James Finnigan: A Diff erence Maker

by Natasha Stekel

Rethinking Who inspires you? There are 3 Dementia different people who can inspire and for many, Rick Hansen is Nursing at the top of their list. It is hard 4 Champions to believe that it has been 25 years since Rick completed his Schulich Man In Motion World Tour, to 6 Awards raise awareness of the potential of people with disabilities, by Stanley wheeling over 40,000 kilometers 8 Cup Visits through 34 countries. Sunnybrook To commemorate Rick’s 25th anniversary and further raise awareness Battle of the for inclusiveness of persons of all abilities, the Rick Hansen Foundation 10 Atlantic organized the Many in Motion Relay. Beginning in Newfoundland and travelling westward to British Columbia, this nine-month relay began Spreading Joy last fall and recently ended in May. Over 7,000 participants and 11 at Sunnybrook numerous volunteers, covered 12,000 kilometers, visiting over 600 communities from coast to coast - in every province and territory. 11 Passings Invacare Canada, a home medical equipment company, graciously sponsored a participant from the Veterans Centre to represent their local community here in Toronto. The difference maker selected, was James Summer (Jim) Finnigan a resident of LTSW. Last November, cheered on by his 12 Camp family, Jim used his power wheelchair to relay the Rick Hansen medal for one kilometer along Eglinton Avenue. Jim was both honoured to be Music Moves chosen as a difference maker on behalf of the residents at the Veterans 14 the Soul Centre, and thrilled to meet Rick Hansen in person. It was a great day, and one that he will defi nitely remember. Celebrating Speech and Above: Relay Medal Bearer, Jim Finnigan taking part in the Rick Hansen 25th 15 Hearing Month Anniversary Relay. July 2012 1 Making Health Care Decisions to Enhance Dignity and Comfort in Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia are leading At Home is the offi cial newsletter of the Sunnybrook Veterans Centre. causes of death in Canada. Unfortunately we do not currently The newsletter is made available have treatments to cure or even delay the progression of to all Veterans, staff and family dementia. Distressing symptoms, such as pain and shortness members. At Home is also available of breath, are common in late stage dementia and require a online at www.sunnybrook.ca palliative approach to ensure comfort for the resident. under Programs & Services and the Veterans & Community site. Many Canadians do not recognize Alzheimer’s disease and dementias as terminal illnesses. This can result in requests for Editor: Sally Fur Layout: investigations and treatments that increase discomfort in the Photography: Dale Roddick, Doug advanced stages of dementia. Most people with advanced Nicholson, Ana Seara dementia develop problems with eating and swallowing, as Circulation: 1,700 well as reduced ability to respond to infections. Pneumonia is common and studies show that only about one half of people For more information, or to make with advanced dementia who develop pneumonia will live more a submission, please contact Sally than six months. Fur at 416.480.6100 ext. 5057 or by e-mail to [email protected] Given the gradual decline that occurs in dementia, it can be Contributors: diffi cult to recognize when the goal of care needs to shift Sally Bean towards a more palliative focus. Important signs that a resident’s Sharona Bookbinder dementia has progressed signifi cantly are: a reduced ability Jocelyn Charles to recognize and communicate with family and friends, and a Dorothy Ferguson reduced ability to participate in daily activities. Understanding Joyce Fetros when the resident would benefi t most from a palliative approach Susan Greenwood Leanne Hughes to care is essential to enhancing dignity and comfort. Trish MacAulay Julie Pepin The words of William Castle (who described the approach to Kristin Morrow leukemia in 1950), “palliation is a daily task, its cure a fervent Sarah Pryse-Phillips hope”, apply to our approach to Alzheimer’s disease and other Natasha Stekel dementias today. Chris Watson Jennifer Wong

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Dr. Jocelyn Charles Dorothy Ferguson Medical Director Operations Director Veterans Centre Veterans Centre Rethinking Dementia and Associated Health Care Decisions by Sally Bean

