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A Community Paper sharing the stories of the largest not-for-profit continuing care organization in Atlantic Canada Winter 2019
Volume 2, Issue 3
My Story: My Self, an Exhibition of Creative Arts & Personal Narratives In early November, participants of our Seeds of Success program proudly displayed their works of art in the market space at our Halifax Campus in the first annual Seeds of Success art exhibit titled My Story: My Self, an Exhibition of Creative Arts & Personal Narratives. This exhibit provided Seeds participants with the opportunity to showcase their writing, crafts and visual arts created while involved in the mental wellness program. Since early 2019, Seeds of
Models for Mental Page 8 Health
Success participants have been hard at work learning new mediums to share their stories. Continued on page 14
Pumpkin Carving Page 12 Contest
Holiday Information Page 13
Halloween Tradition in the Northwood Page 18 Towers
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Message from Board Chair, Dr. Rhonda Church Greetings! I’m delighted to be writing my first message to you as Chair of the Board of Governors. Peter Wilde, who so capably served as Chair for the last several years, handed over the reins at Northwood’s Annual General Meeting in June. I’ve been a board member for several years but have worked in health care for decades. Although I now work as a consultant, I was a family doctor for 22 years. I have a particular interest in health care safety and am very proud to have co-written “Take as Directed —Your Prescription for Safe Health Care in Canada” in 2010 together with a pharmacist colleague. I love being involved with
Northwood. It’s such an amazing experience walking through the doors at the Halifax campus where the recent renovations have created such an inviting atmosphere. I’m a knitter, and so I love to stop and talk to Joan, who always has a pair of socks on the go somewhere nearby. Speaking of making things, have you seen our new affordable living apartment complex that’s going up quickly at our Bedford campus? Renovations are also underway at our Health Centre and in Recreation Therapy in Halifax. As a family doctor, I often heard from families of individuals with dementia how difficult it was to get a break so they could have time for errands or much
needed self-care and so we’re thrilled that our new Adult Day locations in Dartmouth and Lower Sackville are helping to fill this important need. Over the coming months, I hope to have an opportunity to meet many of Northwood’s staff, clients and families. I was able to meet some of you - or wave to you - during the Pride Parade over the summer as we celebrated our LGBTQ community. I was away for the (Sold Out!) second annual Models for Mental Health but was pleased to be able to send along a piece of knitting for the silent auction. As we go to print, the board is preparing to meet to develop our new strategic
plan that will provide a blueprint for Northwood’s priorities over the next few years. Consultant Mary Jane Hampton, you may know her from CBC Information Morning’s Health Hacks Segment, will help to guide us through that process. I’ll update you on that in a future message. As we head into the holiday season, I’d like to wish you and your families a peaceful and joyous season on behalf of the Board of Governors. And please, if you see me around, say hello!
Happy Holidays from Janet Simm, President & CEO The holiday season is quickly approaching. This is a busy time of year for us here at Northwood, but it’s also one of the most exciting times. We’re busy planning a number of festive events and programming for both staff and clients. Our neighbourhood parties are coming up for our long term care residents, homecare clients will receive special holiday cards from the community and our staff will dance the night away at
our annual holiday dinner and dance. We’re committed to making sure everyone in the Northwood community feels the warmth of the season. The Northwood Foundation will be continuing some long-standing holiday traditions this year with the Holiday Card Campaign and the Giving Tree. Our residents and clients will receive special holiday cards sent through Jack 92.9 and Sleep Country, and each
long term care resident will receive a gift on Christmas morning thanks to the generosity of the community. Special community partnerships like these are important to us all year round, but they are especially cherished at this time of year. I’d like to wish all of our clients, staff, donors, volunteers and the rest of our community a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year, from all of us here at Northwood!
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Solarium Under Construction at the Bedford Campus We’re pleased to announce that a new solarium is being constructed at the Bedford Campus. This is in keeping with our Strategic Direction: Housing Strategy, Creating a Campus for Living. The solarium, to be located on the existing second
floor deck of Ivany Place, will be a bright, open, year round space. It will provide an inviting gathering area for card games, checkers, puzzles, camaraderie, companionship and quiet solitude for Ivany Place residents and families, as well
Exterior rendering of the future Solarium.
as, tenants of the adjacent Northwood Place (currently under construction) and the local community. The Christina and Hedley G. Ivany Charitable Foundation has agreed to provide the majority of the funding to the Northwood Foun-
dation for this wonderful project, with the remainder of funds being gifted by a private donor. Construction is underway and we anticipate that it will be completed prior to the upcoming holiday season.
Interior rendering of the future Solarium.
Addressing Heat Stress at the Halifax Campus Heat stress during the summer months is becoming a growing concern at the Halifax Campus. Over the years, we’ve implemented numerous changes to help mitigate the impact of heat stress. But, with the summer weather becoming increasingly hot and humid, the number of days
that staff are working in 30+ degree heat in some neighbourhoods continues to grow each year. We’re committed to supporting a healthy and safe environment for everyone at Northwood, so we are exploring further innovative engineering controls to reduce the impact of the heat on
staff and residents. To help with addressing the heat stress issue, we engaged a consultant to undertake a review and make recommendations regarding our cooling systems. They gave us a number of recommendations with a full cost of $2 million. We will be taking a phased
approach to implementing these recommendations over the coming years. The first phase of this approach will be installing air conditioning units in kitchenettes on floors 1-9 in the Centre building. Work has begun on this and the new units will be ready to go before next summer.
