Stratford Informer

TEAM

Team members from Charlottetown, Stratford and our Summerside homes got together recently for a night of bowling at Credit Union Place in Summerside. Thank you to everyone who attended and to everyone on our social comittee for organizing the evening!

TEAM WORK AND APPRECIATION

Thanks to everyone who came out to our bowling event in March I’m told it was a great time, with lots of St Patrick’s Day flair on display

Likewise, thank you Hamid and Jincy for your marathon tour of our homes as part of Nutrition Month Your healthy snacks and recipes were a big hit with the teams

Both of these events are great examples of something I believe is a key part of successful organizations - a strong team culture

A team culture isn’t something that happens overnight or from top-down pronouncements from the leadership team. It evolves from individual team members investing in the relationships with the people they work with day in and day out It’s often a slow, grassroots process, but when it takes hold of an organization it’s quite powerful

In the military, this effect is achieved by putting people in uncomfortable situations where they are forced to rely on each other They become invested in each other’s lives Each person ’ s success is dependent on the hole and vice versa In our world, it’s not quite as dramatic We go on ghost walks or to the movies together The outcome, however, is the same

This culture then translates into better outcomes for our residents When we are invested in each other and we feel supported, we are more willing to go the extra mile in our work. Because we know what we are doing matters and that our success is our co-workers.

Which brings me to Team Appreciation Week, scheduled for May 6 to May 12

This will be a week dedicated to celebrating our teams in every department in every home There will be food, games, bonding opportunities, gifts and a lot of fun Your Directors of Care have been coordinating with members of the social committee to ensure you all know how much we appreciate your hard work and dedication Further details will be announced closer to the date

As always, thank you for all that you do Happy Easter (belated), happy Ramadan and happy Passover to all who celebrate

Sincerely,

Mizan

CARE EXPERIENCE

TEAMWORK

Residents at our Charlottetown and Stratford homes were entertained by members of the P.E.I. symphony recently.

Members performed a series of string and piano pieces for our Charlottetown residents while our Stratford home enjoyed a number of trump selections.

We are always thrilled to host the P.E.I. Symphony at our homes and we sincerely appreciate their performances. Our residents always leave with a smile on their faces!

Photo by Valeria Mandujano

Photo by Valeria Mandujano

B O O Z E & T A T T O O S

Residents at Andrews of Summerside celebrated St. Patrick’s Day in style with tattoos, festive food and drinks. It was a great afternoon of Irish tunes and laughter. Photos by Valeria Mandujano

C E L E B R A T I N G W O M E N

We recently hosted two speakers in celebration of International Women’s Day. Dianne Porter, author and women’s rights advocate, spoke to our Stratford and Charlottetown area residents while Summerside councillor Norma McColeman spoke to residents at Andrews of Summerside.

Our residents enjoyed hearing about the women’s rights movement in P.E.I. and the importance of women in goverment. Thank you to Norma and Dianne for volunteering their time!

Photos by Valeria Mandujano and Annelize Malan

A C T I V E A T P R O T E M

Residents enjoyed taking part in St. Patrick’s Day music and dancing. Pictured at right is activity director Adrienne Lacroix and Rita.

Sheron dishes out bowls of homemade chicken noodle soup during a recent lunch.

Left: Resident Kay shows of her nails during a recent spa day. Centre: Residents take part in cardio drumming as part of our regular fitness classes. During cardio drumming, residents keep beat on a yoga ball at varying rhythms and tempos. It’s a great workout for anyone, regardless of mobility.

Right: Resident June paints water-lillies during a recent art therapy class.

‘Different nutritional attention’

Weight maintenance, loss of muscle and energy common issues facing seniors

When Camilla MacPhee was hospitalized with COVID for the second time in 2022, her weight was the last thing on her mind.

However, after weeks in the hospital with a reduced appetite, the numbers on the scale were beginning to become a problem. Within roughly a month she’d lost 25 pounds.

She was concerned, but at the time, she had bigger issues to contend with. In addition to contracting COVID, she’d also recently suffered a heart attack. The series of health setbacks convinced her and her daughters to move Camilla into a senior care home.

She moved into Andrews of Stratford in December 2022 While her family’s worries about access to care were settled, she continued to struggle with maintaining weight She was 106 pounds when Andrews Senior Care’s dietitian Hamid Ferdowsi began working with her

Immediately he started her on a regimen of protein shakes and before long Camilla saw improvements

“My appetite increased,” Camilla said “Before, I didn’t even want to eat and then my appetite got better so I started to gain a bit And now I’m up to 118 pounds which is pretty good ”

While eating healthy is important at any age, proper nutrition is especially important for seniors when weight maintenance, loss of muscle and fatigue can become chronic issues Having access to a dietitian like Hamid can be a game-changer for someone struggling with their nutrition

“When we get older our body will be a bit different,” Hamid said “Our body will need different nutritional attention ”

Team members at our homes took part in a series of nutrition information sessions hosted by our dietitian Hamid Ferdowsi, pictured above left, as part of Nutrition Month in March. Photo by Valeria Mandujano

As we age, he recommends prioritizing eating more protein, fibre and consuming enough liquids. Residents’ meals are built around the pillars of the Canada Food Guide.

