Story Archives 2003

December 31, 2003
The way long-term care is funded frustrating: Pierce

December 30, 2003
Attracting students to long-term care
Lawlor says placements a great way for students to make a contribution

December 24, 2003
Let the human spirit inspire you

Residents share memories of Christmas-past

December 23, 2003
Christmas Trivia creates festive buzz at Rosebridge

December 22, 2003
Maplewood employee helps residents send holiday wishes

December 19, 2003
Supportive measures has come a long way

December 18, 2003
Strategic plan, consistent funding keys to improve system

December 17, 2003
Life ‘Merry’ for Willows resident these days

December 16, 2003
Hope Fund a hit at Garden Terrace

December 15, 2003
Staff ‘living’ and ‘breathing’ supportive measures: Riel

December 12, 2003
‘Honeymooners’ at Woodland much in love

December 11, 2003
Residents enjoying life at Maplewood

December 10, 2003
Administrators say Star articles provide good contrast for OMNI homes

December 9, 2003
Homes safer than Star report suggests

Public health not right fit for compliance

December 8, 2003
Staff work as team to increase new resident's comfort level

December 5, 2003
Springdale staff adjust care routines to suit resident

Long-term care - A CEO’s perspective of his people

December 4, 2003
Local hotel staff treat residents to dinner and concert

December 3, 2003
Manager training draws praise from participants

Riverview Manor opens doors to visitors

It’s time to stand up

December 2, 2003
'Two Can Dine' a hit at Riverview

December 1, 2003
Helping residents 'live their lives to fullest potential': Fraser

November 28, 2003
Breakfast on the barbecue?

November 27, 2003
One new case of flu at Riverview

November 26, 2003
Staff designs multi-sensory room for resident

November 25, 2003
Burnbrae staff building the Christmas spirit

November 24, 2003
Three cases of flu at Riverview Manor

November 20, 2003
Teamwork, host of interventions bring
resident around

November 21, 2003
Staff employs supportive measures to uncover the man behind the medication

November 19, 2003
Brain Gym could benefit staff, says Anderson

November 18, 2003
Three staff members at Burnbrae take manager training through OMNI

November 17, 2003
Mind-body connection explored at Burnbrae

November 14, 2003
Pie contest offers up good taste and good memories

November 13, 2003
School children buddy up with residents for reading

Dietary aide submits poems to activation department

November 12, 2003
Garden Terrace residents remember the fallen of war

November 11, 2003
Residents anticipate arrival of new van

November 10, 2003
‘Sewing With Kathy’ a hit with residents

November 7, 2003
Resident’s tablecloth takes first prize at fall fair

November 6, 2003
Province recognizes long-time Frost volunteer

November 5, 2003
OMNI leads the way in leadership training: Martyn

November 4, 2003
Nurse impressed with Village Green staff

November 3, 2003
Organized mayhem at Halloween celebrations

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October 31, 2003
‘It’s more important to know the individual than to know what the disease is’

October 30, 2003
Garden Terrace maps out creative solution for sign

October 29, 2003
OMNI waits to hear back from Oprah

Rosebridge residents recall school days

October 28, 2003
Annie gets birthday wish as she turns 104

October 27, 2003
Communities of practice seen as shaping positions, increasing commitment

October 24, 2003
Merry Walker improves resident’s independence, says DuBeau

New health and long-term care minister sworn in

October 23, 2003
Union-management relationship at Village Green strong

October 22, 2003
Communities of practice has caught on with emphasis on peer support

Employee celebrates 25 years at Rosebridge

October 21, 2003
Twelve from Village Green take palliative care course

Letter:
A Harvest Time Story

October 20, 2003
Willows staff, residents to volunteer at food bank

Food bags fill up at Village Green

October 17, 2003
Residents, chickens and goats, Oh my!

