Keeping up with Kensington June 2019

KEEPING UP WITH

Volume 3 | Issue 6

K E N S INGTON

June 2019

LOUD AND PROUD AT KENSINGTON HEALTH

LETTER

FROM THE

CEO Get ready for another busy month at Kensington Health!

June is Pride Month, and in this issue we want to celebrate the many people at Kensington who came out to support our Pride Flag Raising Ceremony.

I am so proud of the Pride Committee (co-led by residents and staff ) for putting together such a commemorative, festive, and monumental event.

The day represents another milestone in Kensington’s long history of celebrating diversity and inclusion in our community, and another success for our We Respect All People Committee (WRAP).

This month also marks our largest fundraiser at Kensington Health, the Kensington Golf Classic on June 17th. Many of the programs and services that make Kensington so special are supported by generous donors. This annual event makes a huge impact on our organization and I’d like to thank everyone for their support and dedication to making this the best Golf Classic yet.

And lastly... LET’S GO RAPTORS!

On June 3, Kensington Health celebrated love, pride and diversity at our second annual Kensington Pride event. There was a flag-raising ceremony, performers, dancing and more.

50 years ago being gay was illegal in Canada and the United States.

June 28, 1969 marks a monumental time when the Stonewall uprising sparked the gay rights movement across North America. The Stonewall riots took place in Manhattan, New York City, early in the morning at the Stonewall Inn. Stonewall is recognized as history’s first major protest on behalf of equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community.

Dennis Lansdell is a long-term care resident who lives at Kensington Gardens. For him, Stonewall is a historic day that represents the fight, but not necessarily the battle for gay rights.

For many folks, living in long-term care can feel like going back in the closet. When Dennis moved into Kensington, he had similar fears. He wondered, will I be accepted? Will I be discriminated against because of my sexual orientation? As the co-chair of this year’s Pride Event at Kensington, Dennis wants all residents to know Kensington is a safe place to live and be proud of who you are.

“I am comfortable with who I am here and I can be myself at Kensington,” said Dennis. As an artist and member of Kensington’s W.R.A.P Committee (We Respect All People), Dennis designed the logo for this year’s Kensington Pride event. He wanted the logo to look like a superhero emblem that everyone here can wear proudly. “We’ve fought hard for these rights,” said Dennis. “The superheroes and our allies deserve to be recognized for their efforts.”

On June 3rd, Kensington celebrated Pride through a morning of reflection, dance, drag and music. Last year’s pride event ignited a new committee at Kensington Health: The W.R.A.P. committee. The W.R.A.P. Committee organized a special Pride Committee to plan this year’s event, and it included three residents, and many Kensington employees.

Teri Henderson, a social worker at Kensington, is the other co-chair of the Pride Committee, a member of W.R.A.P and a member of the LGBTQ+ community.

“There’s a history of oppression that gets knocked down every time a flag is raised,” said Teri. “This June commemorates all of us. Diversity intersects.”

Read the full story at www.kensingtonhealth.org

A GOOD ENDING Fairy tales don’t usually conclude with sad endings. But having choice at end-oflife, especially for those with a terminal illness, can actually make for a good ending.

Nobody wants to think about death, but in hospice care, that’s exactly what we do. For someone dealing with the final stages of disease, the smallest gestures can make a difference in decreasing anxiety and fear. Whether it is the smell of freshly baked muffins, having your favourite song performed live in your room, a comforting massage, conversation, or the gentle holding of a hand, donations make these moments happen.

Dying in a hospital shouldn’t be the ending for those with a life-limiting illness, and yet 60% of Canadians die in overcrowded hospitals every year. As an essential part of our end-of-life services, Kensington offers 24/7 residential palliative care support, designed to help residents in their last stages, as well as their families and caregivers.

As our aging population grows, demand for alternatives to hospital care will increase.

Kensington is leading the charge in palliative care. By 2020, we’ll have expanded our services to include nine new hospice beds and a day hospice!

This September, we’ll begin construction and you can help. Join Kensington families, coworkers and the community for the Kensington Hike, a 5 km hike in support of endof-life care, particularly services not funded by government including music and art therapy, spiritual support.

