Northwood’s Magazine I January/February 2016

Canine Cuddles

1

On the CoverNorthwood at the Harbour

resident, Ronald Dean poses with Sophie

(Recreation Therapist, Ashley Penton’s dog).

Photography by Communications

Nova Scotia.

www.nwood.ns.ca

information@nwood.ns.ca

Northwood is a not-for-profit, community based organization.

Northwoodcare Halifax2615 Northwood Terrace

Halifax, NS B3K 3S5

Tel: 902-454-8311Fax: 902-455-6408

Northwood HomecareSuite 1 South

130 Eileen Stubbs AvenueDartmouth, NS B3B 2C4

Tel: 902-425-2273Fax: 902-421-6313

Northwoodcare Bedford123 Gary Martin DriveBedford, NS B4B 0G7

Tel: 902-407-8500Fax: 902-407-8501

Tara DunnEditor

tdunn@nwood.ns.ca

Tel: 902-454-3342

We’re Building Community.Northwood’s Life magazine is published eight times per year by Northwood’s Communications Office. Life magazine is distributed to the staff, residents, families, clients, tenants, volunteers, and visitors of Northwood. If you have story ideas, photos or suggestions for the March/April issue, please call Tara at 902-454-3342 or send them to tdunn@nwood.ns.ca by February 12.

Northwood - live more

Sharing a Moment with Janet Simm, CEO

Northwood Life Northwood LifeJanuary/February 2016 January/February 2016

For Advertising Opportunities call 902-454-3377

There’s a reason people want to work for Northwood. For the fourth year in a row, Northwood has been awarded Top Employer in Atlantic Canada. Earlier, Northwood was named a Top Employer in Nova Scotia for the third year in a row by the editors of Canada’s Top 100 Employers.

The awards committee looked at Northwood’s many initiatives throughout the year that involve staff, as well as the benefits, educational opportunities we provide, and our commitment to creating a balanced work life for employees.

Thanks go to the submission committee – Robyn Bentley, Shelley

James, Eileen Paddon, John Verlinden and Debbie Stewart. They pulled a lot of information together in a short period of time and submitted a very strong application.

Once again, on behalf of the submission committee a huge BRAVO and congratulations goes out to all Northwood Staff. We wouldn’t be a Top Employer without all of you! Congratulations!

Northwood named Top Employer for 4th year in a row

Pauline Potter Fitness Centre Reopens!

The beginning of a new year brings a perfect opportunity to reflect on our achievements and to focus on our plans for the coming year. We are approximately mid point in our Strategy to Action Plan focusing on five strategic priorities:

1. Branding: the roll out plan for the new logo is underway (a small piece of a much larger branding strategy). The new logo conveys the message of how we want people to think of Northwood when they hear our name.

2. Human Resources Strategy: This direction has a strong link to branding. We have made significant progress toward our goal to diminish the wait list for Home Support Services thus being more responsive to the needs of Nova Scotians. We have launched our leadership development program and are developing our action plan for our Diversity Strategy with the support of our external consultants.

3. Program development and growth: We have made significant progress on the stabilization of the Home Support Program. We have implemented a business development strategy to support our future security, expand our reach and support to communities and to be a leader in the Continuing Care sector. Examples of these initiatives include our agreement with Shoreham Village and the launch of Flexicare. Our Halifax Main Street rejuvenation project is well underway with the

completion of the Fitness Centre renovation. Our Mental Health Strategy was officially launched with our new Seeds of Success program. These initiatives were made possible with the support of the Northwood Foundation and our very generous donors. We have embarked on an expansion in our Health Centre. As of November 10, we now have a primary health clinic which utilizes the services of our Nurse Practitioner under the direction of a Physician. Our ultimate goal is to become a centre of excellence for the primary care of the elderly in the North End.

Person Centred Care (PCC)Six of the top nursing homes in Canada have moved to PCC. Northwood is one. Research has been conducted with St. Elizabeth’s which will determine if education to staff has changed the way PCC is delivered. The next phase will begin soon.

Other plans for 2016 include: • Formalplanningforafourth location of our Adult Day Program. • Continuingtobuildonwork already underway for the Homecare scheduling continuity project. • Continuedplanningforour Bedford Community Garden, with a target to begin the first phase of planting in the spring. • Continuedplanningonthe development of the horizontal campus concept in Bedford. Our intention is to create similar services in Bedford with all the

amenities we have in Halifax. • Continuingtoexploreideaswith government regarding the need for improvements to In Care Living space in Halifax (i.e. rooms in the Centre that still contain three beds). It’s an issue of privacy, safety and quality of life.

