Collaboration encouraged for new restorative meal program
Homes put their heads together for best results
Thursday March 13, 2008 -- Camille Jensen
Hoping to cook up ideas for a new restorative meal program, Kathy Herron is encouraging OMNI homes to share their knowledge.
As restorative care aide at Pleasant Meadow Manor, Herron believes more collaboration on restorative meal programming could help create a program adaptable for all 17 homes.
The Norwood long-term care home already has a well-established program but says new ideas are always welcome.
“A home 45 minutes away could have a wonderful idea but I’ve never seen it,” she says.
Herron thinks adding new tools to every activity department would give the homes a chance to experiment and see what works. She says simple things, like the size of a glass, can have a big impact for the resident.
The home is planning to work with Springdale Country Manor, which also has an accomplished restorative meal program.
Anne Dillon, life-enrichment co-ordinator at Springdale, says her program is successful because staff members follow through with each and every resident.
“We find out what works for each resident and we show them how to use different devices,” explains Dillon.
She says every resident on admission goes through a trial meal period tracked by herself, a dietician and the nutritional care manager.
Staff can also refer a resident back to the restorative meal program if they feel a reassessment is needed. At that time, the diet is reviewed and changes are made.
The home has also recently added admission and discharge forms, a step recommended to Dillon by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
Both Herron and Dillon feel their programs have something to offer other homes.
Plans for a future program are still in the early stages but any home interested in sharing their tips can contact Kathy Herron at Pleasant Meadows Manor at (705) 639-5308.
If you have feedback on this story, please call the newsroom at (800) 294-0051 or e-mail camille(at)axiomnews.ca.
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