“Over 50 our body will lose muscle,” Hamid said. “That’s why we have to get more protein. Also, our organs ' functions would be declining, and there are some changes in thirst or not being hungry as you used to be.”

While proper nutrition is the primary input for most of the residents Hamid works with, staying active is also important.

“Being physically active is key,” he said “Healthy eating and being physically active, both work together and can maintain the level of independence of the residents ”

In addition to working with residents one-on-one, Hamid consults with our dietary teams and chefs to ensure all our residents are eating balanced, healthy meals every day

“It’s amazing having a resource like Hamid on our team,” said Terry Butler, chef at Andrews of Stratford

The menu at Andrews rotates every week and foods are specialized for all residents if they have any dietary needs

“It is called a four-cycle menu, ” said Hamid “We have a rotation every month I provide the nutritional information sheets for the kitchen, and they could see each resident, what kind of diet they are supposed to get, if they have any allergies, any intolerances or likes and dislikes ”

For Camilla, that means lots of healthy, nutrient-dense foods as well as the occasional treat

“I like the pies, and I’m not really a fan of sweets as I used to be,” she said “But a good pie that’s a treat I used to have snacks in my room, I would go out and get things like avocado and bananas Here we get meat or fish every day. And fruit, a lot of fruit and vegetables.”

Before, I didn’t even want to eat and then my appetite got better so I started to gain a bit. And now I’m up to 118 pounds which is pretty good.”

Eating enough fruits and vegetables is key to maintaining a balanced and healthy diet. Photo by Valeria Mandujano Camilla MacPhee pictured shortly after moving into Andrews of Stratford.

Chef Terry Butler slices peppers while prepping a meal at Andrews of Stratford.

ABOVE & BEYOND MARCH WINNERS

Christina was recognized for going above and beyond.

Our above and beyond winner for March is Christina Surio Christina joined Andrews of Stratford six months ago after arriving in P E I from her hometown in the Philippines Prior to that, she was a nurse at a hospital in Dubai

Now, she’s working at Andrews as a care giver in LongTerm care

She loves being part of the team and one of the things she enjoys the most is taking care of seniors and making them smile

“Working with all the people at Andrews, they are all nice and lovely, and the opportunity to work with old people it's very rewarding ”

Knowing her job is appreciated is very fulfilling

OUR OTHER HOMES

In her free time, Christina enjoys exploring P E I with her family and friends

“Is when they say ‘thank you , because you really feel like they appreciate how you take care of them ”

Paul Peters : Charlottetown

Harmandeep Singh : Parkhill

Naida Baway : Park West

Rachael Handley : Summerside

Erica Pitman : ProTem

CHRISTINA SURIO : STRATFORD JOINED IN 2023

GETTING TO KNOW. . .

ADRIENNE

LACROIX

Adrienne has been a ProTem member since February.

Prior to joining the team, she used to work as a recreation director at personal care homes Later, she left work to raise her kids for 14 years, and now, she’s getting back to her career as the activity director at ProTem

“I feel so lucky that I got to come back and do work that I love and feel passionate about,” she said

During these months since she started, Adrienne has enjoyed spending time with residents and planning different activities to meet their needs, interests and abilities

“I love working with the residents, the team I love the environment, the atmosphere, and the ability to be creative and provide some joy and some shine for everyone,” she said. “And engaging with them, trying to provide meaningful and joyful experiences to enlighten their lives ”

The most rewarding part for her is being able to make residents happy doing activities they enjoy, like exercise, dancing, art therapy and social events

“I'm always open to adding creative new activities to the calendar to add some extra fun and new experiences for the residents to enjoy ”

Maui

Tina McLellan has been a ProTem team member for 17 years.

Prior to joining ProTem, Tina worked at a different senior care home for 12 years In fact, care work has always been her passion

“I always knew at a young age I was going to work either with the elderly or kids,” she said

Tina does a bit of everything at Protem, like cooking, cleaning, bathing and feeding

“It's run like a real home, like a mother would do at home,” she said

What she enjoys the most is helping and taking care of residents and finds it rewarding to be able to be there for them

MARKING MILESTONES

Every month we will be highlighting team members who've reached significant milestones with us.

Heidi Caiger has been an Andrews of Stratford team member for 13 years.

Before joining Andrews, she worked at different medical office positions Later, after her husband, Terry Butler, started to work as a chef at Andrews, she decided to apply for a position at the kitchen

Nowadays, Heidi works as a dietary aide, helping residents when serving breakfast, lunch and dinner

“The hours here are very good for my family,” she said “It works for us ”

The good relationships and environment were what made her stay at Andrews Likewise, getting to know the residents is one of the things she values the most

“Anything the residents need or want, I want to do my best to get,” she said.

For her, the most rewarding part is being able to help.

“Helping them through their day, not only food but talking or anything I can help them with.”

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

Jessica

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