F lourishing with belonging, dignity and choice.
2016 / 2017
Strategic Directions
NORTHWOOD CORPORATE OFFICE Suite 1 South , 130 Eileen Stubbs Ave, Dartmouth Nova Scotia B3B 2C4 1-866-700-2273 902-425-2273
info@northwood.care www.northwood.care Please visit our website for additional resources Northwood Live More Halifax Campus Edward Roach Centre
Bedford Campus Ivany Place
In Your Home, across Nova Scotia
www.northwood.care
2016-2017
community report
Northwood's Strategic Directions
John Verlinden Corporate Director, Communications/ Community Engagement I am turning 65 this year. My birthday will bring about many changes in my life including retirement. The reality is; I am not alone. According to Statistics Canada, seniors now outnumber children, as the population experiences its greatest increase in the proportion of older people since Confederation. There are now 5.9 million seniors living in Canada. That trend will continue to grow. By 2031, about 23 per cent of Canadians could be seniors. By 2061, there could be 12 million seniors to just eight million children in Canada. For me, retirement is not an ending but a new opportunity for continued growth. I want to be involved, active and engaged. Northwood will need to adapt to my life style, rather than me to theirs. Northwood is responding by changing how we do business. From new ideas to new technologies, Northwood is empowered to do this, because its focus is on people, not on profit margins. Northwood has led the way for over 54 years as Nova Scotia’s dynamic continuing care organization committed to innovation and change. Northwood is proud to update the community of our strategic directions for 2014 – 2019.
1 Community Report • 2016 / 2017
Program Development and Growth: Achieving excellence in care and services ...3
Human Resources: An employer of choice
Brand Awareness: Getting to know us
...9
...13
Housing: Building for the future ...17
Advocacy: Using our influence
...19
Looking Ahead
...23
Advocacy. A radio broadcast in the early 1960s featured the lonely voice of a senior living a substandard quality of life. Our founder, Ed Roach, was so moved by this heartwarming story, he created Northwood, and became a strong voice for seniors in Nova Scotia. We are proud to continue Ed’s journey, ever mindful of his passionate conviction for social justice.
Community. We play a key role in shaping the future of continuing care by participating in the community at large, and fostering opportunities to share knowledge and partner with others. We are a team of professionals that work together to develop dynamic solutions. When life changes and society changes, Northwood is there.
Innovation. It all started with an idea. A desire to do something better, something new for seniors and vulnerable adults. Northwood has a 50+ year legacy of innovating, introducing and sharing interesting and inspiring new ideas, and first-time concepts into the continuing care sector.
Diversity. We aim for a vibrant, inclusive space that invites meaningful, positive relationships with our clients, each other and our greater community. Respect and dignity builds the trust that fosters individual talents and contributions, expanding our collective expertise. In becoming better caregivers, we become better continuing care leaders.
Research. As a leading organization, we investigate, integrate and contribute to the ever-expanding knowledge base of continuing care in Canada. In our pursuit of excellence, and in challenging the status quo, we seek to establish and enhance our understanding of facts, principles and knowledge, for the betterment of our clients and the betterment of society.
Loving Care. Northwood’s person centred care model comes from a 50+ year history of not only caring for people, but caring about people. The loving care that motivated Ed and our founding Board Members to help older adults “live life, the way that want to live it” is the legacy we nourish through every action and task, every day.
www.northwood.care
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Community Report • 2016 / 2017
Strategic Directions
Program Development and Growth:
Achieving excellence in care and services
Northwood recognizes the reality of an aging society. Programs will reflect the changing needs of our clients and feature a flexible approach that puts the client at the centre of our efforts. Northwood began as a social movement. Moved to act, Ed Roach invited over 580 individuals and groups to a public meeting in 1962, to discuss the plight of seniors living in Nova Scotia. Services clubs, churches, legions and labour organizations attended as did a number of political leaders. Two hundred and eighty-five concerned citizens gathered that night at St Thomas Aquinas School in the south end of Halifax to hear Ed’s vision for the future. He spoke passionately about the plight of seniors and the need for affordable housing. The meeting resulted in a call to action and the creation of the Halifax Senior Citizens’ Housing Corporation (HSCHC) with Ed Roach as president. Northwood was born. Northwood quickly became a voice for seniors in Nova Scotia, demanding a new approach to aging in place. Northwood provided an affordable option for seniors wanting to remain independent within a supportive environment. In 1970, it opened Northwood Centre, an innovative new approach to long term care and began reaching out to the community through its Multi-Purpose Centre. Northwood introduced a homecare service, Intouch, and Adult Day to support seniors wishing to remain independent in their own homes. Northwood was the first home for special care to offer in-house banking services and the first to provide a full-time pastoral care coordinator.
It introduced hospice services and the first to provide a full-time physiotherapist. In 1977, they became the first home for special care to open a dental clinic. Ed Roach retired in 1987, handing over a dynamic, caring organization committed to innovation and change.
That legacy continues today. Northwood is committed to strengthening programs to improve the quality of life and safety of our clients and developing new responsive programs that address the changing needs of our clients.
“Northwood’s innovations have always been guided by Ed’s conviction that seniors should be lifted out of the ‘loneliness, lovelessness and isolation’ he witnessed in the 1960s.
Northwood’s founder Edward L. Roach 1928 - 2012
We are proud to continue the journey of our founder, ever mindful of the ‘live more’ philosophy that is our legacy and honour to pass to future generations.” CEO & President, Janet Simm, on the impact of Northwood’s founder, Edward L. Roach.
3 Community Report • 2016 / 2017 • Program Development and Growth
Changes in Home Support Northwood first introduced home support services in 1985 as part of its community outreach program operating out the Multi-Purpose Centre. The MultiPurpose Centre, located in Northwood Centre, opened in 1977. It was meant to be a “focal point for community social services for the older adult; a place where persons can meet together, receive services and participate in activities that will enhance their dignity, support their independence and encourage re-integration into the community.” First offered only to members of the Centre, the program quickly expanded to respond to a growing need in the community. Much has changed over the years. Today, home care services are an essential part of the province’s continuing care program. Nova Scotians have expressed an overwhelming desire to remain in their own homes, to do as much as possible for themselves, for as long as possible, and to make choices about their lifestyle
and their care. Nova Scotia has one of the oldest population in Canada. It’s a trend that will continue to dominate our reality for years to come and places added pressure on an already overburdened system. Change is inevitable as government moves to realign services to meet increasing demand. Northwood is at the centre of that change. This past year has seen reductions to the direct service hour rate, a new cancelled visit policy, reductions in administrative staff, reduced use of taxis and a greater emphasis on service delivery. While the impact of these changes are significant, Northwood strongly believes that it provides a quality service. “We believe in our people and what they contribute to make our service the best,” says Janet Simm, Northwood President and CEO. “Over the past year, we have worked hard to reduce our costs and refocus of service delivery. Thanks to everyone’s efforts, we have made significant progress in meeting our targets.” The work has not be easy. However, Northwood remains confident that, working with our partners and with staff, it will come out of it better prepared to face the challenges that lie ahead.
