Linda Pierce, administrator of Village Green in Selby, says it's a positive move on OMNI's part. "It's something we've always had informally, with administrators meeting regularly, but this more formal platform will be excellent for all of us," says Linda.

The communities of practice strategy will see all home leaders meet with their respective peers in the same position. The categories include administrators, directors of care, life enrichment coordinators, nutritional care managers, office managers, nursing administrative services managers, environmental services managers and maintenance managers. The homes would be divided in three groups -- east, central and west. A leader for each community of practice will be elected by his or her peers and would then chair meetings.

Linda says the problem-solving that will occur amongst the different groups will be wonderful to have. "This is a great opportunity for OMNI, I think," says Linda.

The Village Green administrator says not only does she like the idea of communities of practice, she wants to see it extended to personal support workers and health care aides. "It would be great, once we get going, to see this opportunity through for them, too," says Linda. "I don’t know how other administrators feel about this though," she adds.

For Arlene Lawlor, administrator at Maplewood, she believes the other communities of practice have to be up and running before consideration is given to health care aides and personal support workers. "I don't think it's the number one priority for us, compared to the managers," says Arlene. "They (PSWs and HCAs) already meet through their unions and through initiatives like Tena teams," says Arlene, referring to the disposable incontinence program.

But Arlene does see the various communities of practice as a great idea overall and agrees with Linda that the potential for problem-solving will be considerable.
" I think this is an excellent idea. You feel less vulnerable in your position and in your struggles you may be going through. I'm just so excited about this whole program, which is certainly going to help home office too in terms of feedback," Arlene says.

Arlene sees the communities of practice idea as meeting a need as a communications tool to share day-to-day concerns. "It makes you feel less isolated. There will then be supports and suggestions in place and we're all going to benefit from it."