'Homelike environment' attracts new DOC to Willows
Wednesday, December 15, 2004 - Natalie Miller
AURORA -- The "warmth" and "homelike environment" of Willows Estate has attracted a new director of care (DOC) to the Aurora long-term care home.

Esther Spencer, who has worked in long-term care for seven years and also with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, joined Willows Nov. 23. The Pickering resident hails from a 160-bed facility in the Greater Toronto Area
where she served as assistant DOC.

After attending Willows for an interview, Esther says she was impressed with the atmosphere of the home.

"The one thing that made me come back was the warmth and the homelike environment," says Esther.

She notes the Aurora long-term care home has been without a permanent DOC for some time and she was prepared to step up to the challenge.

"I like to teach. I see there's a great need for that. I think I can be a good mentor," she says.

Sue Dubeau, the home's administrator, says she has a good feeling about Esther.

"You can tell right away how people are going to gel with your team," says Sue Dubeau, administrator.

"Esther believes in the OMNIway and lives it."

The DOC spent her first week at Willows Estate working on the floor, getting to know the staff and systems. Her priorities are organizing the nursing department and keeping staff informed about departmental goals and objectives.

Down the road, she'd like to establish an active palliative care team. Esther says she would also like to be involved in marketing to help keep Willows' beds full.

"My goal is to make this facility outshine the other facilities in the area."