Thursday, 20 December 2012
Tuesday, 11 December 2012
Yee Hong Culture Change Coalition (CCC)end of year meeting
The Yee Hong CCC, based in Markham Ontario, held their final CCC meeting of 2012 this past week.
At the meeting, team members shared stories collected since our last meeting-focusing on learning skills of appreciative and positive inquiry. Staff members focused on moments in their care practice with residents, or in cooperation with other staff members in which they had felt they has strongly positively been affected or affected the care experiences for residents. In learning to appreciate these moments, large and small, the group is setting the stage for the next phase of the Appreciative Inquiry process, Discovery.
The group finished the meeting feeling a renewed sense of purpose for this process, and reinforcing to themselves that, among other things, the level of teamwork, family partner in care, and resident satisfaction in care and communication at Yee Hong is exceptionally high and a source of pride for CCC members.
After the meeting, the group joined the rest of the Yee Hong staff for a holiday celebration including games, karaoke, wonderful food and recognition both of Yee Hong's 10th anniversary and the Partnerships in Dementia Care Alliance's 1 year collaboration with Yee Hong.
The CCC is looking forward to more progress and celebrations in the new year!
At the meeting, team members shared stories collected since our last meeting-focusing on learning skills of appreciative and positive inquiry. Staff members focused on moments in their care practice with residents, or in cooperation with other staff members in which they had felt they has strongly positively been affected or affected the care experiences for residents. In learning to appreciate these moments, large and small, the group is setting the stage for the next phase of the Appreciative Inquiry process, Discovery.
The group finished the meeting feeling a renewed sense of purpose for this process, and reinforcing to themselves that, among other things, the level of teamwork, family partner in care, and resident satisfaction in care and communication at Yee Hong is exceptionally high and a source of pride for CCC members.
After the meeting, the group joined the rest of the Yee Hong staff for a holiday celebration including games, karaoke, wonderful food and recognition both of Yee Hong's 10th anniversary and the Partnerships in Dementia Care Alliance's 1 year collaboration with Yee Hong.
The CCC is looking forward to more progress and celebrations in the new year!
Friday, 7 December 2012
We want to hear from you!
If you are a member of the Partnerships in Dementia Care Alliance and/or one of our four Culture Change Coalitions--we would love for you to contribute to our blog.
Contact Sacha Geer at sgeer@uwaterloo.ca or 519-888-4567 ext 35280 and we can talk about collaboration on a blog or newsletter.
Possible Topics:
My experience with the PiDC Alliance
Culture Change at my Long-Term-Care facility
What culture change means to me
Profile of a culture change coalition member
We're happy to hear about any and all of your experiences!
Contact Sacha Geer at sgeer@uwaterloo.ca or 519-888-4567 ext 35280 and we can talk about collaboration on a blog or newsletter.
Possible Topics:
My experience with the PiDC Alliance
Culture Change at my Long-Term-Care facility
What culture change means to me
Profile of a culture change coalition member
We're happy to hear about any and all of your experiences!
Huron County Culture Change Coalition (CCC)--Making great progress in the Discovery Phase!
At yesterday's monthly Huron County CCC meeting, the team came together to continue collaborating in data analysis--this time, looking at data collected from staff members at various community organizations in Huron County.
This was the third meeting in which the team collaborated to analyze collected data, and the results were very positive. The group reports feeling energized by going through the data, and increasingly positive about the capacity of their participation to affect meaningful change for individuals living with dementia, staff members who participate in care, and family partners in care in Huron County.
CCC members talked at length about how reviewing data from other staff members, family partners in care, and individuals living with dementia give them new insight in to the lived experiences of all these people. More than one CCC member talked about how seeing this data increased their already high levels of compassion. CCC members report feeling grateful for the opportunities to bring insights from these broader understandings to their daily practice of care.
The Huron County CCC team is truly excited that the data they have been collecting will help create a realistic picture of care needs and triumphs for individuals living in Huron County specifically, but in rural areas in general.
An excellent meeting before we break for the holiday season! Huron County CCC meets again in early January. Please contact Sacha Geer sgeer@uwaterloo.ca if you are interested in finding out more.
This was the third meeting in which the team collaborated to analyze collected data, and the results were very positive. The group reports feeling energized by going through the data, and increasingly positive about the capacity of their participation to affect meaningful change for individuals living with dementia, staff members who participate in care, and family partners in care in Huron County.
CCC members talked at length about how reviewing data from other staff members, family partners in care, and individuals living with dementia give them new insight in to the lived experiences of all these people. More than one CCC member talked about how seeing this data increased their already high levels of compassion. CCC members report feeling grateful for the opportunities to bring insights from these broader understandings to their daily practice of care.
The Huron County CCC team is truly excited that the data they have been collecting will help create a realistic picture of care needs and triumphs for individuals living in Huron County specifically, but in rural areas in general.
