Northwood Live More Newspaper - Winter 2023/2024

www.northwood.care

A Community Paper sharing the stories of the largest not-for-profit continuing care organization in Atlantic Canada WINTER 2023

JOHN GRACIE Northwood to host John Gracie for 3rd annual performance

Northwood is all about engaging the community and promoting residents to LIVE MORE! That’s why Northwood Foundation is excited to host John Gracie at the Halifax location for his 3rd annual concert this December. The John Gracie Christmas, presented by Eastlink, has been putting people in the Holiday spirit for over 25 years. This year is no exception.

Northwood is excited for Gracie – a baritone singer who has won multiple awards – to bring joy to residents and staff this Holiday season through Christmas classics. The event is an opportunity for residents and tenants at Northwood to come together and celebrate the Holidays as a community.

Volume 05, Issue 03

Christmas Memories Tour December 13th, 2023

n o i s s i m d Free A

Tickets will be available starting November 22nd. If you would like to see John Gracie live this holiday season, call 902.454.3351 or email crec@nwood.ns.ca

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Northwood Foundation

Northwood Foundation and AMG Campbell proud to partner and provide dignity through the Live More Market Last month, the Northwood Foundation hosted their very first Live More Market––an online recurring auction dedicated to supporting Northwood's Dignified Living program. This exciting initiative has been made possible through the generous sponsorship of AMJ Campbell.

The Live More Market offers a variety of items, including both brand new and gently used products that have been returned from major online retailers. From chairs and bedframes to loveseats and more, our market

has something to cater to everyone's needs and preferences.

What makes the Live More Market even more appealing is that bidding for each item starts at less than the retail price. Each product is sold in its current condition, with its state clearly described in the item's listing.

Faye LeBlanc, Managing Director of the Northwood Foundation, expressed her enthusiasm for the Live More Market: "The Live More Market is an incredible

auction that the Northwood Foundation is delighted to host. We offer fantastic deals on furniture and other items,

and we encourage people to bid on items that pique their interest."

The Live More Market is an incredibly auction that is continuously receiving new items.

We are eager to serve the community with the merchandise they need, all while contributing to the Dignified Living program at the Foundation.

Item pickup is the sole responsibility of the winning bidder. Dates and times to be arranged via email at livemoremarket@northwoodfoundation.ca

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Northwood Foundation raises more than $25,000 in support of Dignified Living Program Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors, the Northwood Foundation has successfully raised over $25,000 in support of the Foundation's Dignified Living Program.

We’d also like to thank friends of Northwood, Peter Wilde, Barbara Hall, Dalling Denture Clinic, Vollick McKee Petersmann & Associates Ltd., Parker Plumbing and Heating Ltc., and Viking Fire Protection, for supporting this special program.

The Dignified Living Program's roots back to 14 years ago when Northwood staff recognized that some of our cherished residents were lacking the everyday items that contribute to their dignity.

Often, our dedicated staff would dip into their own pockets to ensure residents had these essentials. Witness-

ing this need, the Northwood Foundation made it a mission to set aside a special month every year—September—to focus on raising funds for this noble cause.

This past September, many kind-hearted individuals joined forces to bring dignity to those who needed it the most. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone

who sponsored, donated, and participated in our online auction, "Bidding for Dignity."

As part of our commitment to dignity, community volunteers organized a Pickleball Tournament to further promote dignity.

A special mention goes out to Tracey Longley, Zehava Power and all the Pickleball players who attended the fun event. Power also generously

THANK YOU SPONSORS:

donated two captivating paintings titled "Pickleball in Action" for the silent auction hosted that day.

These events are a testament to Northwood's unwavering dedication to enhancing the lives of many within our community by ensuring their dignity and well-being.

The overwhelming generosity of our donors means that someone can now have new glasses to read a letter from their daughter, or someone can enjoy a meal without pain, thanks to your contributions that help cover dental repairs.

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Northwood Foundation raises more than $40,000 for mental wellness programs No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the prior written consent of the publisher.

PUBLISHER Northwood Communications EDITOR Hailey Clancey COMMUNICATIONS & DESKTOP PUBLISHING ASSISTANT Murray Stenton 902-943-1721 mstenton@nwood.ns.ca PRINTING Advocate Printing & Publishing PRODUCTION MANAGER Nicole McNeil

FOR ADVERTISING SALES CONTACT: publishers@metroguide.ca Tel. 902-420-9943 For more information, please contact Northwood Corporate Office, Suite 1 South, 130 Eileen Stubbs Ave., Dartmouth, NS B3B 2C4 902-425-2273 information@nwood.ns.ca www.northwood.care

On Wednesday, Sept. 25, Ashburn Golf Club hosted golfers from all over Canada to raise funds for Northwood’s Mental Wellness programs.