While we accomplished a lot, we have much yet to do. The Northwood Foundation will be critical in supporting these future efforts as well.

I look forward to the continued energy and enthusiasm that has been displayed by the entire Northwood Community as we pursue our vision: People living life to the fullest, flourishing in a community of belonging, dignity and choice.

Happy New Year everyone!

Monthly memberships are only $20 + tax and are available to Northwood staff through payroll deduction. (Register during regular hours.)

An official Grand Opening will take place in February with new programs starting soon! Stay tuned for more details.

Northwood at the Harbour’s Pauline Potter Fitness Centre is once again fully operational in its new and improved space on the ground floor of the Manor.

Hours of operation are:Staff: Seven days a week, 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. (with ID card swipe access)Public: Monday to Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Fridays, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

32 Northwood Life Northwood Life

To: Jesus (Paco) GalvanFrom: Cathy MacNeil

On December 4, 2015, CCA Jesus (Paco) Galvan encountered a resident with a significant swallowing program in the dining room of the Points, Ivany Place. Paco quickly jumped in and performed the Heimlich maneuver, dislodging a food substance. This action averted a crisis situation. Great job Paco for your quick thinking and skill!

To: Scott MombourquetteFrom: Lisa Vassos

Scott dressed up as a Christmas elf on Christmas Eve. It was a big hit with the residents as he went from unit to unit, cleaning the hallways. Job well done Scott!

January/February 2016 January/February 2016

December 2015 marked 10 years since Almon Place, Northwood’s independent apartment complex, opened its doors! Over the past 10 years, 147 tenants have called Almon Place home. Tenants and Retirement Living staff celebrated the occasion with light refreshments and a special presentation on December 9th.

Penelope Rennie is the new manager for Flexicare, Northwood’s Staffing Agency, which came into being early 2015. Flexicare currently has 10 employees working as either replacement staff for CCAs in both In Care Living and Homecare, or as companions and respite caregivers for In Care Living.

“My role is to help the program grow and to provide more services to both our residents and Homecare clients,” says Penelope. “But also to other folks living in the community.”

Over the coming year, Flexicare intends to fill a need in the broader community by offering additional services like grocery shopping, medical appointment portering and much more.

Penelope is based out of Northwood’s Dartmouth office and can be reached at penelope.rennie@nwood.ns.ca or 902-406-3385.

The Jean MacLean and Zillah Bragg Wish Fund has made another wish come true for a Northwood resident! Sharon Beckwith, with a little help from Linda Verlinden, Client Relations Coordinator, spent the last several months writing her life story and collecting old family photos. It was her wish to put together a scrapbook of family memories that she could share with her siblings and their families. The result was a beautiful hard cover scrapbook that will be treasured for generations to come – and copies for each of her siblings.

The Jean MacLean and Zillah Bragg Wish Fund is thanks to a partnership with the John & Judy Bragg Family Foundation and the Northwood Foundation. The Fund grants wishes to residents living in long term care, both at Northwood and at rural care facilities throughout Nova Scotia. Application forms are available online at northwoodfoundation.ca or by calling the Northwood Foundation at 902-454-3069.

Sharon Beckwith’s Wish Came True!

Almon Place Celebrates 10 Years!

Penelope RennieManager, Northwood

Flexicare

Introducing

Question:Being on a senior’s income, I am charged 35 cents every time I use debit in Coco’s. That seems unfair.

Answer: Coco’s is independent from Northwood. Like other businesses, they offer a debit machine as a convenience to their customers. Businesses are charged by the company that operates the debit machine for every purchase made. Many smaller businesses cannot absorb these costs and pass them on to their customers. The 35 cents charged by Coco’s is low compared to fees charged by other businesses and we feel it is a reasonable and fair charge for the service. Keep in mind that, being able to use a debit machine to make a purchase is a convenience. You do have the option of making the purchase with cash and avoid the extra charge.

Question: Could Northwood Halifax provide a coin machine on site? It would be very useful for the parking machine.