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Publisher Northwood Communications Editor Jenna Farrell Communications & Marketing Specialist Stephanie McDougall 902-493-3016 smcdougall@nwood.ns.ca Communications Assistants Jenna Farrell 902-454-3342 jenna.farrell@nwood.ns.ca
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Protect Each Other with a Flu Vaccine Flu season is now in full swing! Did you know that many of the people who live at Northwood or depend on us for services are considered high-risk when it comes to the flu? Adults over 65, people with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease,
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Alyson Estey 902-454-3377 alyson.estey@nwood.ns.ca Graphic Designer Erin Gidney Production Manager Vicki Hines Printing Advocate Printing & Publishing
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pregnant women, Indigenous people, people who are obese and residents of nursing homes and other health care facilities are all highrisk groups that need extra protection from the flu. For these vulnerable groups, the flu can cause complications requiring hospitalization or even death. Getting an annual flu shot is key in reducing the impact and spread of the flu. The influenza virus can be transmitted before you show anySupplies symptoms, a reaArt son why it is so important to get your yearly flu shot. This is especially important for those who fall into a high-risk group, and for healthcare workers who provide care to these more vulnerable people. Again this flu season, the provincial government is making a high-dose flu vaccine available to all long term care residents. This high-dose vaccine was
developed specifically for those over the age of 65. Older adults and people living in long term care facilities have the highest rates of severe illness and hospitalization due to the flu. Only 15% of the Canadian population are over the age of 65, but they experience 67% of flu related complications and 88% of flu related deaths. Research shows that administering this highdose vaccine to all long term care residents could result in 100 fewer hospital stays. The best time to get vaccinated is from October through December, but it’s never too late! Let’s protect each other - talk to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist or public health office about getting vaccinated. And remember, hand hygiene also plays an important role in limiting the spread of illness, so wash your hands thoroughly and often.
HIRING HOMECARE WORKERS Are you a CCA interested in working within your community? Would you like some help with your monthly car payment? Northwood Home Support would like to help!* 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
Contact Jenn for details: jennifer.main@nwood.ns.ca *Conditions apply. For new hires only.
Winter 2019 | Northwood | 5
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Meet your Diversity Committee
Dianna Cooper I am Dianna Cooper. I came from Liberia West Africa. I arrived in Canada on September 15, 2005. Attended NSCC to become a Continuing Care Assistant, and joined the Northwood team in October 2006. I love this team, so I decided to work with the diversity team within Northwood, to learn more about diversity and the important role it plays in this organization. This unique diverse organization has helped me to know and respect my coworkers with dignity no matter their cultural background, race, sexual orientation or religion. I have a tie dye African pant suit. It is a casual suit for every day wear. Our major food in Liberia is rice with different kinds of greens soup. We also eat fufu and soul. We love dancing with the beat of a drum and also sitting with our elders under the trees at night hearing stories of the old days. Our major language is English but have many others dialects. My country is a small country with 33 or more million people. My country is a Christian nation, but we have Muslims and other religions also. This is just part of my story.
Joyce Mal My name is Joyce Mal. I have been employed by Northwood for nine and a half years initially as a facility supervisor and then a Manager in Nursing Services following my retirement from Capital District Health Authority. I met my husband while working at the Health Authority. I have shared my wedding photo with you to highlight my personal experience with cultural diversity. My husband is from Northern India. My ancestors have roots in Poland, Scotland and Ireland. I have always been intrigued by diverse cultural backgrounds and a desire to support people as they journey through transitions in their lives. The diversity committee seemed to be a natural fit. In my youth, I played in a pipe band as a tenor/bass drummer with my sister who played the bagpipes. This gave us the opportunity to meet people from many countries as we played in a mass band competition in Toronto. It was an incredible experience.
Muhammad Iqbal My name is Muhammad Iqbal, Supervisor in Support Services in Bedford. I am a member of designated visible minority group, who strongly believes in equality, fairness and justice. I came to Canada in 2007 as a foreign worker from Pakistan. I am a born Muslim raised with great Islamic and cultural values. I studied in a Christian school and had great teachers and friends from different faiths and creeds. I have great memories that I cherished with them and our love was beyond the boundaries of religion, color, and status; we were like a family. I chose to be on the Diversity Committee to support cultural competence by promoting Diversity and Inclusion, so we are able to share our visible and invisible differences through education and awareness to eliminate (explicit) conscious and (implicit) unconscious biases and stereotyping. Together we can build a stronger engagement and culture of inclusion so all of us feel equally valued. Let us exterminate doubt and disbelief and make Northwood “A multicultural Organization.”
Beauty Mweemba My Name is Beauty Mweemba. I am the Nursing Manager for 1C, 2C and 3C at Northwood, Halifax Campus. I am originally from Zambia in central Africa. Throughout my nursing career, I have had opportunities to work with a diverse workforce in different health care settings. I worked in Africa then moved to the United Kingdom and worked in Wales and England. My move to Canada started from Newfoundland and now in Nova Scotia. I joined the diversity group at Northwood because I strongly believe diversity strengthens our innovation capacity, unleashes the potential of Northwood employees and thereby directly contributes to our success.
