VOLUME December and January ISSUE YEAR Volume 25, Issue 89 A message from our CEO— It is hard to believe that the Christmas season has arrived once again. This issue of the Family and Friends Newsletter has lots of information for you related to festive celebrations at The Lodge at Broadmead, and at Nigel and Harriet House. You will notice that there are posters up in the Lodge and Nigel House highlighting some of the equipment and program needs for our residents that require funding. We deeply appreciate your generosity and ask for your ongoing support. The past year has been a very busy and productive one for all of us at Broadmead Care. We continue to be committed to providing exceptional care at The Lodge at Broadmead, Veterans Health Centre and Nigel Program for Adults with Disabilities. We are also committed to providing the best facilities possible for all of our residents and clients. To that end we have been working very hard on a number of projects related to continuing to improve our quality of care, services and facilities. At the Lodge we have made significant progress on the Overhead Lift Project – two Lodges now have lifts in every resident room. This is a $1.3 million project and we need to fundraise another $836,000 to complete the project. We have added a new resident room at Nigel House and are also making progress in the planning process to replace Nigel House with a new residential facility. We have also installed a new specialized bathing tub in Harriet House. In this newsletter we are also providing some information concerning the Provincial policy that all healthcare staff in LTC facilities and visitors must receive an influenza immunization, or wear a mask during the influenza season (December to March 30). The reason for this policy is to protect residents from contracting influenza from staff and visitors. The influenza vaccine is the most effective way to protect the residents. As a result, you may see some staff at the Lodge or the Nigel Program who will be wearing masks while they work in resident care areas. Of course, we also ask all visitors to please avoid our facilities if you have been exposed to the flu, or are experiencing any symptoms, and when you do visit our facilities to wear a mask (available at Reception areas) if you have not had a flu shot. Thank you for helping us to protect our residents. On behalf of all of us at Broadmead Care, very best wishes to you and yours for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I want to thank all of our families and friends who have already made donations to help us fund these and other very important projects, and ask everyone else to please consider helping us care for residents by sending your own gift. David Cheperdak, CEO 1 Building on a strong foundation……. I feel privileged to be taking on a new role at Broadmead Care. My career so far has brought me to a place where I feel I am prepared to take on the new responsibilities and opportunities that come with the new role in the organization. Just a bit about myself - I am married to Tamie and have two awesome boys, Chris aged 21 and Stephen, aged 18. I like music (singing, playing guitar and bass) and also play hockey. I enjoy volunteering for Special Olympics as a coach for floor hockey and softball. I was hired in 1995 as an auxiliary RN and became full-time in 1999. An opportunity presented itself in 2002 when the Clinical Resource Nurse interim position was available and I was the successful candidate. Working with Fiona Sudbury, we completed many projects and achieved Accreditation status 4 times…!!! During this time (2002-2006), I also attended UVic, via distance learning, to obtain my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The organization has also supported me to maintain my Gerontological Nurse Certification through the Canadian Nurse Association. Over the next few months, I will be working with the team to create a vision that builds on all the great work we have been doing and the programs we have developed. Using our phrase “Every Moment Matters” as a guide, look at all aspects of what we do… caring for residents and clients of Nigel, Veterans Health Centre and the Lodge, working with families as partners in care, and acting as stewards of the resources that we have. There are challenging times ahead, but to me, it means we have opportunities….opportunities to look at how we do things and make them better… and we have a strong foundation to build on! I look forward to our journey together. Provincial Influenza Prevention Policy and Masks If you have not already received your annual influenza immunization, we encourage you to get one as soon as possible. The Provincial Medical Health Officer has continued policy that requires staff, volunteers, contractors and family and visitors to be immunized against influenza or wear a mask. This will be in effect starting December 4, 2014 and go until the end of March 2015. If you would like more information on this new policy and for times and places for immunization clinics, please refer to the VIHA website. http://www.viha.ca/visit/flu.htm There seem to be many different viruses around. If you are