The event was part of the inaugural Live More Invitational, presented by Novacorp Properties Ltd. This year’s tournament was an opportunity for golf enthusiasts across the country to come together and spotlight the importance of mental wellness for residents.

Northwood Foundation’s golf tournament raised a net of $41,290 this year – a triumph for many who came out to volunteer and participate in the event last month.

Chris Harding, chair of Northwood’s Golf Tournaments going forward and real-estate agent with Engle & Volkers, was excited to see several sponsors come out and show their support for this important cause.

“It was an incredible success and the support we received in our first year really exemplifies the willingness of the community to support Northwood,” he said. “We are so thrilled to host the tournament again next year and many years to follow.”

Northwood is incredibly grateful to all the hole sponsors who showed their support for this tournament. The Foundation’s sponsors have continuously endorsed important programs at North-

wood, emphasizing their personal care for residents living with dignity.

Those eagerly anticipating next year's golf tournament can mark their calendars for the upcoming Live More Invitational on Sept. 23, 2024.

The Foundation has already

witnessed an influx of golfers registering for the tournament next year.

For information on how to become a sponsor, or, if you’d like to register a team, reach out to Faye at fleblanc@northwoodfoundation.ca.

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Remember our residents this holiday season through our Giving Tree program Northwood recognizes that the holiday season can bring feelings of loneliness, especially for those living in long-term care.

This year, the Northwood Foundation is thrilled to bring back the Giving Tree program to our community for the holiday season. The Giving Tree initiative is designed to spread love and holiday cheer among our residents.

Residents have a chance to receive an assortment of items that are sure to bring smiles to their faces over Holidays.

These gifts range from small treats like chocolates and candies to essentials such as slippers, socks, shampoo, canned food and even cash donations.

Northwood is all about creat-

ing a warm and memorable experience for our cherished residents this holiday season.

“It’s inspiring to see people of all ages come together to make the holidays extra special for our residents at Northwood. While being a Northwood Giving Tree Champion will bring joy to those living at Northwood, it will also make you feel good,” said the Managing Director at Northwood Foundation, Faye LeBlanc.

The Giving Tree is not just about gifts; it's about making our residents feel remembered and cared for. Being remembered with a personal gift over the Holidays means the world to our residents and goes a long way in brightening their spirits during this special time

will live in their hearts for years to come,” said LeBlanc.

BE A GIVING TREE CHAMPION

of the year.

“I hope people will feel encouraged to bring their colleagues, friends, and family together to be Giving Tree Champions this holiday season – and make memories that

For those who would like to make our residents feel special this holiday season, please reach out to Katherine Nehiley at Katherine.nehiley@northwoodfoundation.ca Northwood would like to thank everyone for embracing our community this holiday season. Your dedication and commitment to our residents will put a smile on their faces and a glow in their hearts.

The Foundation can’t convey enough how valued our residents feel when they are remembered and not forgotten.

Adult Day Program made him feel happy to be Kind Words from Shannon Delbridge ithelping others again.

Northwoods Adult Day Program has help so many families in Nova Scotia. Shannon Delbridge, spouse of Lawrie Delbridge, shares her and her late husband’s experience with Northwoods Adult Day Program.

“Here are some words that come to mind when I think of the excellent program you manage …

When I first heard about the Northwood Adult Day Program, I was thinking it might fill a void in his life.

He had limited engagement with other adults, and very little during the day other than me. He had very little experience with anyone who

was going through a similar journey to him. I thought the program would not only give him some social engagement, but it would also allow me to stay working and give me a little break to get some things done around the house, or sleep! Little did I know what an impact the program would have on his life, and mine.

I knew Lawrie was willing to go the first day he was scheduled but I honestly thought he might not like it, and it would be the only day.

When we arrived, everyone came to greet him, and he was welcomed like an old friend.

When I picked him up, I saw the familiar twinkle in his

eye that had been missing for the last few months. He was jovial and happy and felt like his life became much fuller.

He had a pep in his step that hadn’t been there for a while.