This year’s featured Hedley G. Ivany award winner, Jim Dickson, is a great friend to Northwood, and advocate for dementia care. Jim dedicated his award to honour his mother, Katherine, a resident living with dementia at our Northwood Halifax Campus. “My mother is a remarkable person who has had a wonderful life,” says Jim. “From growing up on a small farm in a very remote area of Cape Breton Island, my mother went on to spend most of her 35 year career as a teacher who focused on the education of children and youth with special needs.”
James M. Dickson, QC, P.Eng Stewart McKelvey
Hedley G. Ivany Award, Dementia Advocacy
Katherine Dickson Northwood resident, educator, mother
Even through her late 70’s and early 80’s Katherine was actively involved in her church and in her community in New Waterford, Nova Scotia, until about four years ago when she started to experience the symptoms of both Alzheimer’s and Dementia. “Our mother’s disease progressed rapidly,” he explains, “and she lives every day with the great challenges that these conditions present.” This experience has encouraged Katherine’s entire family to work with Northwood so that funds could be raised through the 2017 Live More Awards to create facilities and supplies necessary for a new, innovative space for residents and family members living with dementia.
www.northwood.care
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Community Report • 2016 / 2017 • Program Development and Growth
Northwood Health Services
Joyce Bond Loving Care Distinction Award Northwood Volunteer
Northwood Health Services is expanding its range of services to meet a growing demand in the community. Formerly known as Northwood Flexicare, the new name better reflects both the services we offer and the direction Northwood is moving to support those who live alone in the community. Northwood Health Services offers attendant assisted outings, companion and respite care as well as home support services for people looking to engage help privately, or to augment the services received through the provincial program. We also provide private and commercial staffing services to our long term care division. This means that Health Services staff at the bedside have the training needed and gone through the same orientation as our regular staff.
Joyce Bond has been part of Northwood’s family for over 24 years. Joyce first came as a support for her mother who was a resident and ended up adopting Northwood as an important part of her life. Joyce is a familiar face throughout the facility helping out at teas and various celebrations, portering residents to church and working with Recreation Therapy to deliver clientcentred programs. Joyce loves every minute she spends at Northwood and has come to know most of the residents and staff who work there on a personal basis. Joyce goes out of her way to spread the love and make people feel good about themselves. As a volunteer and friend, she understands the value of kindness and puts loving care at the forefront of all she does.
Health Services is an important component of our Program Growth and Development strategy. Northwood is looking to expand the service in the future by incorporating additional respite service, a client navigator and offer transportation solutions to clients living in the community.
5 Community Report • 2016 / 2017 • Program Development and Growth
Resident / Family Survey
There are many different ways we measure quality of care. Northwood is proud to participate in Accreditation, a process that assesses the organization’s performance against a set of national standards. A survey of our operations is conducted by Accreditation Canada every four years. Our next accreditation is February 2019. We were pleased to receive an Accreditation with Commendation designation as a result of our last survey done in 2015. It is a reflection of the dedication and commitment of staff, volunteers, clients and family members to client centred care and quality improvement. One of the most meaningful ways to measure our success is to listen to the voice of our residents and families. This past year, we surveyed residents and family members to better understand their experience with Northwood, and to identify areas where we could improve. We heard from 220 residents and 186 family members from both the Halifax Campus and the Bedford Campus.
What residents told us: • The overall quality of our care has improved since 2014 and we are now above the Canadian Long Term Care average! • 88.2% of residents rated our quality of care as Good or Excellent compared to 83.7% nationally. • We perform best on questions related to Dignity and Autonomy. This includes things like, having enough privacy, being treated how you want to be treated, choosing what you do each day, and being involved in care planning. • We most need to work on having enough variety and choice in Food and Activities.
What families told us: • Overall perceived quality has remained high and in line with the Canadian Long Term Care average. • 93.5% of family members rated quality of care as Very Good or Excellent, compared to 91.1% nationally. • We perform best on Global Quality and Communication. This includes things like providing tender, loving care, staff keeping you informed, and being responsive to your requests. • Our worst performing dimensions are Assistance with Eating and Activities. Northwood continues to work on improving those areas identified in the survey. We report regularly to residents and update families in our family update bulletin. Full results can be found by visiting our website at www.nwood.ns
www.northwood.care
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Community Report • 2016 / 2017 • Program Development and Growth
Northwood Mental Health Program: Seeds of Success The Seeds of Success program has flourished at the Marjorie Lindsay Centre at our Halifax Campus location. The program, a first in Nova Scotia, was launched in June 2015 to promote good mental health and healthy living. Two years later and the program is delivering huge benefits to the Halifax Campus Community. Vanessa Long, an Occupational Therapist and lead facilitator of Seeds of Success said, “the program gets people to recognize the inner strengths and abilities they have. We’ve found that the program helps instill confidence in all areas of a participant’s life, and you can see that change in their behaviour.” Seeds of Success saw its first graduates in February 2017, and they are now part of the New Horizons transition program. “We didn’t want to leave our graduates high and dry,” said Vanessa. “In New Horizons, we support them as they establish their personalized self care strategies, set goals, and move forward with their lives at Northwood.” “One of the big things we are seeing right now from our New Horizons participants is that they have either joined a fitness group or they are participating in exercise programs with the fitness instructor. They’re open and confident to trying new things.” Allister Hiltz is a Seeds of Success pioneer. We asked him what Seeds of Success means to him. “It means time spent with people, my friends, doing things I like to do. It means I can do arts, planting and gardening and painting. I was one
of the first people to sign up and I’ve only missed one day!” Allister has since graduated from New Beginnings into New Horizons. “The positive changes in Allister are evident,” said Vanessa. “He is keen to engage in new activities and he is ready to receive and act on constructive feedback.”
Seeds of Success has four main elements: The New Beginnings program focuses on creative expression therapy and therapeutic gardening to help participants improve their mental wellness. New Horizons is the next step for New Beginnings graduates. Participants are encouraged and supported to use the skills they’ve gained in New Beginnings to be more independent in their daily lives. The Working through Anxiety program is a shorter term series of talk therapy and coping skills sessions designed to help participants manage anxieties arising from a range of issues. My Northwood: Finding My Place is a transition program aimed at new Northwood residents. Finding My Place helps new residents as they adjust to this next phase of life.