Answer: We looked into the costs of providing a coin machine at Northwood Halifax next to the Park and Display unit in the Centre lobby. The cost would be $6,500 and $7,500 to install such a machine. There would also be a cost to maintain the machine over time. The cost is prohibitive for us given the many projects we have underway and

our funding limitations and would not justify the purchase of a coin machine at this time. The revenue we gain from parking is used by the Foundation to support the many programs and services offered by Northwood that are not funded by government.

Question: Why are people allowed to come in and out of this building (Halifax) at any time and no one asks who they are! All hours!

Answer: Northwood is committed to providing flexible visiting hours to family and friends of residents so they can enjoy access at a time that is convenient for them. Northwood also provides programs and services to people living in the community through Adult Day, Reboom, the Fitness Centre and our Health Centre. We try to maintain a balance that ensures security yet maintains our open door policy. Our main desk is staffed 24 hours a day. Security is available and all entrances are monitored. The Manor and Tower doors are locked after hours as well. You should know that cameras are located through the three buildings and are monitored at the reception desk. The main doors are locked at 11:00 p.m. and anyone entering after that time needs to identify themselves. We feel that we have created the right balance that addresses security concerns while ensuring both residents and staff can move freely within our facility.

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Introducing Brenda WyattTenant, Northwood Manor

Northwood Life Northwood Life

Brenda Wyatt is a sweet lady with a giving heart and a gentle manner.

She was born in Sydney, Cape Breton but moved to Halifax around age nine. Brenda remembers having long curly blonde hair when she was a child!

In 1973, after taking a four-week course through Manpower, Brenda started working as a housekeeper at Northwood. When she left in early 1977, the Centre building had only been open for a short time. She spent the next 24 years as a housekeeper at the old Rehabilitation Centre in Cole Harbour.

Brenda was married to her husband, Earl Wyatt for 21 years. They met while bowling in a neighbourhood league. Earl passed away in 2001.

Brenda now has a special friend named Martin Woods, who lives in Dartmouth. They see each other on the weekends.

In 2004, Brenda moved into an apartment on the sixth floor of the Manor building. She had been volunteering at Northwood for two years and really loved the people.”I’ve met so many new people and have so many friends,” she says. “I love it here at Northwood.”

Three years ago, when the apartment that belonged to her late father and mother-in-law became available, she moved one floor up. Brenda enjoys being on the Harbour side of the building and says, “I now have a million dollar view.”

From time to time, Brenda still assists with bingo on 5 and 7 Centre, and just recently gave up helping with church set up. She enjoys playing darts and going to bingo every Saturday and Monday night. She is also part of Northwood at the Harbour’s Chapel Choir who perform every Friday, and used to be part of Maisie’s Country Time music group.

Another important part of Brenda’s life is her 12-year-old cat named Taffie, who sleeps on her bed every night!Brenda and one of her closest friends, May Sheppard in 2008.

January/February 2016 January/February 2016

Person centred care sees each person as an individual. It considers the whole person, taking into account each individual’s unique qualities, abilities, interests, preferences and needs. Person-centred care also means treating all residents with dignity and respect.

With this in mind, Nursing Manager Candyce Crawford (who was clinical leader on 8 Centre at the time) wanted the residents on 8 Pine Bay to have more stimulation beyond what Recreation Therapy was able to provide. She was looking for ways to help decrease behavioural concerns, promote sociability, increase mobility, and really improve the residents’ quality of life in long term care. So Candyce came up with the idea of creating a binder for the unit that listed the likes and dislikes for each resident, as well as activities or things each person enjoys.

“We looked at everyone as a unique mind,” says Candyce. “Everyone has things or vices that make them feel happy or calm.” The binder was developed with participation from staff on the unit, as well as with input from other departments (Recreation Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Spiritual Care and Social Work.

The program swung into full gear last summer with some help from students and volunteers.

The binders are now present on all floors in the Centre and several in the Manor. Clinical Leaders are meeting to discuss how to implement the program into the daily care of all residents.

NEW at the Pauline Potter Community Health Centre!

Primary Care Clinic with Dr. Cathie Meehan and Cathy Misener, NP

Every Tuesday afternoon

To book an appointment, call Elaine at 902-454-3316.

Activity Binders Provide Holistic Approach to Care

It was so wonderful to see so many people sharing the holiday spirit with others once again this Christmas season! Thank you to 92.9 JACK FM and Sleep Country Canada, as well as the many others who took the time to write/create Christmas cards for Northwood residents.

Over 5,000 cards were received and delivered!