Never did he suggest that he didn’t feel like going, even if he hadn’t slept well the night before. He was always looking forward to seeing the people he came to regard as his people – his friends. I will say that I think he thought he was a helper, helping to ensure others were engaged and felt good about the activities.

I’m not sure he fully understood that he was a participant too. I never disabused him of that notion because

He always felt safe at Northwood, comfortable that his struggles were not an issue and always sure that he would be looked after if things got tricky for him. I felt like a mother leaving her kindergarten child there the first day – I was very uneasy and fidgety the entire afternoon while I was home waiting to pick him up. That left me immediately after I saw his face at 3pm. Listening to him recall his lunch and dessert, and the activities and music – it was just so very good for him and for us. He felt special. It was more than I could ever have hoped for.

Thank you, Northwood!”

-Shannon Delbridge

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Halifax Campus Updates

A walk through the new accessible bathrooms with Mary-Anne Jones This year Northwood’s Halifax campus received funding to install 4 new accessible bathrooms!

Mary-Anne Instructions Jones, took the Located on the main floor time to sit down at the Halifax Campus to discuss the pros and cons of these new bathrooms.

GREEN LIGHT “Previous to a Before you enter, check to see if light is few months ago lit. If green light is on, bathroom is we had bathrooms occupied. If no green light is on, you're close to the chapels safe to enter. in the Northwood Halifax campus that were not ENTER wheelchair accessible”. There was To enter the bathroom, simply hit the long bar with your elbow. This will one bathroom that activate the door to open. was accessible, however it was very difficult to fit larger wheelchairs.

DON’T FORGET TO LOCK! Now there are Once you enter the bathroom, remember 4 accessible bathto lock the door. To do this, simply hit rooms that are all the long bar underneath the red sign. The small red square will light up and say gender neutral! locked.

Jones walked us through how to use the new bathroom.

EXIT “First look to When you’r e ready to leave the washroom, see if there is a simply press the long bar next to the one green light on the you pressed to lock the door.This will panel outside the activate the door to open so you can exit. bathroom that indicates whether REMEMBER TO WASH not it is occupied.

YOUR HANDS! If it wasn’t, you press against a bar like handle that is curved outwards. You don’t press the button that has a Jones also noted mostly eveven have to use your hand; red light over it. Once the erything is touchless includyou can use your arm. Once light comes on that means ing the sink, however you you press that the door will the door is locked and it do have to manually flush open and you wait inside shows the bathroom is being the toilet.

“It’s really neat! I mean until the door closes then occupied on the outside.”

NORTHWOODS NEW ACCESSIBLE BATHROOMS

it sounds kind of funny to be this excited about a washroom, but it’s not the washroom, it’s the accessibility!”

Jones said it can be difficult to understand the process during your first visit to the washrooms.

Jones was lucky to have been shown exactly how to use these newly renovated bathrooms her first time. According to Jones, a lot of people have gone in there and did not know they had to press the button for the door to lock and have had people walk in on them. So, it is important for folks to knock first before entering.

Jones mentioned bathroom one is noted to be a bit larger than the others, which makes it easier for her to occupy using her power chair. There is also an “L” shape handlebar close to the toilet to assist residents when using the washroom.

When asked if Jones had any suggestions for folks using the washroom for the first time she said, “knock first!”.

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Research and Innovation at Northwood

Simulated real-world Feasibility and Feedback Session for Ibex Lift©: a multi-method descriptive study: PI – Dr. Caitlin McArthur Researchers at Dalhousie University’s 3F Research Group are conducting a study on a novel mobility aid called the IBEX lift©.

The device is similar to a walker or rollator, but it has an added feature to assist lifting an individual off the ground after they have fallen. This new technology would be helpful for immediately assisting an individual after a fall instead of waiting

and relying on a nurse, family member, or a personal support worker to assist a person who has fallen and cannot get up.

Our research team is interested in the opinions of clinicians, older adults (65+ years old) and formal (i.e., personal support worker) or informal (i.e., family) caregivers on the usability of the IBEX lift©, the simplicity of the user manual, and any

feedback on barriers or facilitators of using the IBEX lift©.

For your participation, you will attend a 2-hour session involving watching a demonstration of how to use the IBEX lift©, practicing using the IBEX lift© yourself, answering questions to gain your feedback on the IBEX lift©, and participating in a focus group session or individual interview. Your feed-

back will be used to improve the IBEX lift© and will be incorporated into a larger study aimed at determining the effectiveness of the IBEX lift© at improving physical performance, reducing falls, and fear of falling.

