enter graduate school for her Master’s in Social Work. At Canyon Manor she provides case management, therapy services, and co-leads groups. She loves working with Canyon Manor’s clients and is learning something new every day. Welcome to the team Lisa!

Holiday Visitation

Women’s group occurs once a week and is a beloved group.

Group participants are women only, providing a space for female residents to express themselves. The group talks about goal planning and coping skills. Nutrition has also been a topic. At times there are outings that are relevant to what the group has recently been discussing. Activities have also included gardening and are current with what is occurring in the world, such as the upcoming holidays.

The holidays are arriving shortly and family visits are a large part of the season. All visits will need to be scheduled in advance with Social Services.

It is suggested that families take their resident on an outing rather than staying at the facility if possible. With the cooperation of the weather, families can visit on the patio with residents that are assessed by staff as safe to be in an unlocked area. When needed, there is trailer available if there is rain; however only one family can visit in the trailer at a time for the length of an hour.

All indoor visitors must show proof of vaccination or provide a negative Covid test within 72 hours of the visit. Visiting days will be extended and can be scheduled between November 25th through the 28th and December 24th through the 26th between the hours of 9am and 6pm. Canyon Manor thanks everyone for collaboration during these difficult times.

Newsletter

VOLUME 5, NUMBER 9

September 2021

This Month’s Activities

CONTACT US Payphone numbers for clients 415-897-9752 415-897-1562 Canyon Manor 415-892-1628 Social Services Workers Virgil (Manager) – ext. 319 Rachel - ext. 317 Dennis - ext. 337 Courtney - ext. 318 CONREP Social Services Workers Michlene - ext. 321 Lisa- ext. 361 If there are any topics you’d like to see addressed in the newsletter, please let us know by calling Rachel at 415-892-1628 Ext 317.

If you feel you have received this letter in error or are not interested in continuing to receive it, please call Rachel to be taken off the mailing list at 415-892-1628 Ext 317.

September starts with Labor Day which was a modified program day. Activities for the day included a walk, movie, bingo, and an evening movie. The dining room menu observed Labor Day, Grandparent’s Day and Oktoberfest. Bread and Roses came virtually to play music for residents. The last outdoor special outing to McNear’s beach was held, finalizing the summer season. Outings will primarily be indoors for the rest of the year due to weather conditions.

Getting to Know Our Staff

Priscilla Navas is an on-call Mental Health Worker who is consistently at Canyon Manor on the weekends. She started as a dietary aide and started working as a Mental Health Worker after getting her Certified Nursing Assistant Certificate.

She has an Associate’s degree in communications and journalism. She is currently working on her Bachelor’s degree in communications and media studies. In her spare time, she enjoys spending

quality time with her tiger striped cat Ziggy. She states she finds talking to the residents at Canyon Manor and assisting them in improving their dayto-day life extremely rewarding. Thanks for all the great work you do Priscilla!

Group of the Month

Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) is a group that allows guest speakers to come to share their wisdom and personal experience with our residents. Prior to being a group leader, one must pass a live scan in the same manner that an employee would or be supervised by someone who has successfully been live scanned. In 2020 when volunteers were unable to come to the facility, residents were able to attend a meeting via Zoom as a group.

Canyon Manor is happy to reinstate A.A. as a weekly group with volunteers that follow the Covid-19 restrictions.

Staying Healthy

In addition to remaining cautious and following Covid-19 guidelines provided by Marin County Public Health, residents and staff can receive their flu shot from Canyon Manor nursing staff. Several staff and residents accept the flu shot each year. Residents do have the legal right to refuse a flu shot as it is not covered under psychiatric care. Staff and residents remain vigilant about following health guidelines related to Covid-19 including wearing masks and having temperatures taken daily.

Newsletter

VOLUME 5, NUMBER 8

August 2021 This Month’s Activities

CONTACT US Payphone numbers for clients 415-897-9752 415-897-1562 Canyon Manor 415-892-1628 Social Services Workers Virgil (Manager) – ext. 319 Rachel - ext. 317 Dennis - ext. 337 Courtney - ext. 318 CONREP Social Services Workers Michlene - ext. 321 Lisa- ext. 361 If there are any topics you’d like to see addressed in the newsletter, please let us know by calling Rachel at 415-892-1628 Ext 317.

If you feel you have received this letter in error or are not interested in continuing to receive it, please call Rachel to be taken off the mailing list at 415-892-1628 Ext 317.

August continued the summer spirit with two barbeques. One was a lunch barbeque with chicken and pasta salad. The other was dinner with the option of a porkchop or hotlink, pasta salad, pineapple, watermelon, corn on the cob, and bread. There was an activity with snow cones outdoors. Bread and Roses played a musical performance over Zoom for all to enjoy. We had an outing to McNear’s Beach for clients who had earned a level 6 or above on the level system and are currently demonstrating appropriate and safe behavior. Rotating activities involved bingo and a dance.

Getting to Know Our Staff

Jackie Aguilera is a new team member in the rehab department. She started working at Canyon Manor in May after graduating at Sonoma State University with her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. She enjoys making a difference in individuals lives, and this draws her to the mental health field. She was also drawn to Canyon Manor when she learned there is a garden area. She is working on reinstating the

gardening group. Other groups that Jackie coleads include fitness, orientation, creative writing, art, and education group. Welcome Jackie! We look forward to your work in the garden!

Staying Covid Safe Group of the Month

This month a new group schedule was initiated doubling four of the core therapy groups to accommodate more clients. This schedule is extremely similar to the previous one with the primary difference being that four groups have been duplicated. Clients who attend these groups have been assigned to either blue groups or red groups. If a client has not been attending one of these four groups, they were not assigned a color. A list has been posted in the community area so clients know which group to attend. In the new group schedule art therapy and creative writing were added and a gardening group will begin soon.

Staff remains vigilant to keep everyone safe from Coronavirus and the Delta Variant. Staff continue to encourage mask wearing for clients inside the facility, reminding the residents that a few folks have chosen not to be vaccinated.

Nearly all staff are fully vaccinated and continue to wear masks. The few unvaccinated staff are tested twice weekly and wear N95 mask for extra protection. Most new residents have been vaccinated and all are tested prior to their arrival. Canyon Manor staff look to Marin County Public Health for guidance on how to remain a Covid free facility. Staff temperatures are checked at each shift and client temperatures and oxygen saturation are checked twice a day. Visitors remain outside and those who need to come inside are fully vaccinated.

N ewsletter

VOLUME 5, NUMBER 3

April 10, 2021

This month’s activities

CONTACT US Payphone numbers for clients 415-897-9752 415-897-1562 Canyon Manor 415-892-1628 Social Services Workers Jim (Manager) - ext. 319 Rachel - ext. 317 Dennis - ext. 337 Michlene - ext. 321 Courtney - ext. 318 If there are any topics you’d like to see addressed in the newsletter, please let us know by calling Rachel at 415-892-1628 Ext 317.

If you feel you have received this letter in error or are not interested in continuing to receive it, please call Rachel to be taken off the mailing list at 415-892-1628 Ext 317.

April activities include Easter festivities, a special Salad Day, and Bread and Roses Entertainment. For Easter, there was an egg hunt enjoyed by many.

Residents assisted in hiding the eggs filled with some chocolates while others participated in locating the eggs. The winner this year found a total of 11 eggs. A related movie “Hop” was played in the afternoon. The menu calls for a Salad Day in the middle of the month with a meal of Chinese chicken salad, wheat roll withmargarine, and a lemon snow bar. Bread and Roses is an organization that brings music to a diverse population asa way of healing and joy through music. They will be providing Canyon Manor a virtual concert.

Getting to know our staff

April is Occupational Therapy Month. This year the message is “Passion. Purpose. Possibility.” Janice Fujimoto is an Occupational Therapist that has been on our team since 1986. She enjoys the variety of ages and personalities of the residents served at Canyon Manor.

z

She is continuously assessing residents’ activities of daily living (ADLs) and skills while facilitating groups.

This inputcontributes to the overall treatment and rehabilitation of reintegrating our residents back into the community. Learn more about Occupational Therapists and their meaningful role in client treatment at https://www.aota.org/ConferenceEvents/OTMonth.asp

Group of the month

Discussion group occurstwice a week as one of the morning core groups. The room is set up so that clients and staff are in a circle. In the first meeting of the week, all individuals check in about how their week has gone and any pressing matters on their mind. The second meeting is a free discussion that is guided by the staff. Group members are encouraged to ask one another their question as well as share their experiences.

Topics can vary from favorite foods to managing difficult situations.

Food limitations

In the first year of the pandemic, clients were not allowed to use passes and strict rules were put in place about what could come into the facility for safety precautions. It was acknowledged by staff that often clients buy themselves meals, treats and snacks while on pass that they no longer had access to during that time. Loving families and friends began sending snacks in the mail which was allowed.

Now that the clients can earn passes and enjoy foods outside of Canyon Manor, food, such as snacks delivered in the mail or food broughtduring visits, will no longer be permitted. Meals brought that can be consumed during the family visit are allowed. Staff encourage providing other funitems that clients enjoy and need such as clothing and hygiene products, personalized masks, stamps, and stationery. Canyon Manor appreciates the support from families, case managers, and conservators during thistime of change.

N ewsletter

VOLUME 5, NUMBER 3

March 10 , 2021

COVID & Passes

CONTACT US Payphone numbers for clients 415-897-9752 415-897-1562 Canyon Manor 415-892-1628 Social Services Workers Jim (Manager) - ext. 319 Rachel - ext. 317 Dennis - ext. 337 Michlene - ext. 321 Courtney - ext. 318 If there are any topics you’d like to see addressed in the newsletter, please let us know by calling Rachel at 415-892-1628 Ext 317.

If you feel you have received this letter in error or are not interested in continuing to receive it, please call Rachel to be taken off the mailing list at 415-892-1628 Ext 317.

We are so excited and relieved that our clients had the opportunity to receive the second dose of the COVID vaccine in early March. Most clients elected to receive the vaccine through Marin Public Health.

Majority of staff are also fully vaccinated. Residents who received both doses of the vaccine can have visitors, passes and outings while maintaining social distancing and wearing a mask. Residents have been informed that wearing a mask properly in the facility demonstrates that they are able to wear one in the community which is an important factor considered when granting passes.

Residents are asked to do activities that require them to take their mask off, such as smoking and eating, on the patio before or after leaving the property. Canyon Manor staff are working closely with residents to keep this privilege by following the guidelines provided by public health. Masks are still worn within the facility along with residents’ temperatures and oxygen level taken twice a day.

Getting to know our staff

March is National Social Work Month. The Social Services team is composed of five social services workers that co-lead groups, maintain a caseload, and continuously work to improve the lives of the residents. They maintain communication with the client and their supports such as family, friends and conservators. Thank you Social Services for all your hard work!

Group of the month

Activities of Daily Living (ADL) group occurs once in the morning and once in the evening. This is a time when residents can get towels, hairbrushes, shampoo, lotion, and other hygiene products.

Residents are encouraged to make their beds and keep their room free of clutter.

Canyon Manor has three showers and tub rooms in the facility. Staff assist clients as needed to complete their hygiene tasks

Visiting Hours

Visiting is now open on Tuesdays from 4:30pm to 5:30pm and between 8am to 6pm on Sundays. Visits should be scheduled with Social Services to ensure there is enough room for guests and residents to stay six feet apart. Visits are an hour long and requires visitors to sign a contract stating they will follow the COVID precautions in place as well as have their temperature taken. Family can also take a resident into the community for shopping or to eat outside at a restaurant. These passes are up to three hours with the approval of the conservator. It is recommended for those who have not had a visit at Canyon Manor to visit at the facility before scheduling an outing. Residents and staff are happy to have this available.

Canyon Manor Newsletter November 2020

Volume 4, Number 11

Staying Healthy Through Group of the Month “Another Day” is the co-occurring disorders group provided at

2020 Canyon Manor continues to be COVID free. Staff are tested weekly to maintain awareness in case anyone

Canyon Manor. Residents who have a substance use history and demonstrate they can be in group

may be carrying the virus but are asymptomatic. Staff are required to wear a mask at all times. Residents are provided with masks

consistently are often asked to

regularly and are consistently encouraged to wear them when outside of their

join this group. Residents may be

room. Masks are a requirement for a resident to participate in a group. Chairs

asked to join Another Day when

remain six feet apart. Where furniture cannot be moved, every other chair is

they are approaching passes as well. Residents that are assigned to Another Day are required to attend every group in order to have passes for the following

taped off. Red lines are provided on the floor where there commonly are clients waiting in lines to maintain six feet. Passes are occurring, however, residents are to stay on the front patio and are not permitted to leave the premises. Everyone is awaiting the day that residents and staff are able to go

week. The holiday season is an

into the community but until then Canyon Manor will remain cautious,

especially difficult time and can

following the CDC guidelines.

lead to relapse. Canyon Manor staff appreciates the supports provided by family, friends, and professional staff.

Contact Us

Getting to Know Our Staf

Payphone numbers for clients Nicole Phillips has joined our administration team!

415-897-9752 415-897-1562

Canyon Manor 415-892-1628 Social Services Workers

She started at Canyon Manor in July. Her tasks include assisting with admissions, tracking COVID and its effect on the facility, completing benefit applications, and more. She has a B.A. in both criminal justice and sociology from Elmhurst College in Chicago. When it is safe to do so, she enjoys camping, going to the beach, and trying new restaurants. Welcome Nicole!

Jim (Manager)- ext. 319 Rachel- ext. 317 Dennis- ext. 337

November Activities

Michlene- ext. 321 Courtney- ext. 318

Canyon Manor celebrated Thanksgiving with a traditional holiday meal: roast turkey with cranberry sauce, old fashioned stuffing, mashed potatoes with

If there are any topics you’d like to see addressed in the newsletter, please let us know by calling Rachel at 415-8921628 Ext 317 If you feel you have received this letter in error or are not interested in continuing to receive it, please call Rachel to be taken off the mailing list at 415-892-1628 Ext 317

gravy, green bean casserole, dinner roll, and pumpkin pie. With the holiday comes a four-day relaxed schedule. On these days, marked as Modified Program Days, clients enjoy a walk, movies with refreshments, and bingo. Other activities such as Arts & Crafts on the weekly schedule also occur. Residents enjoy this break from the routine program schedule that includes discussion-based groups starting in the morning and activity-based groups in the evenings.

Canyon Manor Newsletter July 2020

Volume 4, Number 7

July Activities July started with the Annual Summer Barbeque. Clients enjoyed BBQ chicken, games, music and a water Group of the Month Symptom Management, also known as WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) is held weekly on Wednesdays. The group discusses how to maintain mental stability. Each client has the opportunity to

balloon fight. It was a fun afternoon for all, and whether watching or participating in clients and staff got soaked. The party ended with snow cones.

