Northwood Live More Newspaper - September, 2023

HALIFAX BUSINESS COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER FOR NORTHWOOD’S 22ND ANNUAL LIVE MORE AWARDSHONOURING ROB STEELE

Presented by Steele Auto Group, the 22nd Annual Live More Awards welcomed over 400 guests on Saturday, June 17th, at Steele Wheels Motor Museum to honour Rob Steele with the Hedley G. Ivany Live More Award.

For 22 years, the Northwood Foundation has been hosting this fundraising gala to honour people in our community that have made an impact on the lives of others. Six other pillar distinction awards were awarded to those who help Northwood be the best it can be in advocacy, innovation, research, diversity, community, and loving care.

Seated amidst antique cars and even the Mystery

Machine, guests were treated to an evening of celebration and entertainment as Layne, The Auctionista, and Jimmy Rankin filled the evening with unforgettable moments.

One donation led to many as this year’s fundraising goal was exceeded when the community opened their hearts and wallets, raising almost $400K to help purchase a new bus for Northwood.

Northwood is the largest non-profit leader in continuing care East of Montreal, and reaches over 7,000 Nova Scotians with the programs and services that allow people to live more.

Read more about the Live More Awards on page 6.

Reflections from the CACImproving Healthcare for Everyone

Abby Clarke Caseley

“The Community Advisory Council (CAC) is a group of older adults and care partners who advise and make key decisions on the SMARTech project. Drawing upon their own lived experience and expert knowledge, they provide insight and guidance on the project and outputs to ensure that older adult needs and desires are considered.”

We are excited to share the amazing benefits of the SMARTech Service, a revolutionary initiative designed to support independence, autonomy, and overall well-being in long-term care and home care settings. In collaboration with Age-Well and Novalte technologies, as well as utilizing the ACT Assessment tool, we ensure that individualized client needs are appropriately identified throughout the process.

The SMARTech Service combines gerontology, rehabilitation, and cutting-edge technology to create tailored

solutions that address impairments and challenges related to aging. By harnessing the potential of SMART devices such as Google Hubs, we have crafted solutions tailored to address impairments and aging-related challenges in a person-centered and inclusive manner. Our pilot program initially focused on the health and well-being of over 50 research participants, and we have been thrilled to witness inspiring results and remarkable growth derived from the application of the research data. As a result, this project has paved the way for exploring and undertaking innovative research in the realm of technology and independence.

The use of SMART devices, such as Google Hubs, has been a game-changer. It has significantly reduced barriers and limitations caused by various impairments, allowing residents to participate more fully in daily activities and decision-making processes. Our approach is person-centered,

meaning we customize interventions based on your preferences, ensuring a more fulfilling and dignified experience for residents, no matter their circumstances or history. Does an impact like this speak for itself, though? Let's hear now from some of the participants in our pilot program:

-“Well, I would be lost without it, to be honest, because I’m kind of like -- I'm used to using it all the time, for like almost every little thing. If I have a question and I can't figure out the answer, I ask Google. If I need to talk to someone, I talk to Google. Yeah, I'd be lost without her [Google], to be honest.” – HC 04

- “I’m happy. I’m glad it’s here, I talk to it [and] learn a lot. It’s kind of made [my life] a little simpler. Not so stressful I guess. It’s a little bit frustrating asking a nurse to come in and do things for me. It felt like I was a nuisance. Now I can do it on my own. So yeah, it definitely im-

proved my life a lot.” -LTC 10

-“It’s been a godsend to me because I can ask it to play the music and that helps me calm down.” -LTC 26

These heartfelt quotes show the incredible impact SMART technology has had on the lives of residents. Our goal is to expand the SMARTech Service to reach more people in nursing homes and home care settings in the community. We are dedicated to empowering the elderly and addressing their unique needs. We eagerly anticipate embracing future technological advancements that will further enhance the well-being of aging adults in Nova Scotia.

Together, let's build a caring and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive, regardless of age or ability. We are committed to making healthcare more accessible and personalized for you. Stay tuned for more exciting updates as we continue to improve the SMARTech Service with client needs in mind.