Vanessa was able to share participant numbers in the various Seeds of Success programs. “As of May 2017, we have received 126 referrals to Seeds of Success, and we have 49 participants in the New Beginnings and New Horizons programs,” she said. “Since January 2016 Working Through Anxiety has helped 34 people, Northwood Mental Health Program: Seeds of Success Contributed by Andy Robinson, Volunteer
7 Community Report • 2016 / 2017 • Program Development and Growth
and we have helped 48 people Find their Place through My Northwood since June 2016.” Vanessa also points to the success of the program in clinical evaluations, but is most enthused by the words of participants themselves. A project evaluation team asked participants what they
enjoy about the Seeds of Success Program. One said, “It helps to talk to people about how I am feeling, and feeling comfortable expressing myself; speaking openly without judgment.” Another participant put it this way: “I feel relaxed, my soul & mind feel at ease.”
The Marjorie Lindsay Centre is located at Northwood’s Halifax Campus and is home to the Seeds of Success program. We gratefully acknowledge the ongoing support provided by Marjorie Lindsay, the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia and Northwood’s Foundation.
Northwood's Memories Room: Kaye’s Place Northwood will soon feature an innovative new space to enhance the care of residents experiencing the impacts of dementia, a rising issue in our aging population. With $300,000 raised through fund-raising, a home-like setting within the walls of Northwood’s Halifax Campus will be completed within a year. This place, named after a current resident, will provide people living on special care units with respite from the over stimulation of common living areas. Families will also benefit from this therapeutic initiative, allowing them to engage more meaningfully with their loved ones in a private setting. Gail Giffin, an Occupational Therapist and the Manager of Restorative Care at Northwood says that “when residents walk into Kaye’s Place, we want them to feel like they are walking into someone’s living room”, with comfortable seating, pleasant lighting and interesting things to see and touch. In addition to the main room the area will also feature a quiet space and a storage room. There will be coffee and tea available, as well as occasional, soothing music. The initial design for these nostalgic, reminiscence area rooms has been completed and the project will involve the renovation of existing space on the main floor of the Edward Roach Centre. Kaye’s Place is part of a larger dementia strategy for Northwood, a facility where the number of special care floors has
increased from the three to five in a fairly short period. Kaye’s Place has several objectives which reflect the interdepartmental collaboration of staff at Northwood. Professional development of staff and student interns will be enhanced through this person centred care approach, which celebrates the individual and fosters more positive interrelationships. Memory boxes, sensory stimulation, sorting and focused resident engagement activities are planned for Kaye’s Place, which will operate without any increase in current staffing. The multisensory room is a place where staff and families can engage with residents. Scheduled family times will be one of the beneficial features of the setting and family members will be able to access the activity boxes as they spend quality time with the residents. Kaye’s Place is a best-practice approach in special care management. Gail Giffin is confident that this multi-sensory, private space will help us “focus on the use of retained abilities of the person, what they can do, their interests and skills, providing purpose and meaning in congruence with their abilities. Northwood’s Memories Room: Kaye’s Place Contributed by Denise Hansen, Volunteer
www.northwood.care
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Community Report • 2016 / 2017 • Program Development and Growth
Strategic Directions
Human Resources:
An Employer of Choice
Northwood’s vision speaks to a commitment that grew out of a journey dedicated to helping older adults and people at risk live more. Today, we are recognized both here at home and across Canada as an extraordinary example of social justice. Northwood is justifiably proud of its person centred approach to care that puts the client at the centre of our efforts. It’s an approach that relies on a committed and dedicated staff working together to deliver service to the client. Whether working at the bedside, in the community or providing support services, Northwood staff not only care for people but also care about people.
Interesting Facts • Number of jobs posted externally . . . . . . . 279 • Number of summer students hired . . . . . . . 35 • Number of recent graduates hired on a full term basis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 • Number of work term or co-op placements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 • Number of paid internships. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 • Number of unpaid internships . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Awards:
Northwood Long Term Service Awards: 25 Years + staff
That kind of philosophy doesn’t just happen, it requires investment in our people. Northwood constantly updates its approach to recruitment, develops initiatives that encourages individuals to enter the profession, and supports our people to reach their full potential through continuing education. Our goal: to become an employer of choice for those entering the health care profession.
Front Row (L to R) – Carla Hajnal, Debra Bradley, Marg Mahoney, Carol Clark, Marilyn Maskell 2nd Row (L to R) – Martha Roberts, Elzbieta Wesecka, Donna Currie, Joy Feltmate, Doreen Blackburn, Bella Davison 3rd Row (L to R) – Donna David, Barbara MacKinnon, Roger Lewis, Vincent Hackett, Billy Barrett, Keith Johnson Missing: Elsie Richard, Connie Tupper, Maria Burgess, Teresa Feltrin, Susan Snow, Virginia Brine, Terrye Langford, Wendy West, Barb Ehler, Nathalie McJannet, Judith Kwan, Scott Mombourquette
9 Community Report • 2016 / 2017 • Human Resources: An Employer of Choice
Diversity: Expanding our Collective Knowledge. Northwood wants to create a welcoming and inclusive community for all. Every individual brings unique capabilities, personal beliefs, individual aspirations and their own life experiences to the organization. Northwood embraces these differences and celebrates opportunities that allow those differences to flourish. We believe that we are stronger together and that together we create a place where people can Live More. Each year, the Diversity Circle sponsors a Multicultural Showcase on our Halifax Campus to celebrate the rich heritage of our Northwood community. The event features a stage show with music, a fashion show where people modeled traditional dress, and a variety of displays from different countries. For the past six years, Northwood staff, residents and volunteers have participated in Pride Week by raising the Pride flag and walking in the Pride Parade. This past year, staff participated in a campaign called “Dignity and Respect.” People were asked to take a pledge to treat others with dignity and respect no matter their differences. Displays were set up at each location and people took the pledge and left their handprint on a banner to show they shared a vision for an inclusive Northwood community. Northwood also recognized that more work had to be done to raise awareness of diversity within the organization. Northwood is currently developing a multi-year diversity strategy to shift the culture of the organization, enhance leadership skills and increase individual awareness of our cultural differences. As part of our diversity strategy, Northwood introduced a Living Diversity education program to all staff. The program is an opportunity to reflect on our personal cultures, perceptions and beliefs, and to discover the vast life experiences of the people we share our work lives with every day. Through a customized approach, staff explore and create their own personal and professional diversity goals.