October 16, 2003
Families surprised life in long-term care so improved: Access Centre

Son says mom enjoys the attention around her wish

October 15, 2003
Village Green staff learn importance of others’ roles

October 14, 2003
Learning some practical lessons at leadership training

October 10, 2003
Inventive metaphors important for understanding elder concept: Professor

Maplewood celebrates autumn with Applefest Bake-Off

October 9, 2003
Participants reap benefits from management training

'I think it will be a thrilling experience for mom'

October 8, 2003
Directors of Care share best practices at Forest Hill

October 7, 2003
A conversation with Leah Poirier

October 6, 2003
Surko heads for the Hill

25 years of warmth and laughter at Village Green

October 3, 2003
Letters to be sent to Oprah

October 2, 2003
Baljit’s day
Garden Terrace nurse shows value of purpose, money and benefits

October 1, 2003
Students are welcome addition at Burnbrae Gardens

Village Green maps out plan for residents

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September 30, 2003
Family member collects 120 signatures for Grace

Calling all departments to join OMNI strategy team

September 29, 2003
Supportive measures specialists learn how to be assertive

The lives of cats and dogs at Village Green

September 26, 2003
The most compatible couple ever says goodbye: 'Marion will not be forgotten'

Pleasant Meadow edges Riverview for baseball trophy

September 25, 2003
Grace’s Wish gaining momentum

Community supports Grace’s Wish at barbecue

From the Norwood Register
Meeting Oprah would be a dream come true

September 24, 2003
From the Community Press
Oprah, you've a big fan in Norwood who wants to meet you

Frost grants first wish for resident

Hard work and OMNI bursary pays off for Chris

September 23, 2003
Grace’s Wish theme of upcoming picnic

Sims pitches in to bathe agitated resident

September 22, 2003
Grace's Wish: Feature
Grace’s journey in life leads to Oprah

New staff praise friendly atmosphere at Rosebridge

September 19, 2003
Pleasant Meadow makes dreams come true

Greco looks to bring Brain Gym to Burnbrae

September 18, 2003
Norwood community starts pulling for Grace’s Wish

Frost Manor collects resident wishes from wishing well

September 17, 2003
Home office backs Grace’s quest
to meet Oprah

Family Tree Campaign helps grow garden at Village Green

September 16, 2003
A conversation with Shawn Riel

Dietary aide walks a mile in resident’s shoes

Wishing well to arrive at Frost

September 15, 2003
Lessard returns to Woodland with usual flair

Home grants residents’ wishes

September 12, 2003
Willows want more community linkages

LEC, volunteer keep in touch over the years

Village Green resident profile:
Resident experience shows power of hope, purpose, belonging

September 11, 2003
Frost aims to have wishing well by Monday

Staff to undergo sensitivity training

September 10, 2003
Dining with CARE assessment piloted

September 9, 2003
Riverview Manor looks for employee satisfaction

OMNI employees interested in ‘Make-a-Wish’

September 8, 2003
New supervisor at Norwood home has broad range of experience

Rosebridge residents exercise creativity with new art classes

September 5, 2003
Central region office managers meet and share challenges, successes

Final days of specialist training nears


September 4, 2003
Resident’s wish to meet Oprah

Office managers meet in first communities-of-practice setting

September 3, 2003
Springdale creates three dining rooms, quieter atmosphere

Woodland is a family affair for three generations

September 2, 2003
Five at Streamway take wound care course

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August 29, 2003
Dorothy's relationships stand the test of time

New advisory committee at Frost links each department

August 28, 2003
Respiratory illness restricts visitors at two homes in Peterborough

Village Green has reasons to celebrate

August 27, 2003
PSW seeks better co-ordination between departments

Improving staffing, scheduling the focus for two NCMs

August 26, 2003
Management style key to retaining staff in Ottawa homes

August 25, 2003
Staffing schedule changes could take the pressure off

Karl naps in the clover

August 22, 2003
More staff, patience needed say Forest Hill employees

More staff would remove pressure, make job more meaningful, workers say

August 21, 2003
Relationships top characteristic of good work life for two staffers

Friendships span generations at Frost

August 20, 2003
Kentwood sets up central station for emergencies

Frost, Caressant Care teamup during blackout

Residents make classic preserves
at Frost

August 19, 2003
Glitch in mag lock system discovered during blackout

Home-wide effort turns Willows’
kitchen around

New Snoezelen room calms residents
with dementia

August 18, 2003
High energy despite power outage at Frost Manor

Photographer's Notebook
Blackout taken in stride at Springdale

Manager sees communication improve with central log

August 14, 2003
NCM meeting supplies food for thought

Aromas permeate from dining room
at Streamway

ESMs finally get together to tackle common challenges

August 13, 2003
Evaluation information must be shared
to be useful

Evaluation useful for high-risk areas,
job routines: Lester

August 12, 2003
Funding increase to create full-time NCM positions

It’s all about Dining with CARE

August 11, 2003
Garden Terrace officially opens doors

Central orientation a good idea: Hadley

August 8, 2003
Fire catalyzes multidose introduction at two homes

August 7, 2003
Creation of video library welcomed by NCMs

Nutritional care task force selects superior food

August 6, 2003
Good orientation retains conscientious employees

Volunteer honoured with OLTCA Circle of Excellence

August 5, 2003
Peterborough zoo trip for three homes a big hit

August 1, 2003
Orientation package must push family-oriented vision

Maplewood impressed with supplier's compassion

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July 31, 2003
NCM with health care background joins Woodland

