Residents “healthier and happier than ever,” says Kentwood administrator
Tuesday, December 6, 2005 -- Craig Anderson
Seeing an increasing number of residents walking to meals and taking part in social activities, administrator Leslie Morrow points to restorative care advances as Kentwood Park’s biggest success in 2005.

“Our residents are stronger than they’ve ever been,” says Leslie, who credits the diligence of restorative care staff and the home’s new physiotherapy program. “They are happier and coming out more.”

Increased mobility means that residents can better access the home’s restored garden, which, along with renovations to the nurse’s station and the foyer, have noticeably changed the home’s atmosphere, says Leslie.

“I can see a difference in the residents and in the staff. It’s always been a great place to come to work but now it is even more inviting,” says Leslie, who also manages Maplewood.

Residents took ownership of the garden’s restoration, says Leslie, planting the “most beautiful marigolds I have ever seen.”

In addition, a small vegetable garden planted by residents produced tomatoes and other seasonal vegetables. The residents enjoyed the results of their labour during late summer meals, says Leslie.

A raised garden was built in June, allowing residents lacking mobility the chance to partake in gardening.

The garden also just generally beautified the home, says Leslie, offering a peaceful, idyllic sanctuary for all residents, regardless of physical or mental condition.

The home had its share of struggles in 2005, says Leslie, in the retention and recruitment of nursing staff, a difficult challenge in the Picton community, which despite its small size boasts five nursing homes and a hospital.

“We end up all sharing the same nursing staff,” says Leslie, half-jokingly. Maplewood recently matched Ministry regulations for 24 hour nursing, an achievement Leslie says is directly related to the OMNI-way web site, as well as word of mouth advertising.

A cooperative community spirit amongst area homes – which will aid in meeting nursing standards – is already growing as a result of early discussions with LHIN representatives.

“We have to see it as one big team,” says Leslie, of other area long term care providers. “We’ll have one voice. [The new system] will help take down the existing barriers of competition. And it will be beneficial to the smaller homes.”