8 Pine Bay staff, Hannah Webb (l) and Theresa Feltrin (r) with residents Isobel Denty, Violet Smith and Hardy Roe.

Christmas Card Campaign

76 Northwood Life Northwood LifeJanuary/February 2016 January/February 2016

Northwood Christmas

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MemoriesPhotos by Bill Ryan, Martin Blais, Brandon Shortliffe and photo booth volunteers.

1110 Northwood Life Northwood LifeJanuary/February 2016 January/February 2016

Northwood is now offering a new service to those living alone in the community. Called “Get Connected,” the free service provides regular social contact with someone who shares the client’s interests or can engage in a friendly conversation over the phone. Volunteers are matched with clients based on common interests and shared experiences. Conversations can last a few minutes or as long as 20 minutes and are made once a week. The service is offered Monday to Friday at an agreed upon time.

Get Connected replaces Northwood’s Telecare program. Clients who had come to depend on the service as a wakeup call, medication reminder or a daily reassurance call have been advised of the change and offered our Intouch service, which can better provide monitoring support to those requiring a higher level of service.

The program will first be offered to Northwood clients, tenants and residents before being launched in the community. If you are interested, or know someone who may be interested in the service, phone 902-421-6387 for more information.

If you would like to become a Get Connected volunteer, please contact Volunteer Engagement at 902-454-3353.

One of the goals under Northwood’s Strategic Directions is to develop a new affordable Assisted Living housing option for our tenant population. Over the past 24 months, Retirement Living has been researching, engaging with our internal and external stakeholders, asking questions, and listening to what the community wants. It’s not surprising that, as a leader in Senior Housing, we are responding!

Our Retirement Living Campus at Halifax now offers a continuum of housing options to meet the needs of our clients and allow clients to choose the best fit for their lifestyle!

Northwood’s Retirement Living Program is pleased and excited to announce the launch of our new housing option, Supportive Living.

We now have three housing options to choose from: 1 Independent Living 2 Supportive Living: Designed for older adults who require some support and social stimulation to flourish 3 Assisted Living

Northwood launches Get Connected

The Supportive Living Option meets the needs of clients who cannot afford Assisted Living, and who are unable to live completely independently. The all-inclusive monthly package includes: • heat,hotwater,power • cable,telephone,internet • eveningmeal • weeklylaundry/housekeeping • personalcare • NorthwoodIntouch • casemanagement • medicationreminders • accesstothePaulinePotter Community Health and Fitness Centres

While we will continue to provide the Enriched Living program for our current clients only, this program is no longer being offered to new tennants.

For more information, please contact Michelle Bumstead, Tenant Relations Navigator at 902-454-3324 or mbumstead@nwood.ns.ca

Retirement Living’s New Affordable Assisted Living

6th Annual Research Symposium

Save the Date!Friday, May 13, 2016

The Northwood Foundation’s job is to raise funds that will be used to help improve the quality of life for our Northwood clients. With another year behind us, we’d like to say thank you for your generosity and kindness over the last year. Many of you gave from your hearts to make a difference where it was needed the most. Whether it was purchasing a ticket to Appetite for Life, registering for the

Northwood Ivany Place wants to thank all the community members, residents, family and staff who contributed to making our sixth annual Care and Share holiday program an amazing success!

Donations came from many generous donors and helped to bring gifts to those residents who may not have received a Christmas gift. Due to the overwhelming generosity, we were also able to provide a gift bag of small personal items, magazines, chocolates, etc. for each of our 156 residents from “Santa”. A special thank you is sent to Royal LePage Atlantic; Occupational Health and Safety, NS Hospital; NS Power, Procurement Division; Bedford Leisure Group; and Cassie Philpitt.

On behalf of residents and staff at Ivany Place, a big thanks and all the best in 2016!

Northwood at the Harbour would like to say a sincere thanks to all the staff, residents, tenants, families, community members and many volunteers who helped make this year’s Care and Share and Giving Tree programs possible. Approximately 482 gift bags were put together and delivered to residents.

Thank you to the Northwood Foundation for their continued support! As well as this year’s donors: Royal LePage; Citadel Oral Surgery; Altus Group; Prince Arthur Junior High; Holland Road Elementary School; and the many donors who wished to remain anonymous.

