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A Community Paper sharing the stories of the largest not-for-profit continuing care organization in Atlantic Canada Fall 2018
Volume 01, Issue 02
September is Continuing Care Month Continuing Care Month is celebrated each year in September. 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. Continuing care programs and services help people to maximize their independence, promote their health and well-being, sustain or enhance their quality of life and support families to meet the ongoing care needs of their loved ones. The goal of the an-
Filmmakers Scouting at Northwood Page 2
nual campaign is to recognize the contributions of the
Northwood Participates in Pride Week Festivities Page 3
thousands of Nova Scotians who work in continuing care
Seeds of Success Plants the Seeds of Wellbeing Page 8
in a variety of practice settings across the province. These include nursing homes, home care organizations, residential care facilities and adult residential centres/regional rehabilitation centres. The campaign is also about profiling the advances being made in Nova Scotia’s continuing care sector to improve quality of life and quality of care for the Nova Scotians who rely on these important services. Please visit www. continuingcaremonth. ca to read a variety of stories highlighting this year’s campaign theme and other helpful and interesting information regarding the continuing care sector.
Mackenzie Atlantic Partners with Northwood on Innovative Project Page 11
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Message from Peter Wilde, Board Chair Northwood’s vision speaks to a commitment that grew out of a journey dedicated to helping older adults and people at risk live more. We’re proud of our person-centred approach. We make the clients the focus of our efforts. It’s an approach that relies on staff working together to deliver the best possible service. Whether working at the bedside, in the community or providing support services, Northwood staff not only care for people but also care about people. September is Continuing Care Month, and what better time to extend a huge thank you to our dedi-
cated staff and volunteers that make everything we do here at Northwood possible. We continue to strive to be an employer of choice for those entering the continuing care profession. Northwood's Board of Governors sets out the strategic directions of the organization and monitors the progress toward achieving them. We want to ensure that our entire community knows about that progress. In this issue of the Northwood community newspaper, you’ll hear about our commitment to advocacy through stories about Pride Week
and Northwood’s partnership with MacKenzie Atlantic. You’ll better understand how we’re strengthening our programs to suit the changing needs of our clients after reading a Live More Park update and learning about the Mobile Food Market. We’ll demonstrate our commitment to promoting Northwood through a story about our partnership with Oculus. And we’ll tell you about our most recent efforts to build for a better future with an update on the construction projects at the Halifax Campus. If you’re holding this newspaper, it means you’re a
Peter Wilde, Board Chair – Northwood Board of Governors
valued member of the Northwood community. We hope that it is and continues to be a resource for you to receive the information you need. We welcome story ideas and submissions for future issues. This newspaper belongs to the whole Northwood community – if there’s something you’d like to read about, we’d like to hear from you.
Filmmakers Visit Northwood to Scout for a Virtual Reality Movie A unique project is underway at Northwood that will showcase our community on an international stage. Northwood has been selected by Oculus as one of six not-for-profits from around the world to participate in their Creator’s Lab program. Oculus is an American tech company specializing in virtual reality and is owned by Facebook., Oculus’ VR for Good teams up creative individuals working in the fields of 360° film and immersive media with international organizations that strive to shed light on important issues facing our global society. The film is sponsored by Oculus at no cost to Northwood. Northwood has been paired with two filmmakers,
munity is living more.” The partnership began in June when Ashley Gallant, Communications & Marketing Specialist at Northwood, travelled to the Facebook Campus in California to participate in the Creator’s Lab with the filmmakers. Then, in late August, Katrina and Andrea spent a week at the Halifax Campus scouting the location and meeting NorthKatrina Sorrentino and Andrea Patiño, filmmakers, wood community members brainstorming with Ashley Gallant, Communications & who may become the film’s Marketing Specialist at Northwood stars. They will now develop the story for the movie and wood President & CEO. “We return before the end of the Katrina Sorrentino and Anhave already started workyear for filming. drea Patiño, and will assist ing with the filmmakers This is the third year for them as they make a virtual the Creator’s Lab program reality film set at Northwood. and are looking forward to “We’re thrilled to have creating a film that will chal- and previous films have been been chosen to participate in lenge the perceptions many featured at film festivals this prestigious program,” people have about seniors such as Tribeca and South by says Janet Simm, Northand showing how our comSouthwest.
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Pride Week For the eighth year in a row, Northwood residents, staff, volunteers, their families and friends marched together in the Halifax Pride Parade. Northwood Residents Melanie Gaunt, Lenny Stephenson and Della MacLellan participated with us. The widely anticipated parade brings out thousands of spectators every year and is part of a week-long festival in celebration and support of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. The Bedford Campus’s Pride Flag was raised by Lenny Stephenson at a ceremony hosted by Janet Simm, President and CEO of Northwood. Part of Northwood’s celebration of Pride included the screening of award-winning documentary Gen Silent at both the Halifax and Bedford Campuses. The documentary follows the lives of six LGBT
Melanie Gaunt, Bedford Resident, riding on our Duet Wheelchair Bike Tandem
seniors living in the Boston area who must choose if they will hide their sexuality in order to survive in the longterm healthcare system. Representatives of Northwood also attended a panel discussion at the Halifax Public Library, Queer Perspectives: Growing Old is not for Sissies. This panel shared some of the successes and strategies older members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community are using to combat the challenges they face as they age, such as invisibility, healthcare struggles, loneliness and re-closeting. Northwood is always eager to learn new ways to support the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Jean Barbour, Northwood Volunteer, dancing in the Halifax Pride Parade
The rain didn’t stop Northwood residents, staff, volunteers, or their families and friends from marching in the 2018 Halifax Pride Parade
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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 Stephanie McDougall Communications & Marketing Specialist Ashley Gallant 902-454-3377 ashley.gallant@nwood.ns.ca Communications Assistants Stephanie McDougall 902-493-3016 smcdougall@nwood.ns.ca Jenna Farrell jenna.farrell@nwood.ns.ca Graphic Designer Erin Gidney Production Manager Vicki Hines Printing Advocate Printing & Publishing
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Pride Halifax: Then and Now Following the first Atlantic Gay Conference held in Halifax in 1977, Mary Ann Mancini, along with delegates representing all four Atlantic Provinces marched through the streets of Halifax to the provincial legislature in protest of the Human Rights Code. She also marched during the 6th National Conference of the Canadian Gay Rights Coalition held here with conference marchers from every province. These marches were “unsanctioned” and took place well before the sanctioned 2SLGBTQ+ marches in 1988. Mary Ann explains the number of individuals marching did not represent the number participating in the conferences because of the risk of what could be lost. “It wasn’t called the pride march at that time, we called
it a human rights march,” says Mary Ann. “We were trying to get gay people included in the human rights code as protected members of society. In those days we could get kicked out of our jobs, our apartments, have our children taken away… a million different things that we all take for granted now, but it can happen again and that’s why it’s always important to have a pride parade and never forget where we came from.” The Northwood resident explains just how overwhelming it is to see how big the pride parade has become in Halifax. “The first parade (in Halifax) probably had 30 people. We had a big conference, but no one was out there marching because they didn’t want to lose their jobs. That was the reality,” says Mary Ann.
