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A Community Paper sharing the stories of the largest not-for-profit continuing care organization in Atlantic Canada Fall 2019
Volume 2, Issue 2
October is Continuing Care Month
Pride Celebrations with Northwood! Page 3
Petting Zoos!
Page 9
Seeds of Success helps you Spread your Wings Page 10
Frozen Food Program comes to Northwood Page 12
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A Message from Janet Simm, President & CEO After serving four years as Chair of the Northwood Board of Governors, Peter Wilde is handing the reigns over to current board member Dr. Rhonda Church. I want to thank Peter for his dedication to Northwood’s vision over the years. Dr. Church has been on the Northwood Board since 2014. As the new Chair, she will lead our board as they establish the new strategic plan for the organization and develop governance policies that provide clear direction to myself as CEO, for
the successful operation of Northwood. Our board also welcomes three new public members – Alden Appleby, Gavin Stuttard, and Paula Wedge. October is a special month at Northwood because teams across the organization are celebrating Continuing Care Month. Every year, we take this time to recognize the contribution made by thousands of dedicated and compassionate people who have chosen to work in the continuing care field. We are also celebrating those
Northwood staff members who have dedicated years of service at our Long Service Awards. Each year, it fills me with so much pride to see how so many staff members have chosen to call Northwood their employer for so many years. See the list of staff receiving awards on page 5. I also want to send a very special thank you to our residents, tenants and our clients who let us into their homes and into their lives. Whether in one of our Northwood buildings or in
the community, it’s our privilege to call your home our place of work. On behalf of Northwood’s Board of Governors, the leadership team and everyone we serve, I thank our staff for making everything we do here at Northwood possible.
October is Continuing Care Month October is Continuing Care Month! The theme, Continuing Care: Your Home, Our Passion, reflects the aim of continuing care services to help people to live well in the place they can call home. It also reinforces the commitment and compassion of the many people who have chosen this caring field of employment. Use the #ShareTheCare throughout the month to share your positive stories about working in continuing care. This month, we want to take the time to thank the dedicated staff who make everything we do here at Northwood possible. From works together to ensure long term care to volunteering, home care to recreation that we deliver the best care possible. therapy, food services to social work – every department Be on the lookout for spe-
cial events and initiatives coming up throughout the month of October! There will be extra casual days, pizza
parties, barbecues and other special treats – our way of saying thank you to all of our staff for everything they do!
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Pride Celebrations with Northwood! We had a fantastic time celebrating Pride with our staff, clients and the community in July! We kicked Pride Celebrations off with flag raising ceremonies and cakes in Halifax, Bedford and the Corporate Office. In Halifax, A Tiny Lab daycare joined us for a mini Pride parade through Main Street and Andy Fillmore, MP joined us for the ceremony. In Bedford, Geoff Regan, MP, Kelly Regan, MLA and Lisa Blackburn, City Councillor joined us for the ceremony. On July 20, a group of staff, volunteers and residents marched in the Pride parade. Despite the crazy heat, we still had an awesome time showing our support for the 2SLGBTQ+ community! After the parade, Northwood staff hosted a booth in the Health & Wellness section of the fair at the Garrison Grounds, informing folks of the great things we do at Northwood and recruiting new employees. Throughout the Pride Week, we had Live More, Love More circles distributed throughout all of the sites encouraging staff to write messages of appreciation for their coworkers. We also had matching t-shirts that we gave out to staff and residents, running contests to win some on our social media pages and on the Northwood Hub! Pride Week is always such a fun time and we can’t wait to do it all again next summer.
The Pride flag is raised at the Bedford Campus by Janet Simm & Melanie Gaunt. The Pride flag is raised at the Halifax Campus by Janet Simm, Andy Fillmore, MP & Judy Duval.
Northwood staff Tisha White, Shelley James, Robyn Bentley & Peter Bentley at the Health & Wellness section of the post-parade fair.
Northwood residents, staff and volunteers march in the Pride parade on July 20.
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No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the prior written consent of the publisher.