If you are interested in participating in this study, please contact Dr. Caitlin McArthur, MSc(PT), PhD at caitlin.mcarthur@dal.ca or 902-494-1371.

Report from Homecare Pathways Project; “Flexibility as a Relational Phenomenon is Positive Step” – Laura M. Funk, Pamela Irwin, Kaitlyn Kuryk, Michelle Lobchuk, Julie Rempel and Janice Keefe Understanding clients’ journeys through provincial home care systems is critical to providing good quality care. “How approaches to care shape the pathways of older adult home care clients” (or “Home Care Pathways”) is an interdisciplinary research project being conducted in Nova Scotia and Manitoba. The project draws on different methods and focuses on specific timeframes, in this article’s case the approach we considered was around care constellations. The Project’s goal is to understand how approaches to care shape client pathways of older adult home care clients with chronic and longterm conditions through the home care systems in the two

choice in care pathways over provinces. This report summarises the work recently time. The highlights from released by the research this report were: • Pandemic period deteam, find more information manded new approachon this project and more at es to long-term care, and homecarepathways.ca. in particular supportThe ‘Flexibility as a Relational Phenomenon is Posiing older Canadians to tive Step’ findings came from remain in their homes interview data gathered from as long as possible, • Rigid approaches 46 participants from Nova to practice centred Scotia and Manitoba. Analysis provides insight into around clinical needs the impacts of relationshipand tasks can be disadvantageous, building and interactions • The development and between non-clinical home application of relational care service providers (i.e., approaches can enrich personal care, housekeeping, practice knowledge as meal prep, etc.) and recipients – and how building flexwell as service benefits ibility into policies, protocols in important ways, • Situational flexibility and institutional practice is a growing requirecan better support client-centred care and provide more ment, especially in

non-clinical situations.

• This flexibility is often dependent on the worker themselves, but in order to be consistent and see full benefits, flexibility must be reflected in policies, protocols and practices, • Broaden representation in the development of policy formation to include clients, families, and workers.

Article Reference: Funk, L., Irwin, P., Kuryk, K., Lobchuk, M., Rempel, J., & Keefe, K. (2022). Home care program flexibility as a relational phenomenon. SSM – Qualitative Research in Health, Volume 2, December 2022, 100107. doi.org/10.1016/j. ssmqr.2022.100107

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Mental Health and Wellness Program

Seeds of Success Mental Health and Wellness Program – Marjorie Lindsay Centre The Seeds of Success Mental Health and Wellness Program is offering groups to residents again this Fall. In September, we had a brief pause to allow for staff transition; our OT Program Lead, Kendra, returned from maternity

leave and Leilani moved on to work towards her master’s in social work. Kendra and Amanda are now cofacilitating weekly SEEDS creative expressions, gardening groups, and supporting the new “Growing Together” mental health peer support group. Some of the residents’ art, along with plants that they’ve cared

for, will be available on December 12th at the Winter Holiday SEEDS Sale in the Market Square outside of the Majorie Lindsay Centre.

Kendra will also be supporting the Bedford Location in the short term.

Seeds had their first Mental Health and Wellness Support Group which was very successful.

The Team will be looking to start a new group in November with the hope that the groups will develop into a peer group.

Lastly, with all the changes to the space it is hopeful to create a Marjorie Lindsay plaque which will be place outside the space to celebrate our donor Marjorie each and every day.

Diversity Report

Creating a Place for Everyone Northwood continues to develop our cultural competency so each and every staff at Northwood feels welcomed. We continue to welcome many new staff of different backgrounds and make every effort to be welcoming to them. One of our key initiatives over the next few months is to bring more support for those staff who want to strengthen their English. We are hoping we

can encourage ISHANS to create a program at Northwood to make it easier and more accessible to staff.

There is also our willingness to bring up the level of competency and openness to the LGBTQIA2S+ community by exploring what the process entails to be a Rainbow Partner. This will be ongoing work coming up in the New Year.

Lastly, with the support of

the government of Canada and Northwood Community and Recreation we celebrated Multicultural day on June 26th. The event showcased flamenco dancer Maria Osende and Halifax Henna.

The event was very well attended by staff and residents with an invite for next year.

Some education updates are Indigenous Training will be on Nov 6 in the Halifax Location and virtually,

Nov 21st and 28th. We will continue to take every opportunity to bring as much diverse and cultural training to all our locations.

