Team members enjoyed an evening of unsettling history during our haunted tour of Summerside hosted by the Wyatt Heritage Foundation. Actors told a series of stories about the origins of Halloween, the dangers of not getting your annual motor vehicle inspection and the Black Plague.
APPLES, PUMPKINS AND FALL FUN
ABOVE & BEYOND
Check out this month's Above and Beyond winner | p 10
RESIDENT RECIPES
Check out our photos from our homes this past month | p. 4-12 Andrews Senior Care residents vaccinated for flu and COVID. | p 13-14
This month we feature a decadent butter tart recipe from resident Evelyn Rafuse | p 4-5
PET THERAPY
Spending time with animals proven to benefit seniors and people living with dementia | p 6-7
Check out our photos from our special volunteers appreciation dinner. | p. 10
GROWTH AN
It’s always nice to start with some good news. I recently received feedback about the care we provide to our residents, which shows that we stand way ahead of other homes However, this also means higher expectations and delivery It makes me quite happy and proud of the place where we all work, as we constantly strive to improve and make it better Life is always about being better; the moment we start to feel that we have achieved a goal, it’s time to look ahead and see what more can be done That’s where true success lies: in constantly improving These improvements are not always monumental, but they are noticeable and each incremental step forward sets us even further apart from our competition
GRATITUDE
Thank you to the team for taking the lead on the volunteer event at Andrews of Stratford. This is such an important occasion to recognize those who generously give their time Their contributions truly enrich our residents' experience, as they perform music, theater, and more
COMMUNICATION
For any improvement to happen, it is essential to understand where we are and where we need to go Your feedback is important, and I hope our team understands the escalation process within the home and when to reach out to us If there’s anything you feel needs to be communicated to the senior leadership team, we have an open-door policy. Remember, we build stronger teams when we can openly discuss and find solutions together
On the topic of communication, I prefer to avoid assumptions, so I want to hear firsthand from team members to ensure everyone is aware of the escalation process and knows when to raise issues with us Please follow the link below to complete the Feedback and Concern Escalation Process Survey Click here
It will only take two minutes, but it will reassure us that you understand the process If not, it will help us revise our policies and communication to better educate our team on this This is crucial for fostering an open culture where you can share your opinions and feedback without hesitation or fear.
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving, a happy Halloween and, for those who celebrated, an enjoyable Diwali!
Sincerely,
Mizan
It is Andrews Senior to provide a safe and secure env input and feedback related to the care and services we provide; to value the leadership, expertise and contributions of our staff through empowerment that will lead to excellence in service
T H A N K S G I V I N G F U N
Residents at our homes celebrated Thanksgiving in a variety of ways. In addition to a special holiday meal, homes held teas, socials, did crafts and games and enjoyed live music.
A U T U M N A R T & T A S T Y T R E A T S
S I S T E R A N N E R E T I R E S
After two decades of volunteering at Andrews of Stratford, Sister Anne MacDonald has retired. We held a special retirement party for Sister Anne recently. We want to again extend a heartfelt thank you to Sister Anne for all she’s done for our residents over the years. Your time and efforts are greatly appreciated and we wish you all the best on this next stage of life.
V O L U N T E E R S D I N
N E R
We had an excellent turnout at our annual volunteers appreciation dinner recently. Our Stratford home played host, serving a special prime rib dinner as part of an evening dedicated to thanking our volunteers for all that they do week after week and year after year.
P U M P K I N C A R V I N G
Residents at our homes had a blast judging our recent pumpkin carving competitions. Andrews team members competed against each other to carve the most creative, unique jack-o-lanterns. The winner (or winners) were selected by residents. We had some very interesting entries!
Mickey Brennan, a resident at our Stratford home, has been getting the flu shot since 2001 and is a self-described “poster girl” for vaccination.
Staying proactive
Andrews Senior Care residents vaccinated for flu and COVID
It’s that time of year again. The weather is cooler, the days shorter. That’s right, it’s flu season.
Residents at Andrews Senior Care received their flu and COVID vaccinations recently, with clinics running at all our homes throughout October.
Mickey Brennan, a resident at our Stratford home, has been getting her annual flu shot since 2001 At the time, Mickey was undergoing treatment for breast cancer and knowing her immune system was weakened prompted her to start being more proactive about her health
“As you age, not only from previous illnesses, but naturally your immune system gets depleted and it’s not as strong as it once was, ” Mickey said “If you get ahead of serious illnesses like influenza and COVID and seasonal viruses, it’s much to your advantage to have the head start of having vaccinations and your boosters ”
She added, she’s also been getting her annual COVID vaccination since the vaccine became available in December 2020
“I’m the poster girl for vaccinations,” she said “I’ve always had my flu shot, I’ve always taken the advice of the professionals and got boosters, especially when COVID hit I’m 85 years of age and there’s no question my good health at this point is due to being proactive ”
Resident Betty Madren, a retired nurse, got her flu and COVID vaccinations in early October She’s always been an advocate of getting the annual shot and has been the benefits with her own health
Amy, a nursing student from UPEI, preps a needle during the flu shot clinic at Andrews of Stratford in October. UPEI nursing students assisted with the clinic at our Stratford home under the guidance of Director of Care Roxanne Thibodeau.
