“Therapy supplies” perfect compliment to wound care program - Chartier
Wednesday, October 26, 2005 -- Craig Anderson
Despite the many wound care successes seen through the “Healthy Living, Healthy Skin” program and its entrenchment as a comprehensive therapeutic method home-wide, many OMNI staff were noticing that one element – preventative measures – wasn’t being addressed.

The symptoms – pressure wounds largely resulting from poor positioning and the use of inappropriate chairs and transportation devices – were being expertly treated while the causes remained constant and recurrent.

“We have this great skin program in place now and the use of advanced products, and yet you could have someone sitting in the wrong chair, causing their skin to break down,” says Candace Chartier, OMNI Operations.

The idea to find a sole supplier/vendor offering all 16 OMNI with safe and suitable equipment to prevent a reduction of repeat wound symptoms began a year ago, says Candace. After consultation with four organizations, one standout – Therapy Supplies – was chosen.

“They just blew us away,” says Candace.

It was Therapy Supplies congruence with OMNI’s values, and their comprehensive and individualized service system that most appealed to OMNI’s home office.

“We’re also dealing with people being in the appropriate chairs and surfaces now, and getting the mobility needs that they require and enhance their quality of living,” says Candace.

Therapy Supplies come in on a weekly basis, document each resident’s particular needs, do a variety of in-services for staff, provide cleaning and maintenance clinic four times a year. A support person, visiting weekly, will relieve many OMNI maintenance staff, who often troubleshoot mechanical snafus on the fly. Ongoing consultation with residents is an aspect of the Therapy Supplies service that was particularly appealing to Candace.

“Ultimately it’s all about resident choice,” she says. “The residents will see the benefits.”

As the contract isn’t based upon sales, says Candace, but upon values and a mutual understanding of resident-focused care, Therapy Supplies is, according to Fraser Wilson, OMNI’s CEO, a synergistic partner.

“They really focus on the residents as opposed to the corporation,” says Candace, who is currently on a ‘roadshow’ with Don McKay, Therapy Supplies vice-president. Each resident is documented in a log, detailing their needs and the last time their product was serviced.

“We’re showcasing and enhancing the partnership,” says Candace.