Walk of Ages, or taking a tag off our Giving Trees – you showed you cared. You were a part of a greater power we call love. We see that caring love every day at Northwood – in the kindness you show your clients and your fellow staff members. 2015 was an incredible year! We were lucky to see the opening of the Marjorie Lindsay Centre and the newly renovated Pauline Potter Fitness Centre. These projects would not have happened without sizeable donations from Marjorie Lindsay and The Municipal Group of Companies. Their generosity and dedication to our Northwood Community will continue to make a positive impact for years to come. Even though we rely on large donations for certain projects, we can’t forget the ongoing programs that have made Northwood extra-special: the Goody and Sunshine Carts, Care & Share and the Dignified Living Fund – nothing says love like brightening someone’s day.

While some Northwood staff already support our Foundation through payroll deduction to help support these wonderful programs, we will be launching an Annual Payroll Deduction initiative in the coming months. Would you consider donating just $2.00 per pay through payroll deduction? There is so much a Toonie can do! You get to choose where your donation goes and at the end of the year, and will receive an official tax receipt on your T4. Both Debra and I support the Foundation’s programs through payroll deduction. We know that small donations matter too. It’s easy to make a difference and it feels good when you know you’re donating to your own amazing Northwood!

Thank you for caring,Faye & DebraNorthwood Foundation Team

902-454-3069northwoodfoundation.ca

Because we believe in the Power of a Toonie!

Thank you for your Care and Share & Giving Tree donations

12 13Northwood Life Northwood Life

Listed below are the winners of the Northwood EAP

Staff Lottery for 2015!

January 2 Jessica Richardson Homecare Field $2,102.50

January 16 Michelle Wile Homecare Field $2,092.50

January 30 Jackie Parsons Ivany Place $2,130.00

February 13 Betty LeClair Homecare Field $2,125.00

February 27 Elizabeth Barro Dartmouth $2,140.00

March 13 Wendy Rick Homecare Field $2,130.00

March 27 Kiloran Williams Halifax $2,142.50

April 10 John Synder Homecare Field $2,145.00

April 24 Nichole Kelly-Parker Homecare Field $2,140.00

May 8 Sandra Collier Ivany Place $2,155.00

May 22 Cynthia Brennan Halifax $2,157.50

June 5 Cindy Manser Homecare Field $2,165.00

June 19 Wendy Walker Homecare Field $2,165.00

July 3 Jean Upshaw Halifax $2,140.00

July 17 Paula Isenor Homecare Field $2,130.00

July 31 Phil Levangie Halifax $2,107.50

August 14 Paula Isenor Homecare Field $2,105.00

August 28 Etta Hopkins Homecare Field $2,127.50

September 11 Tanya Dauphinee Halifax $2,107.50

September 25 Kim Taylor Homecare Field $2,127.50

October 9 Alanda Jefferies Halifax $2,110.00

October 23 Quintina Grant Homecare Field $2,130.00

November 6 Andrew Christensen Homecare Field $2,117.50

November 20 Sarah Small Homecare Field $2,147.50

December 4 Cindy Zolkivski-Flemming Homecare Field $2,185.00

December 18 Dwayne Doucette Halifax $2,172.50

BONUS DRAWS Mike Dodge Halifax $500

December 18 Ramon Sison Halifax $500

Almases Yilm Halifax $500

Cindy Haggar Homecare Field $500

Geraldine Buffett Homecare Field $500

Joyce Lindfield Homecare Field $500

Lorraine Cavanagh Homecare Field $500

Elizabeth MacAskill Ivany Place/Halifax $500

Darcy Arsenault Ivany Place $500

Sandra Collier Ivany Place $500

Total $60,497.50

January/February 2016 January/February 2016

Hello, my name is Vanessa Royand I’m Northwood’s Healthy Workplace Advisor.

I was hired by Northwood in August 2015 to ensure workplace health and safety continues to be a top priority for our organization! My scope of work focuses on a couple of different areas including Injury Prevention Management (helping employees to work safe); Supporting people with injuries in the workplace; and Consulting/collaborating with staff and managers to look at ergonomics in the workplace.

I’m a member of the Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee for Homecare, where I review incidents of injuries and time loss, support investigations and contribute in other ways if needed. I provide Northwood with an occupational therapist perspective of how we’re doing as an organization and if there are things that can be done to improve the workplace. I also ensure Northwood is using organizational health best practices.

