AtHome in Aging & Veterans Care

January/February 2006 - Issue 31 Inside The new veterans’ portrait 2005 - Year studio and photography centre 2 in Review By Ana Seara The Veterans’ Portrait Studio and Photography Centre, located in 4 Don Cherry LG105 (the former Artisan Shop) is a new initiative of the Creative Arts and Recreation Hall of Fame Therapies Program. Last December two art 6 therapists, Katherine Carney and Ana Seara worked in the studio, taking individual 7 Afghanistan and family portraits of residents for the holiday season. The photographs were very well received by the residents and their 8 Empire Club families and due to the overwhelming success of this initiative and requests from residents, 9 Chronic Pain we have decided to continue the portrait studio on a full-time basis. As of January, Palliative Pain 2006 art therapist Ana Seara has permanently 10Management re-located to this new space and will continue 11Behind the to offer photo-related therapeutic services to our Veterans. Pain In addition to taking portraits in YOV Review the studio, Ana will continue to 12 offer individual and small group sessions any resident expressing 13 Laundry an interest. continued on page 3 Calendar 16 Above: Ana Seara and Larry Rapley in the new studio

Putting our residents first. At Home is the official newsletter A year in review of Aging & Veterans Care. The newsletter is published six times From the Directors of A&VC a year and is made available to “Led by the wisdom of elders, we will transform healthcare.” all members of the Aging & Veterans Care community. With this guiding vision statement for the Aging & Veterans Care program at S&W, we succeeded in accomplishing many great things in 2005.

Editor: Sally Fur We developed a Strategic Plan in 2005, and then set about Layout: Elayne Clarke determining our priorities and areas of clinical focus for 2005. The areas where we chose to focus are falls reduction (and reduction Photography: Doug Nicholson of injuries from falls), wound and skin care, least use of restraints, (unless noted otherwise) safe swallowing and improved pain management. The staff Circulation: 1,800 implemented projects aimed at improving our performance in all these areas, and we have been diligently tracking the outcome measures that tell us if we are achieving what we set out to do in Next copy deadline: each area. The projects in these five areas have indeed been very March 17, 2006 successful, with improvements in clinical outcomes for residents in every one of the five. For example, our use of restraints is well For more information, below the average across the province for long-term care (LTC) homes or to make a submission, please and hospitals, and our staff are well educated in alternatives to contact Sally Fur at restraints. 416.480.6100 ext. 5057 or by e-mail to [email protected] The Year of the Veteran proved exciting in many ways and kudos to the Year of the Veteran steering committee and the recreation Contributors: and creative arts therapies staff for their hard work in making the year a terrific success.This committee included Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC), The Royal Canadian Legion and Army Navy Airforce Laura Bristow (ANAF), and they worked hard together to pull out all the stops for Kimberley Curtis the many events that occurred during the year. 2005 saw the opening Sandra De Costa of the Blythwood Club, the launch of the Veterans Grant A Wish Amin Dhnaani program, the initiation of the Lifelong Journey series and the 10th Christine Henry anniversary of the veterans summer camp. It was truly a fulfilling Leanne Hughes year. Lawrence Jackson Sally Lewis As part of the Year of the Veteran, we undertook a major staff training program in collaboration with VAC and Baycrest Centre for Karen Morris Geriatric Care. Titled “Caring for the Aging War Veteran”, the Wes Roberts program allowed all of our staff (over 450 were trained) a day away Ana Seara to learn more about ways of enhancing care and understanding our Ria Spee war veterans as they face the aging process. It was a truly enriching experience for our staff, and we are sure you will see and Material printed in At Home is feel the results in your care here. These training sessions could not protected by copyright and may have been possible without the generosity of Veterans Affairs not be reprinted without the Canada. permission of the editor.

