I hope that you are all keeping well. Here we are in February, almost through the longest part of Winter. Although I’m not sure that we have experienced our traditional weather. Now that the sun is just a bit brighter and the days are slowly starting to get a bit longer, we can all look forward to warmer weather on the way.
For our nursing home sector, we all look forward to summer with the green lawns, the beautiful flowers and all that being outside in the fresh air has to offer. We all enjoy this time of year and the outdoor activities and opportunities. In the interim, we know that several homes have already begun their involvement in the new quality improvement research project and staff have started the data collection interviews. This is a very exciting project that the sector has been anticipating over the past year. We are happy to hear that so many homes are willing to participate, the outcome of this project will be very supportive to the important work we do.
At NBANH, we continue to work collaboratively with our partners to address the challenges that nursing homes are facing. We continue to look forward to the work on the Long-Term Care Act and the opportunity for public consultation. We encourage everyone to watch for those announcements and participate as much as able and interested. This will be your opportunity to ensure that your voice is heard and understood.
So, until next time please make sure that you all take good care of yourselves and those around you.
We are thrilled to share the story of a recently hired IEN at Foyer Notre Dame de Lourdes. Here is her journey in her own words.
"I'm a nurse trained in Haiti. I graduated and was licensed in 2012. My dream was always to come to Canada to continue practicing my profession.
One day I received an email from you (Emma), saying: I've sent your file to another nursing home, if they are interested in your profile they will be in contact. Indeed, I was contacted by the nursing home administrator. After the interview, which went well, I landed a job at the Foyer Notre Dame de Lourdes.
I had Madame Lynn and Monica with me, along with my employer Tom and Gisèle, who had come to meet me at the airport. I was so happy and well received, it was a warm welcome.
Many people in my field have dreamed of coming to this beautiful country of Canada.”
Pine Grove Nursing Home Shines in January's Nursing Home Proud Series for Alzheimer's Awareness Month!
During a recent visit to Pine Grove, NBANH captured snapshots of some of the remarkable initiatives at the home, such as:
- True Doors: Unique door decal designs handpicked by residents to make their rooms feel like home!
- Music Station: A dedicated area where residents can choose familiar music that speaks to them.
- Reflective Art Mural: A painted outside wall that has transformed an ordinary view into reflective art.
- Multi-Sensory Lights: Lights that create an environment of both stimulation and relaxation.
At Pine Grove, their commitment to compassion shines brightly, especially in supporting community members facing Alzheimer’s.
Stay in the loop! Follow us on Facebook for the Latest on the Nursing Home Proud Series!
Request for Resolutions - Deadline: April 3rd, 2024
The 2024 Annual General Meeting is fast approaching, and it is time for NBANH to receive resolutions to be presented to the general membership for ratification. Click here to read the policy.Please submit the resolutions to be considered at the Annual General Meeting by email at meva@nbanh.com or fax to (506) 460-6253 no later than April 3rd, 2024.
Be on the lookout for the program and registration coming this March!
As we get closer to the event, we will spotlight our speakers. Here’s one of our Keynote guest speaker:
Dr. Amit Arya is a Palliative Care Physician who works in hospitals, home care, and long-term care facilities. He currently serves as the Medical Director of the Specialist Palliative Care in Long-Term Care Outreach Team, providing specialized palliative care services at Kensington Gardens in Toronto and other long-term care homes. Additionally, he holds the position of Medical Lead at NY CAST (North York Congregate Access and Support Team), where he leads a new program providing additional supports, including specialist palliative care, to long-term care homes in the area. Click here to continue reading Dr. Arya's biography.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Introducing Nursing Home Proud Social Media Series!
NBANH is on a mission to shine a spotlight on the exceptional, innovative, and people-centered stories, moments, and initiatives happening in nursing homes across New Brunswick.
We need your help to spread the word. That is why we are reaching out to encourage nursing homes to share their #NursingHomeProud efforts with us.
For this round of the Nursing Home Proud series, NBANH is looking for submissions on the following:
- February celebrates Therapeutic Recreation Therapy Month, and we want to showcase the inspiring work of activity coordinators and their positive impact on residents.
- March is Nutrition Month, and we are looking to promote nutrition initiatives in nursing homes and its benefits on the health and well-being of residents.
Please submit your stories with René to be shared on the NBANH social media platforms.
R&R Update
COE Health
We have teamed up with the Centre of Excellence (COE) for Health to celebrate Long Term Care Week from February 12th to 16th in the schools with live webinars, facility tours, and learning opportunities about the various employment opportunities at LTC Homes. You can check out the schedule here to see what the students will be participating in throughout the week.
If you have hosted any student visits or activities since September 2023 (school visits to home, home going to school for activities/concerts), please let Emma know so this can be recorded in our files with the school districts.
Recruiting IENs
If you are interested in any IEN, please reach out to Emma to schedule a meeting. We have many great candidates who are excited to join your staff.
RESOURCES & PUBLICATIONS
The Aging in Place Project
Canada's Drug and Health Technology Agency
As part of their planning for an upcoming project entitled “The Aging in Place Project”, CADTH is seeking to engage people with extensive personal and/or professional experience within a Canadian health system. Specifically, CADTH wishes to engage with health care professionals who are providing or supporting care for those aging in their own homes, in supportive care settings, and in long-term care (e.g., physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists, psychologists, social workers, administrators, policy-makers) as well as people with direct, personal experience with the challenges and success factors of aging in place (e.g., older adults, spouses, adult children or other family members, and family caregivers). If this is a topic that interests you, please let us know by completing this short Statement of Interest form: Aging in Place | CADTH.
Improving Essential Conversations in Long-Term Care: Introduction to the QUIC Toolkit
Pallium Canada has a new toolkit and resource guide called “Improving Essential Conversations in Long Term Care”. The guide can be found here.
National Older Adult Mental Health Survey
Mental Health Commission
The Mental Health Commission is pleased to launch the National Older Adult Mental Health Survey to inform research that will identify priorities, barriers, and challenges pertaining to older adult mental health in Canada. This survey will be one of several data sources that will inform a research report on the current landscape and future directions of older adult mental health in Canada.
The world is changing and evolving quickly and for most of us staying up-to-date with the latest ideas, technologies, and research findings can be overwhelming. Furthermore, many managers may be new to their role and struggling with the many new challenges managing people and budgets can bring.
If this sounds familiar, the COMPLETE Education Webcast Series is the perfect solution for ongoing training and development of managers and frontline staff. Featuring high-quality and cutting-edge content which can be viewed live or OnDemand, accessing relevant education at a location & time of your choosing, have never been easier or more convent.
If you have success stories, questions, comments, or other submission ideas, please forward them to Melanie Eva by at meva@nbanh.comor by phone (460-6262).