Northwood’s Giving Tree Unscented Lotion
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6 | Northwood | Winter 2019
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Meet your Diversity Committee
Stephanie McDougall My name is Stephanie McDougall. I have been with Northwood for nearly 5 years. I am the Manager of Communications and Marketing which means my team is responsible for communicating Northwood’s messages across various platforms. It’s important to me that when we are communicating our messages, we are sensitive to the fact that we have a culturally diverse workforce. My family came to Canada from Scotland. Preferred Pronouns: She/Her.
Robbie McCormack My name is Robbie McCormack. I have been working for 8 years at Northwood as a Dietary Aide. I was born and raised in Halifax and my ancestors are from Ireland, the UK and Europe. The thing I like best about being on the Diversity Team is meeting people from different cultures and backgrounds and learning from them. I love to sing, listen to music and play and watch sports and look forward to getting to know everyone at Northwood better.
Northwood’s Giving Tree
Northwood’s Giving Tree
Chocolate Art Supplies Treats (no nuts please!)
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Kleenex
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Sylvia Valdebenito My name is Sylvia Valdebenito. Because I am a double immigrant I have had the opportunity to have multiple experiences with people from different cultural backgrounds. Those experiences gave me the chance to learn how to be more open mind, less judgmental and more understanding of feelings/ ideas/beliefs of other people around the world. I was born in Chile, raised in Venezuela. Two beautiful Spanish countries and also two different cultural countries. I consider myself Venezuelan with a little bit of Chilean. People in Venezuela love to smile, they are kind/friendly to each other and they love to dance. I am bilingual and Catholic. I choose to be on the committee because Canada is the country of diversity so I want to continue meeting new people from other cultural backgrounds. I want to support residents and clients from other cultures. I want to show residents and clients how different and how similar the culture can be in the rest of the world.
Ram Yadav My name is Ram Yadav. I came to Halifax, Canada in 2017. I have been working here at Northwood for almost 2 years as a Continuing Care Assistant. My country of origin is India and I belong to a Hindu community. India is a diverse country where people of different religions, caste and community who speak different languages (22 main languages and 780 other languages), live and work together with peace and harmony. I have joined the diversity committee because I strongly believe that Ethnic diversity promotes richness to society and this committee gives us a platform to meet people from different places and different cultural background who shares their ideas, thoughts and contribute towards achieving the same goal. I love meeting new people and exploring different cultures.
Other committee members: Caroline Campbell, Nelson, Kevin Banfield, Donald Beals.
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Becoming an RN through CCA Certification at Northwood Venu Nallavemula became a Registered Nurse in Canada by taking advantage of the supports offered at Northwood. Venu started at Northwood as a PCW in August 2016. As an Internationally Education Nurse from India, he was hired with the condition that he would get certified as a CCA or become licensed as a nurse. In 2018, Venu obtained his CCA certification with the support of Northwood. He then worked as a CCA with us while continuing to work toward his goal of obtaining his Nova Scotia Registered Nursing License. He wrote his RN licensing exam in January 2018, and achieved his RN License in May 2019. Venu continues to work full-time hours at the Northwood Halifax Campus as a Registered Nurse.
When he came to Canada, Venu chose Northwood because of our multicultural community and in-house supports. At Northwood, he could access financial aid to obtain his CCA and RN certifications, take in-house certificate courses and received assistance with the immigration process and paperwork. “Northwood gave me everything,” he says. Venu was embraced in a friendly environment with continual support as he successfully completed his CCA certification and then his RN license. Obtaining a CCA certification was a stepping stone to get to where Venu wanted to be. It can be a long process, but his advice is to never give up and to look at it as a journey with one success after the other.
Staff Holiday Dinner & dance Do you have your tickets yet? It’s not too late! Get your tickets from the Business Office in Halifax & Bedford or from Gillian Norton-Byce in Dartmouth When: Friday, December 6 6:30 p.m. - Reception & Cash Bar 7:00 p.m. - Buffet Dinner 9:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. - Dance Where: DoubleTree by Hilton, Dartmouth Tickets: $10 for staff, $15 for a guest (one guest per staff member)
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The Northwood Foundation
Models for Mental Health Raises $55k for Seeds of Success We had a fun an energetic afternoon at the sold out second annual Models for Mental Health event on November 3 at St. Mary’s Boat Club. We raised over $55k for the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia’s Seeds of Success named grant, which provides funding for our mental health & wellness support program. “We’re thrilled with the results of this year’s event,” Our volunteer models with event planning co-chairs and our says Faye LeBlanc, Managpresenting sponsor. (Left-right) Natalie Fournier, Stephanie ing Director of the NorthGraham, Dawn Boylan, Mary Jane Brantnall, Gizelle Guzman, wood Foundation. “The Krista Hyland, Linda Carvery, Beth McKay, Judi Quann, Rachel funds raised, along with the Forrest, Amy Murphy, Tig and Margaret Gordon. Missing: Der- Bell Let’s Talk Community rick Carvery, Christa Lewis, Shelagh Cantley and therapy dog grant, allow us to continue Penny, Andre Dupont and therapy dog Odin. to grow the Seeds of Suc-
cess program that provides our residents with positive and therapeutic activities designed to promote mental wellness.” Presented by Bell Let’s Talk, the event attracted approximately 200 attendees for an amazing afternoon in support of mental health. Models walked the runway wearing clothing from The Perfect Fit, East of Montreal and Value Village. Models included four Northwood residents: Judi Quann, Mary Jane Brantnall, Margaret Gordon and Derrick Carvery. Continued on page 9
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The Northwood Foundation
Models for Mental Health Continued from page 8 “Being in a fashion show is something I never thought I’d do, a once in a lifetime experience,” says Judi. “Not only was I modelling for me but I was out there modelling for other people like me. I was saying ‘here we are.’ I had so much fun, the hair! The makeup! I was really taken care of !” Other models included three therapy dogs and their handlers from St. John Ambulance, our board member Linda Carvery and other volunteers. Liz Rigney from CTV Atlantic was the emcee and attendees shopped the silent auction and the Live More Boutique, which had gently used clothing and accessories. At the event, Bell Let’s Talk presented Gail Giffin, Manager of Resident Programs & Services, with a
Mary Jane Brantnall modelling her outfit from The Perfect Fit. Therapy dog Tig gives his owner Krista Hyland a highfive on the runway.
