Supportive measures is for everyone, says Frost's ESM
by Roderick Benns
LINDSAY As Joy Brittain walked by a resident, who was meticulously sorting through a bucket full of screw nails, nuts and bolts, she took note that supportive measures initiatives are for everyone, not only nurses. The nuts and bolts, spread out on the table, were playing a role outside of their normal use. For the resident Joy was passing by, they were hooking old memories of his Lindsay area farm, and presenting a familiar, and comforting chore.

Joy - the environmental services manager for the long-term care home - says all people relate to their own pasts. "That's what he (the resident) was doing. He really liked getting in there and sorting out this mess of screws and bolts. It was a great idea for him," she says.

The bucket of therapeutic nuts and bolts hailed from the maintenance department, suggesting that supportive measures are something everyone in the home can and should feel comfortable doing.

Not only did Joy observe this expression of supportive measures involving the maintenance department she also works in her own department to encourage linking residents with their pasts.

"Being in the laundry area, there are many residents who like to work with us. It gives them self-worth and relates to things they may have done in their past," says Joy.

Joy, who has been with Frost Manor for seven years, says when the concept of supportive measures was introduced by OMNI she was hesitant.

"I thought maybe it was more for nursing, but then I realized it was about me, too. I've developed a good relationship with many of the residents and that's the way it's supposed to work," Joy says.