Attracting people who are committed to our mission and supporting them, so they chose to continue in their role

Strategic Directions

ATTRACT, DEVELOP, AND KEEP THE PEOPLE WE NEED: Attracting people who are committed to our mission and supporting them, so they chose to continue in their role

Today, we are recognized at home and across Canada as an extraordinary example of social justice. Northwood is justifiably proud of its person-centred approach to care that puts the client at the centre of our efforts.

It has been challenging navigating through a global pandemic. We believe our dedication to clients, residents, and staff has never been more evident than it has been at this point in our history.

The health and well-being of our staff is extremely important to us. Throughout the pandemic, mental health resources have been available. The Northwood Hub provides access to a wealth of important staff information and resources. There is an area of the library that is populated with various Mental Health resource links. This section was updated with a number of mental health-related resource links, which also include access to a couple of previously recorded webinars. Staff is encouraged to check out what is available and to share any resource links they believe would be beneficial to other staff members.

Northwood also updated and promoted the Employee and Family Assistance Program during the pandemic as a reminder that help is always available for those who need it. The service is free for staff and their families and provides online support to those who need to talk about grief, stress, or simply have a safe place to go. Recruiting the best and most qualified people in Home Care and Long-term Care is challenging at the best of times. During a worldwide pandemic, it is more challenging than ever. We are constantly searching for new and creative ways to recruit new Northwood staff.

In 2022 we teamed up with Stingray Media Solutions. Stingray put together an advertising campaign that ran from Feb. until April of 2022.

This campaign ran a combination of two 30-second video ads on a variety of websites. These 30-second video ads would play before a viewer could watch the video content on each of the particular websites. These video ads worked similarly to TV commercials.

Our video ads ran on a variety of websites, from CBC to CNN. Our ads received 388,000 video views during the campaign for an effective CPM of close to $13, which is great for a video campaign. We received 347 clicks for a click-through rate of .09%, which is well above industry standards and much better than we would have received on youtube. The top websites were Global News and Saltwire (Chronicle Herald). It’s always nice to be on the local sites.

STINGRAY CAMPAIGN

Avanti Project Update

In fiscal year 21-22, the Avanti Project Team were able to meet a number of important milestones as they worked towards the launch of Northwood’s new payroll, Long-Term Care scheduling, and Human Resources (Recruiting & Onboarding) system. By the end of March 31, 2022, the team had completed a full data conversion, moving payroll data from our current payroll system Computerease to Avanti in preparation for parallel testing. In the coming weeks, Avanti will be fully implemented as we finalize parallel testing, ensuring payroll is consistent between the two systems. Our projected Go Live date is July 2022. The purpose behind the implementation of the new system was to create improvements and efficiencies in our processes, which includes:

• The ability to reduce processing tasks and times • To have a self-service module for staff & managers reducing payroll inquiries • To reduce duplication of efforts across program areas and systems • To improve reporting • To improve importing/exporting of information to other Northwood systems • To improve onboarding of new hires and new hire set up processes

THANK YOU FROM THE BOARD

The last two and a half years have been the most challenging years Northwood has ever faced. We can’t imagine where we would be without the dedication and courage of the Northwood team.

In March of 2022, the Board of Governors wanted to show their appreciation for the courage of the Northwood team that battled the Omicron wave.

Eligible Northwood staff received a beautiful thank you card along with a Sobeys gift card. Many staff members expressed their appreciation to the Board of Governors for their gratitude and generosity.

Gift Card Feedback: “I was just wondering if you could pass along a big thank you to the Board of Governors. Their gift was so amazingly generous that thank you really isn't enough. I have never felt or been showed so much appreciation at a workplace and today just changed my whole perspective. It's going to be put to good use and I still am and will continue to be so thankful. Everyone on the board needs to know how appreciated it was and how thankful I am!!"

CCA Home Support Program

The COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult for all, especially our health care workers. All Northwood staff contributed to the care and wellbeing of our clients across all programs.

In February of 2022, the government recognized the challenges CCAs face each day and announced a 23 percent wage increase for CCAs working in Long-term Care and Home Support.