cheque for $15,000 for Seeds of Success from their Community Grant Fund. We raffled off $2,500 in fuel from Maritime Fuels and Scotiabank donated $15,000 to the event through their matching program.
Judi Quann hits the runway in her outfit from The Perfect Fit.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Presenting
Runway
Community
In-Kind
Linda Carvery modelling with her mother Margaret Gordon, in outfits from East of Montreal.
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The Northwood Foundation
The Live More Walk Raises Over $27k for the Dignified Living Fund The 9th annual Live More Walk took place on September 28, raising $27,861 for Northwood’s Dignified Living Fund. This is a fund unique to Northwood that exists to help members of our community to live with dignity. It’s used to purchase things like hearing aid batteries, eyeglasses, transportation to and from medical appointments, mobility aids, personal hygiene products and more. The Dignified Living Fund really shows how much Northwood staff care for our residents. “The Dignified Living Fund was first started by members of our staff,” says Faye LeBlanc, Managing Director of the Northwood
Foundation. “Now our annual Live More Walk is the main fundraiser for the fund, raising money to provide our residents and clients with the things they need in order to live with dignity. When you have dignity, you can truly Live More.” Mayor Mike Savage and MP for Halifax, Andy Fillmore, were in attendance for this year’s walk, along with Griff and Caroline from Jack 92.9 Halifax! Many resi- Sir John A Flames Football team. dents and tenants from Halifax and a bus full of residents from Bedford joined us for the walk. The Sir John A Flames football team made this possible by volunteering Continued on page 11
Walkers doing a warm up dance led by Donna Hyland.
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Winter 2019 | Northwood | 11
The Northwood Foundation
The Live More Walk
The Giving Tree
and it truly wouldn’t be possible to have all the residents their morning to guide our out that want to participate residents through the walk without their help.” route. We have amazing sponsors Having the football team that help us put this event at the walk has become a tra- on, but we also always have dition that all participants a great group of participants love to see. that go out and raise funds. “We’re so grateful to the This year’s top fundraiser Sir John A football team,” was Dianna Cooper raising says Janet Simm, President $545 and the top fundraising and CEO of Northwood. team was the Live More, Be “This is the fourth year they More team (People Services) have volunteered with us, raising $1,455.
Every holiday season, the Northwood Foundation collects donations of small gifts from the community and gives those items to the residents of Northwood to help make their holidays a little brighter. We collect items like nail polish, bus tickets and chocolate treats. Keep an eye out for the Giving Trees that will pop up soon! If you’d like to donate a gift, come and grab a tag off of one of the trees or cut out one of the tags scattered throughout this paper! We’ll be collecting donations at the Halifax and Bedford Campuses and the Corporate Office in Dartmouth.
Continued from page 10
#dignitymatters
Thank you to our sponsors!
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Save the Date!
Gold June 6, 2019 Cunard Centre, Halifax Featured Honourees: Rob & Harry Steele
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7TH Annual Holiday Card Campaign
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Bought or handmade cards are being collected until December 16th at Sleep Country locations in HRM, JACK 92.9 offices and at Northwood in Halifax, Bedford & Dartmouth. These warm wishes will be delivered to those living in the Northwood Community – truly making their holidays bright.
proudly supported by
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Long Term Care
Pumpkin Carving Contest We once again held a pumpkin carving contest at the Halifax Campus for Halloween, sponsored by the Northwood Foundation.
Staff and residents came together to come up with creative ways to carve or decorate pumpkins, and all the entries were displayed in the market space where folks could judge and vote for the best entry. The winner was announced at the Halloween Hop in the afternoon on October 31.
Remembrance Day at Northwood Each year, we hold Remembrance Day ceremonies at both the Halifax and Bedford Campuses. This gives residents who may not be able to leave our facilities the opportunity to attend a ceremony and pay their respects to our veterans. We give special recognition to veterans who are or were part of our Northwood community.
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Long Term Care
Holiday Information: Halifax Neighbourhood Parties Don’t miss our Holiday Neighbourhood Parties! Come out and enjoy sweets and treats, a photo booth, crafts and music. All events are being held in the Shirley Burnstein Hall & the Harbourview Lounge. Events are free for residents and $5 for guests (two guests max. per resident please).
