Open dialogue eases transition into long-term care
Thursday January 31, 2008 -- Deron Hamel
Not all residents in long-term care want to be there and it’s important for staff members to let these residents and their families know that they understand and empathize with this, says Betty Brisco.

Brisco, administrator and director of care at Maplewood in Brighton, says that by communicating to residents and their family members that you understand their concerns helps ease everyone’s mind.

“The ultimate goal is to pleasantly surprise them as to how full their lives can be with all the services, love and care given in the home,” she adds.

On average, Brisco says Maplewood has about 12-14 admissions per year. Prior to admission, new residents and their family members are given a tour of the home. Everyone is invited to stay for lunch on admission day. This allows the resident and their family members the opportunity to meet residents and have staff members answer any questions they may have.

“Some questions, such as ‘when can we visit?’ (or) ‘can we take her or him out?’ occasionally indicates that there is a lot of education needed in the general public with regard to nursing homes, and knowing that this is their loved one’s home in every sense, helps reduce the anxiety,” says Brisco.

When a new resident moves into the home, the entire team at Maplewood gets involved. Staff members help create a family atmosphere and get acquainted with the resident.

Life enrichment co-ordinator Chris Charlebois will show the new resident the social calendar of events. Nutritional care manager Karen Jeffs will spend time with the resident to evaluate the resident’s dietary needs. Clinical care co-ordinator Linda O’Hara will talk with the resident about their likes and dislikes.

To help make the transition into the long-term care home more smooth, Brisco notes that residents are also encouraged to bring as many personal belongings, such as their favourite furniture and pictures.

At the time of admission, residents are also provided with an assessment by a physiotherapist to evaluate whether or not therapy is needed.

Residents are also invited to attend resident council meetings, which are a monthly forum for residents to discuss issues and concerns in the home. Council president Ralph Bell welcomes new residents during each meeting.

Brisco adds that Maplewood has an open-door policy when it comes to discussing issues with family members.

“There is never a bad time to chat,” she says.