The love and companionship of a dog is something that individuals of any age can relate to. Our dogs have become part of our family and an irreplaceable part of our daily lives. As we age, there are a number of barriers that can start to affect our ability to care for our dogs. It may not be as easy as it once was to take them out for a walk, get them to the veterinary clinic, or

make their grooming appointment. This is where Elder Dog can step in. This non-profit organization assists and supports older adults living in our community with the care of their canine companions. Volunteers assist with walks, transportation to veterinary or grooming appointments, minor grooming, and more! With this assistance, older adults can continue to enjoy the com-

panionship of their dogs and keep them at home.

Elder Dog functions as a valuable organization to connect our community. The regular interaction between the people we support, and volunteers often leads to great

friendships and helps to prevent social isolation throughout our community. Everyone benefits – the people we support, dogs, and volunteers!

Elder Dog is often able to step in to provide short-term foster care in the event of an illness or hospitalization. It is a fantastic organization always looking to reach more individuals who can use their help!

For more information to get involved and to connect with Elder Dog, please visit https:// elderdog.ca or call 1-855-EDOGCAN (1-855-336-5226).

The Unofficial 'Mother Hen' with a Heart of Gold

In every community, there are those individuals whose presence brightens the lives of everyone around them. At Northwood, we are fortunate to have one such resident who has taken on the role of an unofficial ‘resident mentor’ or, as she likes to call it, the ‘Mother Hen’ for her ‘flock’, spreading warmth, joy, information, and camaraderie amongst her fellow residents. Meet Audrey, a resident who has touched the hearts of many with her compassion and kindness.

Audrey's journey to Northwood was not an easy one. She found that without having someone to assist with her healthcare at home amongst facing health challenges, she found herself with no choice but to move into our care. Three days before Christmas, she arrived at Northwood from the hospital, unsure what to expect. However, from the moment she stepped foot into our community, she knew this was her home.

"The staff and fellow residents embraced me as part of the family from day one," Audrey recalls with a smile. "I was welcomed with open arms, and they even had a Christmas stocking with my name on it waiting for me. I couldn't have asked for a warmer welcome."

Despite not initially choosing Northwood as her choice of facility, she quickly fell in love with the care she received and the sense of belonging within the community. Audrey’s loyal caregiver Richard, helped with the transition to Northwood as he was familiar with the services provided at Northwood. Despite her initial doubts, Audrey let Richard prove her wrong’ and help her to move in, as she had voiced previously not wanting to live in care. "The staff here are exceptional," she shares. "They are always attentive and make sure I am seen, heard, and cared for. Even on busy days, I know they will get to me eventually or explain reasons for any delays in care provision."

Audrey lives with Macular Degeneration and has found adjusting to a life of becoming ‘visually impaired’ to be difficult without daily living support. Moving into our community provided the support and care she needed to become well once again physically, and it also brought her closer to a sense of belonging and purpose. She remarks, "I had been in and out of hospitals for months before coming here. I felt lost and scared. But Northwood gave me a sense of stability, and I finally had the support I needed."

Not only does Audrey benefit from the caring environment at Northwood, she also goes above and beyond to contribute to the lives of her fellow residents, staff, and visitors. She has taken it upon herself to make everyone feel welcome and included. Whether it's lending an ear, connecting residents with needed support, or advocating for meaningful activities, she tirelessly works to create a home-like atmosphere for all.

"Helping others and being a part of their lives makes me feel alive," Audrey shares. "Despite my own challenges, I find motivation in knowing that I can make a positive difference in someone else's day."

Her journey has been one of resilience and determina-

tion. Throughout her life, Audrey faced skepticism and doubt from others, but she proved her strength and independence. As an individual who did not finish her high school education, she was often told that she would not be able to achieve success for herself. With her father's unwavering belief and support in her potential, she built a life for herself and learned to face challenges head-on.

When asked about her proudest accomplishment, she humbly replies, "I am most proud of the person I've become. Against all odds, I have learned to stand tall and make a difference, no matter the circumstances. Better yet, I did it all myself, even though they said I would never be able to be independent. Now, here I am encouraging others’ independence now. It really has come full circle."

To those just arriving at Northwood or facing life's challenges, Audrey offers some valuable advice: "Take every opportunity to show kindness and never underestimate the power of being there for someone else. And always remember to take care of yourself and pursue your dreams.”