Mary Ann Mancini at a CBC protest in 1977. Robin Metcalfe
For Mary Ann, participating in the pride parade alongside the organization charged with supporting her wellbeing was a very special and meaningful experience. “I feel so fortunate to live at Northwood,” she says. “I truly feel safe to be myself at Northwood.”
Cannabis Legalization 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.com www.northwood.care
Federal legislation to legalize recreational cannabis will be coming into effect on October 17th, 2018. The HRM Regional Council is moving forward with an amendment to By-Law N-303 – Respecting Nuisances. This amendment will prohibit smoking or vaping tobacco or cannabis on all municipal property (including sidewalks and roadways), with the exception of designated smoking areas which will be
announced at a later date. We anticipate that regional council will be making further amendments prior to the October 17th effective date. Northwood is currently reviewing our staff and long-term care policies, along with our retirement living rental agreements, to respond to the legalization of cannabis and to the by-law amendment when it is finalized. You can expect to see
more information regarding Northwood’s employee alcohol and drug policy, smoking policy and long-term care policies between now and October 17th. If you think these changes will affect you, please be on the lookout for further details. For more information about the cannabis legislation coming to Nova Scotia, visit novascotia.ca/cannabis
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Research Symposium Brings Together Thought-Leaders in Continuing Care from Across Atlantic Canada More than 200 researchers from across Atlantic Canada gathered in Dartmouth for Northwood’s 8th annual Research Symposium, organized by a committee made up of Northwood staff and volunteers from outside agencies. Dr. Clive Baldwin, Professor of Social Work at St. Thomas University, delivered the keynote address focused on Micro-Ethics, Personhood and Long-Term Care. “Micro-Ethics refers to the very small, everyday interactions we have with each other that can support or undermine personhood over time,”
People Come First: We believe that treating each other with respect and dignity builds the trust that is essential to our effective relationships. We foster the talent and potential in everyone. Have one of our staff or volunteers brightened your day, gone above and beyond, or been “caught in the act” of caring? If so, please share your experience with us. We welcome your compliments and feedback. Please help us celebrate one of the best parts of Northwood – the people! Visit the reception desk at any of our three locations: Halifax, Bedford or Corporate Office and fill out a Bravo form and if you re-
says Dr. Baldwin. “How we greet people, our tone of voice, the language we use. Those interactions that are so frequent and habitual that their ethical import goes unnoticed.” Also speaking at the symposium was Dr. Susan Kirkland, Dr. Katie Aubrecht, and a number of other wellknown researchers in the fields of Aging, Continuing Care, and beyond. Dr. Clive Baldwin addresses delegates at 8th annual Northwood Research Symposium
ceive Home Care from Northwood, please contact your Supervisor to give a Bravo to a staff member. Bravo for taking the time! Here’s a selection of recent Bravos. To: Kristina Serrano Department: Nursing From: RJ (Nursing Services Manager) Thank you for readily accepting Eastern College CCA students who came to 4C on June 20, 2018. The students were really scared approaching the unit as it was a last
minute decision to try 4C. You, along with your colleagues, went out of your way to make the students feel welcome and less alone in this new place. Your kind gesture made their day extraordinary and for that I would like to say THANK YOU. To: Jessica Huehn Department: Home Care From Zeinap Timurzieva Supervisor received call from client to thank Northwood for sending such a
lovely person to come and help her today. Zeinap states that Jessica was so friendly and such a hard worker!! Great job, Jessica! Thank you for brightening the day of one of our Home Care clients. To: Ting Zhou Department: Dietary From: Linda Verlinden While waiting for an elevator on 7 Centre, Ting engaged one of the residents by doing hand and arm games with her. The resident was thrilled and Ting was so cheery and interactive. What a lovely way to engage folks on any floor. Would love for Ting to teach more of us those arm games!