Three flavors were available to choose from; watermelon, lemon lime, and cherry. We also enjoyed a barbeque on Fourth of July; this time with hot dogs.

Daily walks continue to allow some exercise and get fresh air during the beautiful summer weather.

formulate a plan that is specific to themselves on how to stay well. Common topics are coping skills, daily maintenance such

Getting to Know Our Staff

as hygiene tasks, and supportive others to contact

Joanie Long and Marie Cole work hard behind the scenes of

when one is struggling. This

Canyon Manor. They ensure staff have the supplies they need,

group can overlap at times with concepts in Another Day group,

assist in improving our technology, and get necessary paperwork

our Dual Diagnosis. If

done. Although they do not work with the clients directly, they

substance abuse comes up, it is a welcomed conversation as many clients have struggled with using drugs although substance use is not a mandatory topic in this group.

are a cornerstone of the agency. They continue to work diligently during this pandemic to complete needed tasks in a timely manner. Processing important documents has become a slower operation with many working from home.

Thank you, Joanie and Marie! You are super appreciated!

Avoiding

Contact Us Payphone numbers for clients

Illness

415-897-9752 415-897-1562

Additional cleaning

Canyon Manor

measures have been

415-892-1628

implemented around the

Social Services Workers

facility. Social distancing is

Jim (Manager)- ext. 319

encouraged in groups and

Rachel- ext. 317 Dennis- ext. 337 Mario- ext. 318 Michlene- ext. 321

community areas. Our large backyard, basketball court, labyrinth, and calming waterfall provide plenty of room outdoors to spread out. While the shelter in place is in effect, passes are limited to the front patio. For this same period, smoking is permitted on the patio for clients who have earned that privilege. For the most part clients and

If there are any topics you’d like to see addressed in the newsletter, please let us know by calling Rachel at 415-892-1628 Ext 317 If you feel you have received this letter in error or are not interested in continuing to receive it, please call Rachel to be taken off the mailing list at 415-892-1628 Ext 317

families have been understanding as the restrictions continue. Canyon Manor thanks the community for helping keep our residents safe and limiting contacts to telephone or other technology during this time.

Canyon Manor Newsletter April 2020

Group of the Month

Volume 4, Number 4

April Activities An Easter egg hunt was held on Easter Sunday which was much enjoyed. The

Education group covers a wide range of topics: current events, sex education, and cultural competency are a few. Topics suggested from the clients are stress management and nutrition among many others.

Currently, the group is watching a

staff assured that both the eggs and clients were six feet apart throughout the activity. The holiday meal was ham with raisin sauce, au gratin potatoes, asparagus, wheat roll, and carrot cake.

On Earth Day, those in women’s group will be able to put plants in pots. Gardening group continues to happen each week. Recently the group has been preparing the garden:

four-episode series called “The

pulling weeds, planting seeds in starting

Mind Explained” reviewing

pots, and transferring starting pots into

memory, dreams, anxiety, and

the ground.

mindfulness. Handouts, videos, and

Program Appreciation

visuals on the white board are used

In March, all staff were appreciated for the continued

as needed to better explore a

support during this pandemic; however, March is

subject. Some topics are continued

recognized nationally as the month of Social Work. Our

for several weeks. If a video is shown, time is allowed at the end of group to discuss the topic.

Social Services Staff come ready to assist our clients in connecting with those outside of Canyon Manor such as conservators, case managers, family and other

Contact Us

supports. April is also observed as National Occupational

Payphone numbers for clients

Therapy Month. Our Rehabilitation staff provide special

415-897-9752

activities throughout the month as well as our day to day

415-897-1562 Canyon Manor 415-892-1628

group programing schedule. These two departments, Social Services and Rehabilitation make up our Program Department.

Social Services Workers

Ongoing Precautions

Jim (Manager)- ext. 319

Canyon Manor is continuing to

Rachel- ext. 317

increase precautions to follow the

Dennis- ext. 337 Mario- ext. 318 Michlene- ext. 321

CDC guidelines around coronavirus.

Staff have their temperature taken when they start a shift. Staff are required to wear masks, which have been provided. No non-essential visitors are allowed, and no

If there are any topics you’d like to see addressed in the newsletter,

clients go into the community. The Director of Nursing

please let us know by calling

discourages residents using a mask as the clients have

Rachel at 415-892-1628 Ext 317

been successfully quarantined for over a month. We are

If you feel you have received this letter in error or are not interested in continuing to receive it, please call Rachel to be taken off the mailing list at 415-892-1628 Ext 317

minimizing contact with staff and medical practitioners who might carry the virus yet have to enter the facility.

Client temperatures are recorded each day. Red tape has been placed on the floor to help the clients be aware of social distancing while standing in lines. Group leaders are encouraging social distancing by having group members sit in every other chair or having the chairs spread out around room. When there is lack of seating,

the

those who wished to join the activity are given credit and asked to join another group. We are thankful that no staff or client has tested positive for coronavirus. The residents have been very understanding with all the new precautions.

Canyon Manor Newsletter March 2020

Passes

Volume 4, Number 3

March Activities In March, St. Patrick’s Day was celebrated with a social distancing dance and root beer floats. Clients were able to make song requests during the activity. The kitchen served corned beef, boiled dill potatoes, cabbage and carrots with a wheat roll and ice cream. The spring menu’s Special Days will include Easter, Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day, and Memorial Day. A new

Canyon Manor is focused on keeping clients safe during the COVID-19 outbreak. To reduce the risk to clients, passes and other activities in the community

recipe will be added to the menu: Salsa Verde chicken, Spanish rice, Mexicali corn, confetti coleslaw, and pear crisp. Pi day was recognized with a meal of Salisbury steak with onions and pasta, with fruit pie.

are cancelled. Clients who had earned passes to leave the facility before the shelter-in-place order are now able to enjoy the front patio with their peers. Canyon

Staff Appreciation This month we would like to appreciate all staff as they continue

Manor has a large patio with

to come to support our clients during a stressful time. All

tables, rocking chairs, and shade.

departments have continued to make needed changes at a rapid

Canyon Manor also has a large backyard with a basketball court and labyrinth for all to use at their leisure.

pace as Canyon Manor develops safety measures according to the CDC guidelines in response to Covid-19.

Contact Us Payphone numbers for clients 415-897-9752 415-897-1562 Canyon Manor

Coronavirus Precautions at Canyon Manor Staff are working diligently to keep the residents safe and slowing the

415-892-1628

curve of the Coronavirus. Starting

Social Services Workers

the 13th, visitors were asked to stay in contact with their family

Jim (Manager)- ext. 319

members over the phone rather than coming to Canyon Manor

Rachel- ext. 317 Dennis- ext. 337

for in person visits. Mandatory visitors such as psychiatrists and medical staff are allowed into the facility with precautions such as having their temperature taken and wearing masks.

Mario- ext. 318

Housekeeping has increased their cleaning of doorknobs,

Michlene- ext. 321

railings, toilet handles, and other frequently touched surfaces to

If there are any topics you’d like

four times a day. When coming in, staff have their temperature

to see addressed in the newsletter,

taken to ensure they are well before seeing clients. Social

please let us know by calling Rachel at 415-892-1628 Ext 317 If you feel you have received this letter in error or are not interested in continuing to receive it, please

distancing is being practiced in groups as residents are asked to sit in every other chair. Hand washing is strongly encouraged, and an extra hand sanitizer station has been made available to residents. To maintain some normalcy in such a confusing time

call Rachel to be taken off the

the group schedule is being followed as closely as possible.

mailing list at 415-892-1628 Ext

Fitness and Movement group have been going on walks to allow

317

for residents to get out of the building while not entering the community. All supplies used in groups are being wiped with disinfectant at the end of group.

Canyon Manor Newsletter February 2020

Volume 4, Number 2

February Activities

Group of the Month

February had several activities for all to enjoy. Valentine’s Day was observed with a dance. There

Staff Escorted Outings are trips

were multiple opportunities to create any cards or loving art for

with staff and a few other

friends and family. Those who attend Women’s group made a

residents to get a bite to eat. This

heart shaped box to be filled with chocolate. Black History

outing gives staff a chance to

Information was posted in the community areas for all to read for

evaluate a client’s ability to

Black History Month. Presidents’ Day had a modified program

follow directions, socializing

that included a live band.

skills, and continued progression towards passes without staff supervision. Many clients continue to request the Staff

Getting to Know Our Staf We are welcoming Megan Floyd to the Rehabilitation department!

Escorted Outing (SEO) long after

Megan was initially working on-call and has become full time.

they have moved onto higher

Born and raised in Napa county, she received a Bachelor’s

pass privileges, as it is a much-

degree in Psychology from Sonoma State University in 2018. She

appreciated event.

also had the chance to study biopsychology in London during her undergrad years. She intends to achieve a Master’s degree in the

Contact Us

Payphone numbers for clients 415-897-9752 415-897-1562 Canyon Manor 415-892-1628 Social Services Workers Jim (Manager)- ext. 319 Rachel- ext. 317

future but currently is gaining experience in the field. She knew she wanted to be a Canyon Manor employee when she saw the level of engagement staff have with clients.

Understanding Conservatorship Most residents at Canyon Manor have a conservator, who is an integral person in the client’s team. They are the legal guardian

Dennis- ext. 337

for a client, ensuring they are receiving adequate food, clothing,

Mario- ext. 318

and shelter. Conservators are typically assigned by the court

Michlene- ext. 321

within the county a client was hospitalized in. Lanterman Petris

If there are any topics you’d like

Short (LPS) conservatorships come in two types- temporary (T-

to see addressed in the newsletter, please let us know by calling Rachel at 415-892-1628 Ext 317 If you feel you have received this

Con) and full LPS. A temporary conservatorship can be extended, sometimes up to six months, to allow a client to stabilize. After that time, there is an assessment as to whether the person is

letter in error or are not interested

still in need of the support of conservatorship. If the client needs

in continuing to receive it, please

conservatorship services, a petition for full LPS conservatorship

call Rachel to be taken off the mailing list at 415-892-1628 Ext 317

will be filed with the court. Some refer to the full LPS conservatorship as “permanent” conservatorship although it only lasts for a calendar year from the court date the conservatorship was established. After the year is over, it is again determined if the client continues to need the assistance. Some clients feel resentments towards the conservator, as the client often does not feel the need for the support; however, conservators have the same goal as the client and the rest of the treatment team at Canyon Manor: to assist the client in recovering and being able

to achieve independence.

Canyon Manor Newsletter January 2020

Volume 4, Number 1

January Activities January started with New Year’s Day and the

Group of the Month

holiday trend continued with Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Chinese New Year. On New

Veteran’s group has restarted in response to client request. The

Year’s Day, residents were able to watch the Rose Parade. In the afternoon, the Rose Bowl Game was

group meets weekly. All Veterans

watched, and snacks were available. The inspiring “I Had a

are invited. Veterans are proud of

Dream” speech was played on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Chinese

their service to the country and

New Year is celebrated with a Chinese food luncheon, featuring

enjoy the support of one another.

Chow Mein and other classic Chinese dishes. Clients interested

Many share their stories and have

will be assisted in learning their Chinese Zodiac. An art activity

a real sense of camaraderie. For Veteran’s Day, a poster is made to

will be held with a focus on “The Year of the Rat”.

Getting to Know Our Staf

acknowledge all the clients who have served our country. We thank you for your service!

Welcome Seth Friedrich to the Canyon Manor team!

Seth started working at Canyon Manor in June 2019 and is a Team Leader in Nursing. Raised in the Bay Area, he completed an undergraduate degree in history at UC Santa Barbara. He returned to school at Samuel Merritt University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing by 2017. He was licensed as a Registered Nurse by March 2019. He states he enjoys the diverse personalities of the clients and appreciates the various

disciplines that come together to help support our residents.

Monthly Special Outing

Seth’s hobbies are walking his dog, spending time with family, and skiing.

The Recovery Model The Special Outing this month was to the movies.

The Recovery model looks at the whole person

Contact Us Payphone numbers for clients 415-897-9752

which includes their strengths, social supports,

415-897-1562 Canyon Manor 415-892-1628 Social Services Workers Jim (Manager)- ext. 319 Rachel- ext. 317 Dennis- ext. 337 Mario- ext. 318 Michlene- ext. 321

the client assist the client in achieving their goal through

If there are any topics you’d like

individualized to meet the client’s needs and give them the

and goals. In the Recovery model the client guides their own recovery towards an individual goal. Professionals working with

planned interventions which involve both staff and clients. As every client is different, their treatment plan will be

to see addressed in the newsletter, ability to use their strengths to attain their goal. Recovery is not please let us know by calling Rachel at 415-892-1628 Ext 317 If you feel you have received this letter in error or are not interested in continuing to receive it, please

the same as a cure. Many clients continue to live meaningful lives even with some psychiatric symptoms. Canyon Manor adheres to the Recovery model approach to treatment. We will be putting greater emphasis on the Recovery Model approach

call Rachel to be taken off the

this year which will include several trainings for staff. The

mailing list at 415-892-1628 Ext

Recovery model increases hope and independence for the client

317

and has proven to be a more effective approach to treatment than the medical model.

Source: Webb, L. (2012). The recovery model and complex health needs: What health psychology can learn from mental health and substance misuse service provision. Journal of Health Psychology, 17(5), 731–741. https://doi.org/10.1177/1359105311425276

Canyon Manor Newsletter December 2019

Volume 3, Number 12

December Activities The holiday season is an exciting time

Group of the Month Medication group occurs once a week in the evenings. A

of year with lots of fun festivities for the clients. Higher level clients go on a special outing to pick out a Christmas tree. There is a holiday party for all clients to decorate the tree and hot chocolate and cookies are served. This year we added two new holiday

Licensed Psych Tech talks

activities: a tour of the seasonal lights at night and a sing-along Christmas

with the clients about

concert. The Christmas meal is similar to Thanksgiving. It is served

medications that are

restaurant style and visitors are welcome to join their family members. It is served at lunch time. The menu is roast beef with gravy, twice baked

commonly prescribed for

mashed potatoes, brussel sprouts, caesar salad, wheat roll with butter, and

mental health. The group

fruit pie. If a visitor plans to join us for the Christmas meal, please notify

discusses the benefits, side

the Social Services Worker to ensure the kitchen can be prepared. Other holidays are also acknowledged this time of year. Information is posted in

effects, and can ask questions

the center of the milieu about Kwanzaa, Boxing Day, Christmas, Bodhi

about their medications.

