Inside Honoured Vets Receive Gift of Time By Janna Ramsay

Memories were refreshed on June 5 as veterans living at Sunnybrook 2 Leisure Health Sciences Centre replaced old watches with special new ones. Over 400 veterans received a 60th anniversary VE Day Commemorative watch 4 Nurses week as a tribute to their service. As veterans, family members, friends, and Sunnybrook staff gathered at New Nurse the Warrior’s Hall, anticipation was in the air. Everyone knew about “the 6 Practitioner watches.” Finally, the strain of a bagpipe grew louder, and dignitaries from CIBC, Veterans Affairs Canada, Toronto Police, National Defence and 7 Journey to Ottawa Sunnybrook slowly marched in and took their places. for Research Tears filled many eyes as invited guests spoke to the attentive audience, 8 thanking the men and women for their efforts and sacrifices in the name of Bobby Orr Hall peace. Heartfelt words were spoken, 9 of Fame assuring veterans that the younger generation has not forgotten. Educating 10 Youth The VE Day Commemorative watches for Sunnybrook’s veterans were bought 11 Calendar of and donated by CIBC and the Toronto Events Police Senior Officers’ Organization.

Time Is Ticking, owned and operated by Robin Divine, made the watches, but the watch face was designed by 15-year-old Laura Konkel. Laura thought it fitting to use the torch that is also found on the grave of every unknown soldier. continued on page 2 Maury Rosenblatt

May/June 2006 - Issue 2 continued from page 1 At Home is the official newsletter of "It's so important that we remember you and the sacrifices you've Aging & Veterans Care. The made," Laura told the audience. "I'm 15 and I can't imagine how newsletter is published six times a some of you could have done that at my age. I really want to thank year and is made available to all you for our freedom.” members of the Aging & Veterans Speakers at the event also included Leo Steven, Sunnybrook’s Care community. At Home is also CEO and President, Brigadier-General Guy Thibault, Lieut.-Col. available online at Jenny Newton, CIBC V.P. Gregory W. Tsang, Freda Lochhead, www.sunnybrook.ca under President of the Toronto Police Senior Officers’ Organization, Programs & Services, Aging & Dorothy Ferguson, Operations Director of Aging & Veterans Care at Sunnybrook and Duncan Graham, President of the Veterans and Veterans Care. Community Residents’ Council and Korean War Veteran.

Editor: Sally Fur Each watch was personally presented to the veterans in attendance Layout: Andrea Dixon by members of CIBC, Toronto Police, National Defence and Photography: Doug Nicholson Sunnybrook Recreation Therapy staff. (unless noted otherwise) Circulation: 1,800

The next issue of At Home will At Home Article – Leisure be published for Sept/Oct. Deadline for submissions is Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2006 At Sunnybrook we strive to provide comprehensive quality For more information, or to make care – we conceptualize this as the balance of clinical and a submission, please contact Sally safety programs and quality of life programs. Indeed, we Fur at 416.480.6100 ext. 5057 or believe there is a highly dependent relationship between by e-mail to leisure, comfort and healing. [email protected] In past issues we have highlighted clinical care (Alzheimer’s Disease, Model of Medical Care), safety initiatives (Falls in Contributors: Seniors, Infection Prevention and Control, Influenza), and in Lorrie Clarke this issue we wish to share our interpretation of leisure in the Deborah Brown-Farrell context of later life and to describe some of our programs. Janna Ramsay Ana Seara In studies of leisure in later life, leisure is described as an Val White activity or set of activities that serve to enliven relationships Dr. E. Williams between residents and their practitioners. Leisure activities enable the resident to help others, to develop new skills, to acquire new knowledge, to develop connectedness and Material printed in At Home is contribute to their community and to maintain continuity with protected by copyright and may not the past. Overall leisure aims to have the Veteran gain be reprinted without the permission satisfaction from these accomplishments. Our own research of the editor. also found that relationships were the major motivation for continued participation in leisure opportunities.