sick, we request that you do not visit. Depending on the type if illness, you may still be able to spread the virus after one or two days. Please rest and get better before coming in to visit. This way you will help us promote a healthy environment for all the residents and staff. Thank you for helping us to protect the residents. If you would like more information or have questions, please contact me, Kristi Osguthorpe, RN (A-level Team Leader) or Al Vandergoot, RN (B-level Team Leader)…. and remember, please wash your hands. Jim Oldnall, RN, BSN, GNC (c) Director of Clinical Programs (250) 658-3239 [email protected] 2 Requests for Guest Meals Rooms and rooms for Small Parties The maximum capacity for guest meals is as follows: Over the festive season we receive many requests from family members and friends who wish to have meals with residents. Please read the following information on how we can accommodate requests for meals and small parties: Olympic View/A1 – up to 4 individual guests in the dining room; the conservatory can hold a group of up to 6; this year we are not able to serve guest meals in the Library (a maximum of 9 guests per meal, assuming a resident would be at the table in the conservatory with guests) Requests for Guest Meals: Guest meal tickets must be purchased in advance through Reception. Last minute requests for guest meals may not be accommodated. The cost is $7.00 for dinner, $6.00 for lunch, and $10.00 for meals on Dec 25 and Jan 1. If there is room at the table, a single guest can sit with the resident in the dining room. If there are several guests, some lodges have extra space with a table that can seat up to 4 people. Village Green/A2 – up to 2 individual guests in the dining room; the lounge can hold a group of up to 4; the conservatory can hold a group of up to 4 (a maximum of 8 guests per meal, assuming a resident would be at the table in the lounge or conservatory with guests) Cottage Garden/A3 – up to 4 individual guests in the dining room; the conservatory can hold a group of up to 4 (a maximum of 7 guests per meal, assuming a resident would be at the table in the conservatory with guests) Magnolia/B1 – a maximum of 6 guests Palm North/B1 - a maximum of 6 guests For Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, please contact Reception as soon as possible. Some Lodges have already reached their maximum capacity for guests. Palm South/B1 - a maximum of 6 guests Birch/B2 – a maximum of 4 guests in the dining room West Coast/B3 - a maximum of 4 individual guests in the dining room; the small room off the main dining room can hold a group of up to 4. When guest capacity is met, no more tickets will be sold. Two rooms are available for small family parties but must be booked in advance through reception. The Maple Room on B Level can accommodate up to 20 people. It has several tables and chairs, a kitchenette with a microwave, fridge, kettle and coffee maker. The Palm Lodge Multipurpose Room (B level) has a table that can accommodate up to 8 people, however there is no sink or kitchenette in this room. The Lodge can offer beverages at a low cost, but does not have the resources to offer food catering services. Families using these rooms for small parties should bring everything they need and tidy up afterwards. Garbage may be left bagged for removal by our housekeeping staff. 3 The 2015 "Walk for Memories" in support of the Alzheimer’s Society The 2015 Investors Group Walk for Memories is a great way to support families in our community who are impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias and to support research to find a cure. Once again Broadmead Care will be entering a team under the name "Broadmead Care Society". We have had up to 16 participants in previous years including staff, family members, friends and volunteers. Past participants have enjoyed the pre-walk entertainment/goodies provided by the Alzheimer Society and an invigorating walk, all in support of a great cause! Together we raised over $1000.00! Please help us support this important cause by either: 1) Joining the team and walking with us on Sunday, January 25th, 2015! If you would like to join the team, please send our team captain, Tracy Koebel, B level social worker an email at [email protected] or by phone at 250-658-3256. The event location is Robert Bateman Centre, 470 Belleville Street, Victoria. Registration is at 9am and the walk starts at 10:00 am. Registration is free. 2) Making a pledge to our team. You can do so by contacting Tracy Koebel or by making a pledge online at www.walkformemories.com to our team by entering our team name "Broadmead Care Society". Donations of $15.00 or more will automatically receive an official tax receipt. For more information about the event go to www.walkformemories.com. Family Council Meeting Dates: Family Council Update: December 17th—Special Christmas Luncheon from 11:00 to 12:30 pm in the Conference Room. This replaces the regularly scheduled meeting for December. Join us for this special luncheon in celebration of the festive season. Feel free to bring a dessert to share. The Lodge at Broadmead Family Council meets on the 4th Thursday of