Have you been diagnosed with dementia or have a loved one living with dementia? If so, you are not alone. In 2010, more The following are some big than half a million Canadians were living with dementia and it picture questions for patients is estimated that this fi gure will double within one generation. and family members to consider: Although dementia is very common, few people think of it as a terminal illness, which means a disease in which its natural • Who would I want to make my progression will result in death. Relative to other terminal healthcare decisions if I am illnesses, dementia is unique in that the time frame between unable to make them myself? symptoms fi rst appearing and death usually takes several • Does your substitute decision- years. Because of the long time frame for the course of maker(s) know how you would illness, many people do not think of dementia as a terminal like them to act on your behalf in illness however, researchers and healthcare providers are different circumstances? trying to change this perception. • Under what type of Rethinking dementia as a terminal illness helps prepare circumstances (e.g. if the patients and families for the course of the illness and treatments would be required associated decisions that will likely have to be made as one temporarily, for an indefi nite would do for a cancer or other disease specifi c diagnosis. period of time or permanently) Having an overarching goal for you or your loved one’s care, would I want to have life- such as maximizing quality of life, is the best way to guide sustaining treatments such as a care related decision-making. Understanding where a patient breathing machine, feeding tube is in their course of disease is also helpful and can be clarifi ed or dialysis? with your health care provider or team. The goals of care and • Would I want to receive patient values may change over time so it is important to cardiopulmonary resuscitation revisit them over the course of illness. (CPR) if I would survive but remain permanently Communication of your wishes to your loved ones and unconscious? healthcare providers is an essential but often overlooked step that is necessary to insure that you or your love ones values • At the end-stage of the disease, are upheld to the extent possible over the course of illness. do I want invasive treatments While having these types of discussions is not something that may not prolong my life, e.g. anyone looks forward to, it is important to remember that with artifi cial nutrition and hydration? proper care and support, people with dementia can expect to have a good quality of life throughout the course of their • What would be your realistic illness. For additional information on Advanced Care Planning, idea of a “good death?” consult Ontario’s free Guide to Advance Care Planning by calling 1-888-910-1999 or available for download at: http://www.seniors.gov.on.ca/en/advancedcare/index.php

Sally Bean is an Ethicist & Policy Advisor at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre & University of Toronto, Joint Centre for Bioethics.

July 2012 3 Nursing Best Practice Champions – Improving Quality of Life for Our Veterans by Susan Greenwood

As part of the “Time to Care Initiative”, funded by Best Practice Champions: HealthForceOntario, nurses from across Sunnybrook, • Janice Smith, RPN including 16 nurses from the Veteran Centre, were • Shama Pandoo, RPN provided with time away from their usual bedside roles to participate in quality improvement work and become • Glennette London, RN Best Practice Champions (BPC’s) for their units. • Audrey Stevens, RPN • Lorna McPhatter, RN With education, support and coaching from a variety • Agnes Trotman, RN of sources, each BPC lead an interprofessional team • Sui Ling Tso, RN in a quality improvement project specifi c to their unit. • Valerie Madill, RN Topics varied from raising awareness of wandering • Hongxia Hu, RPN residents on an unlocked unit, to better management • Stanly Chirayath, RN of falls, constipation, and issues related to • Rowena Romero, RN swallowing. Veteran Centre nurses were able to • Yue (Kathy) Ma, RPN share their work with colleagues through a poster Lerline McDonald, RN display held during nursing week. Although the initial • projects are mostly complete, quality improvement • Noreen Buyacao, RPN work continues to make a difference to resident and • Lorna Clavio, RN family experiences in the Veterans Centre. • Barbara Hutchinson, RN

You’re Invited! War of 1812 - Bicentennial Celebration

Date: Thursday, July 12, 2012 Time: 2:00 p.m. in Warrior’s Hall

Join the fun in Warrior’s Hall - You won’t want to miss this 200 year celebration!

• A display of military items from the War of 1812 • A period drill and tactics demonstration • Special guest Kevin Hebib, Program Development Offi cer, Fort York

All Are Welcome!