2,3,4,5 Centre: Thursday, December 13 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Manor: Friday, December 14 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. 1,6,7,8,9 Centre: Saturday, December 15 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. We’ll have other special events and programming happening during the month of December! Please
be sure to check the December calendars (available on the floors, in the recreation office and on the website) for more details. Recreation Therapy Kitchen Are you looking for a cozy place to spend quality time with your loved one? The recreation therapy kitchen is available to residents and
their family members who would like to do some cooking or baking together, or just need a space for family gatherings and celebrations. Please call recreation therapy at 902-454-3331 if you have any questions or if you want to book the space. Please note: all bookings are on a first come, first served basis.
Holiday Information: Bedford Resident Family Annual Dessert Socials Delicious desserts, good company and Holiday music! All socials are being held in the Great Room from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. The Coves Neighborhood: Monday, December 9 The Landings and Points Neighborhoods: Tuesday, December 10 The Hills Neighborhood: Wednesday, December 11 Watch for posters in the houses after November 15! Tickets are available at reception from November 15 until December 9. (Two guests per resident). Additional Holiday events December 1: Halifax Pop Singers Holiday Performance December 4: Sandy Lake Academy Christmas Pageant December 5: Halifax Harmonizer Barbershop Chorus December 16: Annual Bedford Baptist Carol Sing December 18: Blue Christmas Chapel December 23: Christmas Ro-
man Catholic Mass December 24: Christmas Eve Protestant Service December 31: New Year’s Eve Social Watch for the times on the resident December calendars! We’ll be having even more Great Room events! These holiday events compliment the house-based recreation therapy programming that occurs every December which includes but is not limited to: Tree Decorating on each house around December 2 and 3, on house craft program, community support through Carol Sings and Community group visits. Watch for the times on the resident December calendars! Ivany Place Family Kitchen The Ivany Place family kitchen is available for private parties for residents and families. Please call the recreation therapy team at 407-8526 or 407-8545 to reserve the kitchen. The more advance notice you give, the better chance of
securing your date. Note that weekdays tend to be quieter. At the time of your booking, please let us know if you need the stove turned on. Families often book holidays up to three months in advance so book sooner than later if you are thinking about booking for Christmas, Easter, etc. Kitchen Resources include: Coffee, tea, sugar and sweetener, teapot, electric kettle, coffee-maker, stove, oven, fridge, microwave, dishwasher, dish liquid, dishwasher soap and wash cloths. We have place settings for approximately six people. Also on hand, we have additional glasses, coffee mugs, tea cups and a few serving spoons. Your Ivany Place Recreation Therapy team: Stacy Gillis: The Coves Rebecca Boucher: The Hills Rob Grandy: The Landings and Points Rhonda MacLean: Recreation Therapist Did you know the Ivany Place has a little Tuck Shop
and afternoon café? This is operated by volunteers and revenues go back to recreation therapy programs (such as music). It is open Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 2:00-3:30 p.m. for ice cream, coffee, tea, or grab a bag of Chips, mini chocolate bars, Kleenex or cough drops. Check it out!
Northwood’s Giving Tree Chocolate Treats (no nuts please!)
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Long Term Care
Halifax Recreation Therapy Office Renovations We want to thank everyone for their patience as our Halifax Campus recreation therapy office underwent renovations. While some finishing touches still need to be made, the space has re-opened for programming. The outer façade of the space has been
redesigned to look like the outside of a community centre. This renovation is part of an overall plan to transform the main floor of the Halifax Campus into a true “Main Street,” with each area looking like a different building from the outside.
What’s so Blue about Christmas? Many people look forward to the holiday season and all of the social gatherings, special foods, decorations, family traditions and exchange of holiday greeting cards and presents. From early November onward, there is no mistaking that the holiday season and its merrymaking opportunities is upon us. For some, Christmas holds a different reality closer to that expressed in Elvis Presley’s famous words. People may be grieving the death of a loved one, or the end of a relationship, or the loss of
the ability to participate in many of the activities they once enjoyed. There may be sad or angry memories from seasons past. There may be longing for what once was, or loneliness that weighs like a cold stone in the chest even as the longest and darkest time of the year settles around us. Any of these feelings are made harder when everyone around you seems to be celebrating. Yet telling ourselves how we “should” feel can only make us feel worse. Making space for these emo-
tions and acknowledging the validity of these experiences can help to make a difficult time less so. This is especially true when we are able to gather with others who are also having similar feelings, and know without ever having to say a word that we are not the only one. Responding to this need, Northwood’s Spiritual Care department organizes a “Blue Christmas” service at both the Halifax and Bedford campuses each holiday season. These are short quiet contemplative services that
through music, scripture and other readings, prayer, and a symbolic act allow us to be at home with those feelings for a time, and perhaps to let them go, even if only a little. Our 2019 Blue Christmas services will be held on December 17 at 6:30 p.m. in the Shirley Burnstein Hall at the Halifax Campus, and on December 18 at 6:30 p.m. in the Spiritual Reflection Space at the Bedford Campus. All, whether residents, tenants, staff, volunteers or families are welcome.