Betty MacDonald
Diversity Distinction Award Deaf Community Worker Northwood takes pride in our commitment to diversity. By creating a vibrant, inclusive space that invites meaningful relationships with our clients, each other and our greater community, we embrace our differences and celebrate those opportunities that allow those differences to flourish. In her role as a Deaf Community Worker for Society of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Nova Scotians for the past 15 years, Betty MacDonald has provided assistance and support to Deaf and Deaf-Blind clients to ensure their needs are met. She now also provides that support to Northwood Deaf residents. Betty’s contribution to Northwood has greatly enriched the lives of those who call Northwood home and helped promote a culture that values and celebrates diversity.
Together staff will learn how to deepen their inclusion, understanding and enthusiasm for the variety and zest we all contribute to the collective Northwood experience and our commitment to deliver client focused care.
www.northwood.care
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Community Report • 2016 / 2017 • Human Resources: An Employer of Choice
Looking at Health and Safety in the Workplace In December 2016, Northwood staff participated in a survey called Guarding Minds @ Work (GM@W). The survey was an evidence-based tool to effectively assess and address psychological health and safety in the workplace. A psychologically healthy and safe workplace is one that promotes employees’ psychological well-being and actively works to prevent harm to employee psychological health due to negligent, reckless or intentional acts. Four hundred and forty-eight people or 26% of staff responded to the survey. The survey is based on 13 psychosocial factors including: • Psychological support • Organizational culture • Clear leadership and expectations • Civility and respect • Psychological competencies and requirements • Growth and development • Recognition and reward • Involvement and influence • Workload management • Engagement • Psychological protection • Protection of physical space In addition to corporate wide results, the survey also broke down the information by department including In Care Living, Homecare, Community Programs and Program Support.
Organizational Culture is an area of significant concern for everyone. This would include areas such as Accountability and Employee/ Manager trust. Civility & Respect is a concern for In Care Living and Program Support. Some variation exist across departments. In Care Living has concerns about Psychological Protection and Recognition & Reward. Bullying was also identified and scores twice the national average. Northwood is taking the results of the survey and sharing them with managers, staff, family and residents. Further discussion is happening at the department level where managers are drilling down the results to build a consensus on issues facing staff. Using this feedback, Quality Council will develop an action plan to move forward; build on our strengths, while addressing issues of concern.
Generally, the results were positive! Engagement was identified as a relative strength across the organization. Protection of Physical Safety was also a relative strength for most departments. However,
11 Community Report • 2016 / 2017 • Human Resources: An Employer of Choice
Northwood: A Great Place to Work
Our Vision
People living life to the fullest, flourishing in a community of belonging, dignity and choice.
Our Mission
As a leader in continuing care, we build meaningful relationships with our clients everyday and make a positive difference in the communities we serve.
Our Core Values
PEOPLE COME FIRST - We believe treating each other with respect and dignity builds the trust that is essential to our effective relationships. We foster the talent and potential in everyone. Simple rule: seek to understand and act with kindness Last year, Northwood received over 5,200 applications from people responding to job postings or looking for employment with Northwood. They know Northwood is a great place to work.
EVERYONE PLAYS A PART - We value a vibrant and diverse community where contributions are recognized and celebrated. We are stronger together. Simple rule: share what you know, ask for what you need, invite different views
Others recognize that as well. In December, we were named as one of Nova Scotia’s top employers for 2017. In January, the Atlantic Business magazine named Northwood one of Atlantic Canada’s top employers. This is the fifth year in a row that Northwood has won the award.
WE PROMOTE SOCIAL JUSTICE - We believe in using our voice to influence positive change and fairness. Simple rule: speak up for positive change, fairness and choice
Northwood believes its employees are its greatest asset. We invest in our employees by providing opportunities for continued professional development through formal mentoring opportunities and ongoing in-house and online training programs. Staff also have access to a number of discounts at local businesses, benefit from in-house facilities like our fitness centre and the health centre, and participate in a variety of organized events. A great place to work means a committed staff who support our focus on person centred care and deliver on our commitment to loving care. Together we build a place where people Live More.
WE ARE ALL ACCOUNTABLE - Each person is accountable for their actions in delivering service, proper use and respect of resources, and fostering healthy relationships. Simple rule: own your responsibilities and the impact of your actions WE CAN ALWAYS DO BETTER - Achieving excellence in all our programs and services is based on learning from our mistakes, applying the best evidence and setting the highest standards. We value our ability to challenge the status quo in pursuing new opportunities. Simple rule: challenge thinking, learn more, do better
www.northwood.care
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Community Report • 2016 / 2017 • Human Resources: An Employer of Choice
Strategic Directions
Brand Awareness: Getting to know us
As a not-for-profit organization, we reinvest our surpluses back into the organization to help seniors and people at risk live more. It begins with a 50+ year legacy of innovation, a philosophy that inspires new ideas and an ongoing commitment to contribute to the ever-expanding knowledge base of
Rosanne Burke Innovation Distinction Award Keji Consulting
continuing care. Northwood has always played a key role, not only as a provider of essential services but also as a leader in the continuing care sector. More than a service provider, people have come to look on us as a helping hand and a support to those in need. It’s a story that traces its beginnings to Ed Roach, Northwood’s founder and first President. We are proud to continue that journey, ever mindful of his ‘live more’ philosophy and his commitment to change. It is a legacy we live everyday and pass onto future generations.
Northwood continues to build on that story, to use its name and reputation to promote a better understanding of the continuum of services we offer.
Northwood has a 50+ year legacy of innovating, introducing and sharing interesting and inspiring new ideas and first-time concepts into the continuing care sector. Rosanne Burke is part of that effort. For the past two years, she has been a dedicated volunteer at Northwood helping with recreation programs, the fitness centre, volunteer recruitment, the Living Diversity program for staff and the Dementia Committee. She is also a dementia care partner to her father who is a resident of Northwood. Rosanne is the owner of Keji Consulting, a dementia education and training business. In 2016, she became a Certified Dementia Care Trainer (under Teepa Snow). She teaches the Positive Approach™ to Care philosophy to families and health care professionals who want to better understand how it feels to be living with dementia. She speaks on dementia at conferences throughout Atlantic Canada and is also creating a program to train community organizations and businesses to become dementia friendly. Rosanne is currently writing a book on her experiences as a care partner to a parent living with dementia.
13 Community Report • 2016 / 2017 • Brand Awareness: Getting to know us
Raising Northwood’s Brand Awareness & Profile Our team continues to represent and enhance Northwood’s profile. Some highlights: April 2016
September 2016
• Jim Francis of NWBC honored with a volunteer award at Halifax recognition event.
• Northwood’s Live More Walk raises $31,800 for the Dignified Living Fund.
