Extendicare

Extendicare is excited to be highlighted in the OLTCA Magazine with pieces featuring our own Karen Simpson, Manager of Behavioural Supports, on the specialized dementia care unit at Extendicare Rouge Valley, and Amy McNally, Social Worker who shares insight on a new pilot program focused on social workers' support for residents' wellbeing. Turn to pages 24 and 58 to read more. 

“Every fall season brings an increased risk of respiratory viruses,” says Dr. Matthew Morgan, Chief Medical Officer at Extendicare. “What that means for all of us, particularly those who work in seniors’ health care, is that we must take action to prevent the spread of illness.” Our annual fall vaccination campaign is in full swing, with long-term care and home health care teams across Extendicare and ParaMed working hard to prepare for flu season. “Getting the flu shot is a safe and effective way to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community,” said Dr. Morgan. “We work closely with local health partners and offer the latest influenza vaccine to all team members and eligible residents, at every single long-term care home and ParaMed office.” Thank you to Extendicare and ParaMed team members - including Wendy Gilmour, Senior Vice President, Long-Term Care Operations, pictured below, who recently rolled up her own sleeve - for all you do to protect yourselves and those in our care.

Extendicare was happy to be present at the Alberta Continuing Care Association Conference in Calgary last week, where Premier Danielle Smith announced that Seniors, Community and Social Services Minister Honorable Jason Nixon, ECA, MLA will oversee the new continuing care provincial health agency. Collaboration is at the centre of quality care. It’s what has driven Extendicare team members like Regional Director Mike Bittante, pictured below, to work alongside government and sector partners to advance positive change, like the Care for Staff mental health grant. With 14 Extendicare long-term care homes across Alberta and ParaMed as a leading provider of high-quality home care services, we look forward to collaborating with Minister Jason Nixon and his team, particularly through the expansion of home health care and the redevelopment of older continuing care homes across the province.

October is #OccupationalTherapyMonth! Meet Natasha, an Occupational Therapist who shares why working with residents is a rewarding experience, “It brings me joy to help individuals increase their independence in daily activities, strengthen their physical function, improve mobility, and engage in social interactions to maintain their cognitive function.” Natasha says trust and teamwork are the foundation of her work with residents. Natasha, and OTs like her, build strong relationships, offer reassurance and motivation, and work with each resident’s individual needs, to help people live better.

Dr. Michael Guerriere, Extendicare CEO, was a key speaker on a panel about AI integration in long-term care at the Ontario Long Term Care Association's #TiLTC2024 conference. Dr. Guerriere shared insights on the role and benefits of AI in healthcare and emphasized that technology is complementary to the expertise of health-care professionals who are essential to providing care to residents now and in the future.

Team SGP Purchasing Partner Network is at the Ontario Long Term Care Association's #TiLTC2024 Conference! Rick Wassell, Whitney Copeland, and Team are onsite and meeting with attendees from across the sector. SGP offers affordable purchasing services to senior living communities, hospitals, and other organizations. More than 2500 third-party clients across Canada. Stop by their booth to say hello! Learn more at sgpnetwork.com

A great start to the week on Monday with exciting workshops and panels at Ontario Long Term Care Association This is Long Term Care conference in Toronto. Extendicare’s David Bacon CPA, CA, ICD.D, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer was a panelist in a session that highlighted development in long-term care across the system. Karen Simpson, Manager of Behavioural Sciences and Dementia Care and Melissa Reid, PMP, Project Manager, presented on specialized dementia care at Extendicare Rouge Valley’s Behavioural Support Transitional Unit (BSTU). They shared a unique set of care tools used by the BSTU team in support of residents living with dementia and responsive behaviours. Looking forward to more insightful presentations today that will highlight innovations and expertise in seniors’ care. #TiLTC2024

Extendicare Tecumseh recently marked its 21st anniversary with a visit from Windsor-Tecumseh MPP Andrew Dowie. The occasion brought together residents, families, and team members for a day filled with activities and celebration. Richard, president of the Family Council, had a great conversation with MPP Dowie and captured this memorable moment.

Extendicare Columbia Forest in Waterloo was pleased to host Ontario Minister of Long-Term Care, Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, MPP. The Minister met with residents, team members, and members of the Resident and Family Councils. Even Fitzgerald the bunny, Columbia Forest’s mascot, hopped in to say hello! Thank you Minister Kusendova-Bashta for the visit.

This Thanksgiving we are thankful for our long-term care residents, patients, families and team members. May your holiday be filled with joy and peace!