2004 'huge learning curve'
for Willows: Dubeau
Wednesday, December 15, 2004 - Natalie Miller
AURORA -- The administrator of Willows Estate says 2004 has been a challenging,
yet successful, year. Upon reflection, Sue Dubeau points to numerous accomplishments at the Aurora long-term care home.

"We've established a family council, which is very proactive," says Sue.

The administrator notes the council has grown from two to eight family members
and it meets independently, making any requests in writing to the
administrator. The Province earlier this year made it mandatory for long-term
care homes to establish family councils. Sue is pleased with the Willows'
progress in this area.

The administrator points to full or nearly-full occupancy for 2004, a feat in an
urban long-term care home with nearby competition, Sue says. The 84-bed home is
currently short four residents, she notes. "We've done well. It's a testament
to our reputation out there (in the community)," says Sue.

This year, Willows recruited about 15 to 20 additional volunteers, bringing the
total up to 60, says Sue, noting the target is one volunteer per resident.
"We'd like to get another 15." She says many family members of former residents
continue to volunteer.

Sue notes supportive measures, an approach to care that reduces the use of
psychotropic medications, has been embedded into the culture at Willows.
"Supportive measures has come a long way this year. So many people are using it
and don't even know they're using it," says Sue, referring to the care approach
becoming second nature. Willows also established an ethics committee in 2004
and Sue attended an in-service on the subject.
She says the year has also had its share of difficulties for staff at the
long-term care home. Willows has had three directors of care in the past two
years.

"It has been very challenging," says Sue.

Sue says 2004 has also left Willows with "old compliance issues to correct." A
recent compliance review showed four unmet criteria, which will be addressed,
says Sue. The administrator says she involves staff in the compliance review
instead of meeting with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care advisor
behind closed doors.

"We've come a long way," says Sue of the review. "I'm very proud of that.

"It has been a huge learning curve for us," she says about 2004, "but
successful."