An excellent meeting before we break for the holiday season! Huron County CCC meets again in early January. Please contact Sacha Geer sgeer@uwaterloo.ca if you are interested in finding out more.
Thursday, 29 November 2012
Huron County Culture Change Coalition-November Meeting
The Huron County CCC is made up of members from various community groups and is not linked to a single Long Term Care (LTC) facility. These community groups are oriented towards providing care for individuals living with dementia in their home.
How we read the data?
During our meeting, the group focused on analyzing data collected from staff from various agencies in Huron County. The group worked to read the narratives and responses to survey data in relation to determining what the data said about the ideal care experience for family, staff and client experiences. They also worked to look at what is happening when things are working well and people are happy in the data. These methods are in line with the methods of appreciative inquiry.
The group looks at data from collected from multiple sources, including family partners in care, individuals living with dementia and staff and care providers from multiple organizations. Each time they assess data, they consider what the data is telling them in relation to these same groups. This is reflective of the focus on relationship centered care.
Focus on Relationship-Centred Care
Relationship centered care understands that the well being of everyone in the care experience, persons living with dementia, their family partners in care, as well as staff at all levels, must be taken into account in order to provide ideal care experiences.
Lessons Learned and Re-affirmed
At the end of the meeting, the group collaborated to see what lessons have been learned from the meetings thus far. Of note was that as we have moved through the data collection and analysis process, there are important similarities in the data that comes from family partners in care, staff and individuals living with dementia. This is interpreted as a positive sign. Further, the group re-affirmed to themselves that Huron County is unique, with unique challenges related to the provision of care, but the care that is offeredis commendable and respected by those who are involved.
The group recognized from the data that staff is understood to be dedicated and caring, and re-affirmed their committment to bring the results of their analysis back to staff and others who participated in the data collection process as a sign of respect.
Yee Hong Culture Change Coalition (CCC)--November Meeting
In mid-November, the CCC at the Markham Yee Hong Centre for Geriatric
care met and, as usual shared a meal together. Yee Hong serves a
primarily Chinese and South Asian clientele, and works hard to ensure
that cultural values, such as celebration and sharing food, are
reflected in their own culture change practice.
The Yee Hong CCC is at the first Dawning (pdf) stage of the culture change process. Using a modified appreciative inquiry approach developed by the Partnerships in Dementia Care (PiDC) Alliance, the group is working to lay the foundation for change. Yee Hong's CCC has a number of new members, many of whom work in different floors and departments and, as in Long Term Care (LTC )facilities everywhere, do not get a chance to interact with one another as often as they might like. This means, as we move through the process, that we make efforts every time we meet to get to know one another, to feel safe and comfortable with one another.
To that end, at the November meeting, we worked on several exercises to establish safety and trust. The culture change process asks people to think boldly, outside of the bounds of 'regular' administrative or 'problem solving' and to be brave in working for change and imagining the future. This is why establishing trust and safety is critical at this and all of our CCC sites.
At the meeting, the team worked with a 'talking stick' to discuss ideas and experiences around safety and cooperation.. The group reported that
a) the exercise was important because it allowed everyone a chance to share, feel closer to one another and;
b) the exercise re-affirmed everyone's listening skills and;
c) the exercise helped to celebrate the strong ethic of teamwork that already exists at Yee Hong.
The group is looking forward to the December meeting which will include a holiday celebration.
Wednesday, 28 November 2012
Partnering Together for Change --November Meeting
The Partnering Together for Change (PTfC) team, comprised staff and family partners from Bloomington Cove Specialty Care in care and researchers from the PiDC Alliance met in late November.
PTfC is nearing the end of the 'Discovery' phase of the Culture Change Process. For the last several meetings, the team has been working collaboratively to analyse data related collected from key stakeholders at Bloomington Cove.
This month, PTfC focused on data collected from residents about their experiences at Bloomington Cove. PTfC and the whole PiDC Alliance is committed to ensuring that voices of residents are always heard throughout this culture change process. Group members spent the last month collecting narratives from residents at Bloomington Cove. They did this as they went about their days at Bloomington Cove, completing work, decorating for Christmas, attending to personal care. The group worked together to share these narratives and then analyze what we can learn about them in terms of what is happening when residents are happy at Bloomington Cove.
Researchers from the PiDC have also worked to make art based projects with residents from Bloomington Cove. Dr. Lisa Meschino talked with the group about the processes used to create art for residents with various levels of verbal acuity. The group then worked together to 'read' what makes people happy at Bloomington Cove based on representations in art.
From the narratives and data from these art based focus groups, the team worked to contribute to the growing list of analyses. All of these will be important as the group enters the next stage of the process, the 'Dream' phase, in which the team will wrok together to imagine what might be at Bloomington Cove.