• Trudy Helmke, a resident of Northwood Halifax, received the Mental Health Foundation of NS Outstanding Senior Award.
October 2016
May 2016
• Northwod presented at the National Canadian Association on Gerontology Conference on Person Centered Care.
• Northwood named one of three finalists for the 2016 Better Business Bureau’s Torch Awards for Ethics.
• Northwood presented at Alzheimer Conference on our Dementia Friendly Fitness Centre.
• Janet Simm, Northwood CEO, recognized as one of Atlantic Canada’s Top 50 CEOs.
• Marjorie Lindsay donated $70,000 to the Seeds of Success program.
June 2016
• JACK FM radio and the Foundation launched annual Christmas card campaign.
• Seeds of Success program profiled on CBC television.
November 2016
December 2016
July/August 2016
• CTV News at 5 broadcast their Christmas show from our Halifax Campus.
• Halifax and Bedford Block parties draw large crowds.
• Symphony Nova Scotia and the North Street Singers performed at the Halifax Campus.
• Northwood participates in Pride Parade. • MLA Kelly Regan presents cheque for Community Garden funding. • The Foundation raises money for Northwood’s Mental Health initiative with a “Brake the Stigma” campaign.
February 2017 • Northwood attended the Translating Research in Older adult Care (TREC) 2017 Annual General in Banff, Alberta.
www.northwood.care
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Community Report • 2016 / 2017 • Brand Awareness: Getting to know us
When Ed Roach began his journey to create an organization that would inspire a new way of thinking, he envisioned place without walls. It was less about a building and more about the community that would develop around it. He would be pleased at the work being done at our Bedford Campus, Ivany Place. Now open for its second season, Northwood's community garden is taking shape and quickly becoming a magnet for community/resident engagement. The generous involvement of a number of key sponsors has allowed the vision to become a reality. The community garden and park has been named the William E. Frank Live More Park, thanks to a very special donation from the Edwards Family Foundation. The donation will honour the memory of William E. Frank, the Foundation’s late administrator. Bill Frank was a long-time friend to Northwood and to the community as he worked tirelessly to help those less fortunate, particularly children. Bill would be so pleased to know the Park will bring together all community members, regardless of age or ability, helping them to live more.
Nearly 1100 m2 of pathways will be paved and underground electrical and water lines are now in place. Absolutely committed to the West Bedford community, Clayton Developments and Cresco have contributed a stunning new potting and storage shed modeled after a historic train station that will become a feature of the park! A grant from the Cobequid Community Health Board has allowed us to build a dementia-friendly sign that uses colour contrast, light reflection and words to aid understanding. We are also delighted to share that Commissionaires Nova Scotia will help to fund a water feature to commemorate the sacrifices veterans have made in service of their country.
You can follow progress of the Park by joining the West Bedford Community Garden Facebook Page. Call 902-454-3351 to get involved or to make a donation. Signage facsimile
15 Community Report • 2016 / 2017 • Brand Awareness: Getting to know us
Reaching out to the Community we Serve Northwood is part of the communities it serves. We are a neighbour, a partner in service delivery, an employer, and an advocate to our clients. During this past year, we have worked with a number of groups and organizations to advance knowledge, promote innovation and inspire new ideas. In 2015, Northwood and Shoreham Village in Chester entered into a partnership to share resources. That partnership has produced benefits for both sides. It has provided Shoreham with access to Northwood’s clinical team, human resource personnel, policy and program development expertise, occupational health resources and other supports as needed. Key members of Northwood’s clinical, human resource and corporate service teams have worked closely with teams at Shoreham Village to address concerns related to resident care, staffing and human resource issues. This year, saw the introduction of Point, Click, Care at both facilities.
Northwood is also working with Old School on developing a community-based peer support network to address the risks associated with chronic diseases among older adults. In April, we co-hosted with the Halifax West Senior Liberal Club, an Age Friendly Community Event at our Beford Campus (Ivany) to talk about possibilities through partnerships. As a neighbour, we host an annual community block party in Bedford and in Halifax that brings people from the surrounding area together with staff and residents to enjoy an afternoon of shared experiences and breaks down the stigma that exists about long term care facilities. We participate in Pride Week and the Pride Parade and support the United Way campaign. These efforts continue our tradition of reaching out to the community and building relationships that have the potential to change the face of continuing care in Nova Scotia.
By working together we have improved operational efficiencies, responsiveness and quality service delivery. It has helped both parties to better achieve their goals and objectives through cooperation and strengthened our position and confirmed our role as a leading advocate for positive change and fairness within the sector. We are now exploring opportunities to work with Queens County Care Society to develop an affordable housing project for the area. In Fall River, we have been asked by the developer of a seniors’ housing project to provide services for the initiative. While public response to the project has been mixed, Northwood involvement was seen as positive.
Photo: The Old School Community Gathering Place
www.northwood.care
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Community Report • 2016 / 2017 • Brand Awareness: Getting to know us
Strategic Directions
Housing: Building for the future
In 1967, Northwood opened Halifax’s first affordable retirement option for seniors. The Towers was the crowning achievement of Ed Roach’s five year effort to address the urgent
Northwood's vision for the Bedford Campus
need of many seniors living in isolation and without adequate housing throughout Halifax. The seven story, 73-unit, apartment building offered more than just affordable housing. Northwood created an innovative new approach that recognized the unique make up of the community within the building. Tenants took responsibility for themselves and each other. They participated in decision making and developed their own meaningful activities to improve their own lives and foster a sense of belonging. The Towers first caretaker, Harold Harris, kept a list of residents’ names, doctors’ phone numbers, clergy and next of kin. He also began an ad hoc information centre and dispensed information on services available to deal with sickness, accidents and other emergencies. A “buddy” system was established where neighbour looked after neighbour and checked in every day.
That commitment to help others live more continues today. Northwood is developing a new vision for housing that responds to the needs of the population we serve and addresses perceived gaps within the system. It’s called the power of love.
While still a vision for the future, Northwood is currently developing plans to introduce affordable retirement living on 13 acres of land we own behind our Bedford Campus, Ivany Place. “Northwood began as a response to the plight of seniors living alone in the community,” says Janet Simm, Northwood President and CEO. “Our first project, located on Northwood Terrace, provided housing options to those who could not afford the usual rents available in the marketplace.” Now going back to its roots, Northwood is again focusing on a population with modest means who require support and social stimulation to flourish within a retirement living community. Conceptual plans call for a range of apartment and lifestyle options, on-site services to support both Independent and Long Term Care and a link to our Bedford Campus, Ivany Place. “By creating a blended population, we promote active living, increased options for people and support the development of a true community identity,” says Janet. While plans are still in the development stage, Northwood hopes to move forward on its vision for the Bedford site sometime in the near future.