PUBLISHER Northwood Communications EDITOR Jenna Farrell COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING SPECIALIST Stephanie McDougall 902-493-3016 smcdougall@nwood.ns.ca COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANTS Jenna Farrell 902-454-3342 jenna.farrell@nwood.ns.ca Alyson Estey 902-454-3377 alyson.estey@nwood.ns.ca GRAPHIC DESIGNER Erin Gidney PRODUCTION MANAGER Vicki Hines PRINTING Advocate Printing & Publishing
FOR ADVERTISING SALES CONTACT: publishers@metroguide.ca Tel. 902-420-9943 For more information, please contact Northwood Corporate Office, Suite 1 South, 130 Eileen Stubbs Ave., Dartmouth, NS B3B 2C4 902-425-2273 information@nwood.ns.ca www.northwood.care
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CBBC Career College Students complete CCA Program at Northwood portunity to work creates a CCA Development Officer sense of belonging. It does my heart good to hear the In January, Northwood en- residents call the students by tered into a unique and excit- name and vice versa when ing partnership with CBBC they meet. To me personally, Career College and opened this is the end goal – supporting the residents and develour doors to students enrolled in their CCA Program. oping trusting relationships Northwood played a vital that last for many years to role in working closely with come.” CBBC Career College and Throughout the delivery the CCA Instructors, ensurof the CCA Program, the ing the classrooms and labs students have had an opportunity to get to know Northwere equipped with what wood as an organization, our the students needed for a successful learning environ- residents in our long term ment. We were very happy to care facilities, our clients in accommodate all the clinical our homecare environment practicum placements for and our amazing staff. the students, giving them “Apart from the amazing the opportunity to apply the clinical opportunities provided by Northwood to the skills and theory learned in the classroom and build close students of CBBC, it is the small class size and curricurelationships with our CCA lum that makes the program staff. “One of the things that re- absolutely incredible,” says ally have benefited the stuMichael G. Vendivel, recent dents was developing close graduate of the CBBC CCA relationships with the facili- Program. “You will work in ty staff, volunteers, residents, small groups to learn in ways and residents families," similar to the inter-professays Cheryl Nickerson, CCA sional collaboration you’ll need as a new graduate. The Instructor with CBBC. “The partnership with Northwood people in the program will make your experience unforand CBBC Career College gettable. I’ve made important has helped students support their individual growth connections with instructors which in turn inspires them and healthcare professionals and lasting relationships to be dedicated employees with the Northwood staff. I supporting Northwood residents in their homes. The have gained knowledge and spirit of studying at a facilskills including: developing, ity where you have an opimplementing and evaluatSubmitted by Cheryl King,
ing intervention in handling older adults and other clients living in the facility.” We were proud to share in the milestones of the CBBC students, from watching them walk across the stage receiving their CCA certificates to holding our own celebration to recognize their accomplishment at the completion of their program. “As one of the recent grads from CBBC in the CCA program that was partnered with Northwood my experience was something I will never forget,” says Danielle Burris, recent graduate of the CBBC CCA Program. “These 10 months allowed me to gain training and become more confident about myself and my new career. Northwood is amazing and I had an overall great experience. The staff are all hard working and care about what they are doing. I am proud to say that I am now employed by Northwood and hope to continue my journey with this organization for the rest of my working career.” We wish all the CBBC students who shared in the learning experience at Northwood a very successful and fulfilling career as a CCA. Good luck to you all as you prepare for your CCA certification exam in October.
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2019 Northwood Long Service Award Recipients Long Term Care Bedford Campus Nursing Services 10 Years Jennifer TuckerHughes Gillian Grudzinska Support Services 20 Years Johanne VanTassel 25 Years Graham Page Halifax Campus Nursing Services 10 Years Rosaria Mabiasan Shawna Fraser Marilyn Richardson Rose Allison Catherine Wessel Mary Agnew Sara Gebremeskel Grace Sheppard Krista Denton Isa Tubo Joan Robart 15 Years Greta Rainforth Lisa Colley Harun Motongwa Glenda Jackson Tanya Mombourquette 20 Years Tesfa Sahle 25 Years Donna MacKinnonClark Catherine Blackburn 30 Years Michelle MacDonald Susan MacKey 35 Years Cathie Baker Lisa Billo Laura Gabriel Denise Herring Rose Starzomski
40 Years Marion MacDonald Hospice 30 Years Mary Wylde Restorative Care 25 Years Lee Bagnell 35 Years Gail Giffin Resident Programs & Services 15 Years Michele Matthews Staffing Resources 10 Years Angela Turner 20 Years Lisa Oderkirk Food & Nutrition Services 10 Years Christopher Barnett Mary Anne Xiao Charles Gough Dongfang Yang Tongtong Zhang 15 Years Stuart MacMullin Diane Butler Tanya Barry James Deagle Cheryl Burns 20 Years Karen Mullen 30 Years Janice Farmer Susan Gervais Suseela Vankamamidi Ruth Thompson 40 Years Myley Myra
Environmental Services 10 Years Nicole Paris 15 Years Andrew Bugden Juanita Clarke 20 Years Lisa Beaver 25 Years Arlene Boudreau 30 Years Michelle Boudreau Joan Colbourne Program Support Payroll Services 25 Years Wendy Lavigne Reception 10 Years Sheila Hart 20 Years Heidi Powell Physical Plant 30 Years Parker Sparks Ramon Sison Daniel Chambers Foundation 10 Years Faye LeBlanc Homecare Intouch 20 Years Gregg Goulding 25 Years Colleen Borden Adult Day Program 10 Years Monica Baker 25 Years Rhonda Smith Donna MacDonald
30 Years Laura Armstrong Client Care 20 Years Shelley Powell 25 Years Hope Saunders Administration 20 Years Leslie Bellefontaine Home Support 10 Years Holly Johnstone Nicole Marsters Sascha Ott Susan MacDonald Karen Greenough Amanda McCullough Kathy Singer Katherine Sanford Shirley Wright Cindy Young Lorna Rhoddy 15 Years Gayla Kiley Amanda Harpelle Robyn Williams Madonna Martell Cheryl Allison Evelyn Hollett Scott Blackmore Ruth Bradley Kathy Jewers
20 Years Karen Tonet Barbara Walters Sherry Preeper Cindy Manser Lorraine Cavanagh Sheila Horne Lee LeaFloor Shelley Smith Laurel Wiseman Geraldine Buffett Charlane Starratt Debra Rogers Michelle Harvie Shauna Walker Doreen Goodwin Eileen Beaver Shirley Graham Lori Davis Catherine Little Nancy Smith Marie MacDonald 25 Years Kathleen O’Leary 30 Years Shirley McCarthy Judy Pettipas Staffing & Administrative Support 10 Years Willena Perry Troy McNamara 20 Years Elaine Blanchard Angalene Brewer Retirees Client Care (Homecare) 20 Years Margaret Saulnier 40 Years Wendy BrooksSlawter Food & Nutrition Services 30 Years Donna Forrestall
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Now Recruiting Mentors in Bedford and Halifax Northwood CCA mentors play an integral part in providing students the opportunity to apply and practice the theory they learn in their classrooms. Mentors also provide an opportunity to show that Northwood is an Employer of Choice
and an organization that is invested in providing quality care to our clients and residents. Mentorship placement is a great opportunity to recruit students to apply for CCA positions once they have completed their program.