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Mentors Make a Difference sated for training students, they do it because they enjoy it, and find it rewarding Mentoring takes patience, seeing the students further professionalism and a willdevelop in both competency ingness to teach, to learn, lis- and confidence under their ten and respond to questions guidance. Mentors are an and concerns from students. integral part of the learning A MENTOR is an individual experience. In fact, we could who Models, Encourages, not offer students a clinical Networks, Teaches, Organiz- experience without es, Responds – all characterthem. Last year, Northistics seen in our Northwood wood mentors mentors. Mentoring students enprovided over 20,000 rolled in the CCA Program hours of mentoris a very important job - one ship, the highest that helps further develop number of any local their skills and competenorganization providcies, preparing them for ing CCA mentorship a rewarding career as a placements. The CCA Continuing Care Assistant. programs depend on Continuing Care month is the participation of the perfect opportunity for both long-term care us to thank all Northwood facilities and home mentors for their contrisupport agencies to bution and commitment meet the demand to students, recognizing for skills and menthe importance of the role torship placements each of our mentors play. to complete the Students are required to required clinical learn the hands-on skills learning. necessary to work as a Placements with CCA, but just as critical is mentors often influlearning how to interact ence the environment in with residents and clients. which a student wishes to This is a skill that cannot work, be it long-term care or be taught in a classroom, home care, and are a crucial only through real-life inrecruitment opportunity for teraction. In their work Northwood. CCA students with students, mentors help who have been paired with shape the practices and val- Northwood mentors report ues of the next generation overwhelmingly positive of workers, guiding their experiences, which is quite learning and sharing wisoften reciprocated when dom that can only be gained mentors tell us about great from years of experience. students, frequently recomNorthwood mentors are mending hiring. a special group of individuOn completion of their als, willing to give the gift placements with us, we ask of their time and expertise the students to evaluate their repeatedly, often mentoring mentors. Here is some of the multiple students a year. great feedback we have reMentors are not compenceived: Submitted by: Cheryl King & Jodi Newland
“It was amazing being able to do my placement with Northwood -- my mentors rocked!” “My mentor provided feedback in a very respectful way and was very open to my opinions and ideas. She allowed me to learn and grow and improve. It was a great experience.” “My mentor was very helpful and wonderful to learn from. She was amazing with her clients and
extremely patient and [she] understands the value of efficient and caring service that needs to be provided to each and every client.” “Had an amazing mentor who offered a high standard of care for her clients. I learned a lot of great skills that I can carry on in my career. She was very knowledgeable and offered lots of encouragement.” “My mentor showed me how she respects residents, how she encourages them and
helps them realize that she is there to help and care for them. It was really touching.” A Special Thank You Northwood and our partner schools are tremendously grateful to our CCAs who choose to mentor. In recognition for all that they do, each currently active mentor will be receiving a special thank-you and CCA Mentor pin. All mentors will have their name entered in a draw for a $100 gift card – with a winner from both long-term care and home care. This is only a small token of our appreciation for everything that they do and their contribution to successful placements for students. Become a Mentor In an effort to recruit new mentors, we would like to extend an invitation to join our Northwood mentor team. If you are interested in being a mentor and want to share in the learning experience of future CCAs, please contact either Jodi Newland at 902-421-7300 or Cheryl King at 902-454-3391 no later than Oct 1, 2018. A CCA mentorship training session will be scheduled very soon after the collection of names. Again – thank you for all you do – you really make a difference, exemplifying our values, where people come first, everyone plays a part, we promote social justice, are all accountable, and where we can always do better.
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The Northwood Foundation
Live More Walk Raises Funds for Dignified Living Fund The Dignified Living Fund was started in 2011 by Northwood staff who continually saw residents and clients who could not afford medical-related items and services that were not covered by the government. The fund now helps members of the Northwood community receive access to some of the basic necessities that allow them to live with dignity.
These necessities include: glasses repair, hearing aid batteries, dental care, transportation to and from medical appointments, mobility aids, personal hygiene products and more. “The Dignified Living Fund is unique to Northwood and we’ve seen first-hand the difference this fund has made in the lives of our community members,” says Faye
Daubing for Dignity Merchandise Bingo In support of the Dignified Living Fund Prizes will include a Google Home Mini, gift baskets, tech accessories and more - with a Hisense 40” Smart TV Bonanza Prize!
Shirley Burnstein Hall
Griff and Caroline from Jack 92.9 will be joining us as our bingo callers!
Northwood Halifax Campus
September 18th at 6pm (Doors open at 5pm)
For more info contact Debra: 902-493-3015 dnorman1@northwoodfoundation.ca Lottery License: AGD-104520-18
Leblanc, Managing Director of the Northwood Foundation. Since it began, the Dignified Living Fund has filled hundreds of funding requests. Over the past year, members of the Northwood community have benefitted from the purchase of items like hearing aid batteries, wheelchair repairs and walkers. The Dignified Living Fund would not be possible without its main fundraiser, the Northwood Foundation’s annual Live More Walk. “As a not-for-profit, fundraisers like the Live More Walk are essential to support our commitment to empowering Northwood’s residents and clients to live more,” says Janet Simm, President and CEO of Northwood.
The walk is coming up on September 29. To date, the walk has raised over $230,000 for the Dignified Living Fund. To register for or donate to the Live More Walk, please visit www.northwoodfoundation.ca If you or someone you know could benefit from the Dignified Living Fund, please contact the nursing manager for your floor or your home care supervisor to submit a funding request.
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Halifax Campus
Canada Day at the Halifax Campus To celebrate Canada Day, Northwood opened up the Shirley Burnstein Hall to the public, inviting Andy Fillmore, Member of Parliament for Halifax, Mayor Mike Savage and Lindell Smith, District 8 Councillor, to say a few words. The celebration was marked with the raising of the Canadian flag and the cutting of the Canada Day cake. The hall was a sea of red and white with residents, tenants, and their friends and family members dressed in patriotic colours as they watched Northwood resident Sharon Beckwith raise the Ca-
nadian flag. The ceremony also featured a poem written by resident Mary Ann Mancini, titled Grandmothers Quilt.
Seeds of Success is planting the seeds of Wellbeing for Northwood residents This fall, Seeds of Success marks its fourth year of operation, offering Mental Health and Wellness programming to Northwood's Halifax community. Group programs are co-facilitated by an Occupational Therapist (Nelson) and a Recreation Therapy Programmer (Joy Pennick), and assisted by a dedicated team of volunteers. The New Beginnings activity-based programs are scheduled twice weekly – Creative Expressions and Therapeutic Gardening. The Creative Expressions program employs the expressive
arts to encourage individuals to express thoughts, feelings and emotions using a wide range of materials and techniques. The Therapeutic Gardening group not only brings pleasure, but also helps build confidence and provides a sense of purpose. Seeds participants plant vegetables, herbs and flowers, all from seed. They also transplant seedlings, care for houseplants and perform on-going garden maintenance. Our newly acquired accessible planters, located in the Allister Hiltz tending the raised beds maintained by Seeds of courtyard garden, ensure Continued on page 10 Success participants.