Day, Hanukkah, and Winter Solstice. Each day in the week leading to

Medication adherence is emphasized at Canyon Manor in all groups, as discontinuing medication after discharge is the primary cause of rehospitalization. Clients are always encouraged to speak to their psychiatrist with any

Christmas there is a special activity. Jewish clients will have the opportunity to light the menorah each night of Hanukkah.

Getting to Know Our Staf Dr. Sharon Kay became Canyon Manor’s Program Director in June of 2016. She has a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and is licensed in two states. She has over 30 years’ experience in mental health treatment with 10 years’ experience in business management. Since accepting the position, she worked with the program

medication concerns.

staff to update and increase the group programming, remodel the level system, and is currently working on updating the treatment plans to be

Monthly Special Outing

more consistent with the recovery model. She oversees all admissions and discharges and leads the Rehabilitation Services and Social Services teams.

During a recent team-building retreat where all staff were recognized for their special strengths, her staff recently recognized her as a “Program

The Special Outing this month was to pick out the Christmas tree.

Contact Us Payphone numbers for clients

Visionary and Fearless Leader”. When not at work she loves to travel, sail, and scuba dive.

Save the Date Marin Health and Human Services is offering a free one-day training on mental health March 23rd, 2020 from 8:30am to 5:30pm. For a closer look

415-897-9752

go to https://www.marinhhs.org/form/mental-health-4rst-aid-

415-897-1562

training-adult-1

Canyon Manor 415-892-1628 Social Services Workers Jim (Manager)- ext. 319 Rachel- ext. 317 Dennis- ext. 337 Mario- ext. 318 Michlene- ext. 321 If there are any topics you’d like to see addressed in the newsletter, please let us know by calling Rachel at 415-892-1628 Ext 317 If you feel you have received this letter in error or are not interested in continuing to receive it, please call Rachel to be taken off the mailing list at 415-892-1628 Ext 317

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Canyon Manor Newsletter October 2019

Volume 3, Number 10

October Activities October will begin fall activities. Bar-be-que

Group of the Month

lunches will continue as weather permits. Clients

Community meeting is a group that allows clients talk about what is happening in the Canyon

will be able to celebrate Halloween with pumpkin carving, face paintings, and a Halloween Party. Clients will choose pumpkins on the

Manor community. Clients speak

special outing. These pumpkins will then be carved by residents under

about ideas they have to improve

staff supervision. They will be judged on Halloween after face

Canyon Manor and issues that

painting. Later there will be a Halloween party where candy will be

they need help resolving. Some topics have included etiquette of

passed out. Staff often dress in costume for the occasion. Bread and Roses will be coming to perform live for the facility as well.

knocking on a bedroom door before entering and ways to

Getting to Know Our Staf

promote cleanliness. The client feedback is relayed to staff and,

Joaquin Alejo is the supervisor of maintenance and

when able or needed, changes

housekeeping at Canyon Manor. He has been with

are made for the better. Canyon

Canyon Manor for 25 years, with 12 of them being a

Manor enjoys having a time for

supervisor. He takes care of any repairs and necessities for the facility.

the residents to tell us how staff

In his spare time, he enjoys reading and going on walks. It is great to

and peers can improve their daily lives while rehabilitating here!

have staff who have been with Canyon Manor for many years!

Monthly Special Outing

Power Outages

The Special Outing this month was going to the pumpkin patch.

Contact Us Payphone numbers for clients 415-897-9752 415-897-1562

Canyon Manor 415-892-1628 Social Services Workers Jim (Manager)- ext. 319 Rachel- ext. 317 Dennis- ext. 337 Mario- ext. 318 Michlene- ext. 321 If there are any topics you’d like to see addressed in the newsletter, please let us know by calling Rachel at 415-892-1628 Ext 317 If you feel you have received this letter in error or are not interested in continuing to receive it, please call Rachel to be taken off the mailing list at 415-892-1628 Ext 317

Canyon Manor was not affected by the Public Safety Power Shutdown performed by PG&E in the Bay Area. If there were a power outage, Canyon Manor is equipped with a back up generator that will automatically turn on. The facility continues to have power provided by the generator. Staff are trained in what to do in the event of losing power. Flashlights and safety equipment are located throughout the facility if needed for use. Most times when power is out, clients respond appropriately and can remain calm, continuing to go about their day until the power returns without issue.

Canyon Manor Newsletter September 2019

Volume 3, Number 9

September Activities Group of the Month Buttkickers group helps clients who wish to quit smoking cigarettes commit to the task.

This group was eliminated after Canyon Manor became a

September had several fun activities. Labor Day was a relaxed modified program schedule with activities such as watching a movie and going on a walk. The weekly barbeques continue this month, weather permitting.

The Ice Cream Social Fundraiser was held, where clients can purchase scoops of ice cream for a dollar a piece. This includes toppings such as chocolate syrup and sprinkles. The money goes to the snacks served

smoke free facility, however,

during Friday activities. Clients look forward to these fun and yummy

staff found there is still a need

fundraisers.

for the group. Clients who are able to quit for 30 days receive

Results of the Client Satisfaction Survey completed last month were

a $15 reward. After 60 days

overwhelmingly positive with 96% of the 25 questions endorsed by the

smoke free, a client receives an

majority of clients in the positive. Clients responded that they enjoy the

additional $25, and then $30

activities, groups, and food the most. Nearly all clients feel they receive

after 90 days. That is a total of

the care they need, know who to go to for help, staff address problems

$70 over a 90-day smoke free

promptly and they are treated with respect. There were some concerns

time period. It is expected that clients will stay smoke free for a minimum of six months.

around knowing how to make a complaint and understanding their medications. These issues will be addressed at the next Resident Council

Many clients are interested and

and passed on to the medical providers. It’s wonderful to hear our team

attend the groups but have a

is doing a great job, and it’s important to know how we can improve!

hard time committing to a quitting date. All staff are

Getting to Know Our Staf

available to provide support when a client chooses to quit

Chelsea Prado is the Rehabilitation Services Supervisor

smoking.

on the evening & weekend shifts. She started at Canyon Manor in 2013 as an intern from Dominican University while getting her

Monthly Special Outing

Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy. Afterwards, she was hired oncall into the Rehab department, and later become the Evening Supervisor. She co-leads several of the groups such as Discharge Planning, Art, Bingo, and Community Meeting. In her spare time, she likes to spend time with her dogs and family as well as go to concerts.

The Special Outing this month was going to the movie theater.

Contact Us Payphone numbers for clients 415-897-9752 415-897-1562

Canyon Manor 415-892-1628 Social Services Workers Jim (Manager)- ext. 319 Rachel- ext. 317 Dennis- ext. 337 Mario- ext. 318 Michlene- ext. 321 If there are any topics you’d like to

Shopping!

If a client finds they need clothes, they should notify their Social Services Worker. The Social Services Worker contacts the appropriate person to see what funds are available and requests extra funds if necessary. When the funds reach Canyon Manor, there are a few ways shopping can occur. The client’s Social Services Worker can go to the store for the client after understanding what needs to be bought. The client can go with their Social Services Worker to the store, or they can go on a shopping outing if their behavior is appropriate. Every week staff take up to five clients on a shopping outing. Residents can sign up for the outing on their pass request. Stores that are frequently visited include Dollar Tree, Target, and Ross. A trip to Wal-Mart is scheduled every other week. Wal-Mart is a popular destination as the prices for clothing

see addressed in the newsletter,

and other items are more within the residents’ budget. Clients enjoy

please let us know by calling

these outings and often enjoy a drive thru fast food restaurant. These

Rachel at 415-892-1628 Ext 317

shopping outings can either be used as a reward for improved behavior

If you feel you have received this

and group attendance, or when a client genuinely needs to acquire new

letter in error or are not interested in

clothing. Regardless of the reason, spaces fill quickly!

continuing to receive it, please call Rachel to be taken off the mailing list at 415-892-1628 Ext 317

Canyon Manor Newsletter August 2019

Volume 3, Number 8

August Activities There was a wide variety of activities this month.

Barbeques were held weekly and included fun summer food options like pork ribs, chicken-apple sausage, corn on the

Group of the Month

cob, coleslaw and watermelon. Andrew Bosscher performed live from

Therapeutic Drumming group

Bread and Roses this month. Our Occupational Therapy interns helped

has been added to the Sunday

clients show off some of their many skills with a talent show. Clients

schedule. Group members use

performed their various talents, which proved to be fun for everyone! Our

African drums and other

annual Client Survey was completed this month as well. The anonymous

instruments. The group leader sets the rhythm and the group follows. Drumming provides a therapeutic atmosphere, which allows clients to share a

survey has yes or no questions regarding how clients feel about their care while at Canyon Manor. There is room for comments at the end of the survey. Results will be shared with the resident community early next month.

relaxing, communal and fun experience. Drumming has been used in various cultures all around the world dating back to ancient times. The residents enjoy it and the

Getting to Know Our Staff Ashley Heimann is an RN that works on our nursing team.

She has worked for Canyon Manor for 13 years. She started as a Mental

several benefits that come

Health Worker, went on to the Rehabilitation department, was on-call for

with the group.

Social Services, and began in nursing as an RN in 2011. In June 2019 she was promoted to Team Leader. She has a bachelor s degree in Ps cholog from Chico State and completed nursing school at the Santa Rosa Junior College. She is a mother of two and enjoys spending time with her family.

Monthly Special Outing

C l

al C m e enc

Canyon Manor strives to make all clients feel safe and welcome regardless of race, gender, sexuality, etc. Our clientele are quite diverse with variations in how they identify themselves. Each year a cultural competence training is provided by Dr. Kay, our Program Director.

Topics included ethnicity, identity, race, gender, and respect for diversity.

The Special Outing this month

Those who attended this year were challenged to consider how they

may be McNear s Beach with a

identify themselves and how the world views them, At admission, staff

barbeque, weather permitting.

addressed. Staff explain and emphasize the importance of the residents

Contact Us Payphone numbers for clients 415-897-9752 415-897-1562

Canyon Manor 415-892-1628 Social Services Workers Jim (Manager)- ext. 319 Rachel- ext. 317 Dennis- ext. 337 Mario- ext. 318 Michlene- ext. 321 If here are an

ask clients about their preferences including how they would like to be

opics o d like o

see addressed in the newsletter,

respecting one another. Most understand that others may have views different from their own and are able to accept that. Groups frequently incorporate these ideas and encourage respect for everyone.

Gardening Group Clients and staff have had a great time in the garden since the start of Gardening Group. We are growing corn, green beans, squash, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, lettuce and herbs. Every week six clients, two staff and often a few volunteers go out

please let us know by calling

to the garden to plant, water, harvest, taste

Rachel at 415-892-1628 Ext 317

and learn. All the veggies are organically

If you feel you have received this

grown. Some of the produce goes to

letter in error or are not interested

Cooking Group and the rest of offered for sale to the staff. The money

in continuing to receive it, please

contributed goes directly into the Client Garden Program. We have earned

call Rachel to be taken off the

close to $30 thus far. All staff are welcome to sign up on the Garden

mailing list at 415-892-1628 Ext 317

Watering Calendar to help our garden grow!

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Canyon Manor Newsletter June 2019

Volume 3, Number 6

June Activities June has several events including Flag Day, Father’s Day, and the start of summer. One Flag

Group of the Month

Day activity is to draw or color a flag the client

Recently Canyon Manor has

feels represents them while in art group. On

started a pet therapy group

Father’s Day, a special father related movie was played, and snacks were

once a week. Pet therapy

offered. Also, there was an extraordinary meal of roast beef with

brings physical, emotional, and psychological benefits.

Scout, a labradoodle, has gone to series of classes with his owner for both to become

scalloped potatoes, spinach, bread roll, and fruit pie. Summer menus have started, and an outdoor barbeque was held early in the month. Bread and Roses came this month to perform live for the clients. Along with the beginning of summer, there are many activities for the month of June.

certified to do pet therapy.

Now he comes to see the clients at Canyon Manor.

Clients can pet him and enjoy

Getting to Know Our Staff Bimal Kumar is one of our chefs. She has

his presence. The group

been with Canyon Manor for 25 years! She

discusses the responsibilities

started in the kitchen on call and was made

of a pet, animals they have

full time in 2001. Being in the kitchen, she maintains a positive

had in the past, training a

relationship with the residents. Her favorite dishes to cook are chicken

dog, and performing tricks with Scout. Many have Scout ‘shake’ his paw. Scout is a pleasure to have around and enjoys many treats given throughout the group.

curry and vegetarian plates. At home she has a large garden with chili, eggplant, kale, onion, tomato, and zucchini which she uses in her recipes.

Other than tending to her garden, Bimal spends time sewing. Canyon Manor is grateful to have such a loyal long-term employee.

Monthly Special Outing

Avoiding Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke As temperatures rise, Canyon Manor educates clients on avoiding heat related illness. Heat exhaustion is

The Special Outing this month

exhibited by dizziness, sweating, nausea, and muscle cramps and is a

may be McNear’s Beach with a

precursor of heat stroke. Symptoms of heat stroke include headache, lack

barbeque weather permitting.

of sweat, nausea, and the possible loss of consciousness. Staff encourage Contact Us

all clients to drink plenty of water, wear a hat and sunscreen, and stay

Payphone numbers for clients

indoors to avoid these illnesses. Throughout the summer cups and water

415-897-9752 415-897-1562

Canyon Manor 415-892-1628 Social Services Workers Jim (Manager)- ext. 319 Rachel- ext. 317 Dennis- ext. 337 Mario- ext. 318 Michlene- ext. 321 If there are any topics you’d like to see addressed in the newsletter, please let us know by calling Rachel at 415-892-1628 Ext 317 If you feel you have received this letter in error or are not interested in continuing to receive it, please call Rachel to be taken off the mailing list at 415-892-1628 Ext 317

are provided on the patio for clients who choose to go on pass. When temperatures are severe, passes may be cancelled, and outdoor activities replaced with an indoor alternative.

Canyon Manor Newsletter May 2019

Volume 3, Number 5

Earth Day 2019 Group of the Month

Canyon

Music group is a time where

celebrated

clients can enjoy listening to

Earth Day

various artists. Each week a different genre is played. This is appreciated as many like different types of music.