Part of my job includes body mechanics training and support for Homecare and In Care Living, as well as managing ergonomics for the entire organization. This involves assessing all different types of jobs for both physical and cognitive/mental demands. I also manage the disability claims for WCB (Workers Compensation Board). I did WCB treatment in my previous job, and know the ins and outs of the entire process. Here at Northwood, I’m involved right after an incident occurs, which makes it easier to manage the health and recovery of the employee in the event of an injury.

I fall under Organizational Health, but I’m a certified Occupational Therapist (OT). As a health care professional, staff should know that my files are private and their health information is always protected.

Before coming to Northwood in August 2015, I spent over eight years working as an OT with LifeMark Physiotherapy. A large part of my practice was treating people recovering from physical injuries, cognitive difficulties or limitations associated with having a concussion or mental health condition.

Northwood has a great reputation as a community organization and I came here because I really wanted to focus on one organization and its employees. So far, the job has exceeded my expectations! Northwood’s philosophy is in line with my personal philosophy that everyone needs the proper work-life balance to be and stay healthy.

Vanessa is based out of Northwood’s Dartmouth office, and serves employees across the organization.

Winning Employee Numbers for

January/FebruarySponsored by your SMART Committee

Northwoodcare:7123, 8735, 60590, 60762

If one of these numbers matches your ID number, you’ve just won $20!!

Take your ID and a copy of Life to the Business Office

to collect your prize.

Northwoodcare Bedford:50039, 55009,55082, 55157

If one of these is your employee number, please see Bill Ryan in the Business Office

to collect your $20 prize.

Northwood Homecare:32157, 32202, 32565, 32596

If you see your number, leave a message for Christine Bowman

at 902-421-6380 and we will mail you your $20 prize.

In the December 2015 issue of Life Magazine, two of the Winning Numbers for

Northwood Homecare (32498 & 35005) were accidently listed under Northwoodcare Bedford. If one of these

numbers matches your employee number and you haven’t already collected your

$20 prize, please contact Christine Bowman using the contact above information.

Appetite for Life

18th Annual Appetite for Life Fundraising Gala Event Saturday, April 9 Cunard Centre, Halifax Tickets on sale soon! 902-454-3069

Save the Date

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Reboom registration line: 902-454-3351

Lunch BunchA relaxed lunch with great company! We make the reservations and provide the transportation from Northwood Halifax or you can meet us there.When: Thursday, February 11Where: McKelvie’s Restaurant, 1680 Lower Water Street, HalifaxCost: $8 p/p for transportation plus cost of lunchRegister by February 10

Weight Management & Physical ActivityLearn about the role of physical activity in long-term weight management and pick up new skills and practical tips on overcoming barriers to being active at any size.When: February 16 and February 23 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.Where: Stadacona Room, HalifaxCost: FreeRegister at 902-460-4556 or www.communityhealthteams.ca

Kripula Chair YogaUse a yoga mat or sit in a chair for this popular session of breathing exercises, gentle stretches, strengthening postures, and relaxation. Open to all fitness levels and abilities. When: Mondays, 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Where: Shirley Burnstein Hall Northwood HalifaxDuration: January 4 to May 26Cost: $3 member drop-in fee $5 non-membersWhen: Thursdays, 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Where: The Great Room Ivany PlaceDuration: January 14 to March 24Cost: $3 member drop-in fee $5 non-members

Food for One or TwoThis session provides practical information you need to plan and prepare food for one or two people. (No cooking involved.)When: February 16 & 23 at 10:00 a.m.Where: The Great Room, Ivany PlaceCost: FreeRegister at 902-460-4556 or www.communityhealthteams.ca

Bridge Instructional Series - More Game, Less LectureFor those who already know the basics, and want to improve their playing skills.When: Tuesdays, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Where: Shirley Burnstein Hall Northwood HalifaxDuration: February 23 to April 12Cost: $35 Reboom members $50 non-membersRegister with payment by February 6

Reboom BingoEvening consists of 10 regular games, one jackpot game, six specials (optional) and a loonie number (optional).When: Mondays & Saturdays at 7:00 p.m. Card sales at 6:00 to 6:50 p.m.Where: Shirley Burnstein Hall Northwood Halifax

Fit Fun Fantastic - Fitness ClassThis weekly class offers a type of elderobic exercise for the older adult which combines a gentle cardio program with strength and resistance training.When: Wednesdays, 12:00 to 1:30 p.m.Where: Pauline Potter Fitness Centre Northwood HalifaxDuration: January 6 to May 25Cost: $3 member drop-in fee $5 non-members

January/February 2016 January/February 2016

For years, Northwood has provided educational opportunities by way of practicum placements, both in long term and home care settings for students. Students have commented on how their experience at Northwood has been valuable and rewarding. The success of placements is largely due to our dedicated staff and mentors.