2 May/June 2006 Excellence in geriatric medicine Perhaps none of this is surprising. However, it does require by Dr. Evelyn Williams complex programming if we are to plan activities to address these various outcome areas. Additionally, to ensure the Sunnybrook Health Sciences objectives for our unique activities are ones the veterans enjoy, Centre, and Aging & Veterans the calendar must be flexible. Care, is an academic teaching centre fully affiliated with the This programming challenge rests with the Recreation, Music, University of Toronto. Art and Horticulture Therapists. Together they garner the advice of the Veterans and their families and then develop the activities Each year, many students calendar. And, these activities are as diverse as the Veterans from the University of for whom they are planned. Some are tried and true activities Toronto, other universities, that are enjoyed time and again, others are new, rotated and/or and community colleges planned on demand. These range from on-unit individual or come to K and George Hees group activities to off-unit specific groups to large group wings to train in disciplines such as nursing, audiology, programs and then to community outings and summer camp. pharmacy, occupational We seek to understand what is important to each Veteran and therapy, physiotherapy and then offer opportunities accordingly. For those Veterans living medicine. with dementia, activities strive to help them be fully engaged in living in the moment. All of the physicians in The Division of Long Term Care At the outset of this article we stated that we believe quality have academic appointments care is achieving the balance between clinical, safety and with the Department of Family quality of life programs. Leisure experiences that provide a and Community Medicine, sense of relief or diversion have definite benefits, helping to University of Toronto. facilitate comfort and healing. These experiences range through music, art, gardening, group discussions, courses, Starting in July 2006, first games, trips entertainment, volunteering and many, many more. year post-graduate trainees in Calendars posted on each unit record the different activities, family medicine will spend one month in K and George and as of July 1st these can also be seen on our new digital Hees wings for their geriatric screens. rotation. There will also be post-graduate psychiatry We encourage everyone to participate in an activity they’ve trainees visiting K1E, the enjoyed for years, or something new – and if you have a palliative care unit for the suggestion, we’d like to hear that too! Our goal is to provide month. programming that is pleasurable to the Veterans who call Sunnybrook “home”. Learning how to provide excellent medical care for the elderly patients with dementia and other complex health problems is a vital part of medical education.

Dr. Jocelyn Charles Dorothy Ferguson Acting Program Chief Operations Director Aging & Veterans Care Aging & Veterans Care May/June 2006 3 Nurses Week 2006 Aging & Veterans Poster Contest

By Val White

It started out as just a poster contest for nurses week and turned into one of the most uplifting experiences for the nursing staff of LSSW. Initially, the chance to win a pizza party elicited more saliva than enthusiasm. However, what ensued over the next few weeks was truly an inspiring event. With each passing day the excitement an enthusiasm for the poster grew and grew.

Karen Henshaw (RN) and Carlene Wallen (RPN) were the masterminds and creative directors behind the poster. The rest of the staff were all part of the assembly line. It was a replica of a board game with pictures of many of the LSSW staff in interesting situations, with hilarious captions regarding healthy living. As the poster developed, it became much more than an expression of healthy living, it became a reflection of the dynamics of the unit.

Special thanks to Nicole Pittman in Recreation Therapy for supplying the photographs. Photo by Dale Roddick Nursing Week 2006 Promoting Healthy Choices for Healthy Living Above L to R: Sandra Chiu, RN, Esmenia Lasco, RPN, Carlene Wallen, RPN, Lorna Gittens, RN, Karen Henshaw, RN, Millina Mitchell, RPN.

Congratulations to K2W who were awarded the Sunnybrook’s finest group Care of the Aging Award this year! In May, winners of the Fourth Annual Schulich Awards for Nursing & Above L to R: Ana Baltazar, PSA; Pat Hosein, RPN; Kathy Clinical Excellence were honoured at the Sunnybrook Estates. Yakimik, RN; Darreth Fearon, PSA; Maria Locquiao, RPN; Thirteen awards in total were handed out, 10 for nursing and clinical Millie Dyer, PAA; Bridget Jackman, RN; and excellence and three for academic excellence. Cheryl Callahan, Mayrose Agne, RN. RPN, from LTSE was the sole recipient from Aging & Veterans Care. Above L to R: Leo Steven, President & CEO, Cheryl Callahan, Virginia McLaughlin, Chair, Sunnybrook Board of Directors

4 May/June 2006 Nightingale Nominations Hospital-Wide Memorial Service

Congratulations to Brian Radford, The Sunnybrook Health Sciences RN, Palliative Care Unit (K1E) who was Spiritual Care Team invites the one of 47 nurses nominated for this hospital community to the Hospital- year’s Toronto Star Nightingale Award. Wide Memorial Service to be held in Two other Sunnybrook nurses were also the McLaughlin Auditorium nominated: Susan Margaret Thorne, R.N (Sunnybrook campus - EG18a) (Sunnybrook campus) and Anne beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, Schaedlich, R.N. (Holland Orthopaedic September 18th, 2006. & Arthritic Centre). Congratulations! The Memorial Service provides an opportunity for family members, partners and friends of those who Nursing Sisters Celebrate died during the months of January through June 2006, to celebrate the Nursing Week lives of their loved ones along with those who cared for them in this hospital community.

