Living Our Mission & Values
EXCELLENCE
SACREDNESS OF LIFE
COMPASSION
SPIRITUALITY
JUSTICE
The Mission of the Caregiver
The mission of the caregiver is this: “I was alone; you stayed by me, with me. I was uncomfortable; you put a pillow in place for me. I was trapped in my silence; your hand reassured me. I was nameless; your eyes told me I was someone for you. I was cold; your hand checked the temperature of my feet. I was tired; you let me rest. I was sleeping; you woke me gently with a soft light. I opened my eyes and saw you smile. I am immobile; you know how to turn me gently. I don’t like being dependent; you revive my dignity. My silence dictates pride; you dress me tastefully. My footsteps have become slow; you walk along with me at my pace. You position my wheelchair so that my fragile bones are spared. I am suffering from a cognitive disability, and you know that I prefer positive messages to prohibitions and no’s. The day is sunny; you take the time to bring me outside; you know what I want and for that I thank you. Inside or outside, you put me in a pleasant place, the garden of my daily being.”
written by staff member: MICHELINE PARE
Living Our Mission & Values
1
LIVING OUR MISSION AND VALUES Chapter One: Purpose of the Mission and Values Handbook........... Pg 3 Chapter Two: History of Father Lacombe Care Centre.................. Pg 4 Chapter Three: Mission Statement. . . . . ............................... Pg 5 Chapter Four: Excellence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................... Pg 9 Chapter Five: Sacredness of Life. . . . . . ................................ Pg 10 Chapter Six: Compassion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................... Pg 11 Chapter Seven: Spirituality.. . . . . . . . . . . ................................ Pg 12 Chapter Eight: Justice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................... Pg 13
HANDBOOK Excellence. ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................................ Pg 14 Sacredness of Life. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................................ Pg 15 Compassion...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................... Pg 16 Spirituality. ..... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................... Pg 17 Justice. ......... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................................ Pg 18
2
Living Our Mission & Values
Purpose of the Handbook There is an African saying which says, “It takes a community to raise a child”; meaning the responsibility for the welfare of a person is not dependent upon one person but everyone. Here at Father Lacombe Care Centre, we recognize the truth of this statement. No one person is responsible for the care of a resident, but rather, the whole community is responsible. In order to provide the best care possible, Father Lacombe Care Centre has set out guidelines for the employees to follow. These guidelines are based on our Mission, Vision and Values statement which determine best practice. This handbook is designed to explain what the Mission, Vision and Values mean and how they are lived out in everyday practice. There are specific examples given for the day to day work life as well as the results of living out of a Mission, Vision, Values based foundation. At the same time, the handbook is designed as a living document where all are invited to contribute their thoughts and ideas towards the Mission, Vision and Values. Therefore, there is a section left for you to contribute your thoughts on how we can practice our values and provide the best care for our residents. As time goes on, those ideas will be incorporated into the general part of the handbook.
What is a Mission Statement? A question which is often asked is “What is a Mission Statement?”. A mission statement has a number of different facets. First of all, it states the reason why an organization exists and defines the roots from where it came. It also expresses the distinctive characteristic of the organization as well as communicates the nature of the service it intends to offer. A mission statement commits itself to a specific group of people as well as provides future direction for the organization. All of this is encompassed in a language which is found to be rich in meaning for the people.
What is a Vision Statement? A vision statement is the inspiration of an organization. It is a statement which gives voice to your hopes and dreams for the organization and reminds you of what you are building. A vision statement is personal, meant only for the employees of the organization, whereas a Mission statement is for everyone.
What are Values? Everyone has values and every organization has values. Values are those important beliefs or ideals which influence the actions of a person or an organization. They are the qualities of an organization which are strived toward in order to provide best practice.