Thank you, Audrey, for being an inspiration to us all and for making Northwood a brighter place with your presence. Your compassion and generosity remind us of the power of community and the impact one person can have on many lives, and that we are NEVER too old to make a difference!!

PUBLISHER

Northwood Communications

EDITOR

Murray Stenton

COMMUNICATIONS & DESKTOP

PUBLISHING ASSISTANT

Murray Stenton 902-943-1721

mstenton@nwood.ns.ca

PRINTING

Advocate Printing & Publishing

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Nicole McNeil

Thank You to Home Care Staff

We wanted to thank all the Home Care Field Staff who continued to provide service to our clients during recent regional fires and flooding. When your home situations or family situations were also being impacted, you showed up and ensured our clients were safe. It didn’t matter if

there were street closures or different routes-you used a way to get there. In addition to the visits, Home Care ensured our clients were safe either through the visit itself, phone contact with the client, or reaching out and doublechecking with their family members. Some clients were

relocated to temporary locations, and we provided service to the new area. This was a massive team effort not only with the Field Staff, but also the Staffing Officers and Supervisors. Thanks to you all for continuing to help clients live in their homes where they choose to be.

Northwood Research

Northwood Research Symposium:

This year’s research symposium was a success – this year we, had seven presentations with a mix of Northwood projects and requested topics to learn more. The Northwood collaborated projects included topics like oral health in long-term care, technology in long-term care, screening for viral infections, and ways of supporting older adults to age at home. Based on requests from previous years, we had two talks to educate the audience on social vulnerability and aging and the accommodations for dementia in the workplace.

happening in the healthcare sector. Below are examples of what topics she covered:

- VirtualCareNS: a digital health platform that provides access to virtual primary care for unattached patients, providing on-demand access to family doctors or nurse practitioners.

- Oncology Transformation project: changing the way we deliver cancer care by bringing oncology information systems together for the first time, in realtime.

overview of what is being reported from continuing care staff’s well-being and mental health, the problems at a systems level that affect staff’s well-being, and examples of research-based solutions to help address the issues we can control.

On-going Projects:

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

Our keynote speaker this year was Dr. Gail TomblinMurphy, the Vice President of Research, Innovation, and Discovery and Chief Nurse Executive of Nova Scotia Health. Dr. Tomblin-Murphy talked about how foundational research and innovation enables a learning health system and provides new and improved ways to deliver care that is better for our clients. Further, Dr. Tomblin Murphy discussed current research and innovation

- Care Coordination Centre: A new approach to coordinating care to improve delivery of care and patient experience. This centre provides a real-time view of information within our hospitals and healthcare system resources to support decision-making.

Lastly, the symposium hosted a panel discussion on “Exploring Mental Health and Well-being of Staff in Continuing Care.” This panel included Dr. Janice Keefe, Dr. Sheri-Lynn Price, and Dr. Tabatha Thibault. This panel discussion covered an

Co-designing action-oriented mental health conversations between care providers and aging Canadians in the community: mitigating the broader impacts of COVID-19 This project was conceptualized based on the need to act on research questions that were identified by older adults, caregivers, and health social-care providers during the COVID-19 pandemic in response to the growing mental health crisis. The aim of this study is to adapt, co-create and test an evidence-based approach to facilitating mental health conversations between older adults, caregivers, and health/social care providers in home and community care. This project is conducted in locations across Canada – with Northwood participating in Nova Scotia.

Continued on page 5

Former Resident Receives Master’s

Former Northwood resident Marie-Jones has had an exciting year. In June MarieJones was the oldest person in Canada to receive a Master’s Degree.

At 45 years of age, Marie was in university doing her Master of Education when she found out her first-born son had a deadly disease with a bad prognosis, aplastic anemia. He was given six weeks to live. Marie took some time away from her studies to care for her son. Unfortunately, Marie’s son passed away ten

years after his diagnosis. Marie was happy she was able to have those ten years with him.

Unfortunately, Marie did not return to complete her Master’s. During a recent drive with Martin, the second of her children, Marie expressed her disappointment in not completing her Master’s at Dal. Martin had never heard his mother talk about her disappointment before and felt he should do some investigation.