Woodland's new administrator has social services background

July 30, 2003
Three quarters of new funding went to nursing, personal care

Fire at Burnbrae Gardens forces evacuation of home

July 29, 2003
Weights, appetites improve with larger meal at lunch

Community involvement one idea for retention

July 28, 2003
New friendships formed at Springdale

Pleasant Meadow streamlines communication log

July 25, 2003
Celebrating a job well done at Springdale

July 24, 2003
Nutritional care managers enjoy networking

Managers aim to better connect with night shifts

July 23, 2003
Home office, communities of practice have role to play in orientation process

Family requests central communication board

July 22, 2003
Consistent OMNI-wide orientation package seen as worthwhile

'She is well taken care of'

July 21, 2003
Women travel long distance to visit grandfather

‘The biggest increase in the history of dietary’

July 18, 2003
Residents treated to lunch at employee’s home

‘Genesis of trust’ part of the groundwork of orientation

July 17, 2003
Condiments go a long way at Burnbrae

Supportive measures first approach to resident care at Riverview

July 16, 2003
Staff member organizes Native Studies Week

Pierce sees evaluation as a key opportunity

July 15, 2003
Village Green teams up with local contractor

Compare apples to apples for home's evaluation

July 14, 2003
Alzheimer society funds music therapy program

Signature programs good start for evaluation: Surko

July 11, 2003
Criteria needed to establish best practices

Resident satisfaction blooms with garden

July 10, 2003
NASM ready for new role

Fruit bounty for Rosebridge residents

‘We want an evolution of the eating experience’

July 9, 2003
Couple shares romantic evening
at Pleasant Meadow

Evaluation must focus on people over stats: Sims

July 8, 2003
Putting the finishing touches on Springdale

Whatman runs with retention

Construction piques residents’ interest

July 7, 2003
Chevrier, other PSWs redo Frost's orientation package

Maplewood staff learn benefits of massage

Resident loves ‘cozy’ room at Springdale

July 4, 2003
Garden takes on new dual role

New Springdale springs into view for residents

Proposed infection control project gaining support

July 3, 2003
Burr takes on NASM duties at Frost

Powers sees role for pharmacies to educate staff on treatment options

July 2, 2003
Cooking club has therapeutic benefits

Manager or expert: Room at the COP table for both

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June 30, 2003
Sims organizes Frost multidisciplinary team

The power of ‘puppy love’

June 27, 2003
Volatile organic compounds must be considered in long-term care

Lester prepares to offer OMNI a new infection control focus

Editorial:
The beautiful, messy stuff of doing strategy

June 26, 2003
Fraser excited that communities of practice can create specializations

Springdale residents and staff prepare for new wing

June 25, 2003
Technology, assessments the core of nursing today

Payne looks to OMNI to look to her

June 24, 2003
Village Green makes great strides in nutritional care

First community of practice meeting productive for central region

June 23, 2003
New approach to wound care brought to Village Green by nurse

SARS screening in place at central, eastern homes

June 20, 2003
Merkley, Payne create system to measure nutritional care in detail

Parnell leaves administrator role in favour of nursing opportunity at Springdale

June 19, 2003
Whatman brings an eclectic mix of talents to Riverview

OMNI partners with MultiGen HealthCare

June 18, 2003
Deepak Chopra a hit with OMNI seminar attendees

Employee hopes others see value of Sparkling Specs

June 17, 2003
Shawn, Fraser to embark on road trip

Springdale opening around the corner

June 16, 2003
Lester prods Ministry to retain infirmaries for new homes

Forest Hill has no unmet standards in compliance review

Staff taps into resident individuality during SARS scare

June 13, 2003
White was among the 'original six' for communities of practice

Student discovers link between sight, appetite

June 12, 2003
Lester considers leading infection control project

New projects will keep people engaged, says Fraser

June 11, 2003
Redecorated palliative room offers comfort, privacy

Residents want more input into activities, says Neadow

Resident brings love of cards to computer age

June 10, 2003
Willistead Inn employee excited about supportive measures

MacDonald says first COP meeting was ‘long overdue’