Living Our Mission & Values
3
History of Father Lacombe Care Centre In 1909, Father Lacombe, OMI, the venerable pioneer of the Canadian West, priest, missionary and visionary embarked on his last great venture – the establishment of a home for the vulnerable. Many of us take for granted the social safety net that exists today and forget that a century ago no such safety net existed and that the poor, the outcast and the disadvantaged were very much left to their own resources. Father Lacombe recognized a pressing social need and Christian obligation and set out with characteristic determination to establish a home for the vulnerable, which would be the ‘consummation of his life work’. In 1909, Father Lacombe approached Patrick Burns and requested the lands located on the rise south of Fish Creek. He then approached the Community of the Sisters of Charity of Providence of Western Canada to build and operate the home for the elderly on the Midnapore lands donated by Pat Burns. After much prayer, the Sisters of Providence agreed to take up the work. A small group of sisters arrived in June 1909 and took up residence in a small cottage located on the Midnapore lands. The sisters began their work in these tiny quarters, welcoming in a homeless old blind man and an orphan. It was not until October of 1910 that the new Lacombe home was completed and ready for occupancy. The completion of the home depended on the contributors of many selfless benefactors, including Lord Strathcona of the CPR, who recognized with Father Lacombe and the Sisters of Providence its necessity. From the start, there was a waiting list of needy children and elderly people to be received, accommodated and care for. In the first five months after opening, the Lacombe Home housed 78 orphans and 13 elderly persons. Father Lacombe died on 12 December 1916. Before he died, Fr. Lacombe let it be known to the Sisters that he wished his body to be interred in St. Alberta where his work began but assured them his heart would always remain in Midnapore in Blackfoot country and with those who worked and lived in the Lacombe home. The Sisters respected his wishes and had his heart carefully preserved and lovingly kept in the Lacombe home. Father Lacombe’s heart was interred in the cemetery behind the Fr. Lacombe Nursing Home in 1992. In 1965, the Sisters of Providence embarked on building a new care centre on lands east of the original home. The focus of the new home was to provide care and nursing services for elderly people. In November of that same year, this dream was realized as the new Father Lacombe Care Centre opened its doors. In 2010, the Father Lacombe Care Centre celebrated its 100th Anniversary. Together, the Sisters of Providence and the Board of the Father Lacombe Care Centre committed to continuing Father Albert Lacombe’s legacy in announcing intent to build a new 160 room supportive living and long term care centre.
4
Living Our Mission & Values
“Continuing the healing ministry of Jesus Christ, Father Lacombe Care Centre, a Catholic, community based facility, is committed to providing compassionate holistic care to all adults in a home environment.”
1. The Healing Ministry of Jesus Christ
T he purpose of all health care facilities is to provide healing. But the question is, what does healing mean? The medical model is to diagnose, treat and cure. The palliative care model of healing is to provide care and comfort. Within the Christian context, healing means integrating mind, body and soul. When the spirit is sick, it is often reflected in the body. When the body is sick, it affects the spirit. The extended definition of healing shows that it is not just the application of medicine but also the thoughtfulness, humor and compassion of all care givers, that makes healing of our residents possible.
“When you discover your mission, you will feel its demand. It will fill you with enthusiasm and a burning desire to get to work on it.” W. Clement Stone
Jesus Christ was the ultimate physician. He healed people from every social background. He touched the leper; he healed the blind; he sat down with the poor and the outcast. He provided physical, spiritual and emotional healing. He took the time to get to know them; he listened to them; he enjoyed them; he touched them; he diagnosed their illnesses and healed them. He loved them all, regardless of who they were and what they had done in life.
References: Matthew 8:1-4;
Mark 1:32-34
5:25-35
The Results…
We will accept each other as we are We will listen to one another We will walk with one another We will call each other by name We will respect our different points of view We will be respectful and honest in our communication We will have a positive attitude; We will be a role model and inspire hope
Living Our Mission & Values
“ T h e m y ster y of ch a r i ty i s th a t wh e n we giv e wh ol e - h e ar t e dl y w e b ec om e w ho le. ”
Mission Statement
5
“Pov e r t y, si mpl i c it y, ch a r i ty, b u t a b o ve a l l ch a r i ty . ”
2. Catholic, Community Based Father Albert Lacombe Father Albert Lacombe was born in 1827, just outside of Montreal. He was ordained in 1849 and was a pioneer in the West among the Cree, Metis & Blackfoot Indians. He was also a preacher, teacher, builder, fund raiser, government advisor, and a visionary. The Native people of Canadian West referred to him as “The Man of Good Heart” or “Man of the Beautiful Soul.” His last most beautiful dream was creating a community for the vulnerable; the orphans and the elderly. This community he envisioned was a home, a school and an orphanage. After much hard work and dedication, Father Lacombe Care Centre came to life. In 1909 he invited the Sisters of Providence to come and care for those who lived in this community and upon his death, they became owners as well. Father Lacombe lived his final years at Father Lacombe and died in 1916. Foundress: Mother Emilie