Martin contacted Dal and

Northwood Research

Continued from page 4

The project team aims to co-design mental health conversation processes, including follow-up actions related to support, care, and treatment in community health and social care settings. Once completed, the project then aims to test the implementation of the co-designed mental health conversation with community health and social care providers in rural and urban contexts.

Imagining Age-Friendly “Communities within Communities”: International Promising Practices

This project asks, “how can age-friendliness support conditions in which older adults not only maintain healthy, active lives but also participate and create meaning in their later life?” The focus is on what is needed to create and sustain communities for older adults that attend

to needs based on ethnicity, gender, language, culture, sexual orientation, indigeneity, disability, dementia, and migrant status.

This study aims to conduct field research in 12 cities across Canada and in Norway, Denmark, Australia, New Zealand and Taiwan; Halifax is one of our cities.

A review of Halifax’s agefriendliness will be conducted over a 7-10-day period by a team of 12-15 researchers. Researchers wanted to observe and participate in relevant programming and events and interview interested and available service users, staff, volunteers, and managers. Additionally, this project includes arts-based methods throughout the project. When possible, researchers work with older adults to co-create these short multi-media stories. The team is aiming to develop a curated art show of digital stories to be exhibited in the last year of the project.

Marie’s past professor to inquire into the possibility of his mother completing her Master’s Degree. To Martin’s surprise, the Register was able to find the transcripts from the seventies. They discovered that Marie had completed all she needed to receive her degree. With the proper approval and almost a half century, after she left the university to fight for her son, Marie now has her degree from Dal.

What an amazing accomplishment.

Northwood Accreditation Update

Northwood will be welcoming Accreditation surveyors on September 27th, 28th, and 29th. An onsite survey is conducted by trained surveyors who will assess Northwood against various standards. The surveyors are healthcare professionals and administrators from other accredited healthcare organizations. During the three days the surveyors are here, they will look at our policies and procedures, and talk to staff, clients, residents, family members, leaders, board members, and our community partners. They will also observe critical areas of care and service and ask about examples and stories that demonstrate our com-

mitment to quality and safety. After the visit, we will be provided with a report detailing our strengths and areas for improvement and will be given our standing. Although the two programs that are being accredited are the Home Support and Long-Term Care Programs, Accreditation is an organization-wide endeavour. While on-site, a surveyor could approach anybody and ask them questions related to Northwood’s commitment to quality, safety, and risk management.

If you have questions related to Accreditation, please contact Tasha Ross, Manager, Quality and Risk at, tross@nwood.ns.ca or 902-229-2236.

Northwood’s Live More Awards

Rob connected his own experience with his aging parents to the important role that Northwood plays in everyone’s lives. He understands that many people are now caring for their parents as they age. He commended Northwood for being at the forefront of change and urged guests to support organizations like Northwood, who are there to help.

The Northwood Live More Awards welcomed Layne

back for the 2nd year as they took to the stage to raise funds with the live auctions. The room erupted in shouts of laughter and applause as Layne persuaded donors to give from their hearts, pleasantly pitting one against the other – to get top dollar – for a great cause! Guests reported they were a highlight of the event for sure!

Now we know why Layne describes themselves as a Philanthrotainer!

Summer Students

On Wednesday, August 2nd, the Halifax Campus Summer Students and their supervisors got together at lunchtime for some Team Building games and fun. Summer Students at the Halifax Campus this year worked with Recreation Therapy, Community Recreation, Seeds of Success, and the Adult Day Program.

Rob Steele offers heartfelt words of support for the Northwood Community.

Layne, The Auctionista, dazzles guests and opens wallets during the live auctions.

Guests lined up to enter the Steele Wheels Motor Museum as Mike Cowie entertained with a medley of old favorites.

PILLAR DISTINCTION AWARDS 2023

September is Dignity Month –in support of Northwood’s 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 maintain 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. Some examples of items that may be funded are:

• Foot care services

• Dental care services and equipment

• Vision care services and equipment

• Travel costs for medicalrelated appointments

• Mobility aids

• Personal hygiene itemsjust to mention a few. Every dollar raised during Dignity Month

allows those living in the Northwood community to livemore – with dignity.

Ways you can support dignity month!

