UPDATE FROM PARK WEST
Dear family members and friends of Andrews of Park West,
We had such a fun October at our home. We celebrated Thanksgiving, attended a special dinner at Dalvay by the Sea, had special musical guests, honoured our volunteers at the Andrews Volunteers Dinner and had some spooky Halloween fun.
This month we will observe Remembrance Day, host our first men ’ s clu decorate for the holiday season and get our Christmas card photos don It’s going to be a lot of fun!
I wish you all a wonderful November filled with friendship and fun!
Sincerely,
- Karen
Team member Laura MacArthur, an LPN, and resident Anna Doucette share a laugh while walking to lunch at Andrews of Summerside
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
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 WINNER
Every month our team and residents recognize one team member for showing exceptional care
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. ”
Outside of work, Naida enjoys going on walks with her husband and spending time with their friends
Take a look at some of our activities planned for this month!
NOVEMBER
GAMES
Sudoku
The object of the puzzle is to fill the remaining squares, using all the numbers 1–9 exactly once in each row, column, and the nine 3 × 3 subgrids
Community Cash 50/50
Weekly 50/50 draw in support of support not for profit groups including Murphy s Pharmacies Community Centre and the Holland College Athletics Department Anyone can play for just $2/week
