PEMBROKE — Approximately 30 Miramichi Lodge staff recently attended a local workshop by Teepa Snow, an internationally acclaimed expert on dementia care with the goal to ensure the Home’s dementia program is based on the best evidenced-based practices. Ms. Snow’s Positive Physical Approach (PPA) utilizes contemporary neuropsychology knowledge to better engage the person with dementia. The program was presented in a practical manner that is easily understood and practiced.
Miramichi Lodge Personal Support Workers (PSWs) Sherri Trebenski and Krista Hamner, enthusiastically took on the task of sharing some new PPA techniques with all staff through the creation of a training video. The video launch is set to be preceded with a poster presentation and awareness campaign.
Shelley Sheedy, Director of Long-Term Care for the County of Renfrew LTC Homes, notes that,” This endeavour aligns with Miramichi Lodge’s strategic plan objective to enhance the dementia care program.”
Mike Blackmore, Administrator for Miramichi Lodge added, “These enhancements also fit well with Sherri and Krista’s role as the Home’s designated Behavioural Support staff.”
Both PSWs received specialized training and continue to receive ongoing guidance from the Geriatric Mental Health Outreach Program as part of the Behaviour Support Ontario program. A significant portion of their duties include mentoring frontline workers toward ensuring an individualized approach to care for responsive behaviours.
Miramichi Lodge is a 166 bed municipal (not-for-profit) long-term care home. It is owned and operated by the County of Renfrew and City of Pembroke and has provided quality care to the frail and elderly since 1969.
A wide-range of 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.
In addition to long-term care services, the 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. This represents the highest award granted by Accreditation Canada and provides the Home with the opportunity to benchmark their programs and services to national standards and assists in continuous quality improvements.