Bidding for Dignity – an online auction hosted by the Northwood Foundation every September. A great place to buy something special for the one you love – all while supporting dignity too!

DONAIRS FOR DIGNITY – Dig In and Do Good! For the month of September, order a donair product at participating restaurants in HRM and a donation will be made to Dignity Month at Northwood for each one sold! Stay tuned for participating locations!

Meet Heather Rodger

Meet Heather Rodger, a Healthy Workplace Advisor with the Northwood Organizational Health Department. Heather is working in that role as a Licensed Provisional Occupational Therapist. Her typical day is spent connecting with staff across all areas of the Halifax Campus. Heather works directly with staff members who have been injured, helping them plan a safe return to work. Part of her job is preventing workplace injuries from happening, connecting with other departments to identify and minimize hazards, and providing education on safe work practices is an integral part of Heather’s day.

Heather started seven years ago at Northwood as a student volunteer. Her first position was as a volunteer in the fitness centre. Shortly after that, Heather accepted a part-time position as Fitness Centre Assistant.

Heather worked as a Fitness Centre Assistant for a year before moving into a Community Program Assistant Role with Community

Recreation and Wellness. She worked in that role until she graduated with an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology. After graduation, Heather accepted a position as Community Programmer with Community Recreation and Wellness. She has also worked in other positions as required to support Northwood through its response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In recent years, Heather has worked as a receptionist, LTCA, and Organizational Health Assistant to support other areas of the organization. This was when she became interested in a job with Organizational Health.

Heather completed both her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy while working at Northwood. She has completed all requirements of her MScOT degree as of June 2023. Heather will graduate in October of this year.

Currently, Heather is working as a Healthy Workplace Advisor with the Organizational Health Department.

She is working in that role as a licensed Provisional Occupational Therapist.

Typically, Heather spends her day connecting with staff across all areas of the Halifax Campus. She works directly with staff members who have been injured, helping them plan a safe return to work. Part of her job is also to prevent workplace injuries from happening. Heather will connect with other departments to identify and minimize hazards and provide education on safe work practices.

Heather says she would be happy to still be working at Northwood for another five years. “I am just getting my feet wet in a new position and hope to spend the next few years getting comfortable in this role,” says Heather.

Heather says she likes working at Northwood because of the strong sense of community. “I have seen Northwood pull together to accomplish amazing things, both to provide special opportunities to our clients and in response to unexpected

obstacles.” Heather feels valued, celebrated, and supported in her work and has been offered many opportunities for professional growth and development.

The Northwood family is amazed at the hard work and dedication Heather has demonstrated during her years working at Northwood. Amazing work Heather.

Northwood’s Mentorship Program

The Education Team has continued to augment and build on the Mentorship Program over the past year.

To date 64 CCAs have completed the three educational modules. In July, we expanded the education to the Registered staff, and 15 RNs and LPNs have completed the training.

The success of the pro-

gram can be measured by the very positive feedback from the many students Northwood has sponsored and continues to sponsor through the PECCA program.

A student recently wrote to her mentor, “You are professional, friendly, helpful, knowledgeable, approachable, a team player, and an advocate. You are the true

definition of a mentor.”

We commend the effort of all our mentors and sincerely appreciate their efforts in ensuring a positive and rewarding experience for all the students and new hires. The product of their efforts has resulted in the majority of the students choosing Northwood as their employer.

To show our appreciation

for the Mentor Program, we are in the process of developing a Rewards Program for all sites, including our Homecare division.

The Education Team will continue to build the program into a strong and viable force, recognizing the important role a mentor plays in attracting and retaining employees.

Thank you to our outstanding Adult Day students!

Adult Day programs provide flexible, individualized programming, socialization, and companionship with supervision. We offer caregivers a day of respite with confidence and peace of mind. With four Adult Day locations, our team is always busy. This important program would not run as smoothly if it were not for our amazing students.

Bedford Student

Hello, my name is Rory. I am going into grade 12 and attending Bayview High School. I am taking classes to pursue a career as a Registered Nurse. I am in the O2 program and did a Co-op placement in the Adult Day Program at the Northwood Bedford campus. I love helping out and having fun with the clients!

Dartmouth Students

Hey there, friend! It’s Georgia Brown, the coolest Therapeutic Recreation student you’ll ever meet.