Help us to break ground and kick up some dust in this important conversation by registering for the Kensington Hike. Give more families the chance to make the most out of their final days together – living with comfort, dignity, and choice. Because everybody wants a good ending.

With your support and every step you take at Kensington Hike, you are playing a direct role in the lives of Hospice residents and their caregivers. (Pictured above: the Hospice team at last year’s event)

The Kensington Hike is Sept. 8 Stay tuned to learn about how you can register for Kensington Hike

BECOMING A LEADER IN SUSTAINABILITY Nelson Felgueiras, Landscape Supervisor at Kensington, was inspired by his two daughters to be environmentally conscious. “They are always reminding us to recycle in the home,” said Nelson with a laugh. “and I want to do my part to protect the environment for our future generations.” Because of his kids, sustainability is a passion of Nelson’s, and something he brought with him when he joined Kensington last November.

Nelson is leading the charge for a Kensington-wide environmental initiative that led to converting 90 per cent of Kensington’s landscaping equipment to battery-power instead of gas. This includes blowers, lawn mowers, line trimmers, hedgers and pole saws. With this new initiative, Kensington is eliminating the fumes from gas that are exceptionally hazardous to the environment.

The battery powered equipment is not only better for the environment, but it also reduces the loud noises gas-powered machines make, which as Nelson notes, is better for residents who live in long-term care and the hospice.

“This is our residents’ home and our aim is to enhance their quality of life at Kensington,” said Nelson. “Even something like decreasing the amount of noise that may disrupt them can play an important role in that.”

Here are some of the other ways Kensington is leading the way for environmental sustainability: • All extra food materials are put into a compost • LED lights are being implemented in all resident rooms • Motion sensor lights are used in all utility and storage closets • Hazardous waste is disposed of in environmentally friendly methods through waste management companies • As equipment is changed, such as Kensington’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), it is replaced with those that are environmentally friendly

Liam Tedder (left), Landscaper & Gardener, and Nelson Felgueiras (right), Landscape Supervisor, use battery powered equipment to maintain Kensington’s gardens, courtyards and grounds.

“Since I’ve been at Kensington, I’ve been inspired to become a leader in sustainability,” said Nelson. “We all have the power to make change in the work we do. I hope people read this and look for ways to make this world a better place.”

CHERYLANN ISN’T YOUR TYPICAL ‘PARTY POOPER’ Growing up in British Columbia, Cherylann always knew that she wanted to work in the music industry. After completing her studies, she moved across the country to chase her dream in Toronto. Eventually, through perseverance and hard work Cherylann landed a job at MTV Canada.

At 19, Cherylann started to experience stomach issues, but like many people she avoided going to the doctor and assumed that she had a sensitive stomach.

Five years later, Cherylann was working long hours when she started feeling sick.

She assumed it was stress related, and a consequence of working long hours without enough sleep.

It wasn’t until 2015, at 27 years old, when Cherylann knew something was wrong. She checked herself into the hospital due to blood in her stool and was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. “I was devastated.” she said.

What is Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

Ulcerative colitis is a form of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD). Symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, fever and malaise. There is no cure, no known cause, and little public understanding of the pain and suffering. This leaves people like Cherylann courageously having to cope with pain every day of their lives.

IBD is most commonly diagnosed in people’s early twenties and often affects young people during critical years of schooling and career growth. The first year after diagnosis was quite challenging. Cherylann started infusion treatment to suppress her symptoms, and some people in her life even suggested she go on long-term disability.

Her family doctor encouraged her to take another direction.

On Cherylann’s (left) first day of treatment, she was greeted by Barbara Gousvaris (right), Registered Nurse at Kensington Screening Clinic, who made her feel welcomed and comfortable with her warm personality.

“My doctor told me not to give in or let this disease become my life,” said Cherylann. ”Then came a turning point, instead of sitting and sulking about it, I decided to own it and make it a positive thing.”

Cherylann used her media prowess and creativity to create a YouTube channel called “Party Pooper”. She started posting videos about her experience living with IBD and quickly gained a following. “I had young people comment and say that they’ve been experiencing similar symptoms, and that I inspired them to go to the doctor and get treatment,” said Cherylann. Without necessarily intending to, Cherylann became an advocate for people living with IBD. Last year, Cherylann became a patient at Kensington Screening Clinic. “On my first day of infusion treatment, I was nervous and scared. Barbara, the infusion nurse came up to me and gave me a hug.” she said. “I immediately felt welcome.