4 July 2012 Registered Nurses’ Foundation of Ontario 2012 Honourary Life Achievement Award by Sally Fur

Dorothy’s dedication to the advancement of nursing was also evident through several years of collaboration that culminated with the establishment of two more new scholarships. One, the Mary Brunning Harkin Scholarship supports, registered nurses and registered practical nurses who are studying at the baccalaureate level and whose career path is dedicated to the care of the elderly and the other, the Toronto General Hospital Alumnae scholarship, supports nurses to pursue education at the undergraduate or graduate level.

In the late 1990’s the staff Dorothy was working with at that time recognized her exemplary leadership by establishing the Dorothy Ferguson Scholarship. Dorothy Ferguson (left) receives her award from Janice Waddell Since then many nurses pursuing further education of the RNFOO. at the undergraduate and graduate level have been Dorothy Ferguson, Operations Director of the Veterans supported by her scholarship. Centre was presented on May 2 with the Registered Nurses’ Foundation of Ontario Honourary Lifetime More details regarding the RNFOO’s mission of Achievement Award. Dorothy was nominated for the promoting nursing education can be found at award “in recognition of her outstanding contribution to www.rnfoo.org. the RNFOO and the nursing profession.”

In 2003, Dorothy joined the RNFOO Board of Directors and provided solid leadership and support within a number of roles over the past ten years including: Out and About Vice-President, President and Past-President. Dorothy Several Sunnybrook Veterans attended a was highly involved in both the executive and fi nance Toronto Rock Lacrosse game at the Air committees, and served as Chair of the Donor Canada Centre to cheer on our Toronto Rock! Relations and Nomination Committees. Many Veterans played lacrosse in their youth,

and were amazed to see the ACC fi lled with When RNFOO was selected by Molson Canada and fans for this action-packed game. the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to administer the SARS Memorial Fund for Infection Control Practitioners, Dorothy played a pivotal role L to R: Martha Roy, Lorne in establishing the scholarships within RNFOO. Renaud and Dorothy’s work was also key to the establishment of Doug Scott with the Rolling Stones/CPI Awards for the advancement Toronto Rock of professional practice in infection control. Together, cheerleaders. these funds have supported the professional development of up to 150 Ontario infection control practitioners, nurses and other health professions.

July 2012 5 The 2012 Schulich Awards Mobility Equipment From the Occupational Therapy Team and Veterans Affairs Canada

Mobility equipment is usually purchased on behalf of a Veteran with a combination of funding from Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) and the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care.

This equipment is owned by the Veteran and VAC is responsible for the care and maintenance of this equipment as long as it meets the Veteran’s health needs and the Veteran maintains his/her eligibility. Eligibility is an issue only if the Veteran is discharged from the facility. L to R: Dr. Bradley Strauss, clinical-scientist, Schulich Heart Centre, Marsha Barry, and Dr. Barry McLellan, President & CEO. When a piece of equipment is no longer required, the Veteran, their survivors or legal representatives may make use of Each spring the Schulich Awards recognize nursing the equipment as they see fi t. One option and clinical excellence and honour the clinical work they may wish to consider is to donate the of individuals who demonstrate in their daily work equipment to an organization such as the the values of Sunnybrook. These awards honour Veterans Centre. employees who work in the areas of diagnostic, therapeutic and direct clinical patient care. It is important to note that once a piece of equipment is deemed unsuitable for Congratulations to Marsha Berry, occupational the Veteran and/or is withdrawn from therapy assistant, from the Veterans Centre who use (usually upon the death of a client), was one of ten staff members across Sunnybrook VAC is no longer responsible for its to receive this honour. care, maintenance and disposal. If you require additional information, please Also recognized at the June ceremony were contact VAC at 1-866-522-2122 or your three fourth-year medical students who have occupational therapist. demonstrated clinical and academic excellence:

• Vanessa Rambihar • Maria-Alexandra Petre • Nikita Patel

6 July 2012 Fund Raising Success

Walk for Memories Alzheimer Society of Toronto by Sarah Pryse-Phillips

Once again staff from the Veterans Centre participated in the annual Walk for Memories. This year close to $2,400 was raised by team! All funds support the Alzheimer Society of Toronto to exceed its goal, and raise $621,000.