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Halifax Campus
Ice Cream Summer Socials in Halifax
Helena Wall and family watch the entertainment and share an ice cream sundae.
This summer, residents at the Halifax Campus were treated to Ice Cream Summer Socials. Each week during July and August, different floors were invited down to the Shirley Burnstein Hall for ice cream sundaes and musical entertainment. The hall was decorated to look like a 50s diner! The Recreation Department put a lot of thought and effort into creating a traditional 50s diner feel, complete with bow ties and retro-inspired soda jerk hats for the staff serving ice cream. These socials were made possible through a successful application by the Recreation Department to the Bragg Wish Fund. The Bragg Wish Fund helps makes wishes come
true for seniors living at Northwood and throughout rural Nova Scotia. The program is supported by the Northwood Foundation and is made possible with funding from the John and Judy Bragg Family Foundation. There are many different types of wishes that can be granted including, hosting a party or celebration, a group outing or a non-medical item that will enhance the quality of life for a resident. Application forms are available at www.northwoodfoundation. ca Mabel Sparks dances with Brenden Butchart, Recreation Therapist, at the Ice Cream Summer Social
Halifax Construction Update Have you noticed some changes lately at the Halifax Campus? We recently took on a number of upgrades and renovations. The reception area is moving to the previous study area, allowing for it to be easily visible as visitors enter the building. A space will also be created next to the reception area for our Main Street Markets. The new market area creates a larger space for vendors to display their products – providing the people who live, work at and visit the Halifax Campus a chance to purchase items found at many local markets. These projects are scheduled to be complet-
ed by mid-September. We think it’s important to show off the great programs Northwood offers, and that’s why we are moving NWBC next to Kaye’s Place with a soundproof window being installed – so everyone can watch our broadcasters in action. This project is also expected to be completed by mid-September. The driveway of the Manor entrance on Gottingen Street was widened to allow for more space for drop-offs and pick-ups. The Tower building’s exterior is getting a face lift. The building is being refinished and painted with a new color
scheme – charcoal and white with red accents to match all the new signage that has been installed at the Halifax Campus. The work on the outside of the Tower building is scheduled to finished by the end of September. We are also creating four new parking spaces outside of the Towers building to accommodate our expanding Health Centre. This will be done mid September. Millwork along the upper section of the walls along the corridor from the main entrance to the hair salon is being repaired. This area will be gyprocked and painted when existing hoarding from the other projects
is removed. This project is expected to be complete by mid-September as well. Last but certainly not least, the Harbourview Lounge Bar is currently being renovated and will be moving to the back of the lounge, with a doorway being created to connect the lounge with the Shirley Burnstein Hall. When this is complete, the bar will be accessible from both the Harbourview Lounge and the Shirley Burnstein Hall, allowing us to accommodate larger events and growing audiences in the hall. This project is scheduled to finish in November.
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Halifax Campus
Seeds of Success is planting the seeds Continued from page 8 that all participants can take a more active role in maintaining the outdoor gardens. Seeds offers the produce from our summer gardens during weekly produce sales, and proceeds collected are used to purchase supplies for the Seeds program. Inspired by recent renovations to Northwood’s Halifax Campus, the Marjorie Lindsay Centre (Seeds activity room) has been reorganized and refreshed to provide more space for programs. New height adjustable tables and our very own Apple TV mean that we can offer enhanced and accessible activities for our participants. Returning this fall is the New Positive Steps group, a closed eight week support
program for those experiencing anxiety and depression. Seeds will also offer a Goal Setting workshop and weekly Morning Mindfulness sessions for Seeds participants. As usual, we will continue to offer regular plant, produce and craft sales, to highlight the creative work of our talented Seeds participants. For more information about Seeds of Success, contact Nelson or Joy at (902) 4548311 ext. 3115.
Seeds participants during a Creative Expressions session.
An Ode to Seeds of Success By Gary Wentzell (past tenant), July 2016 Every success No matter how small Begins with a seed There are seeds in us all! In our lives, like the flowers We must nurture for hours To grow when our time comes Both attractive and tall.
Allister Hiltz & Heather Cavicchi
Northwood Partners with MacKenzie Atlantic to Create Paraglide Ten residents at Northwood’s Halifax Campus have been participating in the testing of an innovative wheelchair repositioning device called Paraglide. Paraglide allows someone who uses a wheelchair, or their caregiver, to reposition themselves with the press of a button. The person in the chair sits on a sheet of fabric that is attached to a cylin-
der on the back of the chair. When the button on the remote is pushed, the fabric winds to reposition the person. The idea for Paraglide started in 2011 when Northwood identified a common problem. “It can be difficult for residents in wheelchairs to reposition themselves,” says Gail Giffin, Northwood Manager of Resident Pro-
grams & Services. “Safely repositioning a resident often takes two staff members or a mechanical lift. Repetitive repositioning is time consuming and puts staff at risk of injury. We identified this was a problem and knew we didn’t have the expertise or resources to solve it on our own, so we set out to create the right partnerships to find a solution.”