We’re currently recruiting mentors at both our Halifax and Bedford campuses. Any CCA/PCW can become a mentor, and we provide the training! If you are interested in becoming a CCA Mentor and being part of the Northwood CCA team,
please contact Cheryl King, CCA Development Officer, at 902-454-3391 or cking@nwood. ns.ca. We need mentors to continue providing successful placements for students. You can make a difference!
Reception at Northwood The reception desk is the first thing you see when you walk into any of our campuses. The receptionists behind the desk work hard to make sure everyone knows where they’re going, finds who they’re looking for or is connected to who they’re trying to call. But, they do so much more than just these three things. “Our reception staff deal with emergency protocols, relaying important information to nursing staff, they build relationships with everyone in the building and help various Halifax Campus Receptionists Jackie Wilson and Annie Cheung. departments with their thing remains true everythe messages along and be admin tasks,” says Laura where, though: the desk is the keepers of that day’s inMorrison, Executive Assistant at Northwood. “They do a communications hub for formation.” so much more than answer While our receptionists everyone in the building. the phones.” always do their best to get all “A lot of the communications come through the Reception at our three the information out and get desk,” says Annie Cheung, campuses can look very difeverything done, working the ferent, with unique tasks and Receptionist at the Halifax reception desk can be very protocols at each site. One Campus. “We have to pass unpredictable with emer-
gency situations that come up. Some of the additional tasks that they’re asked to do may not get done because something else has to take priority. “Our biggest challenge is the unpredictability,” says Annie. “We can’t really prepare, whatever is going to happen is going to happen and we have to remain flexible.” Thankfully the reception team has assistance from all areas of the organization, with kindness and support from various departments. To help reception with some of the unpredictability, we’ve recently created a quiet area next to the reception desk in Halifax. Designating this space a quiet area aims to bring down the noise levels and distractions so our receptionists can better serve our community.
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The Northwood Foundation
September is Dignified Living Month Each September, the Northwood Foundation holds their annual Live More Walk in support of the Dignified Living Fund. Because the whole month of September is often spent gearing up for our walk, it is now becoming Dignified Living Month. Dignified Living Month was made official with a reading of a proclamation by the Mayor and the raising of a Northwood flag at Grand Parade Square in Halifax on September 25.
“We are thrilled that this year will mark the first time the Mayor will be proclaiming September as Dignified Living Month,” says Faye LeBlanc, Managing Director of the Northwood Foundation. “Dignity is something that everyone should have at every age and stage of their lives. Having September designated as Dignified Living Month allows us to focus on the importance of dignity while gearing up for our an-
Models for Mental Health
Presented by
Join us for an afternoon of fun and fashion! Models for Mental Health is a fashion show fundraiser supporting Seeds of Success at Northwood. When: Sunday, November 3, 2019 from 2PM-4PM Where: St. Mary’s Boat Club, 1641 Fairfield Rd., Halifax Tickets: $25 available at mentalhealthns.ca/mfmh or at select Scotiabank locations in HRM
nual Live More Walk.” The Dignified Living Fund supports a staff-led initiative that ensures those living in our Northwood community can live with dignity. This fund has been used to purchase items that our clients go without because they are unable to afford them. Something as simple as towels and face cloths, a new set of reading glasses, pressure stockings so they can walk without pain or dental repairs – just
to mention a few. Our Dignified Living Fund is unique to Northwood and touches the lives of our clients every single day. It wouldn’t be possible without the funds we raise through the Live More Walk each September. You can help by donating to the Dignified Living Fund or by registering to walk with us on September 28. Please visit www.northwoodfoundation.ca for more information.
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Long Term Care
Annual Antique Car Show at the Halifax Campus Halifax Antique Car Club was back at the Halifax Campus on September 5! Beautiful antique cars filled the Towers parking lot for everyone to come outside and enjoy.
Bud the Spud was also there serving up their famous fries. Gerrard Lawlor won the prize for best car in the show! Check out some of the photos from the event.
*nEW LOCATION COMING SOON TO lOWER sACKVILLE* Call 902-454-9706 for more info
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Long Term Care
Petting Zoos!
Melanie Gaunt with the Alpaca.
A Picnic Lunch at the Stadacona On August 8, residents from the Halifax Campus were invited to a picnic and jazz concert on the CFB Halifax Stadacona property.
Our recreation therapy team brought a group of residents down for a picnic lunch and performance from the National Band of the Naval Reserve!
Terry Seymour, Nelson Burke, Jim White and recreation therapy summer students Kayla & Victoria wait for the show to start.
We held our annual petting zoos in both Halifax and Bedford in September! Hatfield Farms set up a pen of farm animals in the park-
ing lots including goats, a donkey, an alpaca and a cow. Residents and the community gathered to pet and feed the animals.
Gladys Ryall feeds a donkey.