2 January/February 2006 2005 also saw the improvement of some of our facilities. We made major progress on the redesign and landscaping of the Portrait Studio L-wing interior courtyard, allowing residents there access to secure and inviting outdoor space. We redesigned the L-wing continued from page 1 second floor patio to allow residents on that floor better access to the outdoors. This new patio includes a new gardening area The goals of these sessions and will even have a dog house for our furry friends. Thirdly, we are to allow residents to moved and renovated the Artisan market to make it more visible pursue their passion for and inviting. It’s also now open on weekends. It has been a huge photography, to increase success, and even provides enhanced volunteer opportunities for self-awareness, and to our veterans. Sales have increased dramatically providing more provide opportunities to money to be reinvested in creative arts programs. We hope that share life stories through 2006 will see even more enhancements to our buildings – your image narratives. The home! works of art created by the residents often include 2005 also saw a number of external reviews of our program and images from their past, but services by experts in the field of Aging, LTC and the care of many also include newly veterans. These reviews are planned and regularly recurring, created images that take and are very important to us in Aging & Veterans Care. They give advantage of modern digital us feedback about how we are doing from our peers, and help imaging techniques. These us to shape improvements where they are needed. Reviews last works are often documented year included: annual review by the VAC National Nursing as slideshow presentations Officer; our regular Ministry of Health review of our nursing home and made into published program, and in late 2004, our accreditation survey. We did memoir books. extremely well in all reviews, a testament to the excellence of our staff and programs. The front part of the new space will be used as a Finally, 2005 saw the first ever Aging & Veterans Care Research gallery to showcase the and Innovation Showcase. This incredible one-day event wonderful photographic work brought together staff from all areas in A&VC who are doing created by our residents. exciting research to understand and treat conditions and Please feel free to come in problems associated with aging. Research is the cornerstone of and meet Ana, our veteran an academic health sciences centre. The ability to transfer new photographers, or just knowledge into better practices is paramount. Research helps us browse through the gallery. understand a variety of issues from why elders don’t go out in the This exciting new project winter, to improved hearing aid technologies, to what it means for an was made possible through older person to be “known” by their caregivers, the day provided ongoing generous funding a stimulating glimpse into the future. by the Veterans Comfort Fund in support of the As we reflect on 2005, it is gratifying to see all that we achieved photography program. together. Thank you to all who made the year such a success – staff, volunteers, families and residents. And here’s to a great 2006! To book a portrait session, or to join a photography group please call Ana at ext. 5933.

Dr. Heather MacDonald Dorothy Fergusen Medical Director Operations Director Aging & Veterans Care Aging & Veterans Care January/February 2006 3 PEACE of Cake No sour grapes! By Sally Fur For the second year in a row, Veterans at Sunnybrook & Women’s recently welcomed one of the the staff and students of the “greatest Canadians”, Hockey Night in Canada’s, Don Cherry, for a Faculty of Hospitality and special finale event for 2005 Year of the Veteran. Tourism at George Brown College came and together “Don Cherry’s arrival is an experience that is nothing short of exciting with members of the and is the perfect grand finale to a year dedicated to our veterans,” said Canadian Armed Forces, to Duncan Graham, president of the Veterans and Community Residents visit and pass out 500 gift Council. baskets filled with specialty baked goods to veterans at Wearing his trademark horse Sunnybrook & Women’s. collar shirt, Cherry addressed the veterans in Warriors’ Hall. He told the veterans, that they are The holiday goodies included “the greatest guys and gals in brownies, mince tarts, Lindt the world.” He also showed a chocolates, shortbreads, a video about Bobby Orr that his gingerbread man wearing a son arranged as a tribute to the red poppy and of course the great hockey player. delicious PEACE fruitcake. This fruitcake is not your Cherry is a well-known supporter of veterans. His grandfather was killed average fruitcake. Fit for in the First World War and another relative was killed just before the kings and queens, chef John Armistice Day treaty was signed. Higgins, director of the George Brown Chef School, Many Canadians may be unaware of the strong link between Canada’s national sport and Canada’s veterans. Looking back, hockey has created it when he worked for played a prominent role in Canada’s military heritage. One of Canadian Queen Elizabeth in hockey’s most prestigious and recognizable awards, the Memorial Buckingham Palace. Cup, was dedicated to First World War veterans in 1919.

“In this the year of the veter- During the Second World War, the Canadian government insisted that an and for the legacy of all hockey leagues in Canada continue to play. It was a morale booster for peace and democracy, we the troops abroad and for those on the home front. Over 80 NHL players wanted to say thank you to enlisted during the Second World War, including legends such as Conn the veterans from the First Smythe, Syl Apps and Turk Broda. Even the great Maurice “Rocket“ and Second World Wars and Richard volunteered for the army but was turned down when his medical the Korean War,” said Ian revealed too many hockey injuries. Gallacher, Head of Pastry At the event, Don Cherry also participated in a draw for several Arts at George Brown commemorative VE Day watches that were donated to the veterans. College. Robin Devine and her daughter Laura, the creative talent behind the VE Day watch concept, were also present for the draw. Although the In 2003, the Faculty of donation was a generous one, it was Devine’s wish to give every Hospitality and Tourism at veteran at Sunnybrook & Women’s a watch. Ironically, however, the George Brown College day after the event, she heard the wonderful news that through a baked, packed the “royal” generous donation from CIBC, each and every veteran will, in fact, receive fruitcake and shipped 500 a VE watch in May. fruitcakes to Canadian As a symbol of their gratitude, the veterans presented Mr. Cherry with continued on page 5 a personalized gift. He received a framed collage of old black and white photos that captured the importance of hockey in our veterans’ lives.