A MENTOR is an individual who Models, Encourages, Networks, Teaches, Organizes, Responds - all qualities exhibited by Northwood staff. Mentoring takes patience, professionalism and the willingness to teach, listen and respond to questions students may have. Mentors make a significant impact on students coming to Northwood for the first time for placement. They help ease concerns and apprehensions students have and provide guidance, support education and instill best practices. This often takes place in the daily aspects of care including development of clinical skills, understanding and use of care plans, documentation, and providing appropriate feedback to students in all aspects of learning; all while promoting a culture of person centred care.

In a letter from Heidi Kalshov, “My skills development placement at Northwood was amazing for so many reasons. I was extremely nervous starting my first day; worrying I would make serious mistakes or get in the way of the staff. Quite the opposite was true. I found I was well prepared from what I had studied at school and the staff was extremely welcoming and helpful. It was nice to see how compassionate and kind they were with all their residents”. In another letter, Emily Baker writes, “I’ve had a great time here at Northwood. I’ve enjoyed the stories, the residents and the helpful staff that were so willing to teach and give advice on how to perform care and keep residents safe. This was a great experience, I learned so much.”

In recognizing the outstanding work of our mentors, it is important to share comments of the mentoring experience that both students and other Northwood staff have provided. • IhadagreatexperienceatNorthwood.I’mvery grateful to have had such great mentor. I know it’s a big responsibility to take on a student but she was amazing with me. I learned so much and she was always there to answer my questions. I’m leaving with a new friend.

•IwassoluckyIcametodomyfirstplacementatNorthwood and had a mentor that was so well

versed in her job. I just want to commend her for being the best CCA.

Homecare mentors have been amazing at welcoming students and mentoring them while in clients’ homes. Students and mentors in home care share a challenge that long term care does not experience: transportation between clients and

working on their own. Here are some of the comments students have shared

about our Homecare mentors: •Ilovedhomecare.Mymentorwasawesome!

She made me very excited to do home care with Northwood and I learned a lot from her! • The hands-on experience was so valuable; under the wing of a qualified mentor gave opportunity for hands on learning and real life experience. • I just want to thank Northwood for giving me the privilege of working and gaining experience with their company. Also for pairing me with an amazing mentor!

It is amazing to see such a positive impact mentors are making with students in their clinical placement. A very big thank you goes out to them for all their hard work effort and energy.

Northwood offers students more than just a site for placement; it offers a place to professionally grow and develop; a place to build confidence; and a place to build communication skills and strong relationships with staff and clients. Jacob Owen sums it up beautifully, “The hands on experience at Northwood gave me the essential education I need. Reading books and writing tests can only be so effective. I was able to practice all of the major disciplines of continuing care. I learn most effectively by practicing and doing a procedure and I am very happy that I have received such excellent training and guidance from the staff at Northwood.”

If you would like to find out more information about becoming a mentor, please contact me at cdunphy@nwood.ns.ca or 902-454-3391.

~ Written by Cheryl Dunphy, CCA Development Officer

Recognizing Northwood Mentors

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By Lynn Eyland Tenant, 2 Manor

Northwood at the Harbour

This is happenstance. Something I did not expect. I was supposed to get married, have a pile of kids. But the universe had other plans for me. “The ramp or the stairs, Lynn?” Bruno asks. “I’ll take the stairs today Bruno”…it’s a good day, one when I feel strong and able. Up the stairs I go as Bruno hauls my walker up behind me. I work my way down the aisle…happy not to have to sit in one of the ‘roller coaster’ back seats. I plunk myself down and the bus lurches forward.

STOP 1 – Birthmark “If God has the whole world in his hands, what is he standing on?” I asked my parents at age three. I was philosophical from the beginning. I was a shy and quiet kid – naïve and less mature than my peers. Born in 1958, I am the fourth child of five kids. My dad was a member of the Canadian Air Force and my mother a nurse. Having asthma and allergies as a kid, I felt that people considered that I was ‘compromised’ in some way. Being ‘compromised’ had consequences – attend a school that was not located at the top of a steep hill and this separates me from the few friends I knew. Being afflicted with asthma also had certain advantages like NOT having to run (or even attend) regular gym classes! At the same time, I was considered gifted by the educational professionals. The standard procedure in those days was to make me skip a grade of school. So here I was in the SAME class as my older sister (and her older friends). My immaturity and shyness made even more obvious and uncomfortable! So like a birthmark… I was marked forever. Sick – but as if to make up for the affliction, I was smart.