Marie Lowery feeds a goat.
Bryce Gibson with Base Commander Mazur
Bryce Gibson, Hazel Gibson, David DeWolfe, Miles Jack and recreation therapy summer student Nicole enjoy their picnic lunch.
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Long Term Care
Allistar Hiltz
David DeWolfe
Janet Simm
Seeds of Success helps you Spread your Wings Seeds of Success, our Mental Health & Wellness support program, has brought participants together to create a collaborative piece called “Angel Wings.” The piece began as an activity in the Creative Expressions group. “We had participants decorate a feather, and then it morphed into ‘what if you had wings?’” says Joy Pennick, Mental Health Program Assistant at Northwood. “How would it feel to rise
above things, and where would you go if you could fly?” The project then went further and they created the framework for all the feathers to be placed together in the shape of wings. “We often look for projects that incorporate community and collaboration,” says Joy. “Everyone was welcomed to decorate a feather, even outside of our Seeds of Success program.” A lot of participants loved
seeing their work as part of a larger project. The third portion of the project was to take photos “wearing” the wings. “We set up the wings at an accessible height and welcomed participants to take photos,” says Joy. “It was responded to very warmly. Often people would point out the feather they created.” The wings are in the Marjorie Lindsay Centre, but are often set up in the market space next to reception at our
Halifax Campus. There will be an art exhibition for Seeds of Success from November 4-8 at the Halifax Campus. Participants will be showcasing their art and a narrative project that five participants created to tell their stories. “It is called ‘My story: Myself,’” says Joy. “These participants have been coming to Seeds for several years and using mixed media art they’re sharing their journey.”
Memorial Services at Northwood Did you know that we hold resident memorial services at both of our campuses? They are held a few times throughout the year and honour the residents who have passed away in the months leading up. While residents’ families hold their own funerals and memorial services, we like to bring everyone together to celebrate their lives with their Northwood family too. Our Spiritual Care Liaison, Reverend Re-
nee Clark, coordinates and leads these services. TJ Tracey Cremation & Burial Specialists donate flowers for each service in Halifax. We have a member of each resident’s family lay a rose for them. If a resident’s family is not able to attend, we have a staff member who was close to them lay their rose. In Bedford, these services are called Services of Remembrance. This tradition
started there and was carried over to Halifax in 2015. It started as a spiritual initiative to help residents, staff and families mark the loss of Northwood community members. We host a reception after the services, giving our residents and staff the chance to connect with the loved ones who attend. This opportunity means so much to both residents and staff, especially those who aren’t
able to attend services held by a resident’s family. It gives them a chance to pay their respects to their friends, even if they don’t have the ability to attend a service outside of Northwood. These services are a time that we can take something that is very sad and turn it into a celebration, bringing the Northwood community together to celebrate the lives of our friends.
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Community Recreation & Wellness
Bus Trips Provide Extra Fun and Excitement for the Northwood Community Sharon MacVicar is a Community Programmer at Northwood. She has worked with Northwood for 14 years and plans the bus trips Northwood residents, tenants and community members get to take part in. “I love it and it brings me joy to see others enjoying a great day away and outside of the routine,” says Sharon. These bus trips are special because it’s an opportunity for people to get outside with
good company in a safe, comfortable environment. “They can be with new people and become friends from that one shared experience,” says Sharon. “It’s important for people to feel the safety and security of travelling in a group with staff escorts. They tend to not worry so much so they can loosen up a bit and have fun.” Bus trips are focused on three main components: something new to see, some-
thing to experience and a great lunch. Typically, we go to lunch at a great and affordable dining “hot spot” in the community that we visit. The Community Recreation & Wellness team gets to dive in and be creative with planning these day trips. “I love to come up with new and unique ideas and often stick to a theme for a real slice of adventure and deep dive into what we love and can learn most about a
place,” says Sharon. “I have even taken out a map of Nova Scotia, zoomed in a bit more locally and randomly set my sights or index finger on a place and researched all I could on that specific place.” We have another bus trip coming up on October 18 going to Ross Farm! To join this day trip please contact Community Recreation & Wellness at 902-454-3351 or crec@ nwood.ns.ca.
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Community Recreation & Wellness
Movies in the Park Grab your popcorn, grab your drinks and grab your lawn chairs! Our Community Recreation & Wellness team has launched a new program in the William E. Frank Live More Park, Movies in the Park. This new program rolled out this summer featuring a free family friendly movie outside under the stars on the third Thursday of every month. Jessica Titschmarsh, Community Programmer at Northwood, came up with the idea and is running the program. “Movies in the Park was designed to bring Northwood and its surrounding community
together throughout the year,” says Jessica. “We’re hoping to continue the program year round by bringing it inside during the winter months.” But while the weather is right, we’ll continue showing films outside in the park. The Live More Park was designed to be an accessible space for people to enjoy without barriers. It’s an inclusive space for all abilities. “Our beautifully designed, accessible park has allowed us to plan Movies in the Park without barriers,” says Jessica. “This increases the potential for those with mobility aids, sight and hearing impairments to participate.”
This program was made possible through the generous contributions of TD Park People. With their support, we were able to purchase the equipment to offer our community this service for many years to come. Movies in the Park has been drawing members of the surrounding community to our Bedford Campus. We hope that they will begin to see the campus and the park as a community hub for all to enjoy, with the park becoming a space for the community to use for things like birthday parties and family events. To see the upcoming films
Attendees enjoy Night at the Museum for the first ever Movies in the Park.