Clients may request favored

Manor

with a special staff gardening party. The purpose was to prepare the garden for the new Gardening Group. Many staff, retired and new, came to help prep the planters, pull weeds, push wheelbarrows, and spread new soil. Now gardening group can begin with the prep work already done. Up to six clients will be able to go to the garden to start new plants and nurture them. The group will be once a week on Mondays.

ong . Name Thi Song i played by the residents. A

Getting to Know Our Staff

point is given to clients for the

Rasy Soeur is the evening medication nurse. He is a

correct track name, another

Licensed Psychiatric Technician, and graduate of

for knowing the artist. A five dollar gift card is granted once a week to the client who can

Delta College. He was born and raised in California.

He moved to the Bay Area after graduating from Delta College and started working at Canyon Manor shortly after. He initially aspired to be a teacher but decided to use those skills with our clientele. He is great with

name the title of the most

medication education for the clients such as what a medication is for. In

tracks and artists.

his spare time, he enjoys going to the gym and gardening. He greatly appreciates the start of the new gardening group for the residents.

Monthly Special Outing

Ma Ac i i ies The Special Outing this month ma be McNea

Beach if the

weather permits.

There are three holidays celebrated in May. The first was Cinco de Mayo.

Clients enjoyed soft tacos at dinner for this holiday. In May we also had the first Barbeque of the season. Clients get a kick out of the staff cooking outdoors and joining them at the picnic tables. O M he

Contact Us Payphone numbers for clients 415-897-9752

Da , all

female residents and especially those who are mothers received a flower.

Throughout the month, art and crafts material were provided for clients to

415-897-1562

make cards for their mothers. Memorial Day is the last holiday. It will be

Canyon Manor 415-892-1628 Social Services Workers Jim (Manager)- ext. 319 Rachel- ext. 317 Dennis- ext. 337 Mario- ext. 318 Michlene- ext. 321

a modified schedule with a walk and movies with snacks. Holiday and

If there are an

opics o d like o

see addressed in the newsletter, please let us know by calling Rachel at 415-892-1628 Ext 317 If you feel you have received this letter in error or are not interested in continuing to receive it, please call Rachel to be taken off the mailing list at 415-892-1628 Ext 317

weekend pass hours will start in the morning instead of the afternoon, which is usual on weekdays. This is always enjoyed. Canyon Manor staff does their best to make holidays enjoyable for all.

Canyon Manor Newsletter April 2019

Volume 3, Number 4

April Activites In early April, there was an Ice Cream Social, fund-raising event. The clients and staff were

Resident Council Resident council gives a voice to the client community.

During Resident Council Group, residents may address topics of concern. Following parliamentary procedure, a president, vice-president, etc. are elected. Minutes are taken and later reviewed by our Administrator. During the once a week Community Planning group, the Resident council and the other residents vote on the Community Activity that occurs later in the day.

Options may include a dance, basketball, ping-pong, bingo, a movie or some other activity. There are announcements of upcoming events such as the Ice Cream Social. The community votes to replace council members as vacancies arise. It can be exciting for a client to be voted into office and is an opportunity to learn to serve as a leader.

able to buy a scoop of ice cream for a dollar.

Other toppings were provided such as chocolate syrup and sprinkles. This is always a joyful event. The funds collected are used to buy snacks for the Friday Community Activity. For Easter, clients will be able to dye eggs. There will be an Easter Egg hunt with first, second, and third prizes to those who find the most eggs. A Bread and Roses band called Coastal Wreckage will be coming to play live music for the clients.

Getting to Know Our Staff Boriana Grigorova, Bonny for short, has joined our Rehabilitation team! Originally from Bulgaria, she has been in the Bay Area since she was a teenager. She has previously worked with survivors of Traumatic Brain Injury. Currently, she is completing her last few classes to earn her degree in Psychology at Dominican University. She plans to go onto a PhD program for Clinical Psychology. She gets along well with the residents and staff at Canyon Manor. She is leading several groups such as Orientation, Movement, Dual Diagnosis, and DBT Skills. She enjoys reading about spirituality and philosophy as well as working out and exercising. Welcome to the team Bonny!

What is a Behavioral Plan?

Monthly Special Outing

Many clients display inappropriate behaviors or need motivation to work on their treatment. Passes are part of the motivation for clients and are provided for all clients as they progress. Some clients need special help to progress. Behavioral plans can help encourage clients to stop a problem behavior or motivate them to try more healthy or adaptive behaviors.

The Special Outing this month is going to the movie theater.

These special plans provide clients with a specific task or goal to achieve, with a positive reinforcer given when successful. Clients may need help with tasks such as showering regularly or going to groups. An example is,

Contact Us

if the client showers a specified amount of times in a week, they can order

Payphone numbers for clients

take-out food, or go on a shopping outing at the end of the week.

415-897-9752

Recently, a client complained he couldn t manage going to more than a

415-897-1562

few groups a week. With a behavior plan, he increased his group

Canyon Manor 415-892-1628 Social Services Workers Jim (Manager)- ext. 319 Rachel- ext. 317 Dennis- ext. 337 Mario- ext. 318 Michlene- ext. 321 If here are an

opics o d like o

see addressed in the newsletter, please let us know by calling Rachel at 415-892-1628 Ext 317 If you feel you have received this letter in error or are not interested in continuing to receive it, please call Rachel to be taken off the mailing list at 415-892-1628 Ext 317

attendance to 50 groups, the highest group attendance at Canyon Manor!

This success motivated him to work even harder on his treatment and he quickly progressed toward discharge. Other plans include negative consequences such as losing passes when displaying out-of-control behavior however, positive reinforcers are typically a better and more effective. Behavioral plans are individualized to a client and their preferences. These plans are made by the treatment team at Canyon Manor and include input from the client, case managers and conservators.

Canyon Manor Newsletter January 2019

Volume 3, Number 2

February Activites There were several holidays in the month of February at Canyon Manor. For Chinese New Year, clients had a Chow Mein buffet and

Group of the Month Men’s group is held once a week and is well attended by

watched the movie The Karate Kid. On Valentine’s Day clients enjoyed a dance. President’s Day was a modified program day and included some down-time and movies. The clients also enjoyed a trio called “Tangled Root” who came to entertain them through playing musical instruments.

many clients. This group gives male clients a safe space to discuss issues without the presence of women. Any topic is allowed in the group; however, a common theme seems to be acceptance. The group has discussed taking responsibility for oneself,

Getting to Know Our Staff Elvin Prasad has been with Canyon Manor since July 1998. He has worked in many positions including Dietary Aide, on-call

relationships, accepting oneself, and reasons to

Mental Health Worker, taking clients to medical appointments and working with the

change or not to change.

laboratory technicians. He is a fitness and health fanatic, speaking with clients

During the elections, politics

at times about exercise and healthy eating. In his spare time, he plays soccer,

were discussed in detail. The group has also discredited

goes fishing, and travels. Elvin is one of the many examples of staff loyalty to Canyon Manor as he has been here over 20 years! We appreciate Elvin as he is skilled in many departments. He understands several departments and

stereotypes about men,

positions, assisting clients in their treatment process from what is served at

masculinity, feminism,

lunch to taking a client to a doctor’s appointment.

women, and gender fluidity.

Monthly Special Outing

A New Level System The current system can be frustrating

Due to the rain, the Special Outing this month was going to the movie theater.

for clients as it only has four levels.

Although staff acknowledges progress, with so few levels many clients spend a lot of time working on one level. With the new level system there will be eight levels. Residents

Contact Us

who are making an effort to attend groups, take care of their cleanliness,

Payphone numbers for clients

and cooperate with medications will be able to move up to the next level

415-897-9752

more quickly. This will reward the progress they are making. The new

415-897-1562

system is designed to motivate clients to continue to work the program as

Canyon Manor 415-892-1628 Social Services Workers Jim (Manager)- ext. 319 Rachel- ext. 317 Dennis- ext. 337 Mario- ext. 318 Michlene- ext. 321

their successes will be tied to new privileges. This is a work in progress and will not go into effect until at least mid-March. The staff have asked for the clients’ input several times and will continue to ask for their feedback. The hope is that the new system will be encouraging and clients will feel validated in their progress as they see themselves move up the levels and obtain passes and privileges that go with the higher levels.

If there are any topics you’d like to see addressed in the newsletter, please let us know by calling Rachel at 415-892-1628 Ext 317 If you feel you have received this letter in error or are not interested in continuing to receive it, please call Rachel to be taken off the mailing list at 415-892-1628 Ext 317 Have you missed one of the 2018 newsletters? You can access all the newsletters at https://canyonmanor.com/newsletters/

Canyon Manor Newsletter January 2019

Volume 3, Number 1

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Martin Luther King Jr. Day was celebrated at Canyon Manor as a modified program day.

C ie

e e ab e

Group of the Month

A D ea

. Ca

Discharge Planning is held

on being culturally competent, being sensitive

once a week. All clientele are able to attend regardless of where one is in the discharge process. The group focuses on skills that are necessary when living in the community such as moving to a board and care home. These skills can be practiced while one is at Canyon Manor to take with

a ch hi Ma

eech I Ha e

continually works

to race, gender, and sexuality of all clients. In the afternoon there was a walk enjoyed after a long two weeks of rain. The day continued with movies chosen by the clients and bingo.

Getting to Know Our Staff In the October 2018 newsletter it was announced that Marcy Allen, the Rehabilitation Manager had retired. Heidi Landgraf was hired

them when they discharge.

in her place, but to a slightly altered position of

Examples of these skills

Assistant Program Director. Heidi worked with

include but are not limited to

Canyon Manor previously in the Rehab department as well as Social Services.

hygiene, sobriety, continuing

She left to focus on completing her state licensure as a Licensed Professional

medication, making

Clinical Counselor as well as building her private practice. Heidi returned to

appointments, and following a

Canyon Manor due to her love of the agency and the clientele. She bonds with

daily routine. Group leaders teach clients that any transition can be stressful even if it is in a positive direction.

the clients well and enjoys spreading her knowledge of movement and expressive arts. She co-leads many groups including the Dual Diagnosis group also known as Another Day Group. Canyon Manor is grateful to have Heidi back as we are excited to work with her again. Many clients who knew her previously still remember her with positivity. Welcome Back Heidi!

Monthly Special Outing

S a i g Hea h With the cold weather brings the common cold and flu. Canyon Manor Due to the rain, the Special Outing this month was going to the movie theater.

offers flu shots to all clients and employees. Maintenance does extra sanitizing around the building, especially door handles. Clients are provided with tissues and excused from groups when sick. Staff encourage all to wash their hands frequently, cough or sneeze into their

Contact Us Payphone numbers for clients

elbow, ask for cold medicine when needed, and dress appropriately for the weather. Walks are cancelled when it is raining to help prevent sickness.

415-897-9752

Clients with passes are encouraged to stay indoors while out on pass or

415-897-1562

consider going out when the weather is clear. If the weather is extreme

Canyon Manor 415-892-1628 Social Services Workers Jim (Manager)- ext. 319 Rachel- ext. 317 Dennis- ext. 337 Mario- ext. 318

passes may be cancelled for the day as well.

Darius is no longer at Canyon Manor. If you need to know who the new Social Services Worker is for a client, please call Jim. If there are an topics o d like to see addressed in the newsletter, please let us know by calling

Have you missed one of the 2018 newsletters? You can access all the

Rachel at 415-892-1628 Ext 317

newsletters at https://canyonmanor.com/newsletters/

If you feel you have received this letter in error or are not interested in continuing to receive it, please call Rachel to be taken off the mailing list at 415-892-1628 Ext 317

Canyon Manor Newsletter November 2018

Volume 2, Number 11

Thanksgiving at Canyon Manor

Group of the Month Symptom Management, also known as WRAP group, is a place where clients talk about how to stay well while managing their mental health

Thanksgiving is a special day at Canyon Manor.

Clients are served a traditional meal during lunch enjoying turkey, stuffing, potatoes, green beans and pumpkin pie. Clients and visitors are seated, and staff serve them restaurant style. Family members and friends are welcome to come to Canyon Manor for the occasion. If one intends on coming for the holiday meal, they should notify the client s Social Services Worker to ensure enough food has been prepared. Clients are able to have a second serving during this meal, which is a treat. In addition to the special meal staff will assist clients with getting dressed up for the occasion by doing nail painting and hair styling, a walk, and a movie with snacks.

symptoms. Clients use the Wellness Recovery Action Plan model by Mary Ellen Copland.

In this group clients identify their wellness tools (coping skills), daily maintenance needs such as hygiene, warning signs that things are not going well, and supportive people to call when help is needed. All clients are welcome to this group.

Client Satisfaction Survey Every year, in September our residents are asked to let us know how we are doing. The results of this year s survey are in. All clients are invited to participate; this year 27 completed all or part of the three page survey. Responses overall were very positive, 92% of clients who completed the survey are satisfied with their experience at Canyon Manor. Most clients reported feeling respected by staff and felt they were part of their treatment team (25 of 27). The food, feeling safe here and groups were also very favorably rated. Several clients asked to know more about their medication and possible side effects. Suggestions for improvement included: more pizza; more groups on weekends; new movies and more room for visits with families.

Monthly Special Outing

Halloween Party Every year Canyon Manor prepares a fun Halloween party for the clients. We offer face painting, games and special treats. There is an outing to a pumpkin patch and a pumpkin carving contest. This year the Rehabilitation Department chose Dr. Seuss as their theme. Other staff dressed as superheroes, animals, and sports fans. Clients

The Special Outing this month

de

will be to the movie theatre!

a fun day for everyone.

ed

a

ell, b

o

o ec hei confiden iali

e co ldn

ake ic

Clients will pick out the movie based on what is showing at the time of the outing.

Contact Us Payphone numbers for clients 415-897-9752 415-897-1562

Canyon Manor 415-892-1628 Social Services Workers Jim (Manager)- ext. 319 Rachel- ext. 317 Dennis- ext. 337 Mario- ext. 318 Darius- ext. 321

If there are an topics ou d like to see addressed in the newsletter, please let us know by calling Rachel at 415-8921628 Ext 317 If you feel you have received this letter in error or are not interested in continuing to receive it, please call Rachel to be taken off the mailing list at 415-892-1628 Ext 317

From left to right: 3rd place, 2nd place, 1st place in the carving contest.

e . I

a

Canyon Manor Newsletter October 2018

Volume 2, Number 10

Halloween at Canyon Manor Halloween festivities begin with clients separating into teams for the jack-o-lantern decorating contest.

The pumpkins will be placed around the facility for Group of the Month

others to view and enjoy and the winning team will receive a prize. On the

Resident’s Rights is a group led

morning of Halloween, staff will do make-up and face painting for the clients

by the Patient’s Rights

who request this. Masks are also available. In the afternoon a party will be held

Advocate of Marin, Esmeralda

Garcia. She comes weekly to answer any questions the clients have regarding their rights and conservatorship.

