Long term care workers should take time to reflect on successes: Belke
Tuesday, December 20, 2005 -- Craig Anderson
Since her hiring as Forest Hill administrator in May, Josee Belke’s working life is a self-described “whirlwind” of activity, allowing her little time to reflect on the successes and challenges seen during the course of these eight months.

While the staff’s supportive, collaborative spirit is always evident, she says, their work in implementing ‘Healthy Living, Healthy Skin’ has resulted in the home enjoying its lowest level of advanced stage wounds since its opening in 2001.

Out of the 156 residents in the Kanata-based home, only four currently have wounds. Josee credits a cohesive management team and collaboration between nursing staff and the dietitian for a successful wound care strategy.

“We don’t often take, or have, the time to reflect on our successes but we should,” says Josee.

Supportive Measures – OMNI’s tool for managing dementia-related behaviours and providing resident-centred care – was also a concept the staff enjoyed and rallied around, says Josee.

“What’s also great about it is that it encourages staff to openly express their emotions during meetings. It’s okay to cry, to feel sad. We reflect on residents we have lost. A chance to remember makes it special.”

Along with OMNI initiatives like ‘Healthy Living, Healthy Skin,’ staff dedication to proper lifting techniques and WSIB protocols has reduced the amount of lost time due to injury to nil. Although there were minor injuries in 2005, generally incurred from falls or during transfers, none were significant, says Josee.

From the perspective of resident care, the home’s carefully planned and often extensive programs – ‘Back to School’ month, Family Fun Day, and Oktoberfest – were “very successful,” says Josee.

“At all the activities everybody pitches in. You learn a lot about the residents this way too. I think we were able to provide a good life this year for our residents,” she says.

Getting to know each of the home’s 156 residents has been a challenge, says Josee, as she’s faced a steep learning curve in her new position despite a background in nursing and a recent stint as an administrator at a home in Boulton.

The support she has received from fellow administrator colleagues in the Eastern region – Rick Gourlie, Karl Samuelson, Jean Marc Lanoue, and Nelly Hobbs – has been instrumental during the acclimatization process, she says.

“They are all so different, and have different talents, but they’re so supportive,” says Josee, who also notes the consistent support of Shawn Riel, at home office.

Forest Hill faced a minor hurdle in 2005 when a Ministry dietary review resulted in the home having to change its mealtime routines. Staff - answering the question “how do we deliver the best meal?” - made numerous suggestions, resulting in a more appropriate delivery system.

Josee expects the pressure to intensify as long term care homes are asked to achieve higher levels of accountability. Even though it can be a burden, the climate in the home inspires her to accept that pressure with a spirit of contentment.

“I’m having a ball,” she says.