RENFREW COUNTY (Pembroke) — Consistent with Miramichi Lodge’s strategic plan goal to implement the Butterfly model of dementia care, Dr. Eng and Dr. Pan made a recent donation to the Home that will start them on this goal.
The Butterfly model of care was founded by Dr. David Sheard in 1995 and has been implemented in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, United States and Canada.
It starts with a one-year culture change person-centered program and includes an audit to evaluate the current experience of people with a dementia living on a dementia care unit; a comprehensive report and action plan; coaching and training of frontline staff to transition to the Butterfly model; and a post assessment with opportunity to become an accredited “Butterfly Home”.
Sandra Sell, Chair of the Miramichi Lodge Foundation said, “We are fortunate that Dr. Pan and Dr. Eng made this donation so the Home can start on this journey.”
The Foundation’s Treasurer, Barbara Mcgonegal added, “their generosity is being recognized by renaming the 1A unit the “The Dr. Eng & Dr. Pan Dementia Care Home Area” with a marble plaque at the entrance.”
Shelley Sheedy, Director of Long-Term Care for the Homes, explained, “while both Bonnechere Manor and Miramichi Lodge have implemented many best practices in dementia care, the Butterfly model is a complete concept that includes key components that have not been traditionally implemented in dementia care in Ontario – smaller more home-like ‘neighbourhoods’ as well as a significant investment in staff training.”
At the Lodge, Mike Blackmore, Administrator noted, “staff are researching creative ways the current 27 resident 1A dementia care unit, now known as the ‘Dr. Pan and Dr. Eng Dementia Care Unit, can be divided into two smaller neighbourhoods of 14 and 13 residents each.”
Claire Ullrich, Fundraising Coordinator added, “the Home will be embarking on a capital fundraising campaign to achieve this lofty goal.”
Miramichi Lodge, a highly regarded municipal (not-for-profit) long-term care home located in Pembroke, Ontario, is owned and operated by the County of Renfrew and City of Pembroke.
Since 1969, a wide-range of quality long-term programs and services including 24 hour nursing care, accommodation, meals, as well as physiotherapy programs and a variety of social and recreational activities have been provided to the 166 residents that call the Lodge ‘home’.
Miramichi Lodge also offers a variety of community services such as respite care, Meals on Wheels in the Pembroke and Petawawa areas, a community Heart Wise walking program, chronic disease self management workshops, family support groups for dementia and monthly community paramedic wellness clinics.
Miramichi Lodge was recently awarded a Four Year Accreditation with Exemplary Standing Award.