“I’ve always had flu shots,” she said. “I’ve always had good results. I’ve stayed away pretty well from all flu and bugs that’s have been around. I haven’t had anything serious.”
Betty is appreciative the vaccinations are available in-house at Andrews.
“I’m very grateful for where I am, ” she said. “We get everything we need. We’re treated very well here.”
Seniors are encouraged to get their flu and COVID vaccinations, regardless of existing health.
“It is important to build a tolerance to mitigate the exponential rate in which the influenza can have effect in a vulnerable population with a higher risk of contraction and a lower recovery expectation that can be related to a lower immune system and recovery time,” said Natacha Landry, LPN and Director of Care at Andrews of Parkhill “Studies have also shown a higher morbidity rate amongst seniors hospitalized with influenza versus the recovery of those that have contracted but have had the vaccine ”
Seniors can take additional steps to guard against infection, including staying active, protecting one ’ s self in high traffic areas or in a community living setting where people congregate by wearing a mask Likewise, regular and frequent hand washing or sanitizing, eating a healthy diet, drinking plenty of fluid, maintaining a proper sleep routine and resting throughout the day Rescheduling visits or restricting ill visitors to avoid getting one sick or risking yourself getting sick is also advised
Andrews’ nursing teams administered and oversaw all vaccinations for residents
Betty Madren chats with Amy before getting her flu and COVID vaccinations.
Jeanette Pirkey smiles while getting her vaccinations.
Clyde Pirkey reacts to the needle while getting his vaccinations. Despite being a daredevil in his younger years (he once did a handstand on a chimney) Clyde hates needles.
ABOVE & BEYOND OCTOBER WINNERS
NAIDA BAWAG : PARK WEST JOINED IN 2023
Naida was recognized for going above and beyond
Our Above and Beyond winner for October is Naida Bawag
Naida is a dedicated and passionate team member who is always willing to go the extra mile for our residents Her friendly demeanor and easy smile make working with her a pleasure We are fortunate to have her at Andrews of Park West
Naida started working at Andrews of Charlottetown as a home ops coordinator in 2023 In January, 2024 she transferred to our home where she worked as admin support before becoming our activity director
With less than a year in the role, she’s already made a significant impact on the lives of our residents and is a natural in the role
“Getting thanks from the residents is the most rewarding part,” she said “And whenever they laugh with me ”
OUR OTHER HOMES
Outside of work, Naida enjoys going on walks with her husband and spending time with their friends
Charlene DelaCuesta : Charlottetown
MARKING MILESTONES
Every month we will be highlighting team members who've reached significant milestones with us.
Deborah Buena has been an Andrews team member for 16 years
Deborah started working at Andrews of Stratford as a dietary aide in 2008 Prior to joining us, she worked for an accounting firm in the Philippines
The transition from accounting to dietary was a significant hurdle initially, but her Andrews team members quickly made her feel at home
“As time went by I came to like it,” she said “That’s why I stayed ”
Likewise, she’s enjoyed working with seniors and learning more about senior care.
“I never associated with people like this back home because I worked in an office and it’s so different,” she said. “It’s so rewarding because I find happiness when they tell me their stories.”
She added, the best part has been forming relationships with residents and having them open up to her when they need someone to talk to.
Deborah Stavert has been an Andrews team member for 19 years.
Deborah started working at Andrews of Parkhill as a hair dresser in 2005 Approximately 13 years ago she transitioned to become part-time hair dresser, part-time caregiver and four years ago she became a full-time caregiver
Her career has been varied with plenty of opportunities for professional and personal growth
“I’ve been here 19 years, ” she said “I probably wouldn’t have stayed if it wasn’t a great experience We’re a pretty close family here ”
For her, the most rewarding aspect has been knowing she’s making a difference in the lives of the residents
“Giving them exactly what they need, anything they need,” she said “It’s just the ultimate joy to look after them ”
“I just love looking after the residents,” she added “I’m very passionate about what I do and I like Andrews to run as best as can when I’m here.”
Are You Feeling Stressed or Overwhelmed?
Take advantage of our Employee Assistance Program through Lifeworks This program is available 24/7 online or over the phone and services to help you with work, family, health, money, and life The following is information on how you can access the program:
Toll-free support line: 1-877-207-8833
TTY: 1-877-371-9978
Through their website login.lifeworks.com
Username: murphy
Password: eap
Are you, a friend or family member looking to buy or sell a property?
You could earn up to $250. Read below to learn how.
We are pleased to offer a new Referral Program between Provincial Realty and Andrews Senior Care The Referral Program will work as follows:
Each employee that retains a Provincial Realty real estate advisor, or refers a friend or family member who uses their service for selling or purchasing properties over $150,000 will receive a gift card as a token of our appreciation
For more information, please contact Provincial Realty at 902 892 2266 or email us directly office@provincialrealty ca
Jessica Gauthier Human Resources Advisor hr@andrewsseniorcare com 902-368-8520
If you have any questions for our HR team about benefits, ADP support, Immigration Program support or any other questions please contact me
Cash 50/50
DON'T MISS OUT ON THESE BENEFITS
Paid vacation time starting at 4% per year (Approximately 2 weeks)
Health and dental coverage, of which we cover 50% of the costs
A pension plan where we match your contributions of up to 4% of your salary annually
A fitness subsidy of up to $250 annually
Discounts with local companies, including pharmacies, home heating oil providers and restaurants
