Newsletter for Dec 2015

December 2015
Oakcrossing News
1242 Oakcrossing Rd. London On. N6H-0G2 519-641-0023
Celebrating December
Men’s Breakfast
Thursday Dec. 3rd at 8am in the Café
Music School Recital
Saturday Dec.5th at 1:30 pm in the
Chapel
Christmas Lights tours
Dec. 7th, 8th, and 9th -assigned by floors.
6:15pm-8pm
Ladies Luncheon
Wednesday Dec. 9th at noon in the Café
Resident and Family Christmas Open
House
Thursday Dec. 10th from 6pm-9pm
Play with Clay
Sat. Dec. 12th at 10:30 in the Café
Ladies Bowling League
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Resident Council Meeting
Monday Dec. 14th at 10:15 pm
Christmas Concert-Sing Group
Tuesday Dec. 15th at 3pm in the Chapel
Birthday Party
Friday Dec. 18th at 2pm in the WhitePine
D/R
Christmas Carols
Wednesday Dec. 23 at 2pm in the
Chapel
Breakfast with Santa
Thursday Dec. 24 at 8am-All dining
Rooms
Strollers
Wednesday Dec. 30th at 2pm in the
Chapel
New Year’s Eve Party
Thursday Dec. 31 at 2pm in the Cafe
TUESDAY NIGHT
LADIES LEAGUE
BOWLING
December 2015
Welcome Home
We welcome
Jacqueline C., Helen A, and Margaret G.
Happy Birthday to
All those born in December!
Resident Name
Karl M.
Pearle L.
Mary C.
Lillian H.
Winnifred V.
Harold C.
Lily T.
Clive R.
Sarah D.
Harold H.
Doris C.
Ron M.
Date
Dec. 1st
Dec. 4th
Dec. 5th
Dec.10th
Dec. 16th
Dec.17th
Dec. 23rd
Dec. 24th
Dec. 25th
Dec.27th
Dec.29th
Dec. 29th
Welcome New Employees
peopleCare Employees
Jessica Grimley-PSW
Whitney Linell-PSW
Sariphea Mestvesta-PSW
Kristen Bonk-PSW
Superior Employees
Haben Mengistab-Dietary
Flower: Narcissus
Birthstone: Turquoise
In Memory Of
Barbara Cartwright, Bert Renes and
Eileen Rosso
Our deepest thoughts and sympathies go
out to the family and friends
"He spoke well who said that graves are
the footprints of angels.”
~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Message from the Exectutive Director
As most of you are aware we completed the
Accreditation Process the first week of
November. We received the results this
week and I am pleased to announce that
the 4 peopleCare Homes that were involved
in the process together received the
Maximum 4 year award with Exemplary
Standings. We had no unmet standards or
required organizational practices. Thank
you to everyone that worked with us to
achieve this. Special thank you to each
person that took the time to speak with the
surveyors while they were in the Home. We
now have the obligation to continue to work
toward an exemplary standing for the next 4
years.
As the Christmas season approaches we all
start to think about Christmas shopping.
Shopping for a person living in a Long Term
Care Home can be a difficult task, however,
we have a few items that we would like to
suggest.
Residents that have difficulty with dressing
and are in a wheel chair appreciate open
back clothing. The vendors now have lovely
items that are easy to put on, and this
decreases the discomfort for the resident.
House coats and night wear are also great
gift ideas that the residents appreciate.
We ask that family members take the time
to go through the residents clothing and
ensure that everything in the closet still fits.
Accommodation of large amounts of
clothing is very difficult in our closets, so it is
important that everything in there is an item
that can be worn.
Thank you to everyone who received their
flu shot. We keep our fingers crossed for a
flu free year. Remembering to use the hand
disinfectant when you enter and leave the
building will help with the decrease in cross
contamination.
Decorating Resident rooms for Christmas
Please remember that all electrical
equipment must be checked by our
maintenance department prior to being
used in the Home
LED lights only may be used
No real Christmas trees, small artificial only
No holes are to be made in doors, window
frames or walls for hanging of lights etc.
If you are using an over the door hook for a
wreath etc please ensure that the door is
able to close completely. This is a fire
regulation.
We ask that you ensure all decorations are
safe and appropriate for resident areas.
Thank you for helping us ensure that this is
an enjoyable season for all.
Christmas is a time of giving and Residents
and Families are frequently very generous
to our staff. I have included our Policy
(which is similar in all Long Term Care
Homes) on Staff receiving gifts from
residents. Please read it carefully. We ask
that you do not put our staff into a position
that will breach this policy.