Gamelin Mother Emilie Gamelin, the foundress of the Sisters of Providence, was born in 1800 in Montreal. She was a woman who experienced a lot of grief first hand. She lost her mother in infancy and three of her siblings as a teenager. She married Jean-Baptiste, and together they had three children, all who died within five years. Between the years of 1828 and 1848 she was very involved in service. Mother Gamelin ministered to the poor and outcast; cared for the sick and founded the Sisters of Providence. She died in 1851 and her dying words were: “Poverty, simplicity, charity, but above all charity.” Sisters of Providence Today the Sisters of Providence continue to live out Father Lacombe and Mother Emilie Gamelin’s dream of community with the elderly. They also minister to people suffering with AIDS; sponsorship of refugees; battered women with children; the marginalized and poor; action to counter family violence; Aboriginal, Chinese and Salvadorean communities. References:
Matthew 5:3-10
The Results… To take action and care for the needs of the poor; outcast and sick of our community To realize and care for all aspects of the human person; physical; emotional and spiritual To be compassionate and caring towards one another To respect and celebrate the diversity of all people regardless of their culture; faith; economic background; personal journeys To be non-judgmental with people’s different paths in life To have a positive attitude;
6
Living Our Mission & Values
T he word commitment means: To pledge; to bind; to fulfill an agreement. Our staff work here because they feel called; they are passionate about the care they provide. Commitment is a choice that comes from deep within. References: Ephesians 6: 7, 8
John 12:1-3
Deuteronomy 15:7-18
4. Providing Compassionate, Holistic Care To be compassionate means to “get to know one another in order to ease their pain”. Holistic means to take the whole person into consideration when providing care. Dr. Stephen Sapp says, “For the early Hebrews, the “body” and “soul” or “flesh and “spirit” were not separate entities that just accidentally came to be joined in some way, instead they were seen as interdependent elements that are both necessary for a human being to exist.” Dr. Stephen Sapp
“Vocation is the place where your deep gladness meets the world’s deep needs.” Frederich Buechner
Therefore compassionate, holistic care means we take the time to understand who our residents are and where their pain might be. Pain management is not limited to physical pain; but emotional and spiritual pain as well. As Health Care Workers, we understand our residents are in pain and we have been given the responsibility to ease that pain. If a resident is suffering from loneliness, we are responsible to take the time to sit with them and talk with them. If a resident is feeling sad because they miss their friends and family, then it is our responsibility to provide comfort; when a resident is feeling scared, it is our responsibility to listen to their fears and provide reassurance. References: Psalm 86; 1-7;
Matthew 15:32-39;
Luke 14:12-14
“ Vo ca ti o n i s n o t a b o u t wo r k . It i s abou t an swe r in g G od’s c al l i n g . ”
3. Commitment to Service
The Results…
Care which meets the physical; emotional and spiritual needs A variety of Recreation and Spiritual Care programs A teamwork approach which looks at the ‘whole’ person in order to bring healing A deeper relationship between the caregiver and the residents
Living Our Mission & Values
7
“A h ou s e is a h ome wh e n it sh e l t e r s t h e b o d y a n d co m fo r ts th e so u l . ”
5. To all adults in a home like environment We serve “all adults” regardless of their culture; gender; social status; faith; diseases; losses; family backgrounds; personal journeys.
We are called to:
“Home is not where you live but where they understand you.” Christian Morgensern
Be who we are passionately We let others be who they are We encourage others to be the best they can be We understand their frailties We do not talk down to people
What is a home? A home is a dwelling place together with the family or social unit that occupies it; a household. It is also an environment which offers security and happiness. The two components found in a home are the environment and the relationships.
Environment We ensure a clean, safe living and working environment We make the beds up nicely; tucking in all the sheets and blankets We provide a calm and peaceful environment for everyone e.g. If you are stressed or angry about something; do not voice it where residents can hear. We do not complain to our residents about our problems
Relationship
We talk with the resident and look at them when assisting them with eating We pay attention to the needs of others We speak in the preferred language of the resident or ask for help if we are unable to; otherwise we speak English while providing care or anywhere else in their hearing
References: Matthew 25:34-40
Acts 10
Matthew 19:13-15
The Result… A home where people feel comfortable and accepted A home where people feel safe A home where people can enjoy and have peace
8
Living Our Mission & Values
Commits us to ongoing growth, accountability and innovation Ongoing growth means: being committed on an ongoing basis to continuing education; to advancing one’s skills and knowledge for the purpose of providing excellent care to our residents. How do we do this? We provide in-services; continuing education/workshops We support practices for healthy lifestyles We collaborate with each other to provide person-centred care. We admit that mistakes do happen and we use them to learn and grow We are approachable and available to our co-workers We work together to solve problems We support new co-workers and volunteers by sharing our knowledge so they can do the best job possible Ongoing accountability means: being responsible; doing what is required and that our actions are in line with our responsibilities. How do we do this? We know and understand Father Lacombe Care Centre policies and protocols We participate in effective, open and respectful communication We keep promises We act with integrity We do our job to the best of our abilities We provide constructive feedback We acknowledge a job “well-done” We accept responsibility for our actions We respect resident’s goals of care We are inclusive; we involve our residents, families and co-workers in resident care and services We work together as a team; we are willing to compromise based on current needs or sudden changes for residents