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Long Term Care
My Story: My Self Continued from page 1 “In addition to individual art pieces, a number of large
Allister Hiltz’s exhibit: The Places in My Life.
collaborative pieces including mixed media and murals were displayed,” says Joy Pennick, Seeds Recreation Therapy Associate. The Seeds of Success program is a first for any long term care facility in Atlantic Canada and is funded completely with donations
from the community, thanks to the Northwood Foundation and the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia. Seeds has been operating since June of 2015.
Mary Ann Jones’s exhibit: Christmas then and Now.
Volunteering at Northwood
Volunteer Job Board At Northwood, we couldn’t do what we do without our dedicated team of volunteers. Our volunteers provide comfort, entertainment, security and peace of mind. Are you interested in becoming part of our volunteer team? We have a number of positions available:
Bus Driver: We’re looking for a volunteer driver for the Northwood bus. This position is a weekly commitment making trips for Community Recreation & Wellness events, bringing residents back and forth from the Bedford and Halifax Campus and many more. Must have a
class 4 driver’s license (or be willing to obtain one), several years of driving experience and a clean abstract. Holiday Events: We’re looking for volunteers for a number of upcoming holiday events at both campuses. This would be general helping out and portering resi-
dents. Events are throughout December and on New Year’s Eve. If you would like to volunteer in these or one of our other volunteer positions, please contact Ruth-Ellen Jackson at ruthellen.jackson@nwood.ns.ca or 902-4543353.
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Community Recreation & Wellness Gallery North Moving to the Market Space Did you know that Northwood has its own art gallery wall? Our art gallery, Gallery North, has been on the wall of the Harbourview Lounge for many years, and now it’s moving to a brand new more visible location – in the market space on the main floor of the Centre. Gallery North provides a space to showcase the artistic talents of our Northwood community. Residents, staff and Community Recreation & Wellness members contribute art to the gallery. “Gallery North adds a special touch to the Northwood experience,” says Sharon McVicar, Community Pro-
grammer at Northwood. “It’s very reflective of what Northwood represents as a community. Art by nature can be a very diverse, intergenerational, inclusive experience and can reach people on a deeper and more personal level” The mission of Gallery North is to provide space for artists from the Northwood community to showcase their work for all to enjoy and provide an opportunity for the artists to sell their work to the public. “It brings people together with a common interest,” says Sharon. “Gallery North is relaxing and gives opportunity to even take some time to view
the paintings with a friend and chat about artwork.” Roger Dubois, a tenant at Northwood, has been providing artwork for Gallery North for several years. He loves the exposure it gives his art. “Its good exposure for local artists,” says Roger. “It gives people something else to do at Northwood, they’re pleasing to look at and gives people the opportunity to purchase local artwork.” Roger is very thankful for Gallery North and the opportunity it gives him. He’s currently working on some portraits to add to the collection. To take part in Gallery North artists must be part of
the Northwood community, all art must be original and signed by the artist and must have appropriate hardware for hanging. To take part or for more information contact Community Recreation & Wellness call 902454-3351 or crec@nwood.ns.ca.
Submissions My Experience as a NSCAD student working with Northwood Residents have to interact with older Katrina Thomas is a stuadults was intimidating but a dent at NSCAD University. challenge that I was up to. For one of her classes, she has After meeting the resibeen working with residents dents at Northwood, my at Northwood on developing heart melted and I have projects with human-centred developed so many lovely design principles. relationships with the resiAs a student, I’d usually in- dents. These people were the teract with people my age if most intelligent, innovative not a little older or younger and open-minded people I but never someone who lives have ever met. There’s this in a long term care facility big myth about older people unless it’s a family relative. rejecting technology, but As a person of colour, I’ve here’s this group of older not had the best interacadults more than eager to tions with older adults in the share their knowledge, opinyears I’ve spent in Halifax, ions, and their own stories. so working closely with older These residents were incredadults was a bit intimidating. ibly remarkable. They are Having a project where I’d incredibly adaptive to their
Submitted by: Katrina Thomas
surroundings and the challenges that they face every day. These residents know the power and potential that SMART technology has and they use it to their advantage. One resident with Cerebral Palsy was writing an autobiography to help people understand what it’s like living with CP. Another, completely customized their power-chair to suit exactly what they need. Kind of like a “pimp my ride” but more focused on adding gadgets and SMART tech. Some have a Google Home in their bedrooms and use it to set reminders, find out what the weather is going to be like,
have it tell them jokes and more. It’s been quite the eyeopening experience working with these residents. I’ve realized that having access to SMART tech is quite life changing for these residents. They hope that everyone has an opportunity and access to an experience similar to what they’ve had with us NSCAD students or simply Google Home! With the project coming to an end, I’ll miss seeing them so often, sharing stories and laughing together. I’ll be sure to make a visit to see what jokes they’ve picked up from their Google Home.
