March 2024 Newsletter

March 2024 Newsletter

March will prove to be a whirlwind of a month with St. Patrick’s Day, the clock’s moving forward, spring arriving and Easter here Sunday March 31st. With all that, it will be exciting, but the impact of these festivities may not top all the LOVE shown to our residents in February. It was heart-warming knowing that each resident received a teddy bear sitting on their Valentine’s placemat thanks to a new committee here.

The reports from the Leadership Team:

Administrator Dahlia- I hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine’s Day and Family Day! Two thousand hearts total with the names of residents and staff adorned the walls, doors, hallways, dining areas, on both the 1st and 2nd floor home areas as well as in the basement. This creative idea was the brainchild of Kim K., who is the leader of our planning committee. Darlene M., Nikki H., Kristie H., Tammy B., Desiree B., Marc M., and Carol B. were some of the volunteers who helped in cutting, writing names, and placing the hearts on the walls. Congratulations and a big thank you to the team for their excellent work! We are looking forward to hearing about more exciting events from our planning committee in the future.
As many of you are aware, Physiotherapist (PT) Priyanka C. has been on maternity leave since January 2024. Please welcome her replacement, Huaning L. who comes on-site on Mondays and Thursdays.  Moreover, I would like to introduce our new foot care service provider, “Best Foot Forward.” This service will be operated by RPN Rajinder H. and RN Ramandeep H. in March 2024. We would like to thank Fresh Step Med Home Health Services Inc. for the foot care service provided, and we appreciate their contributions to our organization.
Lastly, an inspector from the Ministry of Long-Term Care was on site from February 20  to 28, 2024. We will post the report once received.

Director of Nursing Karla- We have completed Gentle Persuasive Approaches with all of our staff so that they may better serve our residents with complex dementia. The Home strives to make the residents rooms as “homey” as possible. Unfortunately, throw rugs are not permitted as it is a tripping hazard to your loved one and our staff. We have many adaptive aids available for our residents. Should there be concern that a resident needs equipment implemented (transfer aids, commodes, bed wedges) please inform the nurses right away so they may follow-up. With spring quickly approaching, a friendly reminder that we are a fragrance-free facility as many of our residents and staff are sensitive or have allergies. Kindly refrain from bringing in items such as flowers, perfume/after shave, air fresheners etc. Thank you.

Assistant Director of Nursing Infection, Prevention and Control (IPAC) Lead MaryAnn- In February we had Gastro-enteric outbreak on 2nd floor which cleared followed by one on the 1st floor home area. Residents were tested to rule out COVID-19 with negative results coming back for all. Did you know that during outbreaks we report to and are in close communication with public health?  It is interesting to note that per most recent studies, scrubbing your hands well with soap and water for 30 seconds is the best way to gid rid of this type of virus.  Hand sanitizer does not work well.

Business Manager Kathy- The 2023 accommodation income tax receipts were sent out in the February 2024 billing. Any questions please reach out.

Environmental Service Manager Sayward- In order to help reduce the spread during the enteric outbreak high surface cleaning in affected areas was stepped up along with audits to ensure that the quota per best practice was met.

Food Service and Nutrition Manager Christine- I am starting to work on the spring summer menus and am looking forward to input from the resident council.  It is anticipated they will come into effect May 6th. Did you know March is Nutrition month and the Dietitians Day is March 15th. Look for healthy snacks.

Maintenance Manager Reg- I continue to keep the home in good repair. I really enjoyed sprucing up the Activity Room storage room.  I purchased smaller containers to house all the decorating supplies.   I also got to put my carpentry skills to use as I built a games cart with air hockey on top, with multiple level drawers storing games such as darts, corn hole, table shot curling, and more. Finally, the annual Building Safety Inspection 2024 is complete.

Resident Care Plan Co-ordinator Leanne- The main goal in the home is for all residents to achieve through collaborative efforts a maximal level of well being, safety, socialization, and functioning. Alternately the home engages in a palliative philosophy of care. Auditing continues to ensure best outcomes.

Activation Manger Carol- Thank you to Reg for the very impressive games cart, it will be put to good use.

A special invitation to come out for our Family Council Meeting
Date: Friday March 22nd at 3pm   Location: Basement Conference Room
Family councils strive to provide a safe forum for families to talk to one another and staff representatives. At the Family Council Meetings family members can obtain information and mutual support, seek solutions to common concerns and establish meaningful lines of communication between families and staff.  The overarching goal is to enhance the quality of life for all residents. Our Administrator by invitation will be presenting on our Satisfaction Surveys as well as discuss the Quality Improvement Plan.
Please see the full calendar of March Events.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day, Happy Spring, and a very, very Happy Easter! A reminder to put clocks forward before going to bed on Saturday March 9th



LaPointe-Fisher Nursing Home - Pride In Caring

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