4 January/February 2006 Don Cherry photo gallery PEACE of Cake

continued from page 4 Peacekeepers stationed overseas and called it “PEACE of Cake.” This was the beginning of some- thing really great!

Over 150 volunteers donated their time and talents to make the 3rd annual PEACE of Cake Grapes receives a gift from the veterans Mr. Cherry presents Hilda goodwill campaign a success. - a framed collage of old hockey photo’s. Harris with a VE Day watch. In total, 1,000 gift baskets were assembled and package in aid of four different community groups. Along with the veterans at Sunnybrook & Women’s this year’s initiative focused on, Toronto’s Pathways to Education, a group that works to reduce poverty and its effects by supporting the development of youth from economically dis- Don’s tribute to Bobby Orr. advantaged communities; The former “Friendly Esso Horizons for Youth, a group that Dealer” from Hockey Night In offers shelter and services for Canada, Murray Westgate thoroughly enjoyed Don’s homeless or troubled youth in a presentation! safe, supportive environment, and the Yonge Street Mission an organization that has been meeting the needs of people Stephen Little, district director of Veterans Affairs Canada, presents living in poverty in Toronto for Mr. Cherry with an assortment of over 100 years. Year of the Veteran gifts.

Glen Northgrave, World War II veteran and Donna Sanche, Professor of Pastry Arts at George Brown College Grapes poses with Jack Fletcher Don made a special visit to see enjoy a laugh at the 2005 PEACE of and family. the veterans on K2. Cake event.

January/February 2006 5 Veteran inducted into the On the move Mining Hall of Fame Effective March 17, 2006, Dr. Heather MacDonald, Program Chief, Aging and Dr. John Convey 1910 – 2006 Veterans’ Care, will be leaving Sunnybrook & Women’s to Surrounded by his family Dr John Convey recently passed away join Bridgepoint Health as the in K-wing at Sunnybrook and Women’s. Prior to his passing he Vice President, Medicine. was inducted into the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame. The article below appeared in The Northern Miner, December 18 - 24, 2005: Dr. MacDonald joined S&W in August 2000, and since then “John Convey made ground-breaking has worked to create contributions to metallurgy, atomic Canada’s premier veterans’ physics and minerals research, but care program. During her is perhaps best known for guiding tenure with the hospital, Canadian agencies and institutions resident and family satisfaction to prominence, most notably the in the Aging & Veterans Care Canadian Mines Branch during its program increased substantially, greatest period of growth and and significant improvements influence. Convey provided technical were made in the quality of expertise and leadership to the Royal care and clinical outcomes in Canadian Mint, the Canadian Welding the program. Her impressive Development Institute, and numerous accomplishments are a direct industry associations and societies. reflection of her passion for improving the care provided Photo courtesy of Mr. Convey’s family After earning his PhD in atomic to each and every resident. physics form the University of Toronto in 1940, he enlisted in the She worked collaboratively Royal Canadian Navy, only to be seconded to the Royal with Veterans Affairs Canada Canadian Navy in the U.K., where he helped “de-fang” the magnetic and the Royal Canadian mines that threatened Allied shipping. He was elected a fellow Legion to help improve the of the British Institute of Physics for his metallurgical contributions to quality of life for our veteran the war effort, and in 1942 earned its Sorby Prize for original residents including the cognitive research. He undertook special assignments in Canada and U.S. support redesign project, pain until 1945, and in 1946 headed a British intelligence agency management and many others screening German scientists involved in wartime metallurgy and that have created a more nuclear physics.” homelike, enabling resident environment. She is a strong Dr. Convey will be truly missed by all of those who had the supporter of veterans’ heritage wonderful opportunity to meet him. and, as a leading geriatrician, she dedicated her time at Sunnybrook & Women’s to ensuring veterans receive the highest quality medical care.