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Submissions
Ready for the Runway at Northwood ity for the better part of the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia past decade. Less than five Northwood has become a blocks from her home, it’s second home for Linda Carv- the ideal location for her ery. 37-year-old son, Derrick, and “I love Northwood. It’s like mother, Margaret. At 98, a mini city. I tell everybody Margaret is keen to impress that. There’s always action; how welcoming Northwood things happening as soon has been from the start. as you walk in the door. It’s “I mean, especially when exciting!” you meet nice people,” says The retired citizenship Margaret. “It makes you judge sits on the Northwood feel good. When you go into board of governors. She a strange place and someregularly visits family mem- body’s nice to you, it makes bers who live at the Halifax you feel at home.” campus and attends church At Northwood’s Models for at the facility every Sunday. Mental Health fundraising “I belong to New Horizons event on November 3, three Baptist Church, which used generations of the Carvery to be on Cornwallis Street,” family were involved. The ensays Linda. “We have our tertaining afternoon featured church services here now designer clothes from some because we’re renovating our of Nova Scotia’s leading conchurch and I don’t want to signment boutiques. leave. We’re having so much Funds raised at Models for fun!” Mental Health supports the As a longtime resident of Mental Health Foundation Creighton Street, Northwood of Nova Scotia’s Seeds of is the perfect extension of Success named grant, which home for Linda. Two of her provides financial support to immediate family members Northwood’s mental health have been living at the facilsupport program of the same Submitted by: Jill Chappell,
to Northwood residents who live with mental illness or are experiencing symptoms that interfere with daily life. Programming includes therapeutic gardening, talk therapy, peer support and creative expression. As a family with deep musical roots, the Carverys can attest to the power of an artistic outlet. In her younger years, Margaret performed The Carvery family poses toin musical trio The Three gether after hitting the runway M’s and Linda, an accomat Models for Mental Health. plished vocalist, helped establish the Nova Scotia Mass name. Choir. “Seeds of Success offers “It soothes my soul. Thank tremendous value to its God for music,” says Linda. participants and the entire “It does wonderful things for Northwood community by your spirit.” promoting mental health and “It’s one of the best things well-being,” says Starr Cunyou can have,” adds Marganingham, the Mental Health ret. Foundation of Nova Scotia’s president and CEO. “The foundation is proud to supSubmissions for this newsport Northwood in its ongopaper can be sent to communiing efforts to provide hope and eradicate the stigma sur- cations@nwood.ns.ca for consideration. Please note: not all rounding mental illness.” submissions can be printed. Seeds of Success is open
Cartoon
Northwood’s Giving Tree Chocolate Treats (no nuts please!)
Lynn Eyland studied art in Edmonton and then went on to enjoy a successful artistic career. She was 17 years old when she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Despite the difficulties and limitations this disease has imposed on Lynn, her enjoyment and desire to share her art continues. Lynn lives in Northwood Manor, and we’re proud to display her art to our community.
FOUNDATION
Donations can be dropped off to any Northwood location
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Retirement Living
A Halloween Tradition in the Northwood Towers Children from the neighbourhood surrounding Northwood Terrace come to the Towers foyer to get their treats every year on Halloween. The tradition was started 29 years ago by Eileen Kelly’s mother, and now she continues the tradition with her sister Marlene and a group of women who live in the building. Tenants throughout the building chip in bags of chocolate, candy and other treats for them to hand out to trick or treaters. “They all look forward to coming here because we give them real good treats,” says Eileen. “Some of them have been coming since they were
little tots.” They have 75-100 children come by trick or treating each year. Many of the tenants have their grand or great grandchildren come by for treats too. They love seeing the children come out because they are always very polite and have fun costumes. “You’re in their good graces if you can guess what they are with all the new characters these days,” says Eileen. Each year, there’s usually a lucky few children in around 7 o’clock who get to take whatever is left on the table while the ladies pack up and head to the Halloween dance in the Marlene McColl, Eileen Kelly, Bonnie Forrest and Shelia Crowder ready and waiting for trick or treaters to arrive. Shirley Burnstein Hall.
Northwood Intouch
Meet our Staff: Colleen Borden Colleen Borden is our Inventory and Technical Support Representative with Intouch. She started working at Northwood 25 years ago, first in dietary and moving into other positions until she joined the Intouch team 14 years ago. In her role, Colleen has an in-depth understanding of the Northwood Intouch equipment and is often the person trouble shooting any problems the equipment
may have. She follows up on daily reports to ensure the service is working properly for all clients and is able to assist them in fixing most issues right over the phone. She believes Intouch is an important service to provide a sense of security to clients and their families. “I always say it’s like having insurance,” she says. “You may not be using it often, but you have the peace of mind knowing it’s there.”
Colleen is also a key contact for the volunteers who install the equipment for new clients. “They’re the backbone of this service and I’m so thankful for them every day,” she says. In addition to calling out service requests for issues that can’t be resolved over the phone, she also ships and receives all of our inventory and refurbishes our equipment to make it
look new again. “It’s incredible to help others,” says Colleen. “I can sleep easy knowing that I’m helping people and doing my part in making their lives easier.”