As well, the employees and volunteers of the hospital who died during the aforementioned months will also be remembered. All are welcome to attend. For more information you may contact one of the chaplains listed below.

Contacting a Chaplain in Aging & Long-Term Care: Tony Pablo – (Physical Support Units, ext. 4856) Wes Roberts – (Cognitive Support Units, ext. 4855) Top row (L to R) Kathy Edmison – (Palliative Care, Carol DeRosie, Local Coordinator and Bargaining Unit President, ext. 3607) ONA Local 80, Ria Spee, APN, Rabbi Ron Weiss – (Jewish Florence Parrott, St. Michaels Hospital, 1942, Hilda Tse, RN Synagogue, ext. 3552) Bottom row (L to R): ** 24/7 On-call chaplaincy coverage Helen Cannon, Toronto General Hospital, 1938, is provided at pager # 7139. Please Gertrude Campbell, Toronto Western Hospital, 1938, have a nurse in making this Marie Anderson, Hotel Dieu, 1942 connection. Janet Wallace, Toronto General Hospital, 1935 Audrey Struyk, Brantford Hospital 1940 Sunday Service Times: Special thanks to: Mary LeBlanc, Art Therapist and the Tuesday sewing 10:00 am – Interdenominational group who volunteered to make the nursing uniforms for the nursing Service (Sunnybrook Chapel E- sister residents. wing, Ground Floor) 11:30 am – Celebration of Sunday Mass (Annex, K-wing)

May/June 2006 5 Nurse Practitioner Joins Hand Hygiene Aging & Veterans Care Awareness Deborah Brown-Farrell Sunnybrook's Hand Hygiene In January 2006, I had the privilege to join Committee launched the the nursing leadership team as a Nurse hospital's new hand hygiene Practitioner in Aging and Veterans Care awareness campaign, "Clean and have enjoyed getting to know some Your Hands", in May. of the residents and staff that make such a difference in peoples lives. Sunnybrook ‘Clean Your Hands’ is the has a long history of excellence in the campaign’s new slogan, and care of elderly residents and I feel Dr. Mary Vearncombe, privileged to be part of that legacy. Nurse Medical Microbiologist and Practitioners are also becoming part of Medical Director, Infection the hospital legacy in its quest to transform health care. Prevention and Control, says The role began in 1995 with only a few trained nurses and that it doesn’t get more basic currently the hospital employs 29 Nurse Practitioners. NP’s than that. carry a wealth of specialized knowledge in nursing care combined with medical care training in a specialty area. While “Practicing good hand the role generally focuses on responsibilities for managing hygiene is the most patient care, NP’s also conduct research and provide important thing you can do to educational leadership for nurses. My interest and passion in stop the spread of infection,” geriatrics fits well with the Aging Program’s desire to provide says Dr. Vearncombe. “It’s a resources for staff to foster their clinical expertise. Currently the healthy habit for anyone, NP role is focusing on assisting the nurses to provide efficient whether you are in the and expert care for residents who experience a change in their hospital, at work, or at home.” health status. A best practice guideline will be developed that It’s important for all staff and will serve as a resource for staff nurses in this area. I hope that residents at Sunnybrook. the Nurse Practitioner role will be beneficial for the staff and residents of K and L wing in their journey towards maintaining the best possible quality of life for all. Clean Do you love old Postcards? The Veterans Portrait and Your Photography Studio, located in Hands LG-105, welcomes a newly formed community connection with the Toronto Postcard Club. Board member John Sayers, together with other club members, will share their private Help us spread the word collections with us by arranging - not the germs! rotating photographic and memorabilia displays in our Ocean Liner images from the studio on a regular basis. The Toronto Postcard Club Toronto Postcard Club has thousands of interesting historical images to share with us, and they look forward to doing so during the coming months and years ahead. Drop by to browse the collections, or contact Ana Seara for more information at ext. 5933. 6 May/June 2006 Journey of Memories

By Janna Ramsay

When casually asked what her wish would be, the first thing Anne Wood thought of was a visit to Canada’s War Museum in Ottawa. To her great surprise, her wish was granted almost a year later. Anne felt as if she had received a Santa Clause gift, only this time the source was the wonderful group of people who make up the Veterans Honour Ride Foundation, the sole sponsor of the Grant a Wish Program.

Anne turned 82 years old in May, and felt the timing couldn’t have been better for her big trip. Not only did she wish to see the War Museum, she longed to see the lovely tulips that Canada’s capital is known for.