17 Community Report • 2016 / 2017 • Housing: Building for the future
Creating a Main Street In 2015, a working group was formed to take a look at transforming the space on our main floors to better reflect a person centred approach to care and a greater sense of community. The goal was to improve the quality of life for our clients and make more effective use of the space we had. Objectives included: • Exploring opportunities to foster a more homelike environment in our buildings. • Dedicate prime real estate in our buildings to programs and services for our clients and community. • Identify space currently available and look for new opportunities to increase space. • Maximize space available and develop a vibrant Main Street at both Campuses. The work is starting to pay off. The main floor of the Manor at our Halifax Campus has a modern, new look, making it a more inviting area for visitors who enter from Gottingen Street. Thanks to funding from the Live More Awards, the Fitness Centre was redesigned as a dementia friendly facility open to the entire community. By moving Volunteer Resources and the Community Centre to the Manor, Northwood created a new community hub that brings together our community focused resources in one area and provides greater access to a meeting space for our partners. More recently, work was completed on our Adult Day program area to create an inviting new space for participants. The main floor of the Edward Roach Centre is also starting to take shape. Northwood’s Mental Health support program, “Seeds of Success” is located in an area that once housed offices. Other changes will transform the Main floor into a “Main Street” of programs and services for clients. Work on Kaye’s Place, a therapeutic space dedicated to residents with dementia and their families, is slated to begin soon, and giving NWBC a more prominent presence along Main Street will increase their profile and exposure to the community.
Joan Christie
Community Distinction Award Volunteer Joan Christie’s volunteer work over the years has been extensive, but she would tell you the friendships made and feeling of accomplishment when difficult tasks are completed has been a wonderful reward. Joan was instrumental in creating a dedicated team of volunteers who together help organize the Sunshine Cart at Ivany Place in Bedford. The Sunshine Cart is a hospitality program for residents that offers complimentary gifts to residents. Gifts include snacks, jewelry, puzzles and Kleenex. She also organizes her volunteers for a monthly tea with residents, giving them an opportunity to get to know one another and to socialize. The members enjoy their role and love dropping in on people who may otherwise have few visitors. Working with our partners, community groups and neighbours, Northwood fosters relationships that contribute to a better world while addressing the needs of those who call Northwood home.
Future plans call for a similar approach at our Bedford Campus and additional programming space.
www.northwood.care
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Community Report • 2016 / 2017 • Housing: Building for the future
Strategic Directions
Advocacy: Using our Influence
The 1960s were a time of great change. While we think of the 60s as a decade belonging to the youth, it also exposed a growing gap in services for the older adults. Many seniors lived below the poverty line. They lived in quiet desperation, in substandard housing, often living in isolation, loneliness and helplessness. They had no voice and no means to advocate for change. In 1961, they found a champion in Edward L. Roach. On the way to work, Ed happened to be listening to an open mike radio show on CHNS when an interview came on that changed his life and the lives of seniors living in Nova Scotia. He listened with growing anger as a 70 year women spoke of having to go into an “old ladies’ home” while her husband was being moved to an “old men’s home” because no facilities were available for couples in Halifax. Her story touched Ed deeply. Motivated to act, Ed embarked on a 30-year crusade to change the face of continuing care in Nova Scotia. He did it by creating Northwood. So began a journey that saw Northwood become a voice for seniors and people at risk and their determination to live life to the fullest. We took up his passion for change and social justice, creating a network of support for those most at risk in our society.
Northwood is committed to speak up on issues that are critical to us in carrying out our mandate, to influence discussion at a system level and, when appropriate, take public positions on issues that are important.
Starr Dobson Advocacy Distinction Award President & CEO of the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia
Starr Dobson first started sharing stories about Northwood as a junior reporter at ATV more than 25 years ago and continues to raise awareness of Northwood today through her monthly column in Senior Living, her social media channels and by speaking at many Northwood Foundation events. An acclaimed journalist, best-selling children’s author, and dedicated community volunteer, Starr holds an Honours Journalism Degree from the University of King’s College. Starr is the Co-Chair of the Minister’s Panel on Innovation in Mental Health & Addictions and recently received the 2017 Halifax Business Awards Business Person of the Year Silver Award. Her passion is mental health. As President and CEO of the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, she is committed to changing society’s perception of mental health and how we support those who struggle in our society. Starr is incredibly proud of her connections with Northwood staff, residents, clients and members of Team M (for Mental Health). The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia is also a proud supporter of Northwood’s Seeds of Success program.
19 Community Report • 2016 / 2017 • Advocacy: Using our influence
The Northwood Foundation Faye LeBlanc’s business card carries a simple message that goes to the heart of her philosophy for the Northwood Foundation.
Relationships – they matter. Build them. Care for them. Respect them. - Faye LeBlanc Faye leads the Northwood Foundation, the fundraising arm that provides the ‘extras’ to make Northwood unique in the continuing care world. “Relationships come first,” says Faye. “Without that foundation, there is no common ground. I cherish the wonderful relationships I have with our donors.” Faye is proud of the long-term relationships she has with donors large and small. “Every dollar donated is a choice for that individual,” she says. “We are so grateful that people choose Northwood for their charitable giving. One of our dear friends is Marjorie Lindsay, who sat on the original Northwood Board of Governors back in 1962. Marjorie is a valued donor, advocate and a very special friend to everyone in the Northwood Community.” “The Foundation is a critical part of what makes Northwood unique,” explains Faye. “The daily running of Northwood is covered by our operating budgets, resident fees, Government funding and so on. The Northwood Foundation’s mandate is to raise funds that improve the quality of life that allows our clients to live more.”Alongside seasonal mailing campaigns the Foundation hosts events including the annual Live More Walk and the Live More Awards. This year the Live More Awards raised over $300,000 making it one of the top five fundraisers in Halifax.
The Live More Walk is a fundraiser for the Dignified Living Fund, a program especially close to Faye’s heart. “Northwood staff really care about their residents and clients,” says Faye. “We found they were buying small essentials for residents out of their own pocket, things that gave that resident personal dignity. We created the Dignified Living Fund to provide the things so many of us might take for granted.” To date the walk has raised over $200,000 for the Dignified Living Fund, and has fulfilled over 500 applications for support. Since the Fund was created, Northwood residents and clients have benefitted from items including personal care, transportation, dental and podiatry, cleaning supplies, and small medical devices – in fact, anything that allows a Northwood client to live with dignity. She hopes this year’s event on September 9th will add a further $50,000 to that total. “We see the Dignified Living Fund as an extension of Ed Roach’s vision,” says Faye. “Ed believed that every person should live with dignity and respect, at every age and stage of their lives. Ed was the one who instilled the spirit of Northwood that still exists today – Live More with Dignity.” “I love what I do,” says Faye. “Through the wonderful generosity of our donors we are able to bring joy to so many lives within the Northwood community.”