Change happens when we acknowledge it, and growth happens when we talk and support each other through the change. We will continue to change and embrace our workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion, one person at a time.

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Recreation Therapy

Halloween Hop The afternoon of October 31st, was a spooky scene at the Halifax Campus as residents, staff and family members celebrated with the Halloween Hop in the Activity Centre. There were prizes for Best Costumes and Spot Dances. Beulah Pearson took home the prize for Best Costume dressed as Puff the Magic Dragon. It was a great afternoon with a full dance floor and great costumes.

Celebrating a London New Years in Halifax Northwood’s Community Recreation and Wellness department is bringing back their annual New Year’s Eve party. Last year’s party was the first one held since being cancelled due to the pandemic and was a huge hit! Residents, tenants, and community members gathered and danced their way into 2023 with live music by the hit band eclipse. Everyone was ecstatic to reconnect with one another and celebrate the start of the New Year after being isolated for many months. What makes this New Year’s party unique is the ball is dropped at 8pm instead of midnight, celebrating the New Year in sync with London, England

time. This way partygoers can ring in the new year in bed, or for those who like to party late into the night

can attend multiple events in one night. This highly anticipated event sold out last year, so my advice is to

get your tickets early! Tickets go on sale December 1st at Community Rec, 902-4543351.

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Puzzles

ACROSS

1. Chooses 5. Make clothes 8. Jam 12. Faucet problem 13. Floral wreath 14. ____ surgeon 15. Tinter 16. Lawn tree 17. Biblical travelers 18. Fleecy mama 20. Threw 22. Play host 26. Cultivate 27. Relay portion 28. Dwindle 31. Get free (of) 32. Saw logs 34. Bubbly beverage 35. Shady 36. Crossed letter 37. Variety show 39. Auditors 41. Breakfast fare 45. State further 46. Opera star 47. Breakfast meat 49. Not difficult 53. Raw minerals 54. Watch carefully 55. Range 56. Charter 57. Crimson or scarlet 58. Smell

DOWN

1. Different 2. Move with leverage 3. Knot 4. Binges 5. Icy rain 6. Snakelike swimmer 7. More timid 8. Female parents 9. Important times 10. Kitchen herb 11. Lost one's footing 19. Struggle 21. Provoked 22. Makes a boo-boo 23. Capture 24. In order 25. Hand-cream ingredients 28. Overhang 29. Hazy image 30. Spelling contests 33. Nor's partner 38. Make beloved 40. Curbed 41. Smell 42. Muck's partner 43. Equal in quantity 44. Persist 48. Popeye's yes 50. Be 51. Espy 52. Tibetan wild ox

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Stay tuned for more exciting news about Northwood Career College.

NCC CCA PROGRAM

COMING SOON Spring 2024

I am an actor born in Canada on November 12, 1980. I was a “Mickey Mouse Club” child actor and I also performed in an Elvis Presley tribute band as a kid. My most recent film has me playing a popular doll with blonde hair.

Answers: Ryan Gosling

Puzzles Solutions HALIFAX CAMPUS December 13th, 2023

FREE ADMISSION Tickets available November 22nd Call 902-454-3351 or email crec@nwood.ns.ca

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Christmas Cracker Candy a delicious Christmas treat!

DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat your oven to 400. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper, and line single layer of saltine crackers, covering the whole baking sheet.

2. To make the caramel sauce, place the brown sugar, butter and salt in a medium- sized saucepan. Cook on medium heat and stir frequently. Mixture should come to a boil. Stir until mixture turns into thick sauce. Avoid burning sauce by boiling no longer than 30 seconds. Remove from heat and add the vanilla.

3. Pour the hot caramel sauce over all of the 35 pieces

25 minutes

2 hours cooling (freezer)

saltine crackers. Spread evenly.

4. Bake for 5-8 minutes.

5. Remove from oven and let sit for 1 minute

INGREDIENTS 28-35 saltine crackers 1 cup brown sugar 1 cup unsalted butter 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 cups white chocolate 1/2 cup of toppings of your choice

until caramel stops bubbling. Pour chocolate chips over crackers. The chocolate will melt as you spread it evenly over crackers.

6. Add your toppings ( crushed nuts, candy cane, crushed pretzels) 7. Chill crackers in fridge or freezer.

8. Once cooled off and hard, gently peel the crackers off the parchment paper or wax paper.

Break the cracker candy into smaller pieces and enjoy!