Anne’s journey to Ottawa began on Tuesday, May 9 when her nurse and dear friend, Janice Smith, joined her on the Bullet 2 heading to Union Station to catch the train. It was a warm sunny day, and diligent organizers had Anne’s travel comfortably arranged. The view of Canada’s countryside was spectacular and warmed Anne’s soul.

Staying at the beautiful Fairmont Château Laurier for the two nights, Anne enjoyed delicious dinners while she relaxed and chatted with Janice. The striking architecture and décor of the hotel reminded Anne of the buildings in Europe.

Wednesday, another sunny day, was spent touring Canada’s War Museum. The large building was grey and formidable to Anne, and its exhibits brought back many memories of World War II. The LeBreton Gallery, the most solemn display for Anne, is the military technology collection including numerous huge tanks from all different countries. “It was a somber moment for me,” Anne says, “The machinery caused me to think of what these tanks did. To me they are killers.”

The airplane display was kinder on the emotions since it was in World War II that Anne fell in love with a handsome RCAF pilot and became a war bride in 1943. Anne had left her home in Dublin, Ireland to volunteer as a Transport Driver with the Royal Air Force. The trucks, ambulances, and buses displayed at the museum reminded her of times spent taking crews to their planes, driving soldiers to and from the hospital, and delivering hot chocolate around the base.

Unlike many who visit, the museum had a personal impact on Anne. She had been there. She could step into the shoes of the soldiers, and often paused to remember the cost of war. “There is no glamour to war,” Anne says, “No glory.” She paid a visit to the cenotaph for a moment of silence in honour of those who never came home. Anne is thankful for the Canadian War Museum because it’s a monument to show what war is and the Canadian sacrifice for peace.

Before leaving Ottawa, Anne saw the Parliament buildings and fully enjoyed the view of the Ottawa River and the tulips that populate the city. The clean wide streets and numerous trees and parks of the Capital seemed to call to her, “Come see me!”

Though the War Museum was evidence of man’s violence and touched sad memories, Anne kept in mind that by just being there, she was experiencing the other side – the goodness of man. Referring to the Veterans Honour Ride Foundation, Anne says, “Only in Canada could this happen – wonderful people donating funds for seniors’ pleasure.” Anne Wood “I’m very grateful to be Canadian...grateful to the Canadian government and Canadian people…and most grateful to the Honour Ride,” says Anne. “They are like Santa Clause to all of us living at Sunnybrook…they continually give joy to the seniors.” May/June 2006 7 Veterans Enjoy the Manulife Passings Run for Research

April 2006 Held on the last Sunday in May, in nearby Wilket Creek Park, (a David Morris new location) the Run was filled with fun activities for adults, families, children and pets. May Veterans enjoyed the walk, stayed cool in the Veterans VIP tent, David Clark and watched the official colour guard. This year all money Jack Fletcher raised by veterans will go to the Veterans Comfort Fund. Israel Grodinsky James Knox William Robert Mahon Frederick S.M. McCutcheon Edward Mervin Charles Murphy Thomas J. Norris John Briggs Pierce Harvery Ross Profit Oscar Joseph Trask William Wiznuik James A. Woodward

June Donald Acton Ernest Bastable Alex D. Bull Arthur L. Fleming Ivan Forest William Grogan Bertram Hardacre William Hunter George R. Jones Murdoch MacKinnon William Alfred Reid William C. Sawers Stanley J. West