Alzheimer Societies across the country fund research, educational resources, and support programs to benefi t those with Alzheimer’s and related diseases. Many of our residents, families and staff members benefi t from the Society’s excellent publications and services.

Special Appreciation for Canadian Veterans

by Sally Fur Korean War Veteran, Douglas Scott is seen receiving a Certifi cate of Appreciation from the U.S. Department of Defense. Consul General Kevin Johnson visited the Veterans Centre in March and spoke about how strong the Canadian and American relationship was, calling it “the best friendship in the world.”

The certifi cates, signed by U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, recognize the Veterans for their service during the Korean War in defense of democracy and freedom, and state that their selfl ess sacrifi ce halted the tide of communism on the Korean Peninsula. In total there are fi fteen veterans living at Sunnybrook who served in the Korean confl ict.

July 2012 7 Stanley Cup Warms the Hearts of Veterans

by Sally Fur

In anticipation of the NHL hockey playoffs and the 60th anniversary of Hockey Night in Canada, the Veterans Centre was honoured to have the Stanley Cup onsite for residents to enjoy on March 30th. Over the years Bob Hope, Vera Lynn, Canadian Prime Minister’s and Royalty have all graced Sunnybrook but this was the Cups first visit to the hospital.

Seeing and touching the Cup was especially meaningful for Second World War veteran Murray Westgate, 93. Westgate played Imperial Oil’s original pitchman and gas station attendant on Hockey Night in Canada in the early 1950’s. A veteran of the Royal Canadian Navy, Westgate played the legendary role for 16 years.

Sam Rose, Second World War Veteran, also 93, recalled the fi rst time he saw Lord Stanley’s Cup as a boy when it was stove-piped shaped and on display at Eaton’s department store in the 1930’s. Many of the Veterans shared stories and fond memories of hockey and the Toronto Maple Leafs’ glory days.

Canadian Veterans and hockey have a longstanding history. Eighty NHL players enlisted during the Second World War, and Foster Hewitt’s’ radio broadcasts to the troops overseas were legendary. On Saturday nights in the 1950’s, families would gather to watch the Jackie Gleason Show, and then Hockey Night in Canada. Many years later the link is still a strong one!

Top to bottom: Allan Forster with Mike Bolt, Margaret Allen, and Harold Booth.

8 July 2012 News Update

Volunteers In May, Anna Olsen joined Sunnybrook as the new Coordinator, Volunteer Resources for the Veterans Centre as well as the Holland Centre. Anna has more than twenty years of volunteer management experience in both community organizations as well as healthcare. Best wishes go out to Sally Lewis, the former volunteer coordinator, who retired in May after seven years of dedicated service with our Veterans!

Spiritual Care In late January, we welcomed Chaplain Jim Huth as the Chaplain for physical support and mental health units. Jim has a Doctor of Philosophy in Theology, Masters of Arts in Pastoral Care in Health Care & Masters of Divinity. Most recently, Jim was a chaplain at Toronto Rehabilitation Institute. At the University of Toronto he holds several positions including: Faculty and Staff Development Committee, Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy and the Joint Centre for Bioethics. He is an active member of his professional association Canadian Association for Spiritual Care (CASC) with a specialist designation. He is also Top to bottom: Charles Allan Kean, Murray Westgate, and regional chair for professional Martha Roy. ethics in CASC.

July 2012 9 Recognizing the Battle of the Atlantic by Julie Pepin

On Sunday, May 6th, 30 members of the HMCS York brought their service of Remembrance to Sunnybrook’s Warriors’ Hall. The fi rst Sunday of May recognizes the Battle of the Atlantic and all members of the Royal Canadian Navy. The Battle of the Atlantic was the longest campaign of the Second World War. It stretched from the opening days of the Second World War in 1939, to May of 1945. The enemy did not concede defeat until the bitter end, and the fi ght in the North Atlantic continued to the last hours of the war. This service honored the lives of the 2,210 sailors, 752 airmen and 1,629 Canadian merchant sailors who died in the war. After the service, the members of HMCS York mingled with the Veterans and their families. This visit and service was extremely meaningful to our Veterans and will become an annual event.