Northwood's Mental Health Program: Seeds of Success is a Foundation Project.
Foundation Article Contributed by Andy Robinson, Volunteer
www.northwood.care
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Community Report • 2016 / 2017 • Advocacy: Using our influence
Challenging the Boundaries of Knowledge
Northwood welcomed Teepa Snow to Nova Scotia this past April as part of its commitment to ongoing staff education and community engagement. Teepa is one of the world’s leading advocates and educators for anyone living with dementia. An Occupational Therapist by trade, she has over 35 years of clinical experience in the field of geriatrics and dementia care, as well as having provided care to family members with dementing illnesses.
STAFF EDUCATION EVENT Ideal for All Staff, not just Care Workers! Northwood presents:
Making Life Meaningful FOR PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA
Dementia is a growing need in both continuing care residences and in the home. And all Northwood staff, whether we are hands-on care, or supporting staff, need to understand what it feels like to live with dementia, so we can better communicate and serve this diverse group within our community. This is how we put dignity and respect, into action!
Halifax Campus: (two options) Monday, April 24th • 9:15am – 11:30am (Shirley Burstein Hall) (or) Monday, April 24th • 1:45am – 3:30pm (Shirley Bernstein Hall) Bedford Campus: Tuesday, April 25th • 1:45 – 3:30 (Great Room) Corporate Office: Tuesday, April 25th • 9:15am – 11:30 am (Classroom)
TEEPA SNOW, dementia advocate
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That same philosophy inspired us to host June Andrews, (Director of the Dementia Services Development Centre at the University of Stirling in Scotland) to discuss Northwood’s Dementia strategy and lead some workshops on the subject of “When Someone you know has Dementia: Practical Advice for Families and Caregivers.” In June, Northwood also hosted Bill Thomas’ Age of Disruption Tour. Bill Thomas is a leading authority on aging. His tour challenged people to think of aging in a new way.
STAFF WORKSHOPS
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Teepa spent two days with staff providing a meaningful and invigorating education session to help staff who work with people living with dementia in a more positive way. Instead of a “one size fits all” approach, staff learned how to relate to the individual person with real strategies to connect, improve relationships and ultimately provide real, practical solutions to help them do their job.
We all play a part in helping our clients with dementia, live more.
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Teepa offers a person centred approach with real tools for both understanding, and working with, people living with dementia. Her mission is “to help others better understand how it feels to be living with dementia.”
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Each year, Northwood also offers a Research Symposium that brings together service providers, long term care organizations and the academic community to discuss issues relating to aging. Initiatives like these enhance and reinforce our commitment to our Live More philosophy and a Patient Centred Care Model. It also creates and encourages the development of a Northwood-wide collective attitude towards aging and dementia.
21 Community Report • 2016 / 2017 • Advocacy: Using our influence
Northwood now offers a dementia friendly Fitness Centre
Meeting the challenge
The re-opening of the Pauline Potter Community Fitness Centre in March, 2016 heralded a new vision for active and healthy living that embraces those who struggle with dementia. Northwood now offers the first gym in North America to feature a dementia-friendly design! The new space shows Northwood’s commitment to innovation, as it is also wheelchair accessible, accessible to people with vision problems, and offers safe air resistance weights. According to recent studies, physical activity slows down the deterioration process associated with dementia. Regular gyms are often not geared to seniors with challenges and can be frightening to those dealing with dementia as well. Now, they have a safe place they can go to exercise and stay healthy. Some other elements that make a space dementia friendly include: • Staff who are trained and certified in dementia care courses and dementia-friendly fitness classes. • Contrasting colours that make it easier to distinguish elements of a room. • Natural and artificial lighting and easy navigation. • Open concept layout that allows members to easily go from one machine to the next. • Pictures and descriptions of how to use each piece of equipment. Although the new design was created to help dementia patients specifically, the fitness centre is still a place where staff, residents, and community members can come together to reach their fitness goals.
SCHEDULE Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. & 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Membership is $20 monthly plus tax and includes a one-hour orientation and a personal fitness plan
In 2017, the government of Nova Scotia released its action plan for an aging population called “Shift.” It reinforced Statistic Canada’s warning that, as a nation, we are in the midst of a massive population shift. For the first time in our history, the number of people over the age of 65 outnumber children ages 14 and younger. By 2030 more than one in four Nova Scotians will be aged 65 or older. While living at home as long as possible still remains the first choice of most Nova Scotians, we cannot ignore the need for people to be able to transition into long term care facilities where care providers are resourced and equipped to meet the needs of their clients. In April 2016, approximately three weeks into the budget year, Long Term Care facilities across Nova Scotia were informed that organizational budgets would be reduced by 1% from the previous year. Many of the costs incurred by Long Term Care organizations are fixed and cannot be negotiated or further reduced, putting added pressure on organizations to adjust to the new reality. Northwood, along with other long term care facilities, sought to engage in discussions with the Department of Health to ensure the impact of cuts are fully understood. We understand the fiscal realities faced by government and want to do our part to help create efficiencies. We welcome the opportunity to discuss where and how those savings could be achieved without impacting the quality of care residents expect from us. Northwood has advocated for social change and social justice for our aging and vulnerable population for over 50 years, and will continue to be an influential voice of advocacy and an innovative partner with government, as Nova Scotia collectively addresses the gaps, and creates the solutions that allow senior citizens to live a fulfilling life with dignity.
www.northwood.care
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Community Report • 2016 / 2017 • Advocacy: Using our influence
Looking Ahead Technology: The Future of Health Care Northwood has always been a place of “firsts.” When life changes, and society changes, Northwood leads the way, with our commitment to quality
Technology is making a difference in how Northwood operates and how it delivers services to its clients. This past year, we have introduced a number of new innovations:
Kronos
The new Kronos system provides employee self service kiosks to allow on-line submission of time off requests, enhanced reporting capabilities and an easy to use system that can handle multiple contracts and rules. Kronos also has built in metrics for coverage analysis and a very robust set of reports that allow us to monitor open shifts, coverage and absences.
and our promise of service. After 54 years, Northwood has established itself as Nova Scotia’s most dynamic continuing care organization committed to innovation and change. Today, we are recognized both here at home and across Canada as an extraordinary example of the power of social justice. Our work continues as we plan for the future.
