Dedication, compassion hallmarks of continuing care at the Elms

by Christy Marsters

The Hants Journal

NovaNewsNow.com

The Nova Scotia Association of Health Organizations launched this year’s Continuing Care Month campaign with a celebration at The Windsor Elms Village Sept. 14.

Sherry Keen, CEO of the Windsor Elms, said this event was a great chance to show pride in strengthened initiatives that focus on continuing care, and to thank all those working hard in the sector. “Since working at the Windsor Elms, I have never worked with a group quite as dedicated or as strong,” Keen said in a speech.

Being flexible, caring and valuing teamwork is very important when working within continuing care, Keen said. “There are very few things here you can do by yourself -- to look after the full needs of an individual -- because some have skills others don’t.”

Meaningful relationships have to be established to really get to know any individual or assess all the needs of a person, Keen noted. “You have to really try to get to know people as individuals to make a difference in the lives of people here. I try to look for the smile if someone’s feeling stressed and it’s always nice to have a laugh together.”

Rewarding to work with seniors

It’s not a moment that stands out, but the everyday routine of coming in and feeling right about the job chosen is what makes it worthwhile, Keen added. “I find it rewarding to work with seniors; most are giving, have great stories and appreciate the support.”

The theme for this sixth annual Continuing Care Month is Above and Beyond Because We Care: Enriching Lives Everyday. To read specific success stories from across Nova Scotia visit www.continuingcaremonth.ca throughout the month of September.

Staff goes above and beyond

Recreation Director Beth House, of the Windsor Elms, said it was impossible to pick just one person whose efforts stood above others within The Windsor Elms Village. “All of the staff here goes above and beyond every day to do little things that make a big difference in our residents’ lives. Workers treat them as part of their own family. “It was exciting,” she added. “We could show our staff just how much we appreciate what they do every day. Our staff spend so much time taking care of residents and not thinking of themselves so it was nice to just acknowledge them for a change.”

During the Sept. 14 celebration, the NSAHO also acclaimed Nova Scotia as the first province in Canada to develop a standardized curriculum (the Scope of Practice for Continuing Care Assistants) for CCAs.