The clinic is a warm space, it’s my space, not a cold room where I get treated like a number.”

Four years after receiving her diagnosis, Cherylann is still working with Bell media. She did not give in to her disease. “My mom calls me the golden child. I’m doing the best that I can,” she said.

Visit Cherylann’s YouTube channel, Party Pooper, dedicated to helping others by sharing her “pooping problem” : https://bit.ly/2wtdgnG

If you or a loved one are living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease, you are not alone. We are here for you. Contact us today: https://bit.ly/2ofaRbM Visit kensingtonhealth.org for more information about infusion treatment.

HUMANS OF KENSINGTON

FEEDBACK FROM THE PEOPLE WE SERVE

Alyssia Mootoo, Case Manager Second Mile Club “I’m a recent graduate of the Master of Social Work program at University of Toronto, and I started my practicum here at Kensington last September.

Kensington is such a unique organization because of the student opportunities they provide. It’s filled with practical experience and support from everyone in the organization”

“I love volleyball, hiking and going on road trips. My goal is to visit and enjoy every province and territory in Canada. One of my main interests is to reduce social isolation for seniors in our community.

I’m currently working on a new project for the Second Mile Club to help with that. Stay tuned for more details!”

We are proud of the amazing work of our staff at Kensington Health. Every month we will be highlighting feedback from the people we serve.

This month’s review highlights the work of Kensington Vision and Research Centre: I’m a patient of Dr. Schlenker and Dr. Belkin. At Kensington, I’ve received excellent service, care and clear communication addressing the questions I’ve had. The clinic is exceptionally well run by Ann and the staff are exceedingly competent, friendly and effective in their communication and the procedures that they need to do.

While booking appointments, the staff are friendly and competent and try hard to meet patient needs. My background is in nursing and hospital administration, and as an accreditation surveyer, I give this clinic 5 stars.

- Joyce P.

UPCOMING EVENTS Kensington Golf Classic

National Hot Dog Day

Date: Monday, June 17

Date: Wednesday, July 17

Time: 9 a.m. start

Location: Fancy Franks (326 College St.)

Location: Eagles Nest Golf Club

Stay tuned for more details!

This year, we tee off on June 17 at Eagles Nest Golf Club.

Want to help Kensington get a hole-in-one? Support the tournament - you don’t need to golf to contribute to the cause.

On July 17, join us outside of Fancy Franks as we take over a portion of Major Street for National Hot Dog Day, a day of free hotdogs with our community members in support of Kensington Health Foundation.

For more information, visit: www.kensingtonhealth.org/golf

If you would like to volunteer for the event, please email Isabella Powers, Development & Special Events Coordinator at Kensington Health Foundation: ipowers@kensingtonhealth.org

Catch a snapshot of last year’s event: www.bit.ly/KHFgolf

WELCOME NEW STAFF Ngawang Dolma, RPN Kensington Gardens

Ariane Joyce Matro, PCA Kensington Gardens

Roji Basnet, RN Kensington Gardens

Micah Jeiel Itorma, RPN, Kensington Gardens

Ophelia Benjamin, PCA Kensington Gardens

Kathryn Ramsey, RPN, Kensington Gardens

Bolanle Osunlola, PCA, Kensington Gardens

Alecz Rodriguez, Receptionist, Kensington Gardens

Ester Cambell, PCA Kensington Gardens

Nima Wangmo, PCA, Kensington Gardens

Lorenzo Relleta, Maintenance Porter, Kensington Gardens Azhar Akbar, Health & Safety Officer, Kensington Health

Lauren Bouchard, Health & Safety Officer, Kensington Health

Dan Nicolau, I.T. Summer Student, Kensington Health

Ajiitha Anandavadivel, Communications Intern, Kensington Health

Ngoc Chau Giang Nguyen, Accounting Clerk Assistant, KEI

Brian Cantor, Corporate Planning Intern, Kensington Health

Dianne Santiago Margott, Admin Assistant, KVRC