She can speak to clients after the group if they want to talk to her confidentially. This group does a great job of reminding clients of their rights

with Halloween games, relay races and of course, candy! Canyon Manor focuses on having fun without being spooky. Staff are also invited to dress in costume. Last year’s theme was emojis.

Getting to Know Our Staff Marcy Allen, Manager of Rehabilitation Services, will be retiring in November after 38 years of service! Marcy graduated from Lesley University in Cambridge,

and informing clients about

Massachussetts with her Master’s Degree in Expressive Art Therapies. She

how being on conservatorship

then moved to Marin County and was hired in 1980. Expressive therapies are

may or may not restrict them.

the use of creative arts as a form of therapy. It shares the belief that through

For instance, some clients are

creative expression and use of imagination, clients can begin to examine their

still able to vote or make

thoughts, feelings, and body sensations. Verbal communication is often a

medical (not psychiatric) decisions for themselves depending on the details of their conservatorship.

challenge for clients at Canyon Manor, so this approach has been a vital aspect of many services she provided. Canyon Manor is a unique and special community and Marcy expressed that she continues to learn from our clientele.

Monthly Special Outing

Although she is excited to start a new chapter in her life, she stated the people she has met at Canyon Manor have been amazing and helped her grow into the person she is today.

The Special Outing this month will be to the pumpkin patch!

Clients will pick out pumpkins for the jack-o-lantern contest.

Contact Us

Expressive Art Therapies

Payphone numbers for clients

Expressive art therapy started with the Egyptians but became more popular in

415-897-9752

the late 1800s and early 1900s with the rise in psychiatry. It is now used in

415-897-1562

facilities with children and adults worldwide. In the last century this practice

Canyon Manor 415-892-1628 Social Services Workers Jim (Manager)- ext. 319 Rachel- ext. 317 Dennis- ext. 337 Mario- ext. 318 Darius- ext. 321

has become widely accepted and embraced. Art therapy provides a mechanism for a person to relieve themselves of emotional stress. Preliminary research os showing this practice is helpful for many populations such as veterans who may have Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. They can release the emotions of traumatic experiences through art therapy without being re-traumatized by recalling specific events and verbalizing them. Art therapy can also be useful

If there are any topics you’d like to see addressed in the

for people with cognitive disorders such as dementia or expressive disability.

Art therapies can be used to create a safe place rather than recalling traumatic

newsletter, please let us know

experiences.

by calling Rachel at 415-892-

-- as cited in Lesley University, The Rise of Expressive Therapies. Retrieved from

1628 Ext 317

https://lesley.edu/article/the-rise-of-expressive-therapies

If you feel you have received this letter in error or are not interested in continuing to receive it, please call Rachel to be taken off the mailing list at 415-892-1628 Ext 317

Canyon Manor Newsletter September 2018

Volume 2, Number 9

Group of the Month

Monthly Special

Food is an essential pillar of life. Our goal at Canyon Manor is

Outing

to provide groups that emphasize skills for independent living.

Cooking group is both popular and has several benefits. We have a fully equipped kitchen. In the group six members select the recipe, prepare the food, eat, and complete the necessary clean

The Special Outing this month will be to McNear’s Beach for games and a barbeque. With the change in weather, this may be the last beach outing of the year.

up tasks. When appropriate, the cooking group will shop for the ingredients to practice selecting nutritional and fresh items within the allotted budget.

Members of this group are required to be at level two or three in the Canyon Manor program. Jana, a full time Hall Charge staff, has the distinction of being our “Guest of Honor”. She joins us for the dining pleasure and socialization as we eat. She includes a critique on our client prepared cuisine. Our clients take pride in their cooking accomplishments.

Contact Us

Getting to Know Our Staff

Payphone numbers for clients

Jana Soto-Reeves is a Hall Charge who has been with Canyon

415-897-9752

Manor for 17 years. She started in 2001 as an on-call employee and

415-897-1562

was able to go full time after two years. She spent her first eight years on Hall 1 and then moved to Hall 3, the largest hall at Canyon

Canyon Manor 415-892-1628

Manor, with the largest number of clients. She provides them with laundry services, hygiene reminders, and assists when clients are having difficulty. She has a love for tie dye and rock music which gives her some common interests with our clients. She also co-leads the walk for exercise group twice a week and is the “Guest of Honor” for cooking group (see picture in “Group of the Month”)

Continuing Medication Even When Feeling Well Well-designed controlled research with prospective follow up finds that taking antipsychotic medications after the first year of treatment leads to better outcomes than discontinuing them, at least for persons with first-episode psychosis. Many people have Social Services Workers Jim (Manager)- ext.

319 Rachel- ext. 317 Dennis- ext. 337 Mario- ext. 318 Darius- ext. 321 If there are any topics you’d like to see addressed in the newsletter please let us know by calling Rachel at 415-8921628 Ext 317

If you feel you have received this letter in error or are not interested in continuing to receive it, please call Rachel to be taken off the mailing list at 415892-1628 Ext 317

wondered if stopping antipsychotic medication after the first year of good response is a reasonable thing to do, especially with concern over long-term side effects. A study published in Lancet Psychiatry this year by Christy Hu, PhD at the University of Hong Kong found that 178 patients studied over an 11-year period had half the rate of suicide when maintained on medication. They also had fewer symptoms of psychosis, more success with independent living, and a higher quality of life.

-- as cited in Savannah Demko, Lancet Psychiatry March 23, 2018 You can read the full article at: https://www.healio.com/psychiatry/schizophrenia/news/online/%7B1587d486-24414251-9cd8-d32037545e53%7D/early-medication-discontinuation-may-worsenoutcomes-in-first-episode-psychosis

Canyon Manor Newsletter August 2018

Month Coping Skills Group is an opportunity for clients to learn and use different coping techniques. Some skills include “Activities to Take My Mind Off My Problems”, Selfsoothing, and “Getting My Feelings Out”. This group is open to all and meets twice a week.

Monthly Special Outing

What are the results of treatment at Canyon Manor?

Canyon Manor has been tracking treatment outcome for the last 18 months and the results are dramatic. Below is a bar graph representing client’s improvement over time. Clients stability was rated at discharge on a 1 to 4 scale indicated along the vertical axis. 1 was no improvement or became less stable, 2 was stayed about the same as when admitted, 3 is clear progress in stability, and 4 is dramatic improvement. The horizontal axis is the length of time at Canyon Manor at discharge with the left side starting at a few days and going to over a year on the far right. This chart is able to visually display longer treatment time at Canyon Manor is associated with better outcomes. Over time clients tend to improve, becoming increasingly stable. Very few clients who discharged after 6 months showed little or no improvement. Nearly all clients made a clear improvement and several were dramatically more stable by one year. In general, the longer a client is treated at Canyon Manor prior to discharge the greater their level of rehabilitation. This level of improvement is likely to result in their ability to function successfully in a less restricted environment, such as a board and care home or independent living. Greater improvement and increased stability may also result in a decreased need to return to psychiatric hospitalization or require police involvement.

5 4 3 2 1 0

Level of Improvement

4 3 2

4 7 15 21 32 36 44 50 54 57 75 85 92 106 119 132 139 158 162 170 188 214 232 242 259 286 336 348 394

Group of the

Volume 2, Number 8

1

Days in Treatment

The Special Outing this month will be to McNear’s Beach for games and a barbeque.

Getting to Know Our Staff Congratulations to Rosa Maravilla on becoming our new full time Mental Health Worker on AM shift. Rosa has been with Canyon Manor since May 2016 and has been working for other staff while out on leave. Before that, she was working primarily on PM shift.

Rosa is a CNA and has many years of expeirence including working at both general and acute psychiatric hospitals. Rosa has a great work ethic and her dedication shows in her work!

Protect Yourself from Damaging Stress (Health.harvard.edu) To better cope with stress, consider how you might minimize factors that make it worse. Here are some tips that can help you better manage stress and hopefully prevent some of the damaging effects it could have on your brain.

Establish some control over your situation. If stress isn't predictable, focus on controlling the things that are. "Having a routine is good for development and health," says Dr. Kerry Ressler, professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Predictability combats stress.

Contact Us Payphone numbers for clients 415-897-9752 415-897-1562

Canyon Manor 415-892-1628 Social Services Workers Jim (Manager)- ext.

319 Rachel- ext. 317 Dennis- ext. 337 Mario- ext. 318 Darius- ext. 321 If there are any topics you’d like to see addressed in the newsletter please let us know by calling Rachel at 415-8921628 Ext 317 If you feel you have received this letter in error or are not interested in continuing to receive it, please call Rachel to be taken off the mailing list at 415892-1628 Ext 317

Get a good night's sleep. Stress can result in sleep difficulties, and the resulting lack of sleep can make stress worse. "Sleep deprivation makes parts of the brain that handle higher-order functions work less well," says Dr. Ressler. Having healthy sleep habits can help. This includes going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, avoiding caffeine after noon, and creating a relaxing sleep environment.

Get organized. Using strategies to help manage your workload can also reduce stress. For example, each day, create a list of tasks you need to accomplish. This way, your duties won't seem overwhelming. "Laying tasks out like this helps reduce the feeling that the brain is being bombarded. It can also help you predict when you are likely to be stressed.

Get help if you need it. Reaching out can help you become more resilient and better able to manage stress, which may ultimately protect your brain health. Earlier intervention may reduce disability caused by stress-related complications later on.

Change your attitude toward stress. "A life without stress is not only impossible, but also would likely be pretty uninteresting — in fact, a certain degree of stress is helpful for growth," says Dr. Ressler. So, rather than striving for no stress, strive for healthier responses to stress.

Is all stress created equal?

While the effect of stress on the brain is well documented, it's less clear exactly what type of stress will prove more damaging. Do brain problems occur when you are under a small amount of stress or only when you experience long-term stress? "That's a tough question, because stress is a broad term that is used to describe a lot of different things," says Dr. Ressler. The stress you might experience before you take a test is likely very different from the stress of being involved in a car accident or from a prolonged illness. There are additional factors that make stress more harmful. In particular: The stress is unpredictable. Animal research shows that animals that could anticipate a stressor — for example, they received a shock after a light turned on — were less stressed than animals that received the same number of shocks randomly. The same is true in humans, says Dr. Ressler.

If a person can anticipate stress, it is less damaging than stress that appears to be more random.

There is no time limit on the stress. If you are stressed about a presentation at work or an upcoming exam, the stress you are experiencing has an end point when you know you will get relief. If the stress has no end point — for example, you are chronically stressed about finances — it may be more challenging to cope with.

You lack support. If you feel supported during your stress, you are likely to weather it more successfully than if you don't.

Canyon Manor Newsletter July 2018

Group of the Month Work group is an opportunity to learn critical work skills. It occurs in four week

Volume 2, Number 7

July Events at Canyon Manor On Fourth of July, there was a modified program schedule with an exercise activity in the morning followed by a walk. There was a dance until lunch which was an outside barbeque. The clients enjoyed hot dogs with mustard and relish, country baked beans, corn on the cob, and watermelon. After lunch there was a movie with a snack and bingo in the

intervals. Clients are

afternoon. Our second annual summer party was held this month. It will start

required to come to

with an outside barbeque with chicken, corn, beans, and watermelon. Then a

each group on time and stay the entire time, similar to a job.

They are required to

live band will play a Rock and Blues Fusion. There will be many outdoor games such as corn hole, basketball, and badminton. The party will end with ice cream sandwiches. There will be water available throughout the party.

Later in the month Bread and Roses will also be coming to perform live.

be dressed appropriately and be clean. During the

Getting to Know Our Staff

group they practice

Rachel Lindsey is one of the Social Services Workers. Born and

interviewing skills,

raised in the Bay Area, she started her Canyon Manor

budgeting skills, and may do a work project. At the end of

experience while in college as an intern late 2014. After the internship was over she was able to continue as a mental health worker. She

the four weeks they

graduated from Sonoma State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology

receive a special meal

and was hired as Social Service Staff when the opportunity arose in April 2016.

as a form of “pay”. A

She is the primary contact for over twenty clients and provides case management

client must attend

for them. She co-leads groups such as Discussion Group, Dual Diagnosis, and

each week in order to

DBT. She is a great asset to Canyon Manor.

receive their reward dinner. Those who miss one group are encouraged to join

A portion of an article from Goodtherapy.org What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?

when the group starts

DBT can be used to treat people with chronic or severe mental illness. DBT

over.

focuses on self-harm, eating and food issues, addiction, posttraumatic stress, and borderline personality. DBT was originally designed to treat people who had

chronic suicidal thoughts and self-harm behaviors as a symptom of borderline personality. DBT can be used in a variety of mental health settings. It incorporates the following five components: 1. Enhance Clients Capability. DBT provides opportunities for the development of existing skills. In treatment, four basic skill sets are taught.

Monthly Special

These are emotion regulation, mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, and

Outing

distress tolerance.

Special Outing this month will be going to McNear’s Beach for games and a barbeque.

2. Generalization to the Clients Natural Environment. DBT therapists use various techniques to encourage the transfer of learned skills across all settings. People in therapy may learn to apply what they have learned at home, at school, at work, and in the community. For example, a therapist

Contact Us Payphone numbers for clients 415-897-9752 415-897-1562

Canyon Manor 415-8921628 Social Services Workers Jim (Manager)- ext. 319

might ask the person in treatment to talk with a partner about a conflict. The person may use emotion regulation skills before and after the discussion.

3. Enhance Clients Motivation. DBT uses individualized behavioral treatment plans to reduce problematic behaviors that might negatively affect quality of life. For example, therapists might use self-monitoring tracking sheets so sessions can be adapted to address the most severe issues first.

4. Structuring the Environment with Case Management Case management strategies help the client manage his or her own life, such as their physical and social environments. The therapist applies the same dialectical, validation, and problem-solving strategies in order to teach the client to be his or her own case manager. This lets the therapist consult

Rachel- ext. 317

to the patient about what to do, and the therapist will only intervene on the

Dennis- ext. 337

client’s behalf when absolutely necessary.

Mario- ext. 318

5. Capability and motivational enhancement of therapists. Because DBT is often provided to people who experience chronic, severe, and intense mental health issues, therapists receive a great deal of supervision and

If there are any topics you’d like to see addressed in the newsletter please let us know by calling Rachel at 415-892-1628 Ext 317 If you feel you have received this letter in error or are not interested in continuing to receive it, please call Rachel to be taken off the mailing list at 415892-1628 Ext 317

support to prevent things like vicarious traumatization or burnout. For example, treatment-team meetings are held frequently to give therapists a space to provide and receive support, training, and clinical guidance.