continued on page 7

6 January/February 2006 S&W trauma surgeon serves On the move in Afghanistan By Laura Bristow continuted from page 6 At the end of January, the Canadian Forces increased their presence Dr. MacDonald is not leaving in Kandahar, Afghanistan by 2,200 troops. Among those deployed Sunnybrook & Women’s was Dr. Homer Chin-Nan Tien, one of Sunnybrook & Women’s five completely. She will continue to trauma surgeons. have a part-time clinical practice at S&W one half-day Dr. Tien will be serving as senior clinical advisor at the newly-led per week in the Geriatric Canadian Forces hospital in Kandahar, Afghanistan, which until now Medicine Clinic and Multi- was under U.S. control. Tien will be responsible for the medical staff specialty Memory Clinic. at the hospital and the standard of care that is provided, specifically how traumas are managed. While a search is conduct- ed for Dr. MacDonald’s “The patients we will be receiving are the injured brought in off the replacement, Dr. Jocelyn field by army medics,” says Dr. Tien. “This includes Canadian and Charles has agreed to American soldiers, as well as civilians. My American counterpart in assume the role of Acting Afghanistan told me the main trauma injuries they’ve been seeing are Chief, Aging and Veterans’ from blasts, penetrating injuries (such as gun shots), blunt traumas (such Care. Dr. Charles has been as motor vehicle collisions), and burns. Inevitably the ratio will vary, a staff physician in the but that is roughly what we will be treating.” Family Practice Unit and in Aging & Veterans’ Care at Dr. Tien has been with the Canadian Forces for 15 years. This is not Sunnybrook & Women’s the first time he has served in Afghanistan; he was in Kabul for two since 1990. She has been months on a previous deployment. As one of few general surgeons the medical director/physician in the military, Dr. Tien was aware in advance that he would be called leader of the Cognitive to serve overseas. In order to prepare for this trip, Dr. Tien went Support Units in Aging and through refresher training at Canadian Forces Base Petawawa in Veterans’ Care since 1993. November. “It was non-medical training. We did exercises, like practicing She is also an Assistant putting on a biological warfare suit properly.” Professor in the Department of Family and Community The conditions Dr. Tien will encounter in the Kandahar field hospital Medicine at the University of will differ from Sunnybrook & Women’s trauma room. “There is less Toronto. back- up in Kandahar. Here you know there is a team of people you can call. It is more isolated in Kandahar, so you have to be prepared for that.”

Dr. Tien will be in the volatile region for two months as troops help to secure the area where fighters from Al Qaeda and the deposed Taliban regime remain active. When asked if there are any nerves he says, “It is more familiar to me now. I know what to expect.”

Sunnybrook & Women’s trauma department is supportive of Dr. Tien’s commitment, and with notice are able to accommodate the times when he is away. “Dr. Tien would be an asset to any medical team,” says Dr. Fred Brenneman, Chief of Trauma Surgery. “We would like to wish him a successful experience in Kandahar and a safe return.”

January/February 2006 7 Empire Club salutes our veterans and volunteers

In December, Margery Balfour, SVA volunteer and Duncan Graham, President, Veterans and Community Residents’ Council were guests at the head table for a special luncheon recognition event hosted by the Empire Club of Canada. Margery has been a volunteer at Sunnybrook & Women’s for over 15 years.

Currently the convenor for the wheelchair escort service in K-wing and desk captain for Monday mornings, Margery’s connection to Sunnybrook & Women’s goes way back. Her late father and husband were both residents at Sunnybrook.

Outside of the hospital, Margery has had a long history in the volunteer sector. She has been very active in amateur sport, in particular syn- chronized swimming, as well as Photo courtesy of Leni Johnston Photography political campaigns and the Scouts Margery and Duncan are seen accompanied by The Honourable of Canada. James K. Bartleman, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario at the Empire Clubs luncheon, held at the Royal York Hotel. In honour of 2005 Year of the Veteran, Korean War Veteran, Duncan Graham was acknowledged for his military service, and dedication to the Veterans’ Council.

Staff salute an outstanding volunteer

Denis Milton celebrated his 90th birthday on February 14th with the staff of K1E (pictured left). Denis has been a long- standing and dedicated volunteer on the Palliative Care unit for over 14 years.

He is motivated by being able to give back to others and gratified that he is still able to do his volunteer work.