8 May/June 2006 Honouring a Community Hero On the move By Sally Fur Welcome! In May, Raina In June, Sunnybrook Veteran Aubrey Allsopp, 88, was one of Minler (nee Yat Fun Yin) was six new inductees into the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame in Parry appointed Patient Care Sound. In his younger days, Aubrey was a builder of amateur , K3E, in Aging & sports (hockey, baseball and curling) in the MacTier Veterans Care. community for more than 60 years. With his family, friends, nurse and other inductees Aubrey enjoyed an event-filled Raina joined Sunnybrook in weekend that included a cocktail reception, dinner and February 2000 as an RN in induction ceremony and a morning cruise via the Island A&VC, and her experience Queen on Georgian Bay the following day. included staff nurse, team leader and charge nurse. Aubrey coached and managed a number of Teams in Please join in welcoming the Ontario Amateur Softball Association, including two All Raina to her new position. Ontario Championship Teams in 1964 and 1969. He was Special Convener for the Ontario Softball Association from 1950-1977. He also coached and managed hockey in Dorothy Macham MacTier from 1951 -1973 and managed the MacTier Curling Home Celebrates it’s Club from 1966- 1976. He was Chairman for the building of 5th Anniversary! the MacTier Community Centre in 1951 and for the MacTier Curling Club in 1958. One of his greatest highlights was A person centered, when he coached Bobby Orr at baseball and they won the Ontario Softball Championships in 1964. Aubrey also had the resident focused privilege of knowing and playing softball with Bobby’s father, approach Doug. Sunnybrook’s Dorothy Macham Home is the only one of its kind in Through the Veterans Grant A Wish Program, Aubrey’s Canada. The 10-bed dementia care travel, accommodation and a nurse to accompany him was facility resembles a home-like arranged for him. Aubrey served as sergeant with three atmosphere with a number of Canadian armoured divisions in Europe and North Africa special therapeutic features to meet during the Second World War. Besides the love and devotion the needs of residents with challenging behaviours. Aubrey has for his family and friends, the A comprehensive evaluation was two highlights of his life completed not long ago and it have been to serve his demonstrated that the Home is country and his highly successful in reducing the effects of severe behavioural community. The Bobby symptoms as well as enhancing the Orr Hal of Fame quality of care for residents and opened in July 2003 as their families. a permanent tribute to Parry Sound’s Congratulations to the Dorothy Macham Home and it’s staff on five outstanding athletes, very successful years of innovation, teams and builders of research, collaboration and creative sport. approaches to care! Aubrey Allsopp and Bobby Orr

May/June 2006 9 Wishes Granted Learning from their elders

May Wishes

Gem Wishes • Seniors Large Print Bible • Wheelchair Cape (times 5) • Trip to Casino Rama • Trip to Casino Rama • Strawberry Shortcake with family in Kwing Garden • License Plate • To visit my Rotary Club

Pearl Wish • Coverage of expenses of trip Al Pick, Sunnybrook Veteran with the students at Blythwood for Induction into Bobby Public School. As part of an art therapy intergenerational Orr’s Hall of Fame community program a group of talented Veteran artists recently visited students at nearby Blythwood Public School. The Veterans June Wishes and children worked side by side on a wooden chest. The artwork depicted on the chest celebrates Veterans through the themes of remembrance, peace, teach, celebration, thanks and honour. Gem Wishes When completed the chest was auctioned off to raise money for • Wheelchair Cape the school’s art programs. It was a great day of learning and • Dinner Out with Family creativity for all ages! • Lawn Bowling Membership • To watch a Live Blue Jay Game • A Pair of Sandals • Strawberry Shortcake Social • Wheelchair Cape • Funding for special trip

Pearl Wish • To Celebrate an 85th birthday at the Blue Jays Game

Duncan Graham with grade 1 students at Algonquin Ridge Public School in Barrie

10 May/June 2006 Calendar of Events

JULY 22nd Veterans Honour Ride - Mark this date on your calendar, you won’t want to miss it!

On Saturday, July 22, 2006, 500 bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts will rev-up for a motorcycle tribute ride in honour of Canadian War Veterans. Provincial Commissioner of Emergency Services, Julian Fantino and Richmond Hill’s Mayor William Bell will be in attendance as the Honorary Co-Chairman. General Lewis MacKenzie and other dignitaries will be on hand as well. Plan to come out and be a part of this wonderful tribute event. More information will be posted in K and L wings closer to the date. Proceeds from the event support Canada’s war veterans at both Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and The Tony Stacey Center for long-term veteran care. Log on to www.vhrf.com to view the video from last year’s event. To make a donation call the Foundation at 416.399.8619.

JULY 28th

"Snack and Learn" educational session for all A&VC staff

Friday, July 28th - times are 12:15 noon to 1:45 p.m., or 2:00 p.m. to 3:20 p.m..

McLaughlin Auditorium - EG 18a

Sue Sebastian, Advanced Practice Nurse, Sunnybrook and Sylvia Davidson, Psychogeriatric Consultant from Toronto Rehab will be presenting a 1.5 hour session on "Understanding residents with cognitive impairment and responding to disruptive behaviours".

This session will be offered to K-wing and L-wing nurses, physiotherapists/PT assistants, occupational therapists/OT assistants, and all other interdisciplinary team members. Physicians are welcome.

All attendees will receive an attendance certificate. This session is the 1st annual core competency education session on this theme topic.

Please register by July 25th via email with Maggie Martino.

May/June 2006 11 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 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 Foundation

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

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

By Telephone: call 416.480.4483 for the Sunnybrook Foundation

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

Thank you!

Led by the wisdom of elders, we will transform healthcare 12 May/June 2006