Canyon Manor Newsletter June 2018

Group of the Month Exercise group is offered three times each week. Each group begins with music selected for its slow tempo as clients start with stretches. The musical pace picks up as group moves on to exercises such as jogging in place and torso rotations.

Typically one minute of exercise is followed by a minute break.

Water and towels are provided. This group, along with other exercise and movement groups encourage a healthy level of activity.

Volume 2, Number 6

June Events at Canyon Manor Canyon Manor had Bread and Roses perform live for the clients. On Father’s Day, the clients voted to watch Fast and Furious 6 and Grown Ups while enjoying donuts for a treat. The holiday meal was Roast Beef with Scalloped Potatoes, Spinach, and Pie. Happy Father’s Day from Canyon Manor!

Getting to Know Our Staff Jeffrey Berlant M.D., is our Medical Director. He studied internal medicine at UC San Diego and psychiatry at UC San Francisco. He taught at Langley Porter Psychiatric Institute. He initially joined the Canyon Manor team in 1980 and left in 1984 only to return recently to the same position. His duties include improving quality and access of patient services and consulting with our treating psychiatrists at Canyon Manor.

He attends the quarterly case conferences where he works with the treatment team in reviewing each client’s individual treatment plan. He manages his own case load of patients, and collaborates with Dr. Kay our Clinical Program Director to address clinical policy and best practice.

An article from Mindtools.com Emotional Intelligence Developing Strong "People Skills" We probably all know people, either at work or in our personal lives, who are really good listeners. No matter what kind of situation we're in, they always seem to know just what to say – and how to say it – so that we're not offended or upset. They're caring and considerate, and even if we don't find a solution to our problem, we usually leave feeling more hopeful and optimistic.

We probably also know people who are masters at managing their emotions. They don't get angry in stressful situations. Instead, they have the ability to look at a problem and calmly find a solution. They're excellent decision makers, and they know when to trust their intuition. Regardless of their strengths, however, they're usually willing to look at themselves honestly. They take criticism well, and they know when to use it to improve their performance. People like this have a high degree of emotional intelligence. They know themselves very well, and they're also able to sense the emotional needs of others.

Monthly Special Outing With the weather warming up the Special Outing this month will be going to McNear’s Beach.

Contact Us Payphone numbers for clients 415-897-9752 415-897-1562

Canyon Manor 415-892-1628 Social Services Workers

As more and more people accept that emotional intelligence is just as important to professional success as technical ability, organizations are increasingly using it when they hire and promote. For example, one large cosmetics company recently revised their hiring process for salespeople to choose candidates based on their emotional intelligence. The result? People hired with the new system have sold, on average, $91,000 more than salespeople selected under the old system. There has also been significantly lower staff turnover among the group chosen for their emotional intelligence. So, what exactly is emotional intelligence, and what can you do to improve yours?

What Is Emotional Intelligence?

We all have different personalities, different wants and needs, and different ways of showing our emotions. Navigating through this all takes tact and cleverness – especially if we hope to succeed in life.

This is where emotional intelligence becomes important. Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize your emotions, understand what they're telling you, and realize how your emotions affect people around you. It also involves your perception of others: when you understand how they feel, this allows you to manage relationships more effectively.

People with high emotional intelligence are usually successful in most things they do. Why? Because they're the ones that others want on their team. When people with high emotional intelligence send an email, it gets answered. When they need help, they get it. Because they make others feel good, they go through life much more easily than people who are easily angered or upset.

Characteristics of Emotional Intelligence

In his book titled "Emotional Intelligence - Why It Can Matter More Than IQ" 1995, Daniel Goleman, Jim (Manager)- ext. an American Psychologist, developed a framework of five elements that define emotional intelligence: 1. Self-Awareness – People with high emotional intelligence are usually very self-aware . They 319 understand their emotions, they don't let their feelings rule them. They're confident – because they trust their intuition. They're also willing to take an honest look at themselves. They know their Rachel- ext. 317 strengths and weaknesses, and they work on these areas so they can perform better. Many people Dennis- ext. 337 believe that self-awareness is the most important part of emotional intelligence.

2. Self-Regulation – This is the ability to control emotions and impulses. People who self-regulate Mario- ext. 318 don't allow themselves to become too angry or jealous, and don't make impulsive, careless decisions.

They think before they act. Characteristics of self-regulation are thoughtfulness, comfort with change, integrity , and the ability to say no.

3. Motivation – People with a high degree of emotional intelligence are usually motivated . They're If there are any willing to defer immediate results for long-term success. They're highly productive, love a challenge, topics you’d like to see addressed in and are effective in whatever they do. the newsletter 4. Empathy – This is perhaps the second-most important element of emotional intelligence. please let us know Empathy is the ability to identify with and understand the wants, needs, and viewpoints of those by calling Rachel at around you. People with empathy are good at recognizing the feelings of others, even when those 415-892-1628 Ext feelings may not be obvious. As a result, empathetic people are usually excellent at managing 317 relationships , listening , and relating to others. They avoid stereotyping and judging too quickly, and they live their lives in a very open, honest way.

5.

Social Skills – It's usually easy to talk to and like people with good social skills, another sign of high If you feel you emotional intelligence. Those with strong social skills are typically team players. Rather than focus have received this on their own success first, they help others develop and shine. They can manage disputes, are letter in error or excellent communicators, and are masters at building and maintaining relationships. are not interested As you've probably determined, emotional intelligence can be a key to greater success in life. The good in continuing to receive it, please thing is that it can be learned and improved upon with effort and practice by examining and practicing call Rachel to be the 5 principles above, Self-Awareness, Self-Regulation, Motivation, Empathy and Social Skills. taken off the mailing list at 415892-1628 Ext 317

Canyon Manor Newsletter May 2018

Group of the Month

Open Dialogue is a group for clients who are oriented to

Volume 2, Number 5

May Holidays at Canyon Manor In May we celebrated Cinco De Mayo with a Fiesta which included Mexican music and chips with nacho sauce and salsa. On Mother’s Day clients were served ice cream while watching Mother’s Day related movies. All the women in the facility were given a single flower to honor Mother’s Day. Clients were also given an opportunity to make a Mother’s Day card in an Art group. Memorial Day dinner will include hamburgers and potato salad.

Also on the 9th, Bread and Roses came to the facility and played live music for the clients.

Canyon Manor’s program but are not able to participate in a higher functioning discussion group. In this group, clients are able to discuss their experiences

New Staff Member The Rehabilitation Department has a new staff member. Tia completed a Master’s Degree at California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco for Marriage and Family Therapy with a specialty in Drama Therapy. Since then she has worked in child abuse treatment, family trauma and co-led healing retreats. At Canyon Manor she is co-leading multiple groups

and hot topics,

including Orientation Group, Music Group, Movement Group and the

which frequently is

Community Activity. Tia is a great team player and brings a lot of positive

an event in the

energy and new ideas to our treatment program. She was originally from

news. This helps

Florida but has been in the Bay Area for seven years. Welcome Tia!

clients stay engaged

The Nature of Anger

in current events and gives them an opportunity to participate in a discussion group at their level. This group meets twice a week at 10:30am.

Anger is "an emotional state that varies in intensity from mild irritation to intense fury and rage," according to Charles Spielberger, PhD, a psychologist who specializes in the study of anger. Like other emotions, it is accompanied by physiological and biological changes; when you get angry, your heart rate and blood pressure go up, as do the levels of your energy hormones, adrenaline, and noradrenaline.

Anger can be caused by both external and internal events. You could be angry at a specific person (such as a coworker or supervisor) or event (a traffic jam, a canceled flight), or your anger could be caused by worrying

Monthly Special Outing For the Special Outing the clients will be going to the movie theater to a movie of their choice.

Contact Us Payphone numbers for clients 415-897-9752 415-897-1562

Canyon Manor 415-892-1628 Social Services Workers Jim (Manager)- ext.

319 Rachel- ext. 317 Marina- ext. 321 Dennis- ext. 337 Mario- ext. 318 If there are any topics you’d like to see addressed in the newsletter please let us know by calling Rachel at 415-892-1628 Ext 317 If you feel you have received this letter in error or are not interested in continuing to receive it, please call Rachel to be taken off the mailing list at 415892-1628 Ext 317

or brooding about your personal problems. Memories of traumatic or enraging events can also trigger angry feelings.

Expressing Anger The instinctive, natural way to express anger is to respond aggressively.

Anger is a natural, adaptive response to threats; it inspires powerful, often aggressive, feelings and behaviors, which allow us to fight and to defend ourselves when we are attacked. A certain amount of anger, therefore, is necessary to our survival.

On the other hand, we can't physically lash out at every person or object that irritates or annoys us; laws, social norms, and common sense place limits on how far our anger can take us.

People use a variety of both conscious and unconscious processes to deal with their angry feelings. The three main approaches are expressing, suppressing, and calming. Expressing your angry feelings in an assertive— not aggressive—manner is the healthiest way to express anger. To do this, you have to learn how to make clear what your needs are, and how to get them met, without hurting others. Being assertive doesn't mean being pushy or demanding; it means being respectful of yourself and others.

Anger can be suppressed, and then converted or redirected. This happens when you hold in your anger, stop thinking about it, and focus on something positive. The aim is to inhibit or suppress your anger and convert it into more constructive behavior. The danger in this type of response is that if it isn't allowed outward expression, your anger can turn inward—on yourself. Anger turned inward may cause hypertension, high blood pressure, or depression.

Unexpressed anger can create other problems. It can lead to pathological expressions of anger, such as passive-aggressive behavior (getting back at people indirectly, without telling them why, rather than confronting them head-on) or a personality that seems perpetually cynical and hostile.

People who are constantly putting others down, criticizing everything, and making cynical comments haven't learned how to constructively express their anger. Not surprisingly, they aren't likely to have many successful relationships.

Finally, you can calm down inside. This means not just controlling your outward behavior, but also controlling your internal responses, taking steps to lower your heart rate, calm yourself down, and let the feelings subside.

As Dr. Spielberger notes, "when none of these three techniques work, that's when someone—or something—is going to get hurt." (from the American Psychological Association’s website). Anger Management is addressed at Canyon Manor in several groups including coping skills group.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Canyon Manor Newsletter April 2018

Group of the Month Basketball group is a very popular group and occurs twice a week.

Many clients enjoy playing while some prefer watching.

Sometimes there is a lively competition

Volume 2, Number 4

Easter at Canyon Manor Easter festivities this year started off in late March with egg coloring.

Easter decorations could be found throughout the facility. Easter Sunday began with a morning non-denominational service followed by an Easter egg hunt. Clients searched for the recently dyed eggs as well as a few surprise eggs. The top three collectors received a chocolate rabbit as prizes. The Holiday dinner included Ham with Raisin Sauce, Au Gratin Potatoes, Asparagus, a wheat roll and Strawberry Pie

How Does a Client Get to an Appointment?

between staff

Many medical concerns are addressed at Canyon Manor within

members. The clients

nursing staff. The Nurse Practitioner and the Primary Care Physician

are often very animated

are here several times each week. Podiatry and Optometry services are

as they cheer for their

also provided at Canyon Manor. Appointments to outside agencies are

team. Water is

required when our staff determine that a problem needs to be

available during the

addressed by a specialist. When this happens the Unit Coordinator is notified and an

group and there’s a

appointment is scheduled. Our Unit Coordinator provides transportation for the client to

shaded area with

the appointment and ensures medical records from the appointment are given to our

benches for resting.

medical team to follow-up. On occasion a client is taken to a medical appointment by

This group allows

their county Case Manager. Rarely, a family member is able to take a client to an

clients to participate in

appointment if it has been arranged with the client’s conservator.

vigorous exercise.

What is New in the Kitchen?

Exercise groups are

The Kitchen is now serving the Spring cycle of the

available daily. There

menu. This includes more hamburgers and

also are several walks

occasionally the opportunity to dine outside. There are

throughout the week.

new recipes such as Dutch Split Pea Soup and Baked

When it’s raining the

Chicken in Wine Sauce. Some holiday meals will include Tacos for

group is held inside and

Cinco de Mayo and Brown Sugar Pork Chops with Strawberry

a different physical

Shortcake for dessert on Mother’s Day. The summer cycle will start

activity is chosen.

June 11th.

Monthly Special Outing Music at Canyon Manor Due to April’s unpredictable weather, the outing will be a trip to the movie theatre.

Music has been shown to be soothing to many people and a healthy coping skill. When Canyon Manor went smoke free in July of 2017 we purchased and implemented the use of headsets with music to assist clients with stress management. Clients who go out on patio passes or those who are having a difficult time managing their symptoms

Contact Us Payphone numbers for clients 415-897-9752 415-897-1562

Canyon Manor 415-892-1628 Social Services Workers

are able to use wireless headsets. These headsets have a memory card that contains 2,450 songs. The song list is updated regularly when there is new music available. The headsets play the songs randomly and have a skip option the client can use if they do not like that particular song. These are popular for those who go out on the patio as well as for clients that are struggling in the facility. Other options for music include music group, karaoke and dances. There are three music groups a week that provide a variety of musical options. One of the most popular evening activities is Karaoke which is held regularly and weekly dances. Music is also played in the background during many group activities for all to enjoy.

Jim (Manager)- ext. 319 Rachel- ext. 317

What is Mindfullness? (from the American Psychological Association)

Marina- ext. 321

Generally speaking, mindfulness is an open awareness

Dennis- ext. 337

of the present moment, accepting thoughts, feelings

Mario- ext. 318

and situations that arise without resistance or judgment.

There are a large number of practices that can be used

If there are any topics you’d like to see addressed in the newsletter please let us know by calling Rachel at 415-892-1628 Ext 317 If you feel you have received this letter in error or are not interested in continuing to receive it, please call Rachel to be taken off the mailing list at 415-892-1628 Ext 317

to cultivate a mindful state, including meditation, yoga, breathing exercises and muscle relaxation techniques. Rhonda Rosen, who has led mindfulness groups with students at the University of Pittsburgh for many years, has observed that when students make a regular practice of mindfulness and meditation, they are less likely to become depleted, tend to have more positive outlooks and are better able to concentrate on and efficiently complete their tasks. Increasingly, research has demonstrated the benefits of mindfulness for both emotional and physical health (Davis & Hayes, 2012).

Canyon Manor includes a Mindfullness group

Canyon Manor Newsletter March 2018

Group of the Month Computer Skills is one of the groups that is included in the new program that began in February. In this group clients will be able to learn the basics of a computer, make an email account, use maps, learn about search engines and explore other tasks on the computer. Although many clients can use a computer some don’t have an e-mail they can access. Staff will teach basic computer skills and help clients set up an email. This group is limited to eight clients due to the amount of computers available and is timelimited. The curriculum takes two months to complete. This limit also allows other clients to attend in the next time period. Clients have internet access in the Arts and Crafts group three times a week for their leisure computer use.