Staff at Northwood reached out to NSCC’s Mechanical Engineering Technology program to develop a partnership and look at possible solutions. After the initial student product design, MacKenzie Atlantic began to work with NSCC and together, Paraglide began to take shape. Continued on page 11
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Halifax Campus
Northwood Partners with MacKenzie Atlantic to Create Paraglide today without the feedback we’ve received from occupaMatt MacKenzie is the tional therapists, healthcare owner of MacKenzie Atlantic administrators, workplace and has been developing the safety advocates and longParaglide prototype. “We’ve term care residents and staff been trialing the device with over the past two years.” Northwood residents, receivThe Northwood and Paraing their feedback and makglide partnership was recenting adjustments based on ly featured in the Chronicle that,” he says. “Paraglide has Herald along with resident, patents pending in Canada, Anne Hicks. Anne told the U.S., and Japan and we’re Herald that using the device working now to get the prod- means she is able to reposiuct ready for sale.” tion herself without getting “We’re really proud of its a caregiver to help her all development,” says Matt. the time. “I don’t have to say, “Paraglide is a Made in Nova ‘Excuse me, can you pull me Matt MacKenzie, owner of Scotia solution to a worldback in the chair? I’m too far MacKenzie Atlantic, with Anne wide problem, and the prodforward.’ This allows me to Hicks, Northwood resident uct wouldn’t be where it is do it myself. I’ve always liked Continued from page 10
being independent, so since I got this, it’s been wonderful,” she says. Partnering with organizations to promote innovation and research is not new for Northwood. In fact, two of Northwood’s core pillars are innovation and research. “When we see a way to improve the quality of life for our community, we are committed to making it happen,” says Gail. “This unique partnership is a testament of what can be accomplished when diverse partners come together with the common goal of improving quality of life and dignity for those who need our help the most.”
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Bedford Campus
Geoff Regan Raises Awareness for MS Bike Tour at the Bedford Campus Northwood’s very own Melanie Gaunt took the Honorable Geoff Regan for a spin on our Duet Wheelchair Bike Tandem through the William E. Frank Live More Park. The Speaker of the House of Commons visited the Bedford Campus as park of his fundraising tour for the MS Bike Tour. After a short lesson from Rhonda MacLean from Recreation Therapy, Regan and Gaunt went for a ride. Our
Duet Bike was purchased by the Northwood Foundation several years ago thanks to a gift from an anonymous donor. The bike continues to have many miles put on it every year. Melanie Gaunt, Northwood Bedford Resident & the Honorable Geoff Regan, Speaker of the House of Commons, riding the Duet Tandem Bicycle.
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Bedford Campus
A Summer at the William E. Frank Live More Park noons working alongside the generous and nurturing Student Summer Garden Coordinator “garden tenants,” I have seen first-hand the beauty of comThe William E. Frank Live munity. There have been so More Park has had a very many times when families fruitful summer this year! will arrive in the afternoon Home to one of Bedford’s and collect their salad from only community gardens, their garden for supper, the park is growing to be an bring me some of their vegaccessible gies to sample and tranquil while I work, oasis within a or share with rapidly growme stories of ing residentheir family tial area. As and gardena student at ing history Dalhousie (or lack thereUniversity of), and we studying Suslearn together tainability, with a great working in many smiles this blossomand laughs. ing garden In these mohas given me ments of great happihuman conness to work nection, we with the comshare in the Zoë Mackey-Boehner, Student munity, and collective Summer Garden Coordinator, pride in workhelp Northin her happy place. wood dream ing together and plan for to produce a the Live More Park’s near harvest. I have also been able to and distant future. talk to a number of residents Getting to know the garwho live here at Northwood’s dening community here in Bedford location, and have Bedford has helped me to learned to cherish life in all learn a lot about gardening, its different seasons through but also about the need for these beautiful people. One of intergenerational relationmy favourite parts of this job ships. Having been passionis when I’ve been out weeding ate about this before, I was excited to work at a place like all day in the heat, and along comes one of my friends who Northwood, which strives for accessibility and respect. has made Northwood their However, being in the garden home. They’ll sit and talk to me while I work, occasionally and spending many afterSubmitted by: Zoë Mackey-Boehner,
plucking up a few weeds as they come along with me. We get to know each other, and hearing their stories of their homes and families of days gone by, I’m struck with the realization that each moment with a loved one, or even a messy adventure in life, is one to be appreciated for what it is. I need friends like these to help me step back from my busy schedule and busy mind and remember that we both need each other in order to leave this planet in a better place. This is why I love the Live More Park. The park is a place for all ages to spend time outside, savoring the quiet moments in our days together. I have been very pleased to have a part in some of the planning for the future of the park while I’ve been here. The park is already a lovely place to sit outside in, but with the upcoming projects I hope that even more people will find themselves strolling around, volunteering, and sharing in these lovely conversations like I have. Besides the continuing development of the community garden and its summer programs, there are plans underway for a construction has begun on the gazebo, a bridge to connect the path of the park into a large circle, and a water fountain to sit and relax by. The projects wouldn’t be possible without the continued support from Canada Bread,
A sunflower grown this summer in the Live More Park and Community Garden.
Tree Canada, Cobequid Community Health Board, Nova Scotia Health Authority, Community Health Board and the Northwood Foundation. Although my time in the park will soon be coming to an end and I will be returning to my studies in the fall, I intend to carry these lessons from Northwood with me as I go. I hope that others will come to explore the fruits of the community garden in the coming years, and try their hand at gardening. Learning about the effort and great rewards of growing one’s own food is a lesson that I hope more Haligonians will discover and delight in as I have this summer.
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Northwood in the Community
Mobile Food Market to Become a Regular Visitor at Northwood After two successful visits, the Com- brought to Northwood through the Momunity Recreation & Wellness team are bile Food Market program. The Mobile looking forward having Food Market will back the Mobile Food Market at Northwood bi-weekly back in the new market this fall, starting Septemspace on the main floor ber 7. of the Ed Roach Centre for Living this fall. Residents, tenants, staff and community members have Market goers fill the courtyard for come out by the hundreds to purchase the August Mobile Food Market at fresh, high quality and affordable Northwood. veggies, fruit and bread that has been
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Northwood in the Community
Upcoming Day Trips A Trip Down Memory Lane: Step into the 1940s on this trip to Memory Lane Heritage Village in Lake Charlotte – a village that represents a time within living memory for many and brings stories from the past alive. The village features 17 authentically restored buildings depicting all aspects of social and economic life in rural Nova Scotia. You will enjoy a fully prepared home-style lunch from traditional 1940s recipes. This day trip will help
you reminisce while creating new memories. Additional stops along the route will be announced in early September. 28
When: Friday, September
Depart: Bedford Campus at 9 a.m., Halifax Campus at 9:30 a.m. Return: Halifax Campus at 4 p.m., Bedford Campus at 4:30 p.m. Cost: $50 for Community Recreation & Wellness members, $70 for non-mem-
bers (includes admission and meal) *Please register with payment two weeks prior to trip date
vidual dinner fees. You must be registered to attend. Registration for the event closes three days prior to the trip day.