“ E xcel l en ce i s n o t a sk i l l b u t an at t i t u de. ”
EXCELLENCE
Ongoing innovation means: introducing new ideas, ways to do things differently; being creative and open minded. How do we do this? We attend workshops or courses We share the information with our peers and supervisors We participate in staff meetings; working groups and committees We bring forward solutions to problems. We promote a “can do”, “working together” attitude. We value diversity and different opinions; thoughts and expertise. There is no single “right way” to address a concern. References:
1Corinthians 15:58;
Romans 12
Proverbs 24: 3-6
The Result…
More content and happy residents and families Happier and satisfied staff A home where people want to live and work Great reputation
Living Our Mission & Values
9
“As w e gr o w a s u n i qu e pe r son s, we l e ar n t o r e sp ect th e u n i q u en ess of o th er s. ”
SACREDNESS OF LIFE To cherish all stages of the human journey until and including natural death
Respect the Uniqueness of Each Individual We treat people with courtesy We are polite; we say please and thank you We respect the resident’s wishes and choices as much as possible We are friendly with residents when providing care We are sensitive to the values; faith; beliefs; and culture of others We listen to each person’s story We put the other person’s needs before our own We help one another We respect confidentiality We inform residents of what our actions are going to be We knock and ask permission before entering a room We do not share our personal concerns with a resident We promote inclusiveness; we recognize we all have a common goal of providing care and a home like environment for our residents We take pride in our roles; recognizing our residents depend on us We are empathetic; we put ourselves in the resident’s shoes. We ask ourselves how we would feeling living in LTC? How would we want our parents or grandparents to be treated?
Cherish Each Individual
We are gentle when we provide care We walk at the pace of the resident We do not rush the resident when we are helping them get dressed in the morning We look at and talk with the resident when we are helping them eat We get down to the level of the resident when we talk with them We provide care and support at all times
References: Matthew 25: 34-40
Mark 10: 13-16
Mark 10:46-52
The Result… People who feel special and loved People who feel as if they belong People who feel more at peace throughout their journey here at Father Lacombe Care Centre
10
Living Our Mission & Values
Moves us to care for one another with kindness, respect, empathy and dignity The word compassion means “to suffer with” which means that we are called to “go where it hurts; to share the loneliness, fear, confusion and sorrow” with other people. It challenges us to cry with those who are sad; be weak with those who are weak; vulnerable with those who are vulnerable and powerless with those who are powerless.
Be Kind We are friendly when we provide resident care We help all residents whether we are assigned to them or not We do not gossip We understand and recognize the value of dignity of others by providing a personalized and personable approach to care and services (Best Friend Approach) We are all responsible to respond in a timely manner to needs; anticipated needs and concerns of our residents We do what we say we are going to do; we follow through on our commitments
“ Ha vi n g l o st m u ch I ca n sti l l fe e l . ”
COMPASSION
Be Respectful We introduce ourselves; we wear our nametag We knock and ask permission before entering a room We address people how they want to be addressed We follow-up on requests in a timely manner We hang up their clothes nicely We are careful with the resident’s belongings We uphold confidentiality and privacy We are courteous; we promote a quiet and calm environment. We remember we are guests in our resident’s home We provide explanations when we provide care or clinical procedures
Be Empathetic We actively listen to one another’s needs and concerns We listen to one’s stories with interest and attentiveness
Treat One Another with Dignity We look at each individual as a whole person and not just an illness We close doors and curtains when providing care We are discreet when discussing and providing care References:
Matthew 8:14-17;
Mark 5:25-34;
Mark 1: 40-45
The Result…
People who feel cared for People who feel as if they are at home People who feel as if they have some control over their lives People who feel they are still a person
Living Our Mission & Values
11
“ N o c u r e t h at fail s t o e n gage ou r spi r i t m a kes u s wel l . ”
Vi c to r Fran kl
SPIRITUALITY Nurtures the experience that God dwells within us and among us As a Catholic based facility, we believe that everyone is created in the image of God and that God dwells within each person. As such, we are committed to honouring and supporting each person’s faith tradition and how they view and worship God. Spirituality is defined as what gives us meaning and purpose in life. For some it may mean God; others it may mean family or being out in the midst of creation. For others it may mean serving others. At Father Lacombe Care Centre, everyone’s spirituality is to be honoured and respected.