Volume 2, Number 3

March Special Activities This month there will be a St. Patrick’s Day Party. It will be a dance party with lime sherbet. A favorite local band, Bread and Roses, will be coming to play live music in the middle of the month. Other activities will include spa group, dances, Wii games, and Bingo. The special outing this month will be going to a movie in the theatre due to the unpredictable weather.

What are the visiting rules?

Canyon Manor supports family visits and the importance of a client’s support system outside of the facility. The visiting hours are Monday thru Friday 3pm to 7:30pm and 9am to 9pm Saturday and Sunday.

The visiting hours are based on the program so that clients will not be missing important core groups that occur earlier in the day.

Family members who are driving long distances can contact the Social Services Worker and come outside of visiting hours if needed. The first time family or friends come we ask that they visit the client inside the facility. Afterwards, arrangements to take the client outside of the facility can be made through Social Services. Sometimes clients like to see their dogs and this is possible if the family informs their Social Services Worker and brings the dogs before the 3:30pm pass time. This is to avoid having dogs on the patio when other clients are also out on the front patio. Unfortunately, no one under the age of 16 years old is allowed in the facility. However, if the client is approved to go out with someone over the age of 16 then the under aged person can accompany on the visit outside of the facility. Tobacco products, caffeinated beverages, glass or aluminum containers and weapons of any kind are not allowed in the facility. Cameras and any devices with a camera cannot be brought in to protect resident privacy. Perishable food must be limited to what will be consumed that day.

How Are Medications Prescribed?

When a client is admitted to Canyon Manor, they are already on a medication regimen from the acute hospital. The psychiatrist assigned to the client at admission reviews the

March is Women’s History

medications and may continue or alter them. The

Month. This will be

psychiatrists speak with the staff regularly about

discussed in the new

how the client is doing. Based on staff report and

Women’s group that started with our new program.

the psychiatrist’s own observations, the medication may be changed if it does not appear to be effective in helping the client. The psychiatrist also takes into consideration the client’s perspective. It can be extremely helpful to have past medication knowledge such as what has

Contact Us

worked in the past and what has not. Family members or conservators may

Payphone numbers for clients

have access to this critical historical information and should pass this on to

415-897-9752

multiple members of the treatment team including the social service worker,

415-897-1562

the rehabilitation staff, nursing staff, the medical director and the program

Canyon Manor 415-892-1628 Social Services Workers

the Social Services Worker. Quarterly case conferences bring together

director. Conservators are always invited and family members are invited if the client is open to this. Case conferences allow for an in-depth review of the clients progress including a review of medications. Medication may be changed after a case conference in response to this discussion.

Jim (Manager)- ext. 319

Change From Last Issue

Rachel- ext. 317

office phone at 10am to 10:30pm on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. As the

Marina- ext. 321

In the February 2018 issue it was stated that clients will be able to use the program evolved this changed to Monday, Thursday, Friday at 3pm to 3:30pm

Dennis- ext. 337 Mario- ext. 318

If there are any topics you’d like to see addressed in the newsletter please let us know by calling Rachel at 415-892-1628 Ext 317

If you feel you have received this letter in error or are not interested in continuing to receive it, please call Rachel to be taken off the mailing list at 415892-1628 Ext 317

Canyon Manor Newsletter Newsletter Date

Group of the Month DBT Skills and Mindfulness is a new group that meets twice a week. DBT stands for Dialectical Behavior Therapy. This is a skill based group. Clients will be learning how to deal with overwhelming emotions using mindfulness, emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance. The group will work on how to separate themselves from their emotions and be present in the moment. Another important tool staff will teach and model is supporting clients in their efforts to change and acceptance of themselves. Clients are assigned to this group based on their ability to participate in this higher level group and their need for these advanced coping skills.

Volume 2, Number 2

February Activities This month clients enjoyed watching the Super bowl with snacks and refreshments. Regardless of which team a client was rooting for, it was an exciting game. There will be a Valentine’s Day Dance as well as a new chocolate dessert from the kitchen to celebrate Valentine’s Day. The Lunar New Year will be celebrated Friday the 16th with Chinese food and an Asian Movie. President’s Day is a holiday and will be a modified program. On modified program days, there is a more relaxed group schedule that includes recreational activities.

Clients who have passes are able to go out throughout the day for up to four hours. Other activities this month will include Wii games, Karaoke, and Bingo.

Do Clients Get To Go Shopping?

Many clients like to run errands and get things for themselves such as shampoo and snacks.

Clients are able to sign up to go shopping when they request their weekly passes. The team evaluates whether that client has been doing well managing their behavior and either approves or denies the shopping outing. The client gets their answer on Thursday morning at Hall Meeting along with their other pass requests. The Consumer Skills group helps prepare the client for their shopping through reviewing their budget and making a shopping list. A client granted shopping one week will usually not be allowed to go the next week, so that more clients have an opportunity to go.

If a client wants to shop for clothing and their finances allow it, a Social Services Worker can take the client shopping. This is different and is generally done with only one client and one staff.

Our new group schedule started on Monday February 5th. Some

Activity of the month

new groups include DBT skills and The special activity this month will be going to the movies. Last month the clients voted to watch “Jumanji”.

Mindfulness,

Skills,

Women’s Group, Men’s Group, Art,

Music,

Exercise

Spa

group,

groups,

more

Improving

Relationships, Living Skills and

Contact Us Payphone numbers for clients

Coping

Computer Skills. There are many

415-897-9752

The New Program

415-897-1562

Has Started!

more groups happening at the same

time

enabling

clients

greater choice and the ability to

Canyon Manor

actively participate at the level

415-892-1628

they are comfortable. Increasing

Social Services Workers

exercise

Jim (Manager)- ext. 319

and

adding

art

and

music is designed to increase mood. Another change is that

Rachel- ext. 317

clients will no longer be making

Marina- ext. 321

phone calls at 1pm in the Social

Dennis- ext. 337

Services Office. Clients will sign

Mario- ext. 318

up to utilize a specific phone call time. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10am to 10:30am.

This should reduce chaos and provide

for

higher

personal

phone

quality

conversations.

Clients have expressed that they really

have

enjoyed

the

new

program thus far.

If you feel you have received this letter in error or are not interested in continuing to receive it, please call Rachel to be taken off the mailing list at 415-892-1628 Ext 317

Canyon Manor Newsletter January 2018

Volume 2, Number 1

Group of the Month Arts and crafts group is offered in the

Happy New Year!

evening times several

It is time to start the New Year of 2018. New Year’s Eve and Day were celebrated

times a week. During

with special activities at Canyon Manor. On New Year’s Eve, clients were able to

this group clients can

watch the NFL football games, enjoy a movie in the evening, play bingo, and a

work on any ongoing

New Year’s dance with refreshments. On New Year’s Day, clients were able to

projects, sew, or

watch the Rose Parade; go on a walk, watch college football throughout the day,

access a computer for

and end with a movie and refreshments later in the evening. This time of year

their personal use.

many reflect on the past and what they would like in the future. This can be

There are art materials

difficult for our clients. We try to embrace this struggle and help clients think of

provided as well as

how they can have a better year this year than the previous.

preprinted art work.

During this time clients

New Items Hitting the Menu

are able to use the

Starting January there will be three new additions to the

computer for twenty

menu. First will be pork stew simmered with sweet

minutes. Many use this

potatoes, onion, and carrots. This was served January 2nd.

time to listen to music

The following day there was Salmon with Dill Sauce, a

on YouTube, use

fillet of salmon and a sauce made with dill and sour

Facebook, and search

cream. Lastly, a Chicken Florentine Casserole that takes

the internet.

bow-tie pasta, spinach, chicken and cheese mixing it together with a creamy sauce was served January 4th. For New Year’s Day, the kitchen served Baked Ham, black

Activities for the month January 15th was Martin Luther King Jr. Day and was celebrated by listening to his speech “I Have A Dream”.

eyed peas, creole green beans, corn bread, and an apple crisp desert for dinner.

How To Support A Client You Know At Canyon Manor Most clients would rather be residing somewhere less restrictive than Canyon Manor. The staff understands and sympathizes with this struggle. We keep this in mind on a daily basis and do our best to make their stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Despite this, clients may call their outside supports to vent about their day to day life. Expressing these feelings is a valuable tool and can be a part of recovery. We encourage clients to talk to staff or a peer while they are

experiencing any symptoms or distress. When they are not satisfied with their medication regimen they are encouraged to speak with their psychiatrist. It can be helpful to discuss with them the costs and benefits of medication which is done

Contact Us Payphone numbers for clients 415-897-9752

here in groups. It is important that clients use the level system to earn passes to demonstrate their ability to be in the community unsupervised. This is crucial to moving into a lower level of care where they typically are allowed to come and go throughout the day. If a client is experiencing issues with another resident we ask

415-897-1562

that they notify staff right away so that appropriate actions can be taken. We all

Canyon Manor

wish to see the clients learn and develop skills as well as maintain stability that will

415-892-1628

lead to discharge. This information can be useful if a client is asking for outside support while living at Canyon Manor. Clients often speak with staff however;

Social Services Workers

sometimes it is beneficial to hear suggestions from loved ones.

Jim (Manager)- ext. 319

From Last Issue

Rachel- ext. 317 Marina- ext. 321 Dennis- ext. 337 Mario- ext. 318 Above: Kwanzaa display Left: Christmas tree decorated by clients Below: Menorah for Hanukkah

Canyon Manor clients and staff had a wonderful holiday season!

If you feel you have received this letter in error or are not interested in continuing to receive it, please call Rachel to be taken off the mailing list at 415-892-1628 Ext 317

Canyon Manor Newsletter December 2017

Group of the Month Another Day Group is a Dual Diagnosis Group. Clients are assigned based on their level of participation in the program and their history of substance use. This group focuses on the importance of sobriety, skills to remain stable with a mental illness, and how to continue their recovery while out in the community.

Clients do a “check in” of how they are progressing. This group gives clients an opportunity to discuss concerns they have regarding their illness and abstaining from use with each other and staff.

Activities for the month During the Rehab groups this month there will be Wii games, Current Events, Arts and Crafts, Decorating the Birthday Banner, the Birthday Party, and Board Games.

Volume 1, Number 7

Holidays at Canyon Manor Once again the Holiday season is upon us. Canyon Manor recognizes that there are many holidays during this time of year and attempts to make it enjoyable for all. Information about the different holidays is posted in a community area for all to read. A menorah candle is lit in the foyer to recognize Hanukkah. This month’s special outing is to choose the Christmas tree at a local tree farm. Everyone is welcome to decorate the tree while enjoying cookies and hot chocolate.

Christmas day begins with a nondenominational religious service. Soon after Santa comes and gifts are given to all the residents. The Holiday meal is served at lunch “restaurant style”. Staff serves clients and guests after they have been seated. If you plan to come for the Christmas meal, please notify the Social Services Worker ahead of time. Later in the month there will be a New Year’s Eve party.

Sending Items in the Mail

During the gift giving season it is good to remember not to send any cash in the mail to clients. If you wish to send funds send it as a money order, cashier’s check, or personal check addressed to the client. Please note it takes ten days for a personal check to clear before a client can use it whereas a cashier’s check or money order can be used immeadiately. If you would like to send a package send it to the building address: 655 Canyon Rd Novato, CA 94947. If you would like to send an envelope it is best to send to: P.O. Box 678 Novato, CA 94948.

Please do not send anything with a camera, glass, caffiene, or perishable food items.

New Year, New Program With the New Year, a new program will soon follow. The staff of Canyon Manor

have been working on new groups and improving the groups that will remain

Changes in the menu Starting December 11th the kitchen will begin the Winter menu which will include items such as Pumpkin Soup, Tamale Pie, Sweet Dijon Chicken, and Pozole. For Christmas there will be Roast Beef, Mashed Potatoes, Brussel Sprouts, Caesar Salad and Fruit Pie.

from the current program. During the revision of the program, staff took into consideration the clients’ requests as well as adding groups that increase skills that foster independence. The new program schedule will begin February 1st, but it will continue to be modified to the clients’ needs as necessary.

When Does A Client Get Discharged?

At Canyon Manor, we recommend that clients reach level three before going to a lower level of care such as a board and care home. Reaching and maintaining level three helps the client demonstrate that they have the capability of being more independent in taking care of themselves. Although level 3 is recommended it is not required. Discharge planning is discussed with the team which consists of the Social Services Worker, Hall Staff, Case

Payphone numbers for clients 415-897-9752 415-897-1562

Canyon Manor 415-892-1628

Manager, Conservator, and Psychiatrist. If appropriate, family members may be asked for their opinion as well. There is no time limit to treatment at Canyon Manor. Regardless of how long a client has been at Canyon Manor, the team looks at the progress they have made in the program and their ability to succeed in a less restricted environment. Once it has been decided that a client is ready for discharge, the Social Services Worker provides information to the county contact and sets up the transition from Canyon

Social Services Workers Manor to the next placement.

Jim (Manager)- ext. 319 Rachel- ext. 317 Marina- ext. 321 Dennis- ext. 337 Mario- ext. 318

If you feel you have received this letter in error or are not interested in continuing to receive it, please call Rachel to be taken off the mailing list at 415892-1628 Ext 317

C

M

N

No ember 2017

Go

of he Mon h

When clients demonstrate an understanding of our program in Orientation Group (see last ne sletter) the are usuall referred to Discussion Group.

There clients have the opportunit to share their concerns and feelings. Peer feedback is an important aspect of group. For man , having the chance to be heard and kno others e perience the same s mptoms can bring relief. Group members are encouraged to dra on their collective isdom.

Volume 1, Number 6

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Marina- ext. 321 Dennis- ext. 337 Mario- ext. 318

If you feel you have received this letter in error or are not interested in continuing to receive it, please call Rachel to be taken off the mailing list at 41 - 2-1 2 Ext 31

Canyon Manor Newsletter October 2017

Group of the month Orientation group is

Volume 1, Number 5

Halloween at Canyon Manor October brings a number of fun events. This includes a special outing to pick pumpkins. Clients will transform these pumpkins into jack-o-lanterns at another special activity. These are displayed around the facility and clients will

one of the first

vote to award first, second, and third place prizes. Costumes for clients and

groups on a new

staff are encouraged on Halloween. Some staff plans to dress as their favorite

client’s schedule.

emoji.

This group educates clients on important aspects of our program.