Supper Club: Looking to try new foods in local, surrounding restaurants? Want to share a meal with a new friend? We’ve got just the club for you! Join us for our Retro Themed Supper Club. Transportation to and from our pick up locations is included in fees. Guests are responsible for their indi-
When: Thursday, September 27 Where: Esquire, Bedford Highway Pick up: Halifax Campus at 5 p.m., Bedford Campus at 5:30 p.m. Cost: $12 for Community Recreation & Wellness members, $15 for non-members
16 | Northwood | Fall 2018
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Crossword CLUES ACROSS
1. Where to shop 6. A descendant of Shem 12. NBA big man “Boogie” 16. Integrated circuit 17. Voice 18. Larry and Curly’s buddy 19. Beloved English princess 20. Used to emphasize 21. Sun worshippers want one 22. Atomic # 44 (abbr.) 23. Lincoln’s state 24. Selects 26. Organs present in invertebrates 28. Self-immolation by fire 30. Trauma center
31. Automobile 32. Mustachioed actor Elliott 34. Something to do at auctions 35. British School 37. San Diego ballplayers 39. Drumming pattern 40. One-time Portuguese currency 41. Honor 43. Beaches have it 44. Folk singer DiFranco 45. Electronic data processing 47. Where wrestlers ply their trade 48. The Peach State
adult day
Coming soon to dartmouth Purposeful day programs that help adults with memory loss live more. For more information please call 902.454.9706
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50. Boat post 52. Omitted from printed matter 54. Witnesses 56. Indicates position 57. Atomic # 18 (abbr.) 59. Obliged to repay 60. Lead prosecutor 61. Sun God 62. The Ocean State 63. Seek opportunity without scruples 66. Keeps you cool 67. Achievements 70. A beloved street 71. Analyze minutely
CLUES DOWN
1. Cooks need one 2. A mystic syllable 3. Male parents 4. Greek goddess of discord 5. U.S.-based church (abbr.) 6. Movies have lots of them 7. Greek goddess of the dawn 8. Influential naturalist 9. Ancient town 10. Atlanta-based rapper 11. Animosities
12. Pop singer 13. Speak 14. One who lives in northern Burma 15. Not liquids 25. A framework 26. Peter’s last name 27. Plants have it 29. To shorten a book 31. French philosopher 33. Murdered in his bathtub 36. Greek letter 38. A hiding place 39. Crazed supporters 41. Winged nut 42. Doctor of Education 43. Unhappy 46. Popular celeb magazine 47. __ and greets 49. Poke holes in 51. Beloved Mexican dish 53. Monetary unit of Angola 54. More wise 55. Pouches 58. Hindu’s ideal man 60. Type of gazelle 64. Revolutions per minute 65. Energy unit 68. Cerium 69. Canadian peninsula
Fall 2018 | Northwood | 17
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Northwood in the Community
Pauline Potter Community Health Centre Adding a Nurse Practitioner Northwood sees the changing needs of our diverse population in our facilities and in the community. Through collaboration with the Nova Scotia Health Authority, we are making enhancements to the Pauline Potter Community
Health Centre and will be able to offer extended primary care for our North End Halifax community with the addition of a full-time Nurse Practitioner. Once our clinic is established, it will offer Nurse Practitioner services five days a week
and allow 800 patients who are currently waiting for a family doctor to be removed from the list. The clinic is expected to be up and running later this year. Our collaborative practice at the Pauline Potter Health Centre includes dental ser-
vices, esthetics, foot care, chiropractic, physiotherapy and massage therapy. Currently a Nurse Practitioner clinic is held on Monday afternoons, and a clinic with Dr. Rostis is held on Wednesday afternoons and Friday mornings.
Partnerships with Local Service Clubs Help People in Need in our Communities A special partnership between local service clubs and Northwood Intouch was formed many years ago and is still going strong today. As a way to raise funds to give back to their community, local service clubs perform the installations of the Northwood Intouch Service. When a member of a particular community decides to use the monitored fall alert pendant or one of our other buttons or sensors, a member of a volunteer service club in that community is dispatched to perform the installation in the client’s home. In exchange for performing the installation, the $25 install fee is given to that service club. That means the money stays right in the community, helping to fund various projects and to help when there is a need. “It makes you feel good
Ed Merry, Hiram Tiller, and Damon Alcock, Volunteers from Armdale Fairview Rockingham Lions Club.