POLICY:
It is the policy of peopleCare that employees will
not accept any type of personal gratuity such as
money, gifts, jewelry or favours from residents,
families, suppliers, service providers etc. An
employee who accepts gifts shall be subject to
disciplinary action.
PROCEDURE:
1.
If a gift is offered, the employee will politely
refuse, and refer the donor to the Executive
Director. Small acts of kindness, such as candy,
are acceptable if given to a Department or all staff.
New this year you do have the opportunity to give a
“Heartfelt thanks” to a staff person by making a
donation in honour of this person to peopleCare’s
partnership with MEDA. Donation forms are
available at reception. The staff person will be
recognized with a “Heartfelt” pin to wear on their
uniform. Every donation that is made to MEDA
(THE Mennonite Economic Development
Association) is multiplied by 9 times by the
Canadian government.
Have a wonderful season.
Until Next month
Carol
Creative Writing - November 15th 2015
Authors: Rosemary L., Brenda G., Carolyne K., Margaret A., Rheta H., Jean C., Mary C., Joan
F., Germaine L., Arla C., Jean G., Alice S., Bernice F.
It’s Christmas Eve and eight-year-old Ben is in the living room, while his parents are busy
getting things ready for Christmas day. Ben is so excited and can’t wait to open his presents. He
couldn’t bear to wait so he begins to rummage through the gift to see which ones belong to him.
As he was moving the presents, he spotted a brightly coloured box decorated with a large
ribbon hiding at the back of the tree.
Ben carefully picked up the box and noticed the gift was for him. He was curious and wondered
what could be inside, so he vigorously shook the box. Suddenly, the lid flew open, the inside lit
up and silver confetti flies out.
Ben was shocked and screamed.
Ben’s parents came running into the room and found him holding the booby-trapped gift. They
looked at him with big smiles and said, “we caught you red handed” and laughed.
Creative Writing – October 17th, 2015
Authors: Mary C., Alice S., Carolyne K., Jean C., Yolande D., Jean G., Sylvia T., Rosemary L.,
and Doreen R.
On Remembrance Day, the Royal Canadian Legion
organized a parade and hosted a special lunch for the
veterans.
Veteran Bob Thomson a WW2 veteran was going to
participate in the parade. It was a day he looked forward as
well as dreaded. He was looking forward to seeing his old
friends however, it also brought back many painful
memories. Mr. Thomson prepared for the event by
pressing uniform, spit polishing his boots and shining his
medals.
Sheila and Joan were also looking forward to the event because they did not have to go to
school and their scout group would be serving lunch to the veterans after the parade.
After lunch, Joan and Sheila noticed Mr. Thomson sitting by himself. The girls approached Mr.
Thomson, introduced themselves, and asked if they could sit with him.
Mr. Thomson nodded his head and replied, “Sure you can”.
After the brief introduction, the girls asked Bob about all his medals.
Mr. Thomson looked at the girls with tears in his eyes and replied in a sombre voice. “The
medals mean a lot to me and remind me of the horrific experience of the war.”
He paused for a moment to collect his emotions and he continued to explain the significance of
each medal.
The girls sat with Mr. Thomson for approx. 30 minutes mesmerized by his detailed experiences
and stories. At the end to the visit, the girls thanked Mr. Thomson for his time, kindness, and
service for our country.
While the girls were waiting Joan’s mom to pick them up, Mr. Thomson overheard the girls
talking.
“You know Joan, I’m really glad we took the time to speak with Mr. Thomson. I cannot begin
to imagine all he has been through and seen. Speaking with Bob has made me realize the lasting
impact war has on veterans and their families.
“I know what you mean Sheila. My grandpa was in the war and now I feel I need to give him a
big hug and thank him for all his service too.”
“Ya, me too,” agreed Sheila.
Easy Sudoku Puzzles - Target Time: 8 mins.
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Answers: -to cat scramble
1. kitten,sleepy,stretch,tail,kitty litter
2. meows,stalks,tail,hunter,whiskers
3. cheetah,leopard,lion,tiger,panther
4. persian,manx,sable,tomcat,siamese
Word Scramble-Christmas Theme
NCYAD
TGFI
TASAN
ERDRIENE
GCSIONKT
ETSPNER
TSAR
LEBSL
GLSIHE
ERET
ARCD
CEDERBME
AWNOMSN
YLOH
ROPULHD
CAT WORD SCRAMBLES
Unscramble the first four words in each set of scrambles. Then use the circled letters to unscramble the final word. Some
of the words may unscramble into more than one word, but only one word is related to the puzzle.
