“The big thing is teamwork,” explains Elmhurst, who previously worked as a registered nurse at Pleasant Meadow Manor.  “Everyone working together to give these people the best that they deserve in life.”

Since joining the Peterborough long-term care home in February, Elmhurst says it has been her goal to enhance communication skills and education, which results in a stronger team. 

Providing education is also a goal of OMNI’s, which makes new training incentives easy, adds Elmhurst. Registered staff at Riverview just completed the Geriatric Assessment course and the home is planning on pursuing new educational areas in the community.

While education and communication are important, a cohesive team also needs to feel empowered, which Elmhurst says is created by encouraging participation during decision making and offering staff new opportunities.

Since Elmhurst joined the home, Melissa O’Neill, nursing administrative service manager (NASM), says staff have been given new roles and a chance to try different things.

“Lori makes each one of us feel important,” says O’Neill who adds staff are able to build on their abilities through new roles and opportunities.

In the future, Elmhurst says her main goal is to continue to focus on relationships, developing a good rapport with staff and residents.

“In the next few months it’s getting to know one another and gaining trust and building a strong home,” says Elmhurst.

Does your home have a method or practice used to create a strong team? Stories are often generated by the feedback we receive. To share your stories contact the newsroom at (800) 291-0051 or e-mail camille(at)axiomnews.ca.