He feels very strongly that people at the end of life’s journey should be shown compassion. At the celebration, Denis was presented with a Schaeffer pen and pencil set engraved with an S&W logo. Happy 90th Denis!

8 January/February 2006 Reducing chronic pain for all residents in LTC Wives luncheon By Sally Fur It may be due to a myriad of different reasons, but one of the most common complaints from residents is persistent pain and how to manage it. The sources of chronic pain include: arthritis, (when the joints simply wear out), or pain from sitting in one spot for too long (such as in a wheelchair), or pain from an amputation, to list only a few of the main culprits.

Dr. Evelyn Williams is the principal author of a three-year study devoted to chronic pain and how to reduce the prevalence of pain for the 500 residents in the Aging & Veterans Care program.

“It’s about making a marked improvement in quality of life,” says Dr. Williams, head, Division of LTC. “Through simple intervention we have been very successful in reducing chronic pain for our residents. For seniors, a reduction in chronic pain means more time to get out and enjoy daily life and the numerous outings and activities offered to them.” The annual Wives and Widow’s luncheon was held in the The Division held regular continuing medical education McLaughlin Auditorium on sessions for physicians on management of chronic non-cancer December 19th, and all who pain. Every three months, unit listings of residents found to be attended had a wonderful time. in severe pain anytime or moderate pain daily were shared among all physicians, pharmacists, managers and nurse Reflection: educators. Each physician and unit team then reviewed pain management for those residents and recommended new The clock of life treatments to reduce pain. The clock of life is wound but Dr. William’s research indicates that these measures were once very successful in improving pain management. Levels of And no person has the power to chronic pain in the program have reduced significantly from tell 36 per cent (at pre-intervention) to 22 per cent (at 16 months) Just when the hands will stop at and finally to only 12 per cent (after 30 months). The late or early hour Dr. William’s research poster was selected by the Ontario Now is the only time you own Hospital Association for the best practice competition and Live, love, toil with a will was featured at the OHA convention in November 2005. It will Place no faith in tomorrow; also be displayed at the American Medical Director’s annual meeting in Dallas, Texas in March 2006. For the clock may then be still. Words to live by...

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January/February 2006 9 Improvements in pain management in Palliative Care By Lawrence Jackson

A unique, multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals in the Palliative Care Unit (K1E) provide a wide range of services to support patients through the dying process. Pain medication can be administered in a variety of ways. The use of a pain pump called the Continuous Ambulatory Drug Delivery-Patient Controlled Analgesia (CADD-PCA), now makes it easier to administer medication that cannot be taken orally, thanks to recent improvements in pain management.

The pump supplies a continuous amount of medication to the patient through a needle placed under the skin so that pain medication may be injected at regular intervals throughout the day or may be administered by continuous infusion. In addition to receiving the continuous amount of medication, the patient is able to demand extra doses as needed to treat “breakthrough” pain. The CADD-PCA pump allows patients more control over how much pain medication they receive and when they receive it.

A verbal explanation of how the pump operates combined with a new information pamphlet, answering the most frequently asked questions, is given to each patient that requires the pump.

A specifically designed Medication Administration Record (MAR) documentation sheet allows improved monitoring of pain medication used by the patient. The layout of the sheet enables healthcare professional to quickly evaluate the amount of pain medication the patient has received, including the amount received by continuous infusion and the extra doses. The information is evaluated daily and is used to make decisions about dosage adjustments to optimize pain control.

Guidelines containing pump specifications and corresponding drug concentrations help the physician when ordering a CADD-PCA pain pump help us provide the highest quality of care to patients at the end of life. Photo by Dale Roddick

Back Row (L to R): Margaret Bennett, MD and director of the Palliative Care Unit, Glennette London, RN, Karen Johansen, BScN, RN, APN, MN(c), Lawrence Jackson, BScPhm, Dr. Evelyn Williams and Lurenta Mitregis, RN Front Row: Danielle Wojtasik, BScN, RN, Sandra De Costa, BScN, RN, PCM, and Brian Radford, BScN, RN, Absent: Patricia Frederick, RN, Gertrude Maxam-Allen, RN, and Dr. Grant Nadon