because you’re doing something for the community,” says Hiram Tiller, ArmdaleFairview-Rockinham Lions Club Volunteer of more than 50 years. “We don’t ask questions, we just do it.” A special partnership
between local service clubs and Northwood Intouch was formed many years ago and is still going strong today. As a way to raise funds to give back to their community, local service clubs perform the installations
of the Northwood Intouch Service. When a member of a particular community decides to use the monitored fall alert pendant or one of our other buttons or sensors, a member of a volunteer service club in that community is dispatched to perform the installation in the client’s home. In exchange for performing the installation, the $25 install fee is given to that service club. That means the money stays right in the community, helping to fund various projects and to help when there is a need. “It makes you feel good because you’re doing something for the community,” says Hiram Tiller, ArmdaleFairview-Rockinham Lions Club Volunteer of more than 50 years. “We don’t ask questions, we just do it.” Continued on page 18
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Northwood in the Community
Partnerships with Local Service Clubs Continued from page 17 For more than five years
the AFR Lions Club has been able to provide monetary sponsorship to the school
lunch program in the Fairview area because of money they’ve raised through Northwood Intouch installations. Northwood Intouch offers fall pendants (including automatic fall detection), pill dispensers, stove sensors, bed alarms and alarm systems for wandering with 24/7 monitoring at local response centres. As a not-for-profit organization, we reinvest in the community, just like the local service clubs we partner with. Monies raised from Northwood Intouch goes to help support Northwood’s Adult Day program, the William E. Frank Live More Park and Community Garden, the Northwood Bus, and the Northwood Intouch subsidy program. To find out more about Northwood Intouch and what makes it different, call 1-800-461-3346 or 902-492-3346 or email intouch@nwood.ns.ca. Thank you to our volunteer service clubs and community groups across Nova Scotia:
Cole Harbour Lions Halifax Telephone Pioneers Deep Brook Lions Club Enfield Lions Club Armdale, Fairview, Rockingham Lions Club Telephone PioneersChebucto Life Club Sydney Telephone Pioneers Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital Lake Echo Lions Northstar Lodge #74 A.F. and A.M. New Glasgow Telephone Pioneers –Heather Council Middleton Lions Club Milford Lions Club Moser River VIP Group Musquodoboit Valley Lions Club Musquodoboit Harbour Lions Club New Germany Lions Club North Side Golden K Parrsboro Lions Club Port Hood First Responders Sackville Lions Club Saulnierville Pharmacy Sheet Harbour Lions Sherbrooke Legion Aliant Tele Pioneers – Cabot Council Valley View Villa Cape Breton Golden K Antigonish Club 60 I.O.O.F Tatamagouche BLT Rails to Trails Truro Rotary Club Bridgetown Lion’s Club Truro Lions Club Bridgewater Area Lions Club Waycobah Health Centre Canso Lions Windsor Rotary Club Chester and Area Lions Club Yarmouth Knights of Chezzetcook Lions Club Columbus
Do you have difficulty talking or understanding due to stroke, dementia, Parkinson’s disease or another condition? A speech-language pathologist can help. Pamela Coulter, M.Sc., S-LP(C) www.shoreline-speech.com | 902.219.3065
155374
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www.northwood.care
Dear Dad
Submissions
ful news. I recall like it was yesterday, I was holding your hand with your big ring on it Submitted by Lynn Eyland in disbelief. “How are we going to live without you Dad?” I This essay is about what believe that you are in my life my father, Ronald James Ey- daily helping me with impossiland means to me. ble things and feel so grateful My dear Dad, when I think for my life and how you and of you, I see your smiling face my loved ones help me whenand feel happy because you ever I need it. Most of these made everyone feel that way. memories I feel that you know The whole family misses you because I feel you all the time. Dad, before you left us, so much and I know you are you asked all the kids this around us every day. When unbelievable question “Did I told Mom that I was going you have a fun childhood?” to write to you she told me to That surprised all of us. I tell you that she misses you remember you telling us girls so much and she has always when we were small “When I loved you. But you left us too soon. Our Lord tells us that it was a little girl…” We had a was your time to go Home and hard time imagining our big strong dad being like one of we will see each other when us but that was his magic! we pass on to go Home also. Tammy told me from the Christmas was always a hospital how concerned you favorite time for you Dad. were about me and my MS. Your and Mom’s sense of But through the years you humour kept the party gotouched me with The Aling. Mom told us that when mighty’s energy and always you were growing up Christmade me feel my best. Those mas wasn’t celebrated with miracles let me know that much gusto so you made up you were a prayer or thought for that with your own kids. away, keeping me safe and I remember every Christmas sound and out of harm’s way. we would get typical oranges I remember that awful and candy in our stocking. Thanksgiving weekend when Almost every year you would you and mom got that dreadbring a hilarious holiday
Letter to Viena
novelty that did something funny and we would laugh at till next year! That was our favorite time of year also! Terry was telling me some memories like that time you made us some homemade Root beer and you only had beer bottles to put it in so we had fun drinking pop like we were drinking real beer. I thought about how I promised to make labels for the bottles but never did. Dad you and I shared a love for Blues music and one time Dutchy Mason was playing at a local bar so down we went to check it out! Later Stevie Ray Vaughan was playing at the Metro Centre. We went out to dinner then to the cool concert. Every time I’m listening to Saturday Night Blues on CBC I think of you and our shared love “boogie-woogie.” When I’m telling someone a funny story and we are laughing about it, I feel you right beside me sharing the laugh! I was telling my fellow resident here at Northwood some of your “Dad-isms” like “I like my tea so weak it has to hold on the sides of the cup” or “Nice set of teeth but the gums got to come out” or “Cripes Almighty” I have to
Lynn Eyland
laugh at those little quotes from you Dad. But I so wanted a good man like you to give me all I need. You always said here on earth that you never met a Newfoundlander that you didn’t like. Well I met Dennis, a Newfoundlander, who treats me like you treated Mom. His first thought in the morning is “How can I make Lynn’s life easier or better today?” One evening, I was trying to recall the name of that song about dancing bears that you would sing at Northwood. I went to bed thinking of that song and in the morning I turned on CBC and they were playing a request by a long time listener. The song was “Waltzing with Bears.” Yes, and that was the song I was trying to think of the night before! Coincidence? - I think not!