Movies in the Park will be featuring, or to learn about how you can use the William E. Frank Live More Park for your own event, contact Community Recreation & Wellness at 902-454-3351 or crec@ nwood.ns.ca.
Frozen Food Program comes to Northwood Our Community Recreation & Wellness team is at it again, cooking up big ideas to help food become accessible for everyone. After the success of the Mobile Food Market program, we’re now piloting a program that brings pre-made, ready-toheat frozen meals to folks at the Halifax Campus. “We recognize that people who live in our supportive environment are still missing a critical piece which is food,” says Heather Rodger, Community Programmer at Northwood. To address this issue, we’ve partnered with the Mobile Food Market and Stone Hearth Café to give Northwood staff and tenants the opportunity to order single-
serving frozen meals, delivered right to Northwood. We recognize that it’s not always easy to put healthy food on the table and it may be too expensive for lower incomes. This program is providing an easy, affordable option. “It gives people the freedom to eat what they want and when they want,” says Heather. “I hope that it becomes an easy and friendly service that people are Heather Rodger with a delivery of enjoying and making the most use of and that we can meals. someday expand it to the it’s doing good things for our community.” community as well. This pilot program is being tested from August until “It’s really sweet that January 2020. Not only will we are working with Stone this pilot bring accessible Hearth Café because the food options to Northwood, people preparing the meals
live with disabilities and barriers to employment, so it’s great we can support them,” says Heather. “They also use local vegetables and local meats, making the program very socially conscious.” There are eight meal options you can choose from and each meal costs $6.50. You’re able to order at the Community Recreation & Wellness desk on the ground floor of the Manor any time before Friday at 4 p.m. The meals will be available for pick-up between 9:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. on Thursday the following week. We can accept cash or cheque for payments but unfortunately no debit or credit at this time.
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Submissions Submitted by Lynn Eyland
Every September, I think back to my school days. I generally enjoyed school, and remember most of it as positive. I did have some less positive experiences too. I was a shy, quiet kid in elementary and I remember a teacher singling me out along with another kid and I saying "Lynn and Robbie are the slowest in the class so we will see who finishes this math problem first!" Needless to say, I didn't like that little contest. But they saw something in me as they decided that I should skip grade one entirely! My favourite teacher was Mrs. Bayart, my teacher for grades 4 and 5. She encouraged my strong parts of my personality. She knew I liked to draw because other students would ask for my help. I particularly remember her style. She would coordinate her clothes and accessories, wear an orange dress and a matching shade of watch, similar earrings and rings. She would get me up to the chalkboard to solve tricky problems. That as the only time I felt pride at school. Because I had skipped a grade, my older sister was in my grade. The teacher would compare our progress and in one of my sister’s report cards, the teacher actually commented "…best to pull up your socks because your little sister is going to pass you!" The 60's were a confusing time to get educated!
When I was 13 our family moved to Amherst, Nova Scotia. When we started school in 1971, I wanted to go into grade 8 to be with my peers. I enjoyed the new school I met my best friend, Tammy the next year in grade 9. One teacher, Mr. McSwain who taught history, one day threw a piece of chalk up in the air, waited till it landed, looked all over the floor, but couldn't find it when he tried to catch it. He even looked in his suit pocket but he followed up the class with "Life is a mystery!" Another memorable teacher was Mr. Shea. He taught a class called “World Problems.” A fellow student, with an incredible knowledge of history, kept Mr. Shea on his toes! So many fascinating discussions came out of that class; Mr. Shea was one of those teachers who encouraged debate and discussion. I was always a “goodiegoodie”, and rarely did anything to get into trouble. But one time in grade 10, my dear friend Tammy and I ended up in trouble mostly because of our lack of technical expertise. Our assignment for French class was to use a cassette tape and record ourselves asking and answering questions in French. We got together in my bedroom giggled and goofed around, made a few silly comments about how much we hated French class etcetera… and then erased it or so we thought! Eventually
we finished our homework and took the tape in the next day. The following day, during the morning announcements, Tammy and I were instructed to meet with our French teacher after school. When we walked in her classroom, there she was, our French teacher sitting very seriously in front of the tape recorder. She proceeded to play back our tape. My voice came flooding out saying "You can shove your French right out the window!” with our hysterical
laughing in the background! Apparently, we had not sufficiently erased the tape! I graduated from Art College in 1979, and I thought that was the end of my school days. But since then I have continued to learn, taking writing classes at Northwood, learning to speak in public at Toastmasters and beginning September 24, 2019, I will be taking a Children’s Book Illustration class at NSCAD. Learning never stops, and as an adult it is much more fun!
Submissions for this newspaper can be sent to communications@nwood.ns.ca for consideration. Please note: not all submissions can be printed.
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Cartoon & Crossword CLUES ACROSS
1. Google certification 4. Cloths spread over coffins 9. Disorderly 14. “Star Wars” hero Solo 15. Toward the rear 16. The order of frogs 17. Alternative pain treatment (abbr.) 18. “Wolf of Wall Street” star 20. Evoke 22. Units of metrical time 23. Helps to predict eclipses 24. Some say they attract 28. Pitching statistic 29. Baseball box score (abbr.) 30. Force unit 31. Repaired shoe 33. English theologian 37. Commercial 38. Exchange money for goods or services 39. Give off 41. One from Utah 42. Computer department 43. Begets 44. English navigator 46. C C C 49. Of I 50. Pouch 51. Add notes to 55. A way to fall into ruin 58. Cunning intelligence 59. Blood disorder 60. Disgraced CBS newsman 64. Tax collector 65. Type of grass common to the Orient 66. Cosmic intelligence 67. No (Scottish) 68. People who rely on things 69. Stairs have them 70. Mathematical term (abbr.)