10 January/February 2006 The person behind the pain

By Ria Spee Spiritual Care Because of the ever-changing nature of pain the and the unique ways in which it manifests itself, staff are continually learning Wednesday, March 1 about the pain experience and about the person behind the pain. Ash Wednesday Services: In this article, nurses share their learning from working with a Open to all residents, staff resident in such severe pain that it distorted their perception of the and volunteers person. It wasn’t until the resident became pain-fee that his true personality was manifested raising their their awareness about how much pain can mask the person. Roman Catholic Mass and Imposition of Ashes Nurses described a situation in which a resident struggled Location: Main Chapel E-wing, between the intense pain of dressing changes and the fear of losing Ground Floor @ 12:30 p.m.) the use of his leg and what that would mean for his quality of life as an avid golfer and skier. It seemed that he identified more with Inter-denominational the loss of the limb than with the absence of the pain. This speaks of the courage required to bear witness to suffering as well as the Service of Lent strength not to judge another’s decisions about what adds quality Location: Annex - 10:30 a.m. to life. After several months of bearing his pain and following a To celebrate the beginning heart-to-heart talk with an on-call physician, he finally decided to of 40-days of spiritual journey. have a below-knee amputation. Almost instantaneously his entire Blessing and Imposition of countenance changed. It was as if he could see himself as a Ashes. whole human being even though he would lose his leg. He became more aware of his surroundings, coming out of his room, calling nurses by name, and writing letters to his family to express his Friday, April 14 love and appreciation for them. After his surgery he became Good Friday: involved in activities of the resident’s council and went on outings Inter-denominational Service with his family. It was as if the total person emerged that had been 3 p.m. in the K-wing buried beneath the pain and a new man was born; one that even his family had never known before. Sunday, April 16 Nurses recounted their learning. They learned that all behavior Easter Sunday has meaning; that pain can disguise the real person and dictated the way the resident conducted himself. They learned not to second guess that the person is really in that much pain and not to make assumptions about the potential for improving quality of life for Contacting a older persons in severe pain. They learned that they can never chaplain: stop learning about pain; it is as individual as the persons who are After office hours: experiencing the pain. They close with a take-home message - Ask for the on-call chaplain rather than make assumptions about pain or labeling or judging a ext. 4244 person when they are in pain, look for the person behnd the pain. During office hours: The above is part of an article published in Vol. 29 Number 3 Fall Tony Pablo, ext. 4856 2005 in Perspectives: Journal of the Gerontological Nursing Wes Roberts, ext. 4855 Association entitled “The Person behind the Pain” written by by Kathy Edmison, ext. 3607 Ria Spee, RN; MSc., GNC (C), Advanced Practice Nurse and Nancy Floyd, RN; BScN, Staff Nurse, Aging & Veterans’ Care.

January/February 2006 11 Looking back at Passings 2005 Year of the Veteran In 2005, we celebrated the Year of the Veteran. It was one of the In memorium of our friends most interesting and exciting years ever! We honoured and and fellow residents. celebrated throughout the year with our veterans. Here are a just a few of the highlights and commemorative events that were held. December 2005 Special thanks the 2005 Year of the Veteran Committee for a Fleetwood Baillie tremendous year, it was an extraordinary one! Harold Barrett In February we hosted a "Valentines for Vets" event. John Baxter Stephen Boddy In March we unveiled the new Veterans Art Walk

Gifford Chard In April we commemorated the Victory at Vimy Ridge. First World William Dudley War veteran Clare Laking threw out the first pitch at a Toronto Blue Colin Evans Jays game. Jack Gentles In May we celebrated the 60th anniversary of Victory in Europe George Hatzis Day. Leigh Hull In June we held a rededication of the Red Cross cornerstone Thomas Leach originally from the Red Cross Lodge. Veterans also toured the John B. Lindner Toronto harbour with Lieutenant Governor, James Bartleman. Keith Kerns In July we held a special event in recognition of veterans involved William R. MacDonald in the Italian Campaign and we also acknowledged native veterans and celebrated National Aboriginal Day. Gordon A. Paul Tom Staunton In August several of our veterans took part in a groundbreaking Gordon Turner ceremony for the new Veterans' Memorial at Queen's Park. We also celebrated National Peacekeeping Day. Gilbert Wallis Victor White In September we hosted the Memory Project Roadshow. We also invited Toronto Argo, Chuck Winters to our staff barbeque to help a former Argo and veteran return to his pastime and once again kick a football. January 2006 In November we held our annual Remembrance Day Service and our veterans were honoured in a special tribute ceremony on centre Olive Bukoweicki ice and centre court at the Toronto Maple Leaf and Raptor games. Dave Dunkleman A new work of art entitled "Our Canada" was unveiled in the L-wing Ronald Ernes Fleischman lounge. This is a spectacular mural painted by one of our very own veterans. John Mullin Arthur Jack Pullen In December veterans received a delicious home-baked holiday gift basket from the chefs and students from George Brown College.