Relationship with Self:
We accepting the resident for who they are and what they can do We encouraging the resident in what they do We tell the resident how well they are doing We are confident in our skills; knowledge and experience We seek new knowledge
Relationship with Others: We give the resident opportunities to serve others; let them fold towels and face cloths We provide support groups for the residents so they can help one another when needed We invite the resident to be a part of a community; to make friends and get involved in Recreation and Spiritual Care programs We come to work with a positive attitude. We set the tone of our work days We learn from others; we ask questions; we share ideas We are sensitive to the values; faith and cultural beliefs of others We are aware of the sense of loss a resident may experience when moving; a loss of independence and freedom; social status; family, etc. We accept and welcome change in the workplace
Relationship with God:
We provide a variety of worship services We call in a resident’s Church leader when requested We honour sacred rituals and seasons We creating an open space for the resident to feel safe to explore their own spirituality We are inclusive and inviting of all faith traditions We offer prayers at the beginning of meetings
References:
Genesis 1:26-31
Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Matthew 22:37, 38
The Result… Greater spiritual and emotional wholeness People who feel more connected to themselves; to other people and to God People who are more at peace in their journey through life People who find meaning and purpose throughout all stages of life
12
Living Our Mission & Values
Commits us to live with integrity in relationship to each other and to advocate on behalf of the powerless and the voiceless in our midst. Social Justice is what determines how people treat one another and the natural world. It is based on the belief that in society there are inequalities in resources and status but that these inequalities can be transformed when people take a stand. Social Justice promotes awareness of those inequalities and takes action to make those changes. It seeks to transform society at all levels of society; globally and locally.
Father Lacombe Care Centre We treat people equally We treat people fairly with trust and honesty We promote education and support practices for healthy life styles We encourage resident participation in care and decision making where possible; such as personal health care decisions or in resident council We are attentive to the needs of the residents; families and each other We take the time to listen to other people’s points of view and opinions We speak up for the needs of those who cannot speak up for themselves We make organizational decisions and policies based on our Mission and Values
“ J u sti ce i s tr u th i n a cti o n . ”
SOCIAL JUSTICE
Ethics Committee
We work together to resolve challenges regarding resident care We are involved in education for staff and families in resident care and self care We provide education in a variety of life-sustaining treatments We understand and promote an Ethical decision framework The principle of benefit or non benefit of medical indications The principle of respect for autonomy The principle of quality of life The principle of loyalty and fairness
Social Justice We provide assistance to our staff members who are financially struggling at Christmas through the Spirit of Giving tree We reach out to our outside community and provide assistance where able (e.g if there is a need for a wheelchair) We promote environmental awareness; we recycle and conserve energy References:
Micah 6:8
Exodus 20:1-17
Matthew 5-7
The Result…
People who feel valued and respected People who feel they have been heard People who feel as if they are cared for A sense of unity and purpose for the staff of Father Lacombe Care Centre
Living Our Mission & Values
13
LIVING OUR MISSION AND VALUES HANDBOOK Clarifying FLCC’s Values Father Lacombe Care Centre has chosen five Core Values to define how we provide care to our residents and their families as well as to one another. The first part of the book gave some suggestions on ways our staff live out these five values but it is also important for you to clarify what each of these values mean to you by defining their meaning. This also creates a sense of ownership of those values for you. In this handbook, write down examples of what each value means to you.
Value 1: Excellence Examples:
Excellence can be obtained if you: care more than others think is wise; risk more than others think is safe; dream more than others think is practical; expect more than others think is possible.
14
Living Our Mission & Values
Value 2: Sacredness of Life Examples:
“You have it easily in your power to increase the sum total of this world’s happiness now. How? By giving a few words of sincere appreciation to someone who is lonely or discouraged. Perhaps you will forget tomorrow the kind words you say today, but the recipient may cherish them over a lifetime.” Dale Carnegie
Living Our Mission & Values
15
Value 3: Compassion Examples:
“Compassion: Open your heart, mind, and soul to the pain and suffering in the world. Reach out to others and discover the rewards and obligations of deep feeling.�
16
Living Our Mission & Values
Value 4: Spirituality Examples:
Spirituality is relationship: Relationship with self With others With God
Living Our Mission & Values
17
Value 5: Justice Examples:
“The life I touch for good or ill will touch another life, and that in turn another, until who knows where the trembling stops or in what far place my touch will be felt.� Frederick Buechner
18
Living Our Mission & Values
NOTES:
Living Our Mission & Values
19
Let us take care of the children, For they have a long way to go. Let us take care of the elder, For they have come a long way. Let us take care of those in between, For they are doing the work.
332 - 146 Avenue S.E. Calgary, Alberta T2X 2A3