We thank government for this recognition and congratulate our CCAs on this well deserved increase.

CAREER COLLEGE UPDATE

In October 2021, Northwood received approval to be able to deliver Phase II of the Recognizing Prior Leaning (RPL) to gain CCA Certification. This allows our Northwood staff the opportunity to continue to work in a care giving role while completing their schooling through selfdirected learning to become a Certified Continuing Care Assistant.

The Northwood Career College has dedicated resources to help students as they move through their education. Each student is paired with a Self-Directed Learning Guide who helps them through the CCA Certification process, including support for the certification exam if required. Currently there are 18 staff moving through the CCA Certification process with the Northwood Career College and more in the registration process.

diversity

Northwood Human Resources Interesting Facts from 2020/2021

• Number of applications received . . . . . . 7428 • Number of summer students hired . . . . . . .46 • Number of work terms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..254

The Northwood Diversity Committee helped to promote the Work Culture Program being offered by IASNS to all staff. All staff were encouraged to enroll at least in one program.

Internationally trained staff bring skills, experiences, and perspectives that can make your workplace more inclusive and responsive. The workshops, presentations, and other services provided tools, examples, and personal support for our organization so our new colleagues can shine!

COVID-19 and Infection Control

Nova Scotia experienced an Omicron (B.1.1 529) SARS-COV2 Variant case spike. The Omicron was noted to be highly transmissible, and with many community contacts.

Rapid test kits became a staple for our LTC staff asymptomatic and symptomatic screening- this was helpful in limiting contact with others if positive before a PCR was able to be performed. Halifax and Bedford Campuses were put in facility-wide outbreak status from January to May 2022. Northwood has worked closely with Public Health and the Medical Officer of Health as recommendations and guidelines were changing with the increase and then decrease in cases. The team has been successful in minimizing COVID-19 impacts in all of our programs.

Within Northwood, 98% of residents were vaccinated with the primary series and most with 1st booster doses. COVID vaccines have been crucial for our residents, and we have seen milder symptoms of COVID with our residents compared to our 1st wave in 2020.

Public Health mandated for all health care workers –as of November 30th, 2021 all staff, DCGs and visitors were required to be vaccinated to enter our facilities in order to protect our vulnerable population.

Second dose boosters were started in May 2022 for LTC facilities.

Thank you to staff and our clients for your adherence to Public Health protocols to keep us all safe.

"Everyone Plays a Part."

Epicurve for Northwood LTC Resident positive cases January 2021 - June 2022

The Northwood Foundation

Faye LeBlanc Managing Director Northwood Foundation In 2020, the world changed in response to the global pandemic. Despite these challenges and changes, kindness and generosity prospered and helped welcome a calmer, stronger 2021. The Northwood Foundation is humbled by the outpouring of support from local community members, organizations, and businesses that helped the Foundation ensure people could live a life filled with belonging, dignity, and choice.

Faye LeBlanc, Managing Director of the Northwood Foundation, saw the community understand the need to come together now more than ever – to support others and to be a part of making a difference.

I truly believe that our donors want to feel as though they help make a positive impact on another person’s life. Whether it’s through making a monetary donation or sending a holiday card – there are many options for everyone to play a part in lifting others up through the Northwood Foundation." DIGNIFIED LIVING FUND

The Dignified Living Fund is a special fund created by Northwood staff after recognizing that residents and clients were going without items and services necessary to maintaining their dignity and quality of life. The Dignified Living Fund provides ongoing support to residents and clients who are struggling with medical needs like transportation to appointments, dental work, hearing aids, and other necessities that aren’t covered by the government, their insurance or their income.

Dignity Month at Northwood is a month where the community comes together to raise much-needed funds for Northwood's Dignified Living Fund. In September of 2021 we did something new. An online silent auction named “Bidding for Dignity” was held throughout the month, with items generously donated from the community. Together with sponsors, friends, donors, and a silent auction, we raised $39,000 just for dignity! Thank you to all our sponsors, Nature's Way, Embracor Medical, Lawtons, Nova Corp Properties, Soles in Motion, Northwood SMART Committee & RBC. As well to our Friends of Northwood: Scotiabank, SWISH, BANC, Cypress Landscaping, Wood Wyant, Barbara Hall, Harvey Architectural, Peter Wilde, TranscenDental Group, Kin Club, Dynamic Business Controls and TJ Tracey.