I’m 23 years old and about to dive into my second year at Nova Scotia Community College. I am all about the great outdoors and having fun! There’s something so invigorating about being out in nature, conquering the trails,

and taking in those breathtaking views. I am absolutely stoked about having the opportunity to combine my love of helping people with my passion for recreation.

Hi everyone! My name is Hannah Fraser – I am a summer student at the Adult Day Program located in Dartmouth. I am 19 and a second-year university student studying Psychology and Neuroscience at Mount Saint Vincent University. This is my first time working at Northwood, and I look forward to supporting and learning from all of the clients and the programs we have here at Adult Day Dartmouth. Some of my favorite hobbies outside of work and school include spending time with my loved ones, reading, writing, and practicing yoga! I am very grateful for this experience and look forward to getting to know everyone over the next two months!

Halifax Students

Hello, my name is Hannah! I recently graduated from Dalhousie University with my bachelor’s in psychology! I plan to return to school to get my B.Ed. in primary education!! When I was two years old, I moved

to Kenya, Africa with my family and lived there until I was 18!!! My favorite animal is a giraffe, and in Kenya, I got to see one up close!!! I have been to 4 continents and over ten countries!! I love to do Art in my free time, play rugby and swim!! I am looking forward to spending the summer here at Adult Day, and I hope to practice my program planning, and leadership skills, and just get to know the clients, and make Adult Day an enjoyable experience for all!

Hello, my name is Leeanne! I graduated in 2022 with my BSc. (Hons.) in Psychology at Dalhousie University, and returned in August 2022 for the Diploma in Dental Hygiene Program, and I will be graduating in April 2024! I have been to 6 countries (Canada, USA, Italy, Monaco, France, and Spain) with a layover in Germany. In France, I ate at the café in Van Gogh’s “Café Terrance at Night” painting! Outside of work and school, I spend time with my two cats (Boots {tuxedo} and Marlee

{calico}) and my (newly called) fiancé, as I got engaged on July 8th while camping! Over the summer at Adult Day, I hope to learn how to connect with the clients and enhance my leadership and planning skills to carry out fun and engaging programs that all our clients will love!

Sackville Student

My name is Tyler Rankin. I am a 22-year-old Mi’kmaq student belonging to the Sipkne’katik

First Nation Band, and residing in Lawrencetown, Nova Scotia. I am attending my third year at St. Francis Xavier University this September, enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts and Science in Health Program. I enjoy being active and outdoors, which is a significant stress reliever for me. I enjoy hiking, biking, connecting with mother nature, and socializing with friends in my spare time. I have two dogs and a cat that I love as well as many houseplants that I enjoy taking care of. I am excited to be a part of the Northwood team as a summer student and to have the opportunity to apply the knowledge I have gained to create a safe, fun, and welcoming environment for all clients attending the Adult Day program at Northwood.

Northwood Wellness Fair

Northwood was excited to have our first Wellness Fair post-COVID. This event was a great success, and we look forward to doing it again. The Wellness Fair was held as an engagement opportunity with staff from across Northwood sites. Post Covid and with the mandate of distancing coming to an end, it was the perfect time to get staff to mingle, engage, and chat with OH&S staff and others on what the Occupational Health and Safety Team has to offer and what support is available to all staff across the sites.

The Northwood Wellness Fair was promoted on the HUB and advertised the many benefits and perks that Northwood has to offer to help staff achieve a healthier, happier work-life balance. Access to learn and hear about toptier fitness programs, mental health resources, and more that can improve physical and emotional well-being.

Just some of the things available at the Wellness Fair:

• Exhibit Booths from various external providers

• Occupational Health Nurses

• Occupational Therapists

• Blood Pressure Checks

• Glucose/Blood Sugar Checks

• Employee Benefits Representative

• Fitness Instructors

• Comfort Orthotics

• LifeWorks – Northwood’s Employee Assistance Program

• Joint Occupational Health & Safety team members

• Volunteering Service

• Prize Draw

• Drinks and Snacks

The Wellness Fair was offered at our Halifax, Bedford,

and Dartmouth locations. Staff attended from across each site and area of work. The overall feeling was that it was a positive step forward to getting back to normal.