each month from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. The Council is a forum for family members of residents to share their experiences, participate in educational opportunities and exchange information. This includes having guest speakers from various community agencies and from within the Lodge, and sessions that encourage wellness for group participants. ****************************** January 22 from 11:00 to 12:30 pm in the Training Room. For more information please contact Tracy Koebel, B Level Social Worker at 250 658-3256, or via email at: [email protected] Topic—to be announced, watch for posters! ** Please RSVP to Tracy Koebel two days prior if you plan to attend! All family & friends of residents are welcome Please RSVP to Tracy if you plan to attend! 4 The Festive Season at The Lodge The festive season is fast approaching. The staff at the lodge are planning many new and exciting ways for residents, families, friends and volunteers to celebrate the festive season. This year there will not be one large lodge celebration rather there will be many smaller activities to enjoy. The activity worker on each lodge will develop a calendar of lodge based activities such as Christmas card making, carolling, cookie baking, holiday crafts, light drives, entertainment and children’s choirs. Please plan to attend any of the planned events with your family member. The Oak Room and Maple Room will also have similar special events planned throughout the months of December and early January 2015. Calendars will be available by the end of November and posters will be placed around the Lodges to celebrate special events. Please make sure you pick up calendars so you can enjoy the festive season at The Lodge at Broadmead. If you have any questions about the festive season please contact the activity workers on the individual lodges. Gift Suggestions for Residents 2015 calendars with large print and squares to write in Artificial flowers or plants Pictures, artwork for room walls Non-Scented body and hand lotions Electric razor A subscription to a favorite magazine or newspaper Family photographs to hang on the wall or put together in a photo album HandyDart tickets – for residents who are registered with HandyDart. Books of tickets are available from HandyDart drivers or at their office at 4206 Commerce Circle, Telephone: 250-727-7811. There are some cost savings when purchasing a book of tickets as opposed to individual tickets. If you have any questions regarding registering with HandyDart please contact the Social Worker. Fleece lap blankets, gloves, and warm sweaters are always appreciated for the cooler weather. Cold feet are a common concern, the staff in Therapy Services can provide advice on the best type of slippers to purchase. The Gift Store sells brands of slippers that are recommended; slip-on slippers are not recommended. Clothing—we are continuing to promote adaptive clothing for residents. Many residents cannot stand and thus need to be dressed in a seated or lying position. If you would like some ideas, please feel free to call the care centre. Some fabrics do not fare well in our commercial washers and dryers, staff strongly recommend that all materials be cotton, polyester or a blend of both so they may be laundered. Please ensure all new clothing items are left at the care center so they may be sent for labelling before they are put in the resident's room. If the gift is going to be wrapped for Christmas save the receipt and if possible please remove pins and packaging from new items. 5 Volunteer Services Update Current Volunteer Opportunities: VHC Activity Assistants have loads of fun supporting Activity Staff to provide a wide variety of activities, meal and refreshment service, and bus outings for clients of the Veterans Health Centre. Shifts of 2 or 4 hours are open on Monday and Wednesday. Gift Shop Volunteers enjoy conversations with residents, visitors and staff while operating the cash register, making sales, stocking shelves and keeping the shop clean and tidy. We need Sunday morning volunteers. Tea Servers provide refreshments and enjoy social time with residents and their visitors every day. Two more volunteers would give us a complete Wednesday, or Friday crew! Nigel Program residents would appreciate volunteers to help them get to health related appointments via handyDart. Several Nigel and Harriett House Residents would appreciate one to one volunteers to enjoy community outings or in house visits to play games, chat, or go for walks. If you or someone you know is interested, please contact me at 250-658-3205 or [email protected]. On line volunteer application forms can be completed our website at www.broadmeadcare.com Creative Arts We were thrilled to welcome many visitors into the studio November 20th for our Annual Christmas Sale. The studio was transformed into a beautiful display of works of art created by many of the residents of The Lodge at Broadmead. Our corner store within the studio has a small selection of the items that were displayed, and we welcome you to come browse and visit Monday to Friday during regular hours. We are working on more Christmas projects and would appreciate any used Christmas cards. Please drop them off at Reception or the studio before December 15th. The Creative Arts staff wishes you and yours a warm and festive holiday season. 