June 9, 2003
‘I want the best for them’

Resident’s shopping wish granted

June 6, 2003
Dance with resident reinforces student's career choice

Administrators' first gathering a lively one

June 5, 2003
New wound care special project about to begin

Satellite television beams its way into Village Green

Residents' unique bond improves quality of life

June 4, 2003
Supportive measures goes beyond residents

June 3, 2003
Village Green is a focal point of community, says Pierce

Village Green gives residents say in dining experience

June 2, 2003
Families expect residents to be engaged, says Braemar activity director

Residents cross Canada for fitness and fulfillment

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May 30, 2003
Task-focused mindset can stall supportive measures

Garden Terrace to catch up on supportive measures

May 29, 2003
DOC says expectations in long-term care have changed dramatically

Restorative exercise room builds strength, confidence

May 28, 2003
Balance needed between high-tech, home comfort, say Samuelson and Sims

OMNI stands out at YWCA Walk-A-Thon

Editorial:
Projects to sink your teeth into

May 27, 2003
Supportive measures training kicks into high gear

Willows’ new team elated with Ministry report – no unmet standards

Dance brings community to Garden Terrace

May 26, 2003
Poirier clarifies menus, issues of standardization

Supportive measures helps residents deal with stress

May 23, 2003
Art programs bring the joy of creativity to residents

Don diversifies, takes on Tena

May 22, 2003
Garden Terrace to ease into supportive measures

Smart tag best used to extend independent living, says Powers

Springdale leads OMNI for in-service attendance

May 21, 2003
Residents find good memories in music

Communities of practice hot topic at retreat

May 20, 2003
Kerr has dual roles at regional meetings

Office manager looks forward to meeting peers

May 16, 2003
Fleming to research smart locator tags to improve quality of life for elderly

Samuelson says staff play important role in promoting home

Supportive measures helps staff get to know residents better: LEC

May 15, 2003
Communities of practice welcomed by two maintenance managers

‘I’m not just looking at the situation at face value'

Multidose a quick success:Dainard

May 14, 2003
Moms treated to luxuries at Frost

Willows veteran moves into first management role as ESM

Personal support worker keen to learn assessment tools

May 13, 2003
Health care aide says networking key to improving care

May 12, 2003
Hot bug warms, focuses residents

Nurse sold on primary care nursing

May 9, 2003
Riel chooses 39 to take specialist course

Homes celebrate National Nursing Week

Letter:
Instead of pointing fingers, you held out your hands

Editorial:
OMNI’s soul about to be liberated

May 8, 2003
Recruitment and retention tied into communities of practice

Tena program one month away from OMNI-wide implementation

May 7, 2003
DOCs look forward to establishing community of practice

OMNI’s education initiatives set it apart from its peers says Powers

May 6, 2003
Primary care nursing benefits residents, staff

Deb hopes Sparkling Specs increase appetites

May 5, 2003
Village Green, Maplewood excited about 'communities of practice'

Excellent accreditation report expected by Village Green's administrator

May 2, 2003
Staff eases resident stress when family members part

Anniversary dinner rekindles relationships at Pleasant Meadow

May 1, 2003
West Lake accreditation goes ahead despite the shadow of SARS

Volunteers treated to royalty at Frost Manor

Maplewood offers pacemaker checks to community

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April 30, 2003
Lifting of quarantine an emotional catharsis for West Lake

New manager works to streamline recipes

Nisbet to represent Woodland
at provincial Family Council conference

April 29, 2003
Tena glitches smoothed over at Frost Manor

Plans for Frost Manor therapeutic garden to be finalized soon

April 28, 2003
Visit to staff member's farm hooks old memories

Analysis
There’s a leadership role for long-term care in communities

Daughter thanks staff at Maplewood

April 25, 2003
Painter brightens up Kentwood Park

Nisbet to teach human resources at Kemptville College in the fall

April 24, 2003
Health care aide employs supportive therapy training

Residents up on technology at Kentwood Park

April 23, 2003
Nisbet says long-term care homes can be great community resources

Tena to be scrutinized at non-OMNI home after SARS restrictions lifted

West Lake ends quarantine

April 22, 2003
Easter parade and bonnet-making a big hit with Maplewood residents