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Homecare
Homecare Staff BRAVOs While our homecare staff spend the majority of their time working by themselves, the effort and work they put in doesn’t go unnoticed. We often have clients calling in to tell us how great our staff are, and for that they receive BRAVO awards! Congratulations to these recent Bravo recipients. Thank you for providing excellent care and service by focusing on people – those we serve and those who serve them. Carlo Moore, November 2019: “Homecare client, Wayne Ellis, wanted me to pass along that he is very happy with the housekeeping tasks you completed when providing care on November 1. He stated that he’s looking forward to your next visit. Great job Carlo!!” Martina Briand, October 2019: “The A Team supervisors want to give Martina a huge thank you for speaking up at a recent team meeting. Martina took the opportunity to share how she succeeds in planning her day working in Homecare. She was able to articulate her comments in a way that provided insight to her peers into how to successfully manage your day in Homecare. This kind of initiative sets the foundation for a great working environment. Thank you for being a great leader!” Katie Patterson, October 2019: “When conducting an initial visit, a client and his wife wanted you to know
how great you were. They are new to Homecare and your mannerism, the way you didn’t need direction and knew what had to be done and did it with a smile was much appreciated!” Christa Hamilton, October 2019: “Thank you Christa for promptly answering my request for additional care outside of a client’s care plan today. Speaking to the client and hearing her say ‘oh yay, she’s awesome’ not only brightened up her day, but mine too! On this dark and rainy day it speaks volumes of your commitment to our clients, so thank you!” Angela Tomson, October 2019: “A client called a supervisor to say that Angela was wonderful today and she hopes to see her back again! Thank you Angela for the excellent care you provide.” Susan MacDonald, September 2019: “A client called in to say that Susan is a no-nonsense worker. No sooner is she in the door with her coat off, she’s got the kettle and toast prepping and asks the client if she would like to get cleaned up or eat first. Ruth said she really needed that today. Way to go Susan!” Sarah Gage, October 2019: “During my shadowing, Sarah Gage was phe-
nomenal to work with. She was very kind, patient and professional with myself and the clients. You could just tell, she is passionate about her work just in the way she presented herself. She has person-centred care down to a science.” Jenna Krswada, September 2019: “A client called their supervisor to compliment the care provided by Jenna. Client said that ‘she is absolutely wonderful, above and beyond – everything a Homecare worker could ever be!’ Great job Jenna. Thank you for the great care you provide to our clients!” Jeanette LeBlanc, September 2019: “When out doing a client’s annual visit, they expressed their gratitude for the care you provided throughout Hurricane Dorian. They stated that you went above and beyond, ensuring his needs were met. Thank you so much Jeanette, for being an awesome caregiver. We are so lucky to have you as part of our team. You rock!” Michael Vendivel, September 2019: “A client called the office to compliment the care provided by Michael. They were very impressed with Michael’s attention to detail. Thank you Michael – keep up the great work!” Margaret Caldwell, September 2019: “Margaret is very thoughtful and caring to clients and other staff at Northwood. We are very lucky to have her on our team.”
Janelle Dunbrack, September 2019: “A client stated that if Janelle’s name was in the dictionary it would be under excellent! They were extremely happy with the care they were given.” Codie Dionne, September 2019: “During an annual visit, a client was wanting everyone to know that Codie is a champion of caregivers! He said that it is always a pleasure to have Codie come in and is always pleasant, efficient and meets his needs.” Amanda Thronhill, September 2019: “A call came in to the supervisor from a client wishing to express their appreciation of the care they received from Amanda. The client said that Amanda is wonderful and goes above and beyond when providing care. Thank you Amanda!” Betelhem Tsegaye, September 2019: “A call came into the office from a client to praise Betelhem’s performance. The client said that Betelhem is excellent! Great job!” Andrew Christensen, September 2019: “The daughter of a client called as she wanted to rave about the care you have given her parents since they started on the service. She said you are a ‘gem.’ She said that your mannerism allowed her usually non-compliant mother to become engaged in the care that you provided. This is something to celebrate. Thank you Andrew for what you do!” BRAVOs have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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Northwood Adult Day
Adult Day Opens Two New Locations We hosted a Grand Opening for our new Adult Day location in Dartmouth on October 16. With attendees including the mayor and several HRM dignitaries, it was a great success. Donna MacDonald, Director of the Adult Day Program, said a few words in front of the crowd, thanking everyone for the support and how excited she is to have this location for families in Dartmouth
and the surrounding area. We haven’t stopped there. A fourth Adult Day location is now open in the Sackville Sports Stadium as we continue to spread our reach throughout the HRM and fill the need for respite care for those living with dementia. “We have to have these services accessible to families throughout the HRM,” says Donna. “There are lots of families who benefit from
this service in Sackville.” The Sackville location boasts views of First Lake and a large bay window with lots of light, a homey and comfortable space. “We have had so many compliments from clients and families about this space,” says Mary-Ellen Eyland, Senior Program Planner with Adult Day. “People feel like it’s warm and welcoming.” Our new clients love the new space and connect with one another through their shared experience of living in Sackville. “Long-term memory stays the longest,” says Donna. “So
our clients connect to one another because they often have lived, or raised children, in Sackville.” There has been support from the city and local dignitaries about their new location. “We have been received with open arms,” says Donna. “The stadium has been amazing, and we have had several dignitaries and local MLA’s see the space. The whole community is so welcoming.” If you have a family member or friend who might benefit from our Adult Day program please call 902-4549706. Donna MacDonald and Janet Simm cutting the ribbon at the Dartmouth Adult Day grand opening.
New Years Eve Great Gatsby style Live entertainment by Steve England Band Shirley Burnstein Hall (9 pm to 12:30 am)
Cocktail hour, snacks & cash bar Harbourview Lounge (8 to 9 pm)
For Tickets call 902.454.3351 or email crec@nwood.ns.ca Member pricing: $15 General admission: $35
Limited number of tickets are available, on sale until sold out or December 30. Member pricing available for Community Recreation and Wellness members. 2615 Northwood Terrace, Halifax
Inside the new location in Sackville.