CLUES DOWN
1. Clarified butters
2. Primitive Himalayan people 3. Completely 4. Steep cliffs along the Hudson River 5. Assist 6. Language spoken in Laos 7. Type of screen 8. An attempt to economize 9. Volcanic craters 10. Still outstanding 11. Takes responsibility for another 12. California think tank 13. Former Rocket Ming 19. A pigeon noise 21. Central part of 24. Academy Award statue 25. Distinct unit of sound 26. Relative on the female side of the family 27. Passover feast and ceremony 31. The brightest star in Virgo 32. Made with oats 34. Subjects to laser light 35. Beloved Hollywood alien 36. Neatly brief 40. The Great Lakes State (abbr.) 41. Soon to be released 45. Swiss river 47. Become involved in 48. More dour 52. They’re on floors 53. Boxing’s GOAT 54. Swarms with 56. Quantum mechanics pioneer 57. Facilitated 59. As fast as can be done (abbr.) 60. Regional French wine Grand __ 61. Owns 62. Tell on 63. Precedes two
Lynn Eyland studied art in Edmonton and then went on to enjoy a successful artistic career. She was 17 years old when she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Despite the difficulties and limitations this disease has imposed on Lynn, her enjoyment and desire to share her art continues. Lynn lives in Northwood Manor, and we’re proud to display her art to our community.
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Volunteering at Northwood
Volunteer Job Board At Northwood, we couldn’t do what we do without our dedicated team of volunteers. Our volunteers provide comfort, entertainment, security and peace of mind to our clients. Are you interested in becoming part of our volunteer team? We have a number of positions available: Boccia Ball Volunteer: Easter Seals and Northwood have partnered to offer Boccia Ball, a game of accuracy, strategy and challenge. Volunteers are trained as referees or attendants. Mobility challenged players often need assistance during play. This program runs Thursdays from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Shirley Burnstein Hall, Northwood Halifax Campus. Lunch Café Volunteer: The
Bedford Campus Lunch Café is looking for volunteers to sell food and beverages to residents and staff. This fun, social position is open Mondays from 11 a.m.1:45 p.m. and Wednesdays from 11 a.m.-1:45 p.m. and 1:45-3:45 p.m. Recreation Therapy Halifax and Bedford: We’re always looking for dedicated volunteers to assist with a variety of roles such as bingo, crib, music and general floor volunteer assistance. Times vary throughout the weekday, days, evenings and Saturday afternoons. Are you interested in these or one of our other volunteer positions? Please contact Volunteer Resources at vounteers@nwood.ns.ca or 902454-3353.
Crossword Answer
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Northwood Intouch
Intouch Employee Celebrates 20th Year of Service Gregg Goulding is the Volunteer Liaison and Technical Support for Northwood Intouch and has been with us for 20 years. He is in charge of providing support to our provincial volunteer base. This includes training, recruitment training and retention. He is in charge of monitoring all installations and confirming they’ve been completed correctly and in a timely manner.
“My favourite part about Northwood Intouch is supporting our volunteers and assisting them with being part of this grander operation,” says Gregg. “Helping people stay independent in their homes.” Gregg appreciates the Northwood Intouch team and the partnerships he’s been able to form. “I feel incredibly fortunate for working with amazing people,” he says.
Intouch Rolls out New Products! We are excited to share with you a first look at some of the latest styles of buttons at Northwood Intouch. With all the same functions of the current
buttons that our clients have come to trust, the latest addition to our lineup offers a sleek and modern look. In addition to looking good, the new cellular
unit combines two products into one which means that the equipment takes up less space than before and makes for an even easier installation. These
buttons will be rolling out over time as we update our existing buttons that are currently in circulation.
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Northwood Intouch
Intouch Volunteers Provide a Social Visit Diane MacLean is one of our dedicated volunteers with Northwood Intouch. She was interested in volunteering with us because she “just loves seniors.” She is the president of the Chebucto Pioneers, a volunteer organization that takes the $25 installation fee and puts it back into their community. While she can’t put her thumb on exactly how long, she estimates to have been volunteering with Intouch for around 15 years. For each visit she makes sure the client is also getting a social call. “Everyone should be treated how you want to be treated – treat them like your mother or father,” says Diane. “They really appreciate what you do, you have to sit down and talk to them like a person.”
While Intouch installations typically only take about 30 minutes, Diane says that she stays longer. Chebutco Pioneers Kathy Loder, Diane MacLean, Dianne McDonald and “Sometimes Dave Demone. they live alone and need the visit, not everyone can go out,” “It keeps them in their home and a client sees me they says Diane. “For one visit and it makes me feel good to often come over and ask if we stayed for nearly an hour help them out.” I remember them from the and a half !” Often Intouch clients feel install,” says Diane. Diane and her team truly like they need to say thank She ends every visit with enjoy connecting with our you and try to give Diane some words of confidence clients and making them feel and her team money or food. and assurance these clients comfortable. But, Diane tells them: “We will be supported every step “You go into a place and don’t do it for that, we do it of the way. they’re just so happy to see because we love to do it.” “Sometimes new isn’t you, they want to hug you on The recognition that Dieasy,” says Diane. “We make the way out.” ane and her team receive sure clients know if they Diane believes the servic- goes beyond just the thanks need more support we can es that Northwood Intouch people give them in their always come back.” offers are important for home. They truly make a For more information people. difference in the lives of the about Northwood Intouch “It makes them more clients they serve. contact us at 902-492-3346 or independent,” says Diane. “If I am out in public intouch@nwood.ns.ca.