12 January/February 2006 Laundry Pet visitation guidelines The four weeks from mid-December to mid-January is the busiest time for the labelling, laundering and tracking of personal garments. Family and friends are welcome The spike in activity during this period is quite intense and all staff to bring the resident’s cat or involved go the extra mile to ensure labelling and laundering dog in for a visit. Visits by deadlines are met and every garment is accounted for. Over the family pets can lift spirits and past three years the process has been refined and has improved provide a welcome change for tremendously, resulting in the highest level of satisfaction we residents. Please adhere to have seen in years. That is, until this past Christmas. the following details when bringing a pet into the facility. Due to a series of unfortunate events at the laundering plant of our service provider, the entire garment laundering process was - Always ask the resident if he affected. First, on December 19, 2005, our service provider, or she wishes a visit from the Lakeshore Linen Services relocated to a brand new facility under pet. the umbrella of its parent organization Booth Centennial Hospital Linen Services. This led to the loss of some of their experienced - Consult with the residents employees. New and inexperienced employees unfamiliar with nurse to make sure that is an new equipment and processes failed to do the job leading to a appropriate time for a pet visit. collapse of the entire process at the plant. This resulted in major delivery delays and extensive damage to garments. While we - Ensure the animal is clean, quickly cleared the backlog and caught up with the internal deliveries well groomed and their of clothing to all residents, we were helpless to stop the wide- immunization is up-to-date. spread damage done to the garments. Without exception, every resident who uses the laundry service was affected. A senior - Always stay with the animal manager from Lakeshore Linen was invited to the hospital to and conduct pet visits in review the extent of their service failure and provide us with a designated areas only. recovery plan. Resident lounges or single resident rooms are preferred. Their first action was a recognition and admission of the service failure on their part. To acknowledge that, they sent us a letter of - Make sure your pet has had apology which is printed in its entirety in this newsletter (see page 11). an opportunity to eliminate This letter has also been delivered to every resident. The second before he enters the building. part is to compensate every resident whose clothing has been damaged. A comprehensive proposal is being negotiated and - If you are asked to remove details will be published shortly. the animal due to unacceptable behaviour, please do so On our part, the Linen department, which over-sees the personal promptly. garment labeling and laundering services for our residents, we apologize on behalf of all to every resident, family, and staff for Thank you for your cooperation. the inconvenience and frustration caused by this service failure. We would like to assure you that we are working diligently with our service providers to put in place new processes and set up lines of communications to prevent this from ever happening again.

January/February 2006 13 Letter - Lakeshore Linen Wishes Granted The following was received from Lakeshore Linen Services on December 2005 January 11, 2006 as “An open letter to the management and staff of Sunnybrook & Women’s Aging and Veterans Care” - To go to a hockey game with his grandson On behalf of Lakeshore Linen Services, I apologize to the - To visit the R.O.M. management and staff of Sunnybrook & Women’s Aging and - CD’s to replace big band, Glen Veterans Care for the burden and inconvenience we caused Miller tapes during the holiday period due to equipment problems in our - To go to a Scottish Fiddle laundry operation. Concert - To have lunch at the Vaughan Estate or Veterans Garden Many of us here have experience with family members in - To go out for ice cream similar residences. We personally relate to wanting the best - To go for dinner at Red Lobster care and service for our loved ones. - To go to brunch at Vaughn Estate - To go to dinner at Red Lobster We know the staff of Sunnybrook & Women’s Aging and - Have dinner with my wife at the Veterans Care take justifiable pride in providing exceptional care Keg and comfort to residents and their families, and we are truly - To have a bag piper come to the sorry that we failed to adequately support the staff efforts during unit this holiday season. - A new wedding ring for my wife of 63 years - To have my wife come to S&W We have a program that will be announced shortly to compensate on Christmas Day for lunch residents and/or their family members for every item of personal - Taxi Vouchers clothing that was lost or damaged during the holiday season. - To go home for Christmas Additionally, corrective action has been taken to ensure that the - To attend the 65th WD RCAF lapse in service will not occur again. reunion Again, please accept our apologies for the poor service and January 2006 additional burden placed on you during the holiday period.