The event benefits staff in improving easy access as a pop-up fair to be able to come and speak with the OH&S team, meet their Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee members, find out about Workplace Violence Prevention, what this is, how to report it and action taken to address it. It also allowed us to demonstrate the good work that the OH&S team undertakes to make the staff working environment a safe and healthy workplace.

Work will continue in this area, and we look forward to meeting staff again soon as we plan further events into 2023/2024. We’re looking forward to 2024 as we will continue to expand lists of providers and opportunities for staff participation.

Watch the Hub for your chance to offer your feedback on the Wellness Fair so we can ensure the next one is even better. We really value our staff and their experience and recommendations as to what they would like to see next time.

See you in soon!

Northwood Career College

SUPPORTING CONDITIONALLY HIRED STAFF TO MEET THEIR EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

In November 2021, the Northwood Career College (NCC) obtained approval from the CCA Program and Department of Advanced Education, Private Career College division to deliver the Recognizing Prior Learning Process (RPL) for CCA Certification. This is a selfdirected learning process that allows staff to work and still complete their required education under the Requirement for Entry to Practice. This policy stipulates staff who are not already a provincially certified CCA, are required to complete an education program to obtain their certificate.

This innovated arm of the Northwood Group of Companies allows Northwood the opportunity to deliver the RPL education required for individuals who are compassionate about assisting residents and clients with their activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), promoting personcentered, holistic care and independence.

Northwood employs provincially certified CCA in long-term care (facility), home care (community), adult day, supportive/assistive living, and health services. Under the Requirements for Entry

Clothing Sale

The Clothing Sale has been a Northwood staple for years. Initially created by the Occupational Therapy Department, the Clothing Sale brings forward not only an opportunity for residents to experience leisure in a safe and supportive setting but also an opportunity for residents to experience purposeful work. The Clothing Sale is facilitated by residents, for

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residents. This allows participants to gain exceptional customer service skills in addition to maintaining gross motor and cognitive skills, all within their Northwood Community.

Northwood’s infamous clothing sale has been on a three-year hiatus due to pandemic restrictions. Rumblings of its return created excitement amongst the resi-

about dementia?

to Practice we can hire staff on a conditional basis as we have supports in-house to help them obtain the education they require to become a continuing care assistant.

Since we opened our doors with the Northwood Career College, we have graduated 12 students in the program, and all have obtained their provincial CCA certificate. We currently have another 22 students registered in the College that will be graduating over the next year. Registrations continue to grow each month as we offer the RPL Program. Northwood is committed to supporting staff as they continue

with their educational journey with obtaining their CCA designation. The support from our Self-Directed Learning (SDL) Guides and CCA instructor is amazing. Should you want to find out more about the Northwood Career College and the work we are doing, please contact Cheryl King at cking@ nwood.ns.ca. If you know anyone who has experience in personal care and is interested in a career as a CCA, please contact Megan Miller at megan.miller@nwood. ns.ca we would be happy to help them with developing their career goal working in healthcare.

dents, which led to an exceptional turnout.

Tammy Leblanc, one of the Clothing Sale’s facilitators, says, “it was an honor to be part of the experience, and I appreciate being able to meet others within the Northwood Community. It’s like we have a mini-Walmart; you’re shopping while chatting with others. As someone who is newer to Northwood, it was nice to meet people and get to know others outside of my floor. It brings back a little bit of normalcy, and I look forward to facilitating future Clothing Sales.”

The Clothing Sale is truly a facility-wide labor of love as support from volunteers, environmental services, laun-

Welcome to the Northwood team!

Northwood would like to extend a warm welcome to some new employees! Jean Mugraneza, Hassan Salan, Derek Pactanac, Gilbert Absi, and Shaymaa Elbadawy have come to Northwood from around the globe—from Kenya, the Philippines, Lebanon, and Kuwait. We are very excited to have them join our large Northwood family. Once again, thank you for choosing Northwood and for choosing to make a positive difference!”

Say hello to our new team members!

• Jean Mugraneza - Shoreham

CCA

• Hassan Salan - Halifax PCW

• Derek Pactanac - Homecare

HSW

• Gilbert Absi - Homecare HSW

• Shaymaa Elbadawy - Halifax

PCW