Making a difference through the Power of Love. Every donation to the Northwood Foundation helps our Northwood Community Live More.
Please visit www.northwoodfoundation.ca to donate.
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Homecare
Homecare Staff BRAVOs While our homecare staff spend the majority of their time working by themselves, the effort and work they put in doesn’t go unnoticed. We often have clients calling in to tell us how great our staff are, and for that they receive BRAVO awards! Congratulations to these recent Bravo recipients. Thank you for providing excellent care and service by focusing on people – those we serve and those who serve them. Shirley Graham, August 2019: “Continuing Care called this morning wanting to relay a phone call with a compliment for staff. Client's son stated ‘all Northwood staff have been great servicing my dad but Shirley is absolutely fantastic, always going above and beyond every visit. My dad's in his 90's and just beams when he knows Shirley is coming.’ Great way to start a Friday! Thank you for all you do Shirley!” Jesse Knowles, July 2019: “Received this email from client's spouse: ‘We have Jesse Knowles come to our home from time to time. We are very happy to have him and want to let you know how we feel about him. Jesse has always been very attentive to my husband. Jesse would update me with my husband’s progress to put my mind at ease when my husband has bad days. I appreciate that a lot. In April, my husband was getting over a bad stomach flu. Jesse happened to be at our place working when my husband made a mess in the washroom. Jesse did his best to
clean up the mess and being very pleasant about it. I was grateful for his good nature. Thank you for sending him to our home.’" Eric Thompson, June 2019: “Daughter of a client called the Supervisor wanting to give a shout out to Eric in regards to the care he gave her mom last week. She stated he always makes her mother feel cared for during his visits. ‘He is always professional and respectful and you can tell he was meant to be a caregiver.’ Thank you for providing exceptional care to our clients.” Nancy Diamond, July 2019: “A client called in to say that Nancy was amazing. The client stated that recently they were going through some personal things but Nancy arrived and made her day! Nancy, thanks for cheering this client up. It’s the small every day stuff that can make the biggest difference to someone! Once again your amazing personality and kind heart have helped out one of Northwood’s clients. We are lucky to have you on our team. Great work Nancy!” Roy Everson, June 2019: “I wanted to say thanks to Roy for a couple of reasons. First, today he was excellent in communicating some
needs of a client’s spouse as they were on the way to the hospital. Secondly, and long overdue, earlier in the year Roy performed CPR on a client and was successful in revival of the client. It goes without saying how wonderful this is. Roy’s fast action, excellent use of training and knowing what to do essentially saved this person’s life. Congratulations Roy – you were a hero that day!” Holly Johnstone, May 2019: “Northwood received a call from a VON nurse who had been in with a client at the same time that you had been in. She wanted to send a shout out to you, saying that you were absolutely lovely to the client and were very helpful to the VON nurse. They went on to say you are ‘an amazing young lady’ and terrific at what you do. Bravo Holly!!” Shannon O’Connell, June 2019: “This staff member assisted a homecare client who had a bad night and was feeling unwell. The client was not wanting to get ready or have care first thing in the morning due to the fact he had such a poor night, therefore she made arrangements with staffing to reschedule a later morning visit. She came back for later visit and called 911 for
the client who was not doing well. The family called in to discuss increased care needs of the client and expressed how thankful they were to the staff member that had come back that morning as the client's spouse would not have called 911 on her own and other family members would not have been aware the client was so sick. Thank you Shannon.” Jenna Cruickshanks, July 2019: “Supervisor received call from a client to praise the care provided by Jenna. They stated that she knows exactly what to do and is ‘absolutely fantastic.’ The client says Jenna was gentle and confident without being pushy and wanted to pass along that she was proud of her and proud of Northwood for having such great staff ! Great job Jenna!!!!” Jeanine Doucet, August 2019: “We wanted to let you know that because of your dated notes, a client is on the emergency list for LTC and is receiving 12 hour night care until she is transferred to such. We are giving you a BRAVO because this needs to be made an example of how important documentation is. So thank you, for all you do!” Wanda Corney, August 2019: “Call came in to the staffing department from a client to let us know that Wanda ‘is an excellent employee, always professional and energetic. Very personable and has a terrific work ethic.’ Great Job Wanda!” BRAVOs have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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Research Why your Voice Matters in Science and Research the functionality, usability and quality of products OA-INVOLVE geared towards older adults. One way that OA-INVOLVE Many people have an idea meaningfully includes older about what science is, how adults is through the Older it’s done and the type of Adult Research Partner knowledge that it creates. Group (OARPG). However, there are numerOur OARPG currently has ous approaches that can 11 members and includes oldinvolve the lay public, includ- er adults from Guelph, Haliing older adults. These can fax, Toronto and Vancouver yield important insights for who bring with them different backgrounds and life exresearchers as well as the lay public. Some approaches periences. Here, older adults contribute to innovation and involve researchers asking older adults about their lived help shape research with researchers. For example, some experience of a certain phenomenon (e.g. What is it like of our OARPG members have to live with a hip replaceattended conferences, given ment?). Other approaches go presentations, helped with further and break down the data collection and analysis, boundaries between scienwritten reports, and created tists and participants. For arts-based products to disseminate our research reexample, in participatory approaches, ‘participants’ be- sults. They also report how come ‘co-researchers,’ which much fun and how stimulating they have found these means that they take an activities! active role in the research, One method of data collecinstead of having research “done on them.” We at Older tion that we use in participatory approaches to science Adults’ Active Involvement is called Photovoice. This in Ageing & Technology method asks participants Research and Development to take photos of their com(OA-INVOLVE), think there munity (or another setting is tremendous value in this. of interest) to document and A participatory approach reflect what life is like in that is especially important for environment for the people researching technology and living there. For example, if aging because it improves Submitted by Alexis Fabricius & Amanda Jenkins,