STOP 2 – Puppet Power“Amherst was a great place to raise four teenagers,” Mom says to this day. Stately Victorian homes nestled in lush English gardens bordered Amherst’s main Victoria Street. A closer view of the town, its poverty, classism and racism, only became clearer as I and the town grew together over the next five years.

Still shy and quiet, I spent my teen years alone or with close friends, honing my creativity through sewing and crafts. I began sewing puppets… and soon my friend Tammy and I were performing puppet shows to any group wanting children’s entertainment. Puppet Power was thrilled to be asked to perform for children at our local hospital one Christmas. We waived our fee and felt so happy to be giving our talents to charity. And it was a great show, even after discovering that the children attending were not the sick ones we expected but the most privileged children in town… those of the doctors! I met my first true love in Amherst, a guy with a motorcycle who eventually broke my heart. My friends got me through that heartbreak, and are still my closest and dearest. Amherst was also the place where I first became acquainted with the symptoms of MS and that relationship has unfortunately continued.

STOP 3 – Little ItalyMy graduation from high school coincided with my father’s transfer to the air force base on the outskirts of Edmonton, Alberta. I moved there with my parents and immediately enrolled in graphic design at Grant MacEwan College. “Just sign your name to it… no one will know it came from the New York Times!” My first ‘real’ job as a paste up artist in the newspaper industry was with a small Italian publication El Nuevo Mondo. The job involved setting up type and graphics under the supervision of a somewhat shady Italian businessman. It was quickly apparent that journalistic ethics was not a priority to my boss and

apparently neither was paying taxes! My job came to an abrupt end when one day the office was raided by the RCMP. It was time to move on. Edmonton was bustling with optimism and young people from the have-not provinces back east flocking there to be part of the oil boom. I had no worries about whether I could get another job; my concerns were now with my deteriorating vision and balance.

STOP 4 – Losing Myself“Your neurological symptoms are typical of Multiple Sclerosis,” I heard those words and thought…what was that? Multiple Scler-o-sis? ...Muscular Dystrophy? …Cerebral Palsy? Wheelchair…wheelchair…wheelchair… I was afraid of what I might become, of what I might lose, of an uncertain future. I wanted to be loved and to have a life and I didn’t know what that all meant now. I moved back east and continued to work… The Citizen, the Daily News, and Frank Magazine… and to develop my skills as a cartoonist. I did that until I was physically unable to. At 27, I found myself pushed out of my job and confined to a wheelchair. My lover had left me and I felt I had little choice but to move in with my parents at a time when I should have been dancing and having babies. My life consisted of doctor and rehab appointments and visits from sympathetic family and friends. The antidepressants, spasticity and migraine drugs sucked away my personality. Was this it? Was this really what my life was to be?

My Life Between the Stops

STOP 5 – Finding MyselfI don’t recall exactly when, why or how I managed to think clearly enough and long enough to being to take control of my life. But I knew that I had to start with some basics. 1. “Why are you taking that medication?” 2. “To take away the tremor in my right hand.” 3. “But you still have the tremor in your right hand.” 4. “Oh, I guess I will stop taking that medication.”I repeated 1 – 4 for each medication until I was only taking medications that actually helped me. This took months but as the brain fog dissipated, I was able to begin to ask myself more important questions: 1. “What do you want to do now that you can’t draw cartoons?” 2. “I want to write.” 3. “Then why don’t you write.” 4. “Oh, I guess I will write.”I repeated 1 – 4 for each thing I did in the past that I was unable to do now. I continue to do this and as I do, I discover that every life is full of possibilities. Perhaps I would not be a writer if I had not lost my ability to draw.

Final stop:This is happenstance. Something I did not expect. I was supposed to get married, have a pile of kids. But ‘the universe’ had other plans for me and guess what? ‘The universe’ is always right.

Lynn’s story was published in 2012 in ‘My Story, A Collection of Inspirational Voices’.*A couple of the many cartoons Lynn has published.

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