Renovations at Springdale taking form

April 21, 2003
Communities of practice to get kick-start in May

Staff still wearing protective gear

April 17, 2003
Rosebridge makes presentation to hospital

Riverview administrator says home should focus on strengths, not weaknesses

April 16, 2003
Sensory cloth soothes agitated resident

Matwey zeros in on recruitment, retention and community partnerships

April 15, 2003
Payne’s new role will establish outcome-based results for OMNI

Resident able to stop using feeding tube

April 14, 2003
Greco says being aware of potential new recruits an ongoing mission

Editorial:
Supportive measures story foretells the future of OMNI

Dainard says work with competition to be effective

April 11, 2003
Dubeau works to raise profile of Willows

Greco sees Burnbrae growing stronger in community

April 10, 2003
Preliminary report rules out SARS at West Lake

Chilton says happy staff, residents will ensure Frost continues to stay strong

April 9, 2003
West Lake staff members in quarantine

'If they look nicer, they feel better about themselves'

April 8, 2003
Hobbs says presentations in community may help define Rosebridge in coming year

Rosebridge forms team to reduce skin breakdown

April 7, 2003
Almonte administrator examines home's role in community

What administrators want

Co-op at Riverview becoming quite a success

April4, 2003
OMNI moves to lessen layoffs with Provincial budget increase

Willows overcomes SARS scare

April 3, 2003
OMNI moves to keep SARS out of homes

Supportive measures, falls prevention among key initiatives at Almonte

Upcoming training to name supportive measures specialists

Letter:
What a team!

April 2, 2003
OMNI restricts visitors, staff in fight against SARS

Rosebridge studies role of therapists in supportive measures

Specialist excited to see others embrace supportive measures

April 1, 2003
New administrator brings wide array of experience to leadership role

Recruitment and retention on the mind of Hadley

Something smells good at Streamway

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March 31, 2003
OLTCA campaign a success, says Fraser, as $100 million in funds announced

Supportive measures community meets in Peterborough

Editorial:
Projects must be sold not told

March 28, 2003
Supportive measures forces staff to make tough choices

‘We’re trying to give her a better life’

Letter:
'Our sincere thanks to all involved'

March 27, 2003
'Whenever they need help, I'm there'

April connects her LEC duties with supportive measures, palliative care

Residents take active role during meal time

March 26, 2003
‘A cup of tea is the least I can do’

Letter:
Resident happy with life at Frost

MPP asks Ecker, Clement to increase long-term care funding

March 25, 2003
Hospital calls on Burnbrae wound care expert

OMNI values tailor made to link recruitment and retention: Greco

Sense of purpose banishes depression for residents, says nurse

March 24, 2003
Fraser ready to implement new focus on OMNIway leadership campaign

Wound care, restorative feeding two Maplewood focuses in coming year

Garden Terrace welcomes community to home

March 21, 2003
Health care aide sold on supportive measures

Family delivers 56 bottles of wine to home

Editorial:
Projects provide exacting structure for focus on the future

March 20, 2003
Friendly visitor arrives at Rosebridge

In the absence of history, there is only potential to work with, says Payne

Pleasant Meadow’s staff reductions on the mind of administrator

March 19, 2003
Staff puts supportive measures to work in dining room

White says occupancy and upgrading home’s decorating are priorities

March 18, 2003
Resident ‘glows’ when music’s involved

Home should create a presence in the community: administrator

March 17, 2003
Wendt says projects need to be taken on slowly to ensure success

Springdale renovation getting residents excited

March 14, 2003
Editorial:
Campaign success and multidose dialogue

Merge of OMNI, pharmacy manuals to smooth multidose ripples

West Lake to concentrate on occupancy issues

March 13, 2003
Administrator says homes need to network more in the community

Multidose starts up ‘without a hitch’ at Frost

Committee to improve communication, empower staff

March 12, 2003
Administrator, staff say they would never go back to old medication system

Streamway hits its stride with multidose

March 11, 2003
Sing-a-longs, crafts don’t appeal to male residents

Do your share, say 76,000

March 10, 2003
Five homes present MPP with hundreds of signatures for long-term care dollars

OMNI gathers 20 per cent of OLTCA cards