tures captured their journeys getting to and from the conference, meeting new people, learning about innovative technology for older adults and presenting on their involvement in OA-INVOLVE. Researchers gained deeper understanding from these photos such as the rewarding experiences older adults had in making connections a research group were interested in learning about what with others and the feeling aging in a rural community that they are contributing is like, they might distribute to the future. We’ve shared cameras to older adults in ru- these photographs on our ral communities and instruct website and Twitter account the older adults to document so that other older adults and the things that are important researchers can see the benefits of using participatory to them day-to-day. The pictures taken and the subject approaches in research. matter that they capture can Science requires many provide tremendous insights voices, including the voices to outsiders of a community of older adults. Your voice and can bring understanding and experiences can help or awareness to hidden iscontribute to better science sues. on technology and aging. We recently used a similar To see photos and videos approach with our OARPG showing OARPG members’ members, asking them to work in action and to find take photos of interesting out more about the research or meaningful things at a that we do with older adults research conference. For please visit www.oa-involveexample, check out a picture agewell.ca/oarpg. that one older adult snapped If you are interested in of OARPG member Ian, who becoming involved with the is asking a researcher about OARPG in the future please her work on technological contact Research Coordinator Amanda Jenkins at ajensupports for caregivers. For ki02@uoguelph.ca. other members, their pic-
Virtual Reality Research Project Seeking Participants Researchers are recruiting participants for a new study involving virtual reality! Students from Dalhousie will be conducting the research, which will involve participating in exercise classes three times per week for two con-
secutive weeks and measuring neck and shoulder range of motion using motion capture equipment. “We are curious to look at the effects of using VR, not as a replacement for exercise but as an adjunct to exercise,
to see if it helps to increase range of motion in the neck and shoulders,” says Alex Stratas, a recent graduate of Dalhousie’s Kinesiology program. “We’re also interested in seeing if it helps general comfort with movement.”
The students will measure participants’ range of motion before and after the two weeks of exercise classes to look for improvements. One group of participants will Continued on page 20
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Research
Caring Canines brings dogs to Long Term Care For the past year, an innovative research project has been running out of the Bedford Campus called Caring Canines. This project is being run by Dr. Ardra Cole of Mount Saint Vincent University. The project started with Dr. Cole bringing Bella, a rough collie, to the Bedford Campus for regular visits while she observed Bella’s interactions with residents, aiming to learn how dogs in care settings might positively impact the well-being of the people who live there. “We know that dogs are an important part of our existence and that the relationships we have with dogs are
like no other,” says Dr. Cole. “We want to foster that, because that relationship gets stronger with age.” The project has been well received by both residents and staff. Residents look forward to the visits and invite the dogs into their rooms. We’re proud to have partnered with Dr. Cole on this project and believe this research makes a real difference in how dogs engage with older adults. “It’s one of my goals, one of my passions, to see dogs have a stronger presence in care facilities and Northwood is one of the most innovative, leading edge
Drawing of a resident and Bella by Susan MacLeod.
facilities of its kind,” says Dr. Cole. “Exploring this to make it possible for dogs to have a presence in care homes, just reflects Northwood’s forward thinking in this area.” The project expanded to bring in Shilo, a pug and beagle mix, and to have artist Susan MacLeod join the re-
search team. Susan has been Artist-in-Residence at Saint Vincent’s Nursing Home for the past five years, becoming well acquainted with long term care residences and the people who live in them. Susan has been observing and sketching the visiting dogs as they make friends with the residents and staff.
Virtual Reality Research Project Seeking Participants ality headsets, don’t worry – you’ll still be given the put on virtual reality headopportunity to try the equipsets immediately following ment out at the end of the the exercise sessions and study! explore 360 degree videos of They’re seeking participants over the age of 65 that nature settings, including some Nova Scotia landmarks. are able to participate in moderate exercise classes If you aren’t placed into the and are comfortable sitting group using the virtual reContinued from page 19
LIVING WITH DEMENTIA? We can help.
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on a chair without a back to lean on for at least 30 minutes (for the motion capture portion). The exercise classes will take place at Almon Place and the motion capture assessments will take place at Northwood Manor. Are you interested in some free fitness classes, learning about virtual reality, and helping the research community? Contact Community Recreation & Wellness at 902-454-3351 or simply stop by their offices on the ground floor of the Manor. They will give you additional information and go over the criteria Northwood Resident wearing a virtual reality headset for participation.