L to R: Douglas Champion and David Pottinger from HMCS Kingston.

Singing the Songs We Love by Leanne Hughes

Wednesday afternoons in Warriors Hall always seem a little bit brighter. This is thanks to the Sing-A-Long Group, a wonderful group of Sunnybrook volunteers who has been performing in Warriors Hall for over 65 years! The group of volunteers is led by Joyce Tillotson and each week a selection of music is carefully prepared. Featuring various artists and songs of years past; this group is very popular providing many smiles and toe-tapping for those in attendance. Current members of the Sing-a-long Group include Roy Tillotson (Organist), Joyce Tillotson, Myriam Mifsud, Gloria Wilson, Michael Stevenson, Sylvia Stokes, Bill Kemp and Colin Campbell. Many thanks to this valued group of volunteers. Their ongoing commitment to brighten the day of Veterans through song is greatly appreciated.

L to R: Michael Stevenson, Myriam Mifsud, Sylvia Stokes, Gloria Wilson, Joyce Tillotson and Roy Tillotson.

10 July 2012 Spreading Joy at Sunnybrook Passings by Leanne Hughes In loving memory of our On Thursday, friends and comrades April 5th, the Sunnybrook January 2012 Veterans Centre Derek H Stodart was delighted William P Roberts to receive a Nicholas Crush generous cheque Norman Binns for $5,000 from Howard P Sedgwick the Simple Beverley O Bell Alternative Rodgie G Stewart Group, a Donald McArthur Fortune company under the Mount Pleasant Group umbrella. This Alexander W Lingard donation will be used to sponsor a monthly Bingo event in Owen James Lemyre Warriors Hall, the Veterans Grant a Wish Program, as well as Douglas Ferguso Elliott three special events taking place this year. Many thanks to the Samuel Nichols staff members of the Simple Alternative Group who donate their Howard Joy time to assist with these special events. One of the volunteering Lionel Henri Pilon staff members Bill Baxter, Manager, TSA, is a long-time volunteer Dayton McKee with K-wing, providing social visitor attention. Keep an eye out Ronald F Rathman for more exciting special events taking place soon! May Gillman Cyril John Fullman L to R: Nancy Bowers-Ivanski, Michelle Paukovic, Bill Baxter, Don Stewart, and William Patterson Leanne Hughes. Bernard Katz

February In Praise and Gratitude Alexander J Stittle Charles McGill Norris Emerson Benns Lorraine Drake, Chairman Alton Kahn of the Tri-District D, E, F, Joseph Estrin Hospital Foundation Trust Donald G Dorana Fund visited the Veterans Clarenceenence W Gieslerieesles Centre in April to present ChristineeB BBeBeatrBeatrieea MMuMurleyy a cheque to Dorothy RaymondnddJd JJosephososeo Austin Ferguson, Operations Julian J Nusbaumssbb Director. The generous donation of $7,000 will go towards the purchase of several new bedside safety mats. Sincere thanks go to the Royal Canadian Legion Ontario Provincial Command Branches and Ladies’ Auxiliaries Charitable Foundation.

July 2012 11 Summer Camp Brings Back Memories by Sally Fur

There is no debate, the experts say there’s nothing better than summer camp for kids and so too is Top to bottom: Group sing-along: Wally Metcalfe next the case for Veterans from Sunnybrook, where the to Trish MacAulay, music therapist. average age of those attending camp is a spry 90. Flag making art therapy session: Donald Sutherland and Julie Pepin, recreation therapist. After a group luncheon in the K-wing annex, 31 Pontoon boat ride: Gordon Gault and Don Warlow on the boat. residents, accompanied by 25 interprofessional staff, headed two-hours north to the CNIB Lake Joseph Centre on beautiful Lake Joseph in the heart of Muskoka. An annual tradition for 17 years, this four day, and three night, get-away, offer’s great benefi t for the residents who normally follow a regular routine while residing at the Veterans Centre.

Partnering with Sunnybrook Veterans once again, were 15 Veterans from Parkwood Hospital in London, along with 11 staff members. Since 2005, the two facilities have joined to bring the two Veteran groups together.