Northwood is beyond proud to have a dignified living fund – one that supports those living in our community who need it the most.

The Northwood Foundation was thrilled to have so many local businesses take part in this year's Giving-Tree Campaign. This program is a great opportunity for businesses to share with their staff the importance of remembering those living in long-term care – especially during the holidays. While many residents have family and friends to share the season, some are alone. With help from the Giving-Tree campaign, we were able to supply gifts like chocolate treats, new slippers, shampoo, body wash, nail polish, facial tissues, new stuffed toys, socks, or Lawton’s gift cards – just to mention a few. Once again this year, our friends at JACK 92.9 partnered with Sleep Country for the annual Holiday Card Campaign for Northwood. Over 4,000 holiday cards were donated throughout HRM by individuals, children’s groups, schools, and local businesses. The cards were delivered to our wonderful tenants, residents, and Homecare Clients at Northwood so they have some holiday cards to open this season. A huge thank you to everyone for being part of this magical campaign that brings joy to so many in the Northwood Community!

Cycling Without Age – Northwood Partnership – made possible by the Northwood Foundation

Cycling Without Age was started in 2012 to help elders get back on their bicycles. The founder had to find a solution to their limited mobility. The answer was a trishaw, and he started offering free bike rides to the local nursing home residents. He then got in touch with a civil society consultant from the City of Copenhagen, Dorthe Pedersen, who was intrigued by the idea and together, they bought five trishaws and launched Cycling Without Age.

In April 2021, Northwood started the first chapter of Cycling Without Age in Nova Scotia after the Northwood Foundation purchased two of Ole’s trishaws for our Northwood Community. The summer saw volunteer cyclists giving over 100 rides for Northwood Tenants from Halifax and Bedford. Sometimes the highlight of the ride is to feel the wind, see local sights, and maybe be treated to a homemade ice cream from the Lemonade General store in the Hydrostone Market or an ice-cold root beer from A&W in Hammonds Plains.

Cycling Without Age also participated in the Musquodoboit Pride Parade, the Halifax and Dartmouth open street festivals, and the Halifax Cycling Coalition “I Light Halifax” evening bike ride.

Holiday magic

The Northwood Foundation was thrilled to have Van Wart Productions embrace Northwood again this year with Holiday Magic, a local musical talent fundraiser aired on CTV December 18th. Presented by Avondale Construction – this holiday fundraiser raised over $138,000 for the Northwood Foundation! We are thankful to the VanWart Family for embracing Northwood. Sponsor Spotlight: Soles in Motion

Jennifer Estabrooks, owner of Soles in Motion in Dartmouth, embraced Northwood this past spring with a huge, in-kind donation of over 160 pairs of new shoes and slippers for residents in need. Jennifer has been a long-time friend and supporter of our Foundation and recognizes the vulnerable population that Northwood serves. Whether selling Hearts of Dignity at their retail store on Baker Drive during Dignified Living Month in September or donating footwear to residents – Soles in Motion is always willing to help. The Northwood Foundation is grateful for her generosity.

Northwood is Nova Scotia's original senior citizen advocate, dating back to 1962. As a not-for-pro t organization, we re-invest our surpluses back into a system of care that helps our community. We are recognized both here at home and across Canada as an extraordinary example of the power of social justice.

We like to call it the power of love.

Northwood is a full spectrum health, lifestyle and continuing care organization.

• Health, Fitness & Lifestyle Programs and Services in your community • Home Care • Fall Alert & Other Assistive Technologies • Adult Day, specializing in memory loss • A ordable Retirement Living • Assisted Living • Long Term Care • On Campus Health, Fitness, Lifestyle and Wellness Programs and Services • Northwood Foundation

Halifax Campus (Ed Roach Centre) Bedford Campus (Ivany Place) In your home (across Nova Scotia)