Point Click Care
Now fully operational, Point Click Care gives charting access to not only care staff like RNs, LPNs and CCAs, but also to Allied Health staff and external consultants (e.g. dentist, foot care nurse, etc.). Thanks to the purchase of tablets for each of the floors, charting can now be done either from an office or at the bedside.
Itacit
Northwood is set to introduce a new system to support its educational goals. Called “iTacit,” the program makes sure employees get the right training at the right time, from learning specific skills to general procedures. Paperwork, scheduling and reminders are automated, making tracking much easier for both the supervisor and the employee. The program will allow employees to complete training requirements at their convenience. Northwood is currently reviewing its educational needs as well as looking at the program to enhance its internal communication.
23 Community Report • 2016 / 2017 • Looking Ahead
Live More TV
Northwood now has its own inhouse television station for residents and tenants. Available on channel 1885 on their television sets, residents can now find information on Northwood activities, events and things to do, information on Health Centre, Fitness Centre and NWBC, program and services at Northwood, daily menus, weather and news headlines. Messages can also be created to scroll along the bottom of the screen to feature reminders, announce cancellations, advise clients of changes to schedules, construction, temporary closings or emergencies.
Homecare
Home Support staff have all received an upgraded version of the new Samsung Galaxy J3 which includes the new Procura app. The app provides staff with their schedules and client information. The Itacit app has also been added giving staff access to on-line education.
Ruth Martin-Misener Research Distinction Award
As a leading organization, Northwood investigates, integrates and contributes to the ever expanding knowledge base of continuing care. We work with people like Dr. Ruth Martin-Misener to improve the lives of clients in our care. Dr. Martin-Misener is a Full Professor at the Dalhousie University School of Nursing, Co-Lead for the Collaborative for Research in Primary Health Care at Dalhousie University and Co-Director of the Canadian Centre for Advanced Practice Nursing Research at McMaster University. The focus of her research is innovative interdisciplinary team-based models of care in primary health care and long-term care with a particular focus on nurse practitioner (NP) and other advanced and specialized nursing roles. In 2004 she began work to introduce an NP role into the interdisciplinary team at Northwood. Over the next decade, with funding from the Nova Scotia Health Research Foundation and Nova Scotia Department of Health, she led a research team to evaluate the implementation and impact of the role on emergency department transfers; medication use; resident, family and health care provider satisfaction; and cost. The NP at Northwood was the first NP in long term care in Nova Scotia.
www.northwood.care
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Community Report • 2016 / 2017 • Looking Ahead
A new way to use Intouch While the Intouch help buttons are most commonly thought of as a support for seniors in their homes, we have also been successfully using them as a panic button for staff who work alone or in isolated areas. Recently, the Nova Scotia Nurses’ Union completed a report on the state and future of long-term care in our province from the view of our front-line nurses. Their findings indicate that nurses are among the most likely professionals to become victims of workplace violence. Each year on average, about 1,000 Canadian nurses are hurt. Used as a panic button, our Intouch service offers a way for staff to feel more secure and allows them to get immediate response in the event of an emergency. Our systems are also set up at a few different work sites within the province where staff are: • working with chemicals in a lab and need a quick way to call for help in an emergency. • working alone in a recycling plant. • working alone in an area that handles large amounts of money. • areas where staff work alone after hours. • mental healthcare setting. The system can be set up to meet the specific needs of the organization. The system can contact responders in a specific sequence or based on a protocol unique to the workplace. Equipment can announce that a help call is being sent or be a silent alarm direct to police. Our system can be used on their person (around neck or clipped to their clothing) or a push button. The event may be an assault, accident or an outside threat. In facilities without security, it provides coverage for all staff.
Home Support: High Tech Care with Heart Home support clients will soon be able to harness the power of the internet to browse familiar places, music, stories, information and activities. In partnership with TELUS, we will connect smart tablets to our mobile technology network so clients can access Skype, social media and other digital tools to connect with friends and loved ones. Through the project, CCA students from the Nova Scotia Community College, supported by experienced mentors, will use mobile technology and active therapeutic techniques to engage clients, including those with dementia. This project enhances student learning, emphasizing personalized health care, rather than healthcare delivery. As students move to the workplace, this consumer centric model will continue to expand. This partnership has potential to fuel large scale transformation in continuing care in Nova Scotia, improving outcomes by directly targeting social determinants of health in a high risk population.
The solution is wireless and low cost compared to other systems. We are currently using Intouch at our Bedford Campus. When pressed, a call is immediately sent to the on call nurse’s cell phone for response. He/she receives a message with where the emergency is happening and attends to it immediately. Northwood looks forward to growing this use of our Intouch service in months to come.
25 Community Report • 2016 / 2017 • Looking Ahead
Developing a Dementia Strategy Person centred care is Northwood’s Power of Love. As our population ages, the impact of dementia on clients and families continues to grow. That’s why Northwood is currently developing a dementia strategy to enhance meaningful connections between staff, volunteers, residents and family. Our dementia strategy can be seen in four key areas: 1. Home/Neighbourhood (on floor) Enhancements Our goal is to create home-like, familiar settings that sees a person as more than their diagnosis. We will do this by: • Creating visual simplicity and de-cluttering of spaces. • Cozy Corners – designing a welcoming space for residents and families to visit and have a cup of tea. • Develop natural gathering spaces for residents to engage with staff and their surroundings.
2. Common Campus Areas: Initiatives now in process include: • Our new Live More Park in Bedford is a publically accessible outdoor space designed as a welcoming and inclusive environment for all ages and abilities. • Creation of a Memories Room at our Halifax Campus that is dedicated to residents and family members and based on the success of our mental health program, Seeds of Success.
• Activity boxes and sensory stimulation.
• Northwood’s Fitness Centre was recently renovated to international dementia friendly design standards.
• Music and Memory programs.
3. Greater Community Initiatives:
• Develop noise reduction strategies.
• Northwood offers assistive living technologies for those wishing to stay in their own homes through our Intouch program.
Introduce customized approaches based on personal life experiences by maximizing the talents and skills of all disciplines. • Creating multi-sensory, balanced programs. • A personalized approach based on knowing and caring about our residents’ personal histories, likes, dislikes and life motivations. • Assessment and therapeutic approaches to promote health and safety, while still encouraging choice, independence and mobility.
• Northwood operates three Adult Day programs; two in Halifax and one in Bedford, to support clients and families living with dementia.
4. Staff Education and Engagement • Northwood offers training for staff and volunteers so that they have the tools and perspectives to create a better experience for our residents and for ourselves.
www.northwood.care
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Community Report • 2016 / 2017 • Looking Ahead