Jack Ford, a former Air Force photographer during the Second World War and one of this year’s participants, fondly recalled the year’s he spent at his family cottage north of Peterborough. “Buying a cottage was one of the best decisions I ever made,” said Ford. “Getting away again and just being here is better than wonderful!”

Highlights of this year’s camp included a nifty fi fties sock hop, speed boat rides hosted by a local member of the Royal Canadian Legion’s Bala branch, a western themed evening, art therapy sessions, horseshoes, card games, paddle boating, fi shing, and campfi re sing songs with marshmallows.

Camp is calming, therapeutic, and rejuvenating all at the same time. A little fresh air, a stroll by the water and experiencing nature and the great outdoors is Special thanks to the Royal Canadian Legion’s probably the best medicine of all! Tri-District Hospital Committees ABC, DEF and the Legion’s Fort York Branch #165 for without their generous support, this initiative would not be possible.

12 July 2012 KIE Mosaic Sideboard Passings by Sharona Bookbinder, Jill Hedican, Aaron Lightstone, and Tricia Mills In loving memory of our friends and comrades Using an interprofessional approach, art, music March and recreation therapists Timothy E Murphy recently facilitated a Reginald H Blundell mosaic sideboard legacy Gerald Segal project for families and Gerald Flowers patients on the palliative George Francis Welter care unit (K1E). Weekly Allenby L Gardner sessions provided patients & families with a forum for self- George Francis Welter expression, social interaction, and meaningful engagement as Allenby L Gardner well as the opportunity to contribute to a group legacy project. Basil Courtney Wombolt Participants contributed to the project through single visits, or by Leonard H Laird participating over consecutive sessions. The therapeutic process Timothy Doyle involved the creation of painted tiles in a supportive environment that included the skillful use of music and discussion. Positive April feedback was abundant. The mosaic sideboard is located in the James A Dadswell Garden Room on K1E. All are welcome to drop by and see the Alexander J Heydon painted tiles to obtain a full appreciation of this unique art piece! Frank W Thomas Grover E Curtin Frank Lewicki William J Quinsey Sunnybrook’s Patient Expo Herbert P McDonald John J Marlow by Sally Fur Allan T Foss The fi rst annual Patient Murray M Jacobs Experience Expo was a wonderful success with May more than 40 exhibits Harold Kates from across the entire William E. Large organization. Over the Irvin Katzman two days almost 1,000 John Slater staff members and Irving Weinberg patients and families Marjorie L. Barry tour the expo. There Elvera Campbell were several highlights of the two days including the seven Harry Farbstein posters that were featured in the Expo from the Veterans Michael L. Tams Centre. The afternoon session with Ken Shaw from CTV Harold Weinrib sharing his own patient experience from Sunnybrook was an inspiration to all. L to R: Ken Shaw visits with Chaplain Wes Roberts and Judy MacNaughton at the Expo.

July 2012 13 Music Moves the Soul by Trish MacAulay

“Music is the movement of sound to reach the soul not learning for the education of its virtue.” movements - Plato (Rathus, 2011) outside of each participant’s One of the music therapy groups we offer in the natural range of Veterans Centre focuses on music and movement. motion; rather, we Music and movement are a natural fi t and this is well are improvising supported in the literature. For example, Tomaino natural movements states in an article from 2002: “Brain-imaging studies motivated and show that an area in the prefrontal motor cortex encouraged by will start to become active at precise intervals in music. anticipation of a sequence of motor activity.” This can explain how music therapy can be used to Each week the group chooses a topic (i.e. tango, motivate movements. mambo, country or western) and within the session we incorporate active engagement in the music (singing The clinical goals in our “Music and Movement”, and playing instruments), spontaneous movements music therapy group were established in paired to music (conducting music patterns, marching consultation with physiotherapist, Sarah Pryse- feet, clapping hands) and reminiscing. Phillips to ensure safety is maintained for each resident. It is important to highlight that we are After working together for three years, one resident suggested, “I think we need group t-shirts that say, Dancing as the Stars.” The group then came together in the art studio for a series of sessions to th On Sunday May 15 , a group of our Veterans create their group t-shirts with art therapist Lorrie who served in Korea were invited to Lindsay Clarke. A dancing couple was chosen by the group Ontario to receive the Ambassador of as a common image for all and the artists then Peace medal from the Korean government. added personal images and words which expressed Korean War Veteran, Guy Lavergne is seen how they each feel about music and movement. accepting his medal with the Consul General of Korea, Mr. Kwang-Kyun Chung. Through interdisciplinary collaboration between music therapy, physiotherapy and art therapy, this particular group of residents continues to optimize their quality of life using music, movement and art. This allows each individual to remain connected with his identity and freely express himself.