good and not so good times. I have seen, when your mother talks about you, that she loves Submitted by Sharon Murphy important it is for you to grow you deeply and passionately, to be the same kind of compas- and what more in life is there. Dearest Viena: sionate, caring person your Someone said to me once My name is Sharon Murphy. mother is. You have a good when you have love you have I am 72 years old and I live start in life in becoming that everything. Gods Blessings to where your mother works. I kind of person. I can see in my you both. Sharon wanted you to know how kind conversations and contacts and giving your mother is. I with your mother how much Submissions can be sent know you know this already she loves you and that you are through your mother’s acthe light of her life. The moth- to communications@nwood. Sharon Murphy poses with a tions. But it was important er-child relationship is like no ns.ca for consideration. for me to find words to tell other. I know you will be there Please note: not all submis- Great Dane that came to visit at Northwood. sions can be printed. you and to express to you how for each other through the
20 | Northwood | Fall 2018
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Volunteering at Northwood
Remembering Long-Time NWBC Volunteer Dale MacKeigan Ellis Baxendale “Dale” MacKeigan first hit the airwaves at Northwood Broadcasting Club (NWBC) more than 17 years ago after a brief training period. “Typically it takes a broadcaster a full year before they’re ready to go on the air but after two or three months, we were in a pinch and Dale was ready,” says Jim Francis, Former NWBC President.
Not only did Dale fill the airwaves, he helped keep track of the stations finances. “If the accounts were off by even 10 cents he would have a fit. He’d find out where that dime went… he was very conscientious,” says Francis. After Northwood took over the management of NWBCs finances, Dale became the Vice President. As VP, Dale looked after day-to-day operations and the training of
on-air announcers, including current NWBC President, Linda Furlought. Dale’s dedication to NWBC over the years was undeniable. “He was totally dedicated to NWBC. It was never a no, always an ‘I’ll be there!’ Even a howling blizzard couldn’t keep Dale away,” says Francis. According to Jim, Dale and his wife Sue moved to an apartment in Northwood Towers so Dale could be close to the station. Part of his daily routine was stopping by the station to make sure there was someone on-air and if there wasn’t, he’d get behind the microphone and fill in. On his final day at Northwood, Dale was doing his daily check and discovered no one had showed up for
their shift that morning. Jim explains Dale was very sick, but his dedication to the station prevailed. “He went and signedout the keys to the station, turned on the systems and got the music going,” says Francis. “He was too exhausted to speak, so we called for help. That was the day Dale went to the hospital.” Dale will be missed dearly by everyone at Northwood and all of his fans that tuned in religiously to hear him on NWBC over the years. “He was so supportive of everyone at NWBC and always had a smile on his face,” says Francis. “I keep expecting to walk in to the studio and see him. He will be missed.”
Volunteer with Northwood Looking to keep busy in a meaningful way? By volunteering with Northwood, you are contributing to your community in a fun and active way.
Ellis Baxendale "Dale" MacKeigan - 1940 – 2018
Volunteer Job Board • Friday Church Porters (Halifax) – Volunteers to bring residents down to the Friday church service in the Shirley Burnstein Hall. • Friendly Visitors (Halifax) – Volunteers who are either skilled care-takers
or knowledgeable in health-care to be matched up 1-on-1 with a resident. • Garden Volunteers (Bedford) – Volunteers to help with the harvest of our fall crops as well as preparing the garden beds for winter. For these and other volunteer opportunities at Northwood, please contact our Volunteer Engagement Coordinator at 902-454-3353 or volunteers@nwood. ns.ca
www.northwood.care
SOCIAL & LEISURE Fall 2018 | Northwood | 21
Harbourview Lounge
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LIVE MUSIC
Every Wednesday evening Visit nwood.ns.ca/calendar or call 902-454-3351 12
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22 | Northwood | Fall 2018 Lynn Eyland studied art in Edmonton and then went on to enjoy a successful artistic career. She was 19 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.
Crossword Solution
Get Connected Get Connected provides a regular social call from a Northwood volunteer to an older adult living alone. Get Connected offers: • A free weekly connection with a trained volunteer • A friendly call from someone who knows your name • Pleasant conversation on topics of mutual interest For more information call: 902-421-6387 or email: getconnected@nwood.ns.ca *Not intended as a check-in or monitoring service*
www.northwood.care
Instructor: Cost:
Donna Hyland/Ruth-Ellen Jackson $10 members
Fall 2018 | Northwood | 23
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The Pauline Potter Fitness Centre Just call (902) 493-5641 to arrange your test drive! It’s free, convenient and your body will thank you. When you like it, your monthly-no-contract membership will be $25 (tax included).
LIVE MORE
Phone: 902-454-3351
Email: crec@nwood.ns.ca
Web: www.northwood.care
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24 | Northwood | Fall 2018
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Halloween at Harbourview with Misty Blues Band
Darts
Over 35 Halloween players meet once a weekSpooktactular to share their skills, is always at meet new people and enjoy the amicable atmosphere. We always the Harbourview Lounge with specialty welcome new players. No experience necessary. Registration dances, costume contestsis and haunting is required for this program. cocktails. When: Fridays at 7:00 pm October 31, 7:00 p.m. Harbourview Where: Shirley Burnstein Hall Duration: September 14Lounge to November 24 Regular dance fees apply Cost: $2 drop in fee, members only program
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Card sales from 6:00 to 6:50 pm Contact Community Recreation & Wellness for complete price and prize information. Shirley Burnstein Hall, 2615 Northwood Terrace, Halifax
“So glad you are there. I don’t know how I would have gotten through this without you.” – CNS caregiver client
F
Loonie Pot accumulates until it is won (prizes have been as high as $2,500)
O
10 regular games One jackpot game Six specials (optional) Loonie number
Caregivers Nova Scotia is a non-profit organization providing FREE programs, services, information, and advocacy for unpaid, friend and family caregivers.
PR O
at
Every Monday and Saturday, 7 pm Northwood Halifax Campus
Phone: 902.421.7390 or Caregivers Nova Scotia is a non-profit 1.877.488.7390 organization providing FREE programs, Phone:www.CaregiversNS.org 902-454-3351 Email: services, information, and advocacy for unpaid family and friend caregivers. 150748
Caregivers Nova Scotia Association