1. HOUSE CATS
2. HOUSE CATS 2
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Answer:
Answer:
3. WILD CATS
4. CAT BREEDS
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Answer:
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Accreditation Update
Accreditation Canada recently conducted an on-site survey of peopleCare Hilltop Manor
Cambridge, A.R. Goudie, Tavistock and Oakcrossing London. The survey assessed quality and
safety at our organization. We were awarded exemplary standing.
peopleCare met all of the standards and required organizational practices. This award is the
result of our collective commitment to providing our residents with safe high-quality care.
We are very proud of everyone who works here and their commitment to quality
improvement. The on-site survey was an excellent feedback and learning experience.
We are happy to share our report from Accreditation Canada with you. A copy of the report is
available at the Home.
Erna Koning and Sharon Walker
Accreditation Co-0rdinators
Follow us on Facebook: PeopleCare Communities
A Message From Resident Council…
NEIL RUSSELL-PRESIDENT
Welcome to our new Residents. Residents Council is the
“Voice of the People”, your opportunity to express your
comments on your Care.
There is humor… overheard between two residents “ I
can never remember what day it is; but I always
remember when it is time to eat!”
At the November Food Council Meeting Residents had
some suggestions, but acknowledged that the quality of
the food was good.
At the Resident Council Meeting we received the
various roles of Environmental Service Department. In
addition to temperature and humidity control, cleaning,
laundry and maintenance, they attend to the snow
clearance, a big job coming up.
Besides the usual programs organized by the Recreation
Staff there were three special events in November: the
Celebration of Life, Remembrance Day Service and the
Christmas Bazaar. The Remembrance Day Service was
exceptionally well attended. Most people recall that
11am on the 11th day and the 11th month marks the cease
fire (Armistice) that ended the First World War, 19141918. But few know that in that war a smaller Canada
sent 600,000 men overseas and 60,000 were killed and
lie buried in military cemeteries in France and Belgium.
The Christmas Bazaar went well largely thanks to the
managers who helped organize and sell the products the
residents had made. Resident Council purchased
attractive packages of gift items that were raffled off as
a fundraiser. Thanks, to Neil, Ruth and Irene who sold
tickets at the event, making a profit of $140.00.
Gifts and goodies made by the residents also sold well.
Spiritual Progamming
Available
SUNDAY CHURCH SERVICE 1:30
PM in the CHAPEL facilitated by
members of Community Churches
BIBLE STUDY TUESDAY 10:30 AM
in 2nd Floor Dining Room
ROSARY TUESDAY 4PM on 3rd
Floor
HYMN SING 2nd Friday of the
month at 6:30 pm
CATHOLIC COMMUNION
SERVICE OR MASS 2nd Tues of
the month at 2pm
A Volunteer brings Communion to
Catholic residents each week.
COMMUNION SERVICE BY
ANGLICAN PRIEST 3rd Wed of the
month at 2pm
End of Life Care by a Community
Minister is available on request at
the Nurses Station.
Advent Schedule is posted in the
Elevators.
Family Council
Resident Council would like to show their staff
appreciation by a donation of $500.00 that will be used
towards prizes at the Staff Christmas Party. A good time
to say “Seasons Greetings to All!”
The next meeting of Resident Council will begin at
10:15 on Monday Dec. 14th in the Chapel. Guest of
honor will be Carol Bradley Executive Director who has
some important information for us. All are Welcome!
Neil Russell.
The next Family Council meeting will
take place on Monday Dec. 16th from
6:30-8:30 in the peopleCare Academy.
New Members are always welcome!
For More information, contact Angie
Jansen (519)-641-0023.
Living the peopleCare Values
Quality Initiatives
PROFESSIONALISM
Act with Knowledge
Develop Skills
Dress for your Customer
Choose a Positive Attitude
Have you attended
Caring with HEART
customer Service training?
Accreditation: The peopleCare
Homes that were involved in the
process together received the
Maximum 4 year award with
Exemplary Standings. We had no
unmet standards or required
organizational practices.
peopleCare Is here for you!
Congratulations to our October Draw
Winners!
Name of Giver: Rebecca C.
Name of Receiver: Myrtlyn B.
They have received a $25 gift card for
displaying the peopleCare Values!
Thank you for all you do!
peopleCare recognizes that we cannot
thrive without the hard work and dedication
our employees make every day in all our
Homes. Please remember all of the
programs that peopleCare has to assist
you in your personal lives, educational
pursuits and employee recognition! If you
are unfamiliar with any of the following,
please speak to your manager:
Employee Assistance Program
Education Assistance Program
HEARTbeats Rewards and
Recognition Program
Disaster Relief Fund