One group member was asked, “what does this group mean to you?” He responded, “Music lifts the soul, effortlessly – without a beginning or an end.”

14 July 2012 May: Celebrating Speech and Hearing Month by Jennifer Wong, Chris Watson, and Kristen Paulseth

One out of ten Canadians lives with a • Avoid misuse (speaking loudly, excessive communication disorder. Speech-language whispering, talking with insuffi cient breath pathologists (SLPs) can help in the assessment and support, talking at an unnatural high pitch, management of speech, language and swallowing increased tension) disorders. Below are some tips and facts regarding communication and swallowing. Dysphagia (Swallowing diffi culty) Did you know? Communication Strategies It is estimated that one in ten people over 50 have Did you know? dysphagia *? Dysphagia is the medical term for any 80% of nursing home residents have a signifi cant diffi culty with feeding or swallowing, and includes hearing problem and 6-12% of seniors experience any disturbance in the normal movement of foods speech, language or voice diffi culties*? These are or liquids in the mouth through the throat and strategies you can use to enhance communication esophagus into the stomach. A speech-language with ALL residents: pathologist can help to identify specifi c diffi culty swallowing and develop a plan to best manage P Use a Positive calm approach foods and liquids. Some possible signs of diffi culty A Have their Attention, make eye contact swallowing are: L Listen actively, reduce background noise (turn • Diffi culty chewing off the radio, TV, etc.) • Food left in the mouth after swallowing S Speak in short, simple sentences, give one step • Drooling at a time. • Wet/gurgling voice • Coughing • Choking Vocal Hygiene • Feeling of foods getting stuck Did you know? 1-6% of adults have voice problems*? Voice If you notice any of the above signs, or have problems may be the result of damage to the vocal any resident-specifi c questions please consult cords due to surgery, misuse of the voice (overuse, your unit speech-language pathologist. yelling, singing, etc.) or other diseases (cancer of the larynx, hearing impairment, Parkinson’s Disease). Protect your voice! Additional information and resources can also be • Stay hydrated found at the following websites: • Avoid excessive intake of dehydrating items • www.maymonth.ca (coffee, alcohol, etc.) • www.speechandhearing.ca • Avoid clearing your throat (swallow or drink water • www.caslpa.ca instead) • Avoid speaking in noisy environments *Information from the Canadian Association of • Reduce background noise Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists. • Avoid abuse (excessive coughing, throat clearing, excessive prolonged loudness)

July 2012 15 Show Your Support for the Veterans Centre

Contributions to the Veterans Centre program are gratefully accepted, helping us meet special or urgent needs in a timely fashion. Donations will help fund high priority needs such as capital improvements to the Veterans’ residences. Donations to the Veterans’ Comfort Fund helps us provide our Veteran residents with ‘extras’: equipment, events and entertainment items that enhance their quality of life. Support of the Palliative Care Unit 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, the Sunnybrook 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 the Sunnybrook Foundation.

For a specifi c designation, please write ‘Veterans Comfort Fund’, ‘Palliative Care Unit Trust Fund’ or ‘Veterans Centre’ on the bottom of your cheque.

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

By Telephone: Please call 416.480.4483 for the Sunnybrook Foundation.

By Internet: Please visit www.sunnybrook.ca/foundation and follow the simple instructions.

Thank you!

Sunnybrook

16 July 2012