Advanced program planning benefits residents and staff
Friday March 7, 2008 -- Camille Jensen
Creating an annual theme for programming not only gives staff a great planning model, it provides continuity for residents, says Heather Whitfield.

Whitfield, director of programs and services at Country Terrace, says the idea to create an annual theme for programming first came up when she realized events at the London-area long-term care home were unrelated and somewhat jumbled.

Feeling programming could benefit with more structure, Whitfield initiated what would become an annual “planning day.”

The planning day occurs every December when Whitfield and the rest of the staff take a one-day retreat at Windermere Manor to plan their annual theme for programming, including 12 monthly features.

This year’s theme, “the classics,” emphasizes and promotes high quality, above-the-norm standards. Classics such as cars, fashion and music will be presented and celebrated each month.

For the month of February, Whitfield and her staff worked programming around classical music. Bringing in a pianist, Whitfield says the event centred on love songs and romance.

Continuing through the classics for 2008, the theme for March is fine dining. Whitfield is planning a number of etiquette workshops with a reward of fine food.

Whitfield says programming is easier once a broad framework is already planned. She uses Country Terrace’s newsletter to advertise upcoming monthly themes, which allows everyone to contribute and participate in future activities.

“We advertise in the newsletter and the staff see it, residents see it and families see it.   Everyone can get involved,” says Whitfield who adds that families often enjoy contributing to the events.

Previous year's themes have included travel and self help. Whitfield says the travel theme took residents all over the world and provided opportunities for a variety of new and diverse meals. The annual self-help theme featured articles on self-improvement, spa days and in-depth profiles on advocates like Oprah Winfrey.

Whitfield says she’d like to make local business a theme in the upcoming years. Featuring a local business each month, Whitfield feels it would be a great way to get the community involved.

Using her planning method for more than 12 years, Whitfield recently brought her idea to an Ontario Long-Term Care Association (OLTCA) conference.  She feels other homes could benefit from her planning strategy.

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