- To attend a curling tournament Yours truly, - To have someone play the violin for her and perhaps let her try Ian Bell, Chairman - To have lunch at the King Edward Lakeshore Linen Services Hotel - A warm wheelchair cape from Silverts Veteran’s Grant A Wish Program - A special luncheon with his wife - To speak to children at a local How to make your wish come true! public school The next wish granted could be yours! Simply complete a wish - Lunch a Swiss Chalet referral form and submit it in one of the two Grant A Wish boxes - A one-year subscription to The (located by the L-wing elevators and in front of the Artisoan Gift Toronto Star Shop in K-wing). Generously, sponsored by the Veterans - To go to the theatre with her son Honour Ride Foundation, the Veterans Grant A Wish Program to see the musical The Boyfriend - To visit the Canadian War grants 10 “gem” wishes and 1 “pearl” wish each month. Museum in Ottawa Contact Leanne Hughes at 416.480.6100 ext. 6371 if you have questions regarding this program.

14 January/February 2006 Show your support of Aging & Veterans Care

Contributions to the Aging & Veterans Care program are gratefully accepted, helping us meet special or urgent needs in a timely fashion. Donations to the A&VC program will help fund high priority needs such as educational fellowships in Aging, and capital improvements to the veterans’ residence. Donations to the Veterans’ Comfort Fund helps us provide our Veteran residents with ‘extras’: equipment, events and entertainment items that help to enhance their quality of life. Support of the Palliative Care Trust Fund helps to enhance the living environment for patients and families receiving palliative care.

Donations can be made in memory or in honour a loved one, or to acknowledge a special event such as a birthday or anniversary. If you so choose, Sunnybrook & Women’s Foundation will send a card to your honouree or their family letting them know that they have been honoured through a donation. A tax receipt will be issued for all donations over $10.

How to donate:

By Mail: Cheques should be made out to Sunnybrook & Women’s Foundation

For a specific designation, please write ‘Aging and Veterans Care’, ‘Veterans Comfort Fund’ or ‘Palliative Care Trust Fund’ on the bottom of your cheque

Mail your donation to: Sunnybrook & Women’s Foundation, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Room H332, Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5

By Telephone: call 416.480.4483 for the Sunnybrook & Women’s Foundation

By Internet: www.sw.ca/foundation and follow the simple instructions

Thank you!

January/February 2006 15 Calendar of events

Monday, February 27th

The S&W Palliative Care Education Committee is pleased to present the 12th Annual Palliative Care Awareness Day. This one-day conference, Diverse Diagnoses & Dilemmas in Palliative Care, explores topics of interest across disciplines and includes lunch and handouts. The overall goal of the day is to enhance the quality of end-of-life care provided to individuals living with a life threatening illness through education of S&W staff. The cost is $50. For more information or a brochure, please call Tammy at ext. 7255.

Thursday, March 9th

Alzheimer’s Disease: Mission for Memories - Taking Action Today for a Better Tomorrow Time: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. in McLaughlin Lecture Hall (EG-61)

The evening will feature: - Dr. Roberta Bondar, Canada’s first woman astronaut and first neurologist in space - Dr. Sandra Black, Head, S&W Division of Neurology - Dr. Jocelyn Charles, Family Physician and Physician Leader, Cognitive Support Units - Dr. Ken Shulman, Chief Neurosciences Program

This talk will cover: - Signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease - Progression of Alzheimer’s disease - Management of Alzheimer’s disease

RSVP to 416.480.4117 or e-mail [email protected]

Admission and parking are free

Monday, March 20th

The Creative Arts Therapies program of Aging & Veterans Care will be holding their first annual “Festival of the Arts” in Warriors’ Hall and the Annex of K-wing. The event will embody a spirit of exploring and of sharing creativity within the Aging and Veterans Care community. A detailed calendar of the event will come out closer to the date. Mark this date in your calendar - you won’t want to miss it!

Monday, March 27th

Pastoral Services invites the hospital community to the hospital-wide Memorial Service to be held in the McLaughlin Auditorium (Sunnybrook campus) from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. The memorial service provides an opportunity for family members, partners, and friends of those who died during the months of October, November, and December 2005 to celebrate the lives of loved ones along with those who cared for them in the hospital community. All are welcome. For more information please contact Wes Roberts, chaplain, at ext. 4855

16 January/February 2006