This includes “House Rules”, our level system, the weekly schedule, and how to achieve passes. As clients demonstrate an

The Holidays Are Coming!

With Holidays come overnight passes. This is expected as it is a special time to enjoy family and friends. Please plan ahead and let the Social Services

ability to attend and

Worker know in advance. The conservator must approve of the pass. At

participate in

Canyon Manor clients have been working very hard to remain on their

groups they are

medication regimen. Those who have a history of substance use are making

referred to the next level of groups.

efforts to stay clean and sober as well. Please be considerate of this while enjoying your pass with your family member. Refraining from having alcohol or any substance around when a client is on a pass with you, especially during the holiday season is highly appreciated and recommended by our staff.

Remind them to take their medication while out on pass if needed. Most of all have fun together!

What Can I Do To Help?

Enjoy the newsletter online and in color at Canyonmanor.com

Clients value contact with their family and supportive people in their lives outside of Canyon Manor. Clients very much enjoy phone contact and passes with their loved ones. When speaking with clients who are struggling, one can always tell them to speak with their Social Services Worker. Most clients’ goal is to be discharged as soon as possible. This is also the goal of the staff however; one would not want to

Payphone numbers for clients 415-897-9752 415-897-1562

discharge a client prematurely. It can cause harm to a client’s treatment rather than a successful discharge. If relevant to a conversation one is having with a client emphasize the importance of working the program at Canyon Manor. The four main areas include hygiene, behavior, medication, and group participation. Maintaining and working on sobriety as well as acknowledging the need to continue their

Canyon Manor 415-892-1628

medications after discharge should also be encouraged. Passes are a way to demonstrate their ability to be in the community without using illegal or dangerous substances and without causing difficulties to other community members. Problematic behaviors include loitering, panhandling, approaching

Social Services Workers Jim (Manager)- ext. 319 Rachel- ext. 317

strangers, touching others, not staying with their pass partners, or not returning on time. Purchasing items not allowed at Canyon Manor and bringing these items back into the building is also against the rules and will result in their passes being cancelled for a period of time. Such items include but are not limited to caffeine pills or drinks, cigarettes and lighters.

Marina- ext. 321 Dennis- ext. 337 Mario- ext. 318

Sonoma County Fires Many are concerned about the effects of the fires on Canyon Manor. The fires are not in Novato and there is no concern of them reaching Canyon Manor.

However, there is an abundance of smoke in the air. This caused passes into the community to be cancelled for a few days due to health concerns. Staff recommended clients stay inside as much as possible to avoid breathing in the smoky air. Our thoughts are with those who are in the affected areas.

If you feel you have received this letter in error or are not interested in continuing to receive it, please call Rachel to be taken off the mailing list at 415892-1628 Ext 317

Canyon Manor Newsletter September 2017

What is a Case Conference?

Case conferences are scheduled quarterly for every client. The treatment team which includes the Social Services Worker, Rehabilitation staff, Mental Health Worker, Medical Director, Program Director, and often the Nurse Practioner meet to review the client’s progress in treatment and addresses any obstacles.

The team makes suggestions on how we can better serve each client. Adjustments are made to the individual care plan, medications are reviewed, and behavioral health plans to motivate client’s growth are addressed.

Conservators, Case Managers, and when appropriate, clients and family members attend these meetings.

Conferences are usually twenty minutes long and take place between 9 and 10 on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Unfortunately, meeting

Volume 1, Number 4

Our First Quarter Smoke Free September 28th marks the end of the first quarter of Canyon Manor being a smoke free campus. Clients have managed this well and have continued to use now smoke free patio passes. Wireless headphones are a new feature available when using a patio pass. These headphones have over 800 songs of various genres. Headsets have become very popular and a motivator for clients to use patio passes. Aside from the headsets, there are also board games and a basketball arcade game. Many are still enjoying the patio passes, using these items when they are out with their peer partner.

How Does Canyon Manor Celebrate Birthdays?

Early in the month, staff outlines a themed birthday banner. Clients add to the birthday banner which has the names of those who had a birthday within the month and their birth date. This banner is hung up in the dining room throughout the month. The last Wednesday of every month there is a birthday party for all clients born in the month.

There are fun games and activities in the beginning of the party. Then those who had a birthday come in to the dining room to cut themselves a piece of cake and ice cream. After their peers come in to sing happy birthday and enjoy cake and ice cream with them.

times cannot be rescheduled outside of the hour window already available.

September Special Outing This month the special outing will be an excursion to the movie theatre. Two movies are chosen by staff after reviewing for appropriate content. Clients vote on which one they prefer. At times, the movie show times do not allow for this and the staff has to pick the movie.

The Fall Menu Has Begun!

The menu has changed to Fall from September 11th to December 12th. This menu brings more comfort foods and soups opposed to grilled food during the Summer menus. There will be a special meal on October 5th for Oktoberfest with bratwursts, cabbage, and potatoes. There was also a Scandinavian breakfast of pancakes with strawberries in late September.

Contact Us Payphone numbers for clients 415-897-9752 415-897-1562

Canyon Manor 415-892-1628

Social Services Workers Jim (Manager)- ext. 319 Rachel- ext. 317 Marina- ext. 321 Dennis- ext. 337 Mario- ext. 318

If you feel you have received this letter in error or are not interested in continuing to receive it, please call Rachel to be taken off the mailing list at 415892-1628 Ext 317

Canyon Manor Newsletter August 2017

Welcome Mario Thomas!

Mario is our newest addition to the Social Services Staff!

He has been with Canyon Manor in nursing department for ten months. He graduated from Sacramento State with a Bachelor’s degree in Communications.

His hobbies include collecting sneakers and following sports.

He works well with the clientele and is a valuable addition to the team!

Volume 1, Number 3

A Thousand Days with No Lost Time!

Left to right: Richard Evatz (Administrator), Marcy Allen (Rehab Services Manager), Paul Heil (Director of Ancillary Services), Dr. Berlant (Medical Director), Dr. Kay (Program Director), Theresa Soule (Health Information Manager), and David Bachelder (Food Service Manager).

Canyon Manor has not lost any employee time due to work related injuries for a thousand days, which is close to three years. Above are managers from different departments holding the plaque received for this outstanding accomplishment. Congrats Canyon Manor staff!

What Tremendous Talent!

Early in the month, a special activity group was a talent show. Twenty-seven clients went before the audience to read, sing, dance, and display artwork to their peers. The crowd went wild at the end of every performance. Those who bravely participated were given a small prize of their choosing as well as a balloon in the shape of a star. It was a great opportunity for fun, laughter, and confidence building. (art done by client)

Special Outing This Month There is a trip to the beach this month. Those who stay at the facility will enjoy a movie and snacks.

How do I take a client out for a pass?

Clients enjoy going out with family for lunch or overnight to their homes. In order to take somebody on pass it must be approved by the conservator. Every county has different requirements. To speed this process, it is important to tell the client’s Social Services Worker as soon as possible of any outing needing approval. If one comes to Canyon Manor and does not have a pass already approved the client will not be able to leave the facility, even if the client has gone on pass with the person before.

The 2017 Eclipse Contact Us Payphone numbers for clients 415-897-9752 415-897-1562

Canyon Manor

A special event was planned for the day of the Eclipse August 21, 2017.

Morning groups were cancelled and clients gathered in the large group room. A news station providing information and pictures from land and space was chosen for clients to watch while waiting to view the eclipse outside. Safe viewing devices, made from cereal boxes, were provided for clients to view the eclipse. Unfortunately, it was so overcast that the eclipse was not visible from our area. Clients seemed to enjoy the news coverage and active discussion with staff and were provided donuts to make the event more enjoyable.

415-892-1628

Social Services Workers Jim (Manager)- ext. 319 Rachel- ext. 317 Marina- ext. 321 Dennis- ext. 337 Mario- ext. 318

For more information regarding supporting those with mental illness visit: http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/ This website provides locations of groups, articles, and videos for those who have a friend or family member with mental illness.

If you feel you have received this letter in error or are not interested in continuing to receive it, please call Rachel to be taken off the mailing list at 415-892-1628 Ext 317

Canyon Manor Newsletter July 2017

How do clients “work the program” at Canyon Manor?

At Canyon Manor, there is a level system that starts at level 1 and goes up to level 4.

Everyone starts at level 1 (not level 0).

There are four areas in the level system: ADLs (Activities of Daily Living, in other words, hygiene), Behavior and Mental Status, Treatment Adherence, and Participation. The more independently a client performs these tasks the higher they can be on the level system.

There are passes for each level. Level one clients can use patio passes. Level two can use Progress passes into the community.

Level three can use peer passes which is progress passes but they get 9 a week rather than 4. Level four gets alone passes.

Volume 1, Number 2

Events this month Each month there is a special outing done by the rehab staff. They post a signup sheet for clients to express interest in going and the staff chooses which 10 clients are eligible to go based on how well they are doing in the program. For this month on July 19th there will be a special outing to a beach with a BBQ! Also on July 12th an organization called Bread and Roses has scheduled a performance in the evening time to play live music for the clients. This typically occurs every other month.

Some routine events include haircuts every 2 weeks, the special monthly outing, A.A. on Sundays, staff escorted outings to grab a bite to eat Thursdays and Saturdays, and the walks Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and one over the weekend.

How do people sign up for these outings/passes?

As stated above, for the special monthly outing, there is a signup sheet posted in an area where all clients can access it. The outings change from month to month including movies, bowling, and beach trips.

Walks are done throughout the week and a client can ask the day of the walk if they are eligible to go. A person must have been at Canyon Manor for at least 2 weeks, with appropriate behavior and participation in the program before they go on their first walk. In order to help all clients have a chance to go on the walk there are two types of walks – the fast walk and the slow walk. The fast walk is longer in length and can be a little speedier in pace. The slow walks are about half the length and slower in pace.

After clients have gone on at least two walks they can sign up for a staff escorted outing, where staff take a few clients for a bite to eat paid for by the facility. In order for this to be granted the client has to sign up for it before a group called Hall Meeting and attend this group to ask for the pass. Once a client has gone on two staff escorted outings, they can start asking for patio passes.

A.A. comes on Sundays and has a group in the facility for the clients. Everyone can attend this group.

Haircuts are done every other week. Clients can request to be put on the haircut list through staff. On the day of the haircut, a barber comes to the facility and cuts the hair of those who signed up. There is a limit of 5 to 6 clients per haircut day.

How do the clients know what level they are?

Every month clients are given and review a level assessment with a staff member. Each area has its own level (1-4).

Whatever the lowest area is on the level assessment is the clients’ overall level.

For example, if a client is level 2 in all areas except their participation is a level 1 then the client remains a level 1 overall. All areas must be a level 2 or higher in order to be a level 2. Refer to the example on the right.

The Labyrinth

One of our additions to Canyon Manor is a labyrinth in the back yard. It is a maze and can be used to help calm someone for a mediating like state or just to occupy some time. As we went smoke free, one of the activities was walking the labyrinth with music playing. The clients enjoyed it and are able to use it at their convenience.

Level Assessment example Client name: John Doe

2 ADLs: Your hygiene has been improving. Keep up the good work. Remember to keep your room organized

2 Behavior: You have been able to get along with peers and staff. When you feel agitated let a staff member know so they can help you.

2 Treatment: You are taking your medications with few reminders. It is important that you cooperate with any lab work needed as well when needed.

1 Participation: This area can use some work. Try to attend the morning groups and make a comment or two on the topic while you are there.

1 Overall Level

Canyon Manor Newsletter June 2017

What is there to eat?

Volume 1, Number 1

Welcome to the Newsletter!

In an effort to keep family, conservators and case managers informed, a newsletter is being developed that will have what is currently happening at Canyon Manor! It will be sent out monthly with new information and general information about The kitchen staff works very Canyon Manor to help keep everyone up to date. hard to make good meals.

The menu for Going smoke free the following Our biggest focus lately has been tapering off cigarettes. This has been a long two weeks is process that started many years ago. It used to be that clients had eight smoke posted for breaks and more recently there have been four. At this time there are no smoke everyone to view. We will be starting the summer menu cycle on June 12th which means lighter foods and barbeques! On 4th of July they will be serving breaks but if a client grilled has passes they may smoke on their pass. Starting June 28th, there will be no sausages, smoking on the patio passes which will make the facility completely smoke baked beans, free. However, if a client has progress, peer, or alone passes they are allowed and corn on the to take their cigarettes with them when they go into the community and smoke cobb. We off Canyon Manor property. To celebrate there will be a barbeque and band on welcome people June 29th. One may think that there would be a large uproar from the clientele to come and about this yet most of the clients have taken it very well and understand it is a have meals healthier choice. with their loved ones from our kitchen! Vegan options are also available.

How do I send my family member funds?

Family support is appreciated by all Canyon Manor staff and it is not uncommon for family to ask how to send money to their family member. A personal check can be sent but it is important to note that it takes 10 business days for it to clear and

When Can I Visit a Family Member?

Visiting hours are Monday thru Friday from 3pm to 730pm and 9am to 9pm on the weekends. We ask that visiting happens after 3 on the weekdays to allow clients to work the program and go to groups. If a family member is far away and cannot come during those times they are welcome to set up a visit with the person’s social services worker.

Contact Us Payphone numbers for clients 415-897-9752 415-897-1562

Canyon Manor Staff

become available for use. If you would like to make the funds available immediately, please send a cashier’s check. DO NOT SEND CASH IN THE MAIL. We make this request because occasionally mail gets lost between you and Canyon Manor. It is best to send a money order to the P.O. box address which is Canyon Manor P.O. Box 678 Novato, CA 94948

WHAT CAN I BRING OR SEND MY FAMILY MEMBER? Clients are not allowed to have cameras, glass, caffeine, perishable food, and metal such as aluminum cans. If you do bring clothing to a client please let staff know so that the items can be inventoried into their belongings list. Any type of hygiene products containing alcohol such as perfume or cologne are allowed but are put in a locked area for supervision purposes. If you are unsure whether an item is allowed in the facility, ask staff before mailing or bringing it to the client.

WE VERY MUCH APPRECIATE FAMILY AND OTHER SUPPORTS. WE UNDERSTAND IT IS NOT EASY TO HAVE A FAMILY MEMBER OR CLOSE FRIEND IN THIS SETTING. FOR MORE SUPPORT VISIT https://www.nami.org/Local-NAMI?state=CA

TO FIND A NAMI (NATIONAL ALLIANCE Social Services Workers ON MENTAL ILLNESS) LOCATION NEAR YOU. Jim- ext. 319 415-892-1628

Rachel- ext. 317 Marina- ext. 321 Dennis- ext. 337