6 Tips for Coping with the Holidays When making plans remember to include some time for yourself. Set limits for yourself. Create a new tradition which is rewarding and has meaning for you. Hold a special ceremony, buy flowers for yourself, light a candle, or cook your favourite dish. Avoid excessive food and alcohol as this can make you feel depressed. Look for information or a workshop on how to cope with the holidays. Coping with the holidays, and in particular Christmas, can be difficult at the best of times. Trying to cope while caring for a loved one in residential care can make it even harder. You may be facing the days ahead with dread not knowing how you are going to get through them. Anxiety about events associated with Christmas is often more worrisome than the event itself. It can be a relief when the day finally comes. Above all else be good to yourself. Allow yourself time to think about the holidays and realize that it may have both happy and sad moments. Don’t set unrealistic expectations for the holiday season. That way you may find that it works out better than expected. Balance the time you spend with others with some time alone. Both are important. Solitude can refresh you and be a sort of tonic. It provides you with time and space to think about how well you are doing, given the difficult circumstances right now. Although you cannot change your current situation, you can change the way you approach the holiday season. Being prepared for the holidays is easier when you know how you wish to spend the time and can arrange it that way. Make the holiday as important as you and your loved one wants it. Choose how involved you want to be and make your wishes known to others. If you plan to spend time with family and friends, choose only those you feel comfortable with. When you do take time for yourself you need to feel as relaxed as is possible. Remind yourself that you don’t have to carry the burden of the holidays and care giving alone. If you find the stress and anxiety too overwhelming, reach out for help. Contact a social worker, physician, clergy, and/or good friends. Find someone who you trust, and ask them to listen to you. You may not be seeking solutions so much, as wanting someone who will listen without judgment as you express your emotions concerns and fears. Doing this can help to make this an enjoyable holiday season for yourself and your loved one. Decide what you want to do this year. Plan ahead and think about the traditions which are important to you. Past associations and memories will effect this decision. Ask yourself how important these are to you right now and how much time and energy you have to do them. Decide on how much, if any, you can handle, and modify your traditions accordingly. If shopping is too difficult, try gift certificates, send flowers, catalogue order, or give gifts a miss this year. Elect to do something completely different, if that seems helpful. Pass up writing cards, baking, trimming the tree etc. Adapted from a web site for caregivers 7 Many thanks to the following individuals who have already made donations to our Christmas campaign: Wendy Ackinclose Anonymous George Baker Patricia Black John Bond Joseph Bradley Archie and Norah Brown Brooke Campbell Kathleen Campbell Chief and Petty Officers' Veterans Assistance Society Dr. W.A. Clay Alistair Clothier Patrick & Patricia Crofton Walter & Frances Curry Thelma & Arthur Davies Mark and Joanne Dodd Lillian Droppo Harley Dybkar William Finlay June Gamble Violet Gerow Irmgard & Thomas Green Pearl and George Gunn Ladislava and Jan Hermann Stella Higgins Walter Hughes Dorothy Hull Joseph Iannarelli Eleanor Jossul Frank Lavallee Phillip Leigh David Letson Marie Lineham Barbara Lohrmann Eric Lovett Jay Lucas Barbara & Roy Mace Hugh MacKenzie John MacKenzie Iris Madore Ruth & George Mannix John Mason Inez Matthews Marjorie McLeod Anne and Kirk Mitchelmore Margaret and RE Moss Brenda Mundigler Leslie and Irene Neat Paul Paone Robert Pearce Probert Peers Maisie Rainey Murray & Jacqueline Ramsbottom Thelma Riach Sybil Robertson Darwin and Sherri Robinson Michael Rooksby Rose & Doug Russell National Tribute for Second World War Veterans To mark the 75th anniversary of Canada’s engagement in the Second World War, beginning September 10th, all living Canadian Veterans of the Second World War are eligible to receive a limited edition commemorative lapel pin and a personalized certificate of recognition. Request forms are available online at veterans.gc.ca and by calling Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) at 1-866-522-2122. Application forms will also be available at the main reception desk. Saunders Family Foundation Patricia Simpson Hugh and Iona Sparrow Betty Spry Lorna Steer Robert and Irene Swailes Maurice and Diana Turner George Wagg Roberta and Graham Ward Donal and Audrey Watson Kenneth Weller Frederika Wolff Von Wulfing Peter Yearwood 8
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