Village Green facelift sign of successful year: Pierce
Friday, November 25, 2005 -- Craig Anderson
Walking every morning through the main lobby of Village Green, Linda Pierce gets a constant reminder of the long-term care home's successes in 2005.

The recent renovations – a $300,000 plus facelift of the lobby and nursing station – have the home looking “stunning,” says the administrator. The renovations, plus a more consistent occupancy rate, are directly connected, she adds.

“Our investment in the home has people talking in the community,” says Linda, noting that a number of temporary residents – previously living in Kingston – decided to stay permanently in the Selby-based long-term care home rather than return to their hometown to enter a different residence.

“It’s made a huge difference, it’s been so positively received,” she says.

Consistent and improved communication with the local community care access centre, and regular features of the home – veteran staff, one level physical layout, and a homey atmosphere – have also contributed to the home’s success in minimizing empty beds.

OMNI-directed projects have had an appreciable impact during the past year, adds Linda. The PointClickCare software program, which is currently in initial implementation stages, has been positively received.

An in-house physiotherapy program undertaken by restorative care aide Carol Crawford is already showing positive results in maintaining resident mobility.

“Initiatives like this have enhanced our services. Anything that helps with quality of life for the residents is very important,” she says.

'Respect Always', an anti-bullying, anti-abuse training initiative currently being implemented OMNI-wide by Denise Koster, a consultant, has been an “opportunity for growth,” says Linda.

Despite a low turnout to the first round of sessions – each home will receive three day-long sessions identifying types of abuse in long-term care and establishing protocols – staff have been sharing the information out on the floor, says Linda.

“It really touched some of the staff,” she says.

In the coming year, Linda would like Village Green to play an increased “host” role for OMNI initiatives, expanding its position as strategically located hub for meetings and planning sessions.

“We would like to continue to utilize our home to bring the OMNI family together,” says Linda, recalling their participation in being a planning centre for the back care initiative.

Recalling 2005 on a macro level, Linda feels that Village Green inches closer towards reaching the guiding principles underlying successful long-term care provision.

“We’ve achieved a lot. Everybody has an opportunity to embrace relationships and education initiatives. This is about helping to support people period. My consistent message is this – we’re meant to do good things.”