Before parting, the PTfC reflected on the data and collaborated to produce five 'takeaways' ideas that became apparent throughout the meeting. The group reaffirmed that music and companionship are very important to Bloomington Cove residents, that residents feel a clear sense of 'home' at Bloomington Cove and that even casual visitors remark on the welcoming nature of the space. Finally, the group agreed that the art based images that were produced at past art based focus groups were a powerful and evocative tool for gathering resident experiences.
PTfC is nearing the end of the 'Discovery' phase of the Culture Change Process. For the last several meetings, the team has been working collaboratively to analyse data related collected from key stakeholders at Bloomington Cove.
This month, PTfC focused on data collected from residents about their experiences at Bloomington Cove. PTfC and the whole PiDC Alliance is committed to ensuring that voices of residents are always heard throughout this culture change process. Group members spent the last month collecting narratives from residents at Bloomington Cove. They did this as they went about their days at Bloomington Cove, completing work, decorating for Christmas, attending to personal care. The group worked together to share these narratives and then analyze what we can learn about them in terms of what is happening when residents are happy at Bloomington Cove.
Researchers from the PiDC have also worked to make art based projects with residents from Bloomington Cove. Dr. Lisa Meschino talked with the group about the processes used to create art for residents with various levels of verbal acuity. The group then worked together to 'read' what makes people happy at Bloomington Cove based on representations in art.
From the narratives and data from these art based focus groups, the team worked to contribute to the growing list of analyses. All of these will be important as the group enters the next stage of the process, the 'Dream' phase, in which the team will wrok together to imagine what might be at Bloomington Cove.
Before parting, the PTfC reflected on the data and collaborated to produce five 'takeaways' ideas that became apparent throughout the meeting. The group reaffirmed that music and companionship are very important to Bloomington Cove residents, that residents feel a clear sense of 'home' at Bloomington Cove and that even casual visitors remark on the welcoming nature of the space. Finally, the group agreed that the art based images that were produced at past art based focus groups were a powerful and evocative tool for gathering resident experiences.
Friday, 23 November 2012
Dementia Care in Denmark
The Partnerships in Dementia Care (PiDC) Alliance is focused on culture change in Long Term Care settings for people who are living with dementia. We encourage you to listen to this podcast (click on the link and follow the simple instructions) about remarkable work that is being done in Denmark. The documentary was recently produced by the CBC's Sunday Edition and is an inspiring listen for anyone interested in how to think about and include individuals living with dementia in the care process.
Click here to Listen!
It's the first story after Michael Enright's introductory comments. Take some time to listen this weekend.
Click here to Listen!
It's the first story after Michael Enright's introductory comments. Take some time to listen this weekend.
Thursday, 15 November 2012
Launch of the Living with Dementia Web Resource
Below you'll find some images from MAREP's launch of the Living with Dementia website.
Lead by Dr.
Sherry Dupuis and Lisa Loiselle at the Murray Alzheimer Research and Education
Program at the University of Waterloo and Dr. Carrie McAiney in the Department
of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences at McMaster University, the Living with Dementia resource, available
in both English and French, was created by persons living with dementia, family
members, and professionals working in dementia care using participatory action
research.
The three year project has involved:
- identifying the information needs of persons newly diagnosed and their families;
- searching out and assessing existing resources designed for persons and families experiencing dementia;
- creating a resource that was relevant, accessible and useful to both persons with dementia and their family partners in care;
- and pilot-testing the tool with persons with dementia, family members, and professionals.
In early November, nearly 60 people involved in the creation and support of this project came together to celebrate the fruits of this collaborative effort and to see the finished product.
Co-Lead Lisa Loiselle demonstrates the website
to those gathered to celebrate the launch on Wednesday November 7, 2012.
Computer Stations set up so that attendees could browse the site.
Click Here to see the site ! Please send the link to anyone who might benefit from this wonderful resource.
Wednesday, 14 November 2012
The PiDC Alliance Presents findings at the Gerontological Society of America Meetings
PiDC Project Co- Principal Investigator, Dr. Sherry Dupuis is presenting a poster detailing work to date by the Partnerships in Dementia Care Alliance at the 65th meeting of the Gerontology Association of America in San Diego California.
The poster is the result of a collaborative effort between members of the research team reflecting their experiences at the four Culture Change Coalition (CCC) sites.
The purpose of the poster is to provide a detailed accoutning of our culture change process thus far including "Speedbumps" (situations, issues or experiences that remind us to slow down and reflect on teh culture change process) and "Ramps to Opportunities" (experiences, supports and occasions that nurture relationships and open up new possibilities".
This process is reflective of the larger goals of the PiDC Alliance, including:
See the Poster!
This handout accompanies the poster
The poster is the result of a collaborative effort between members of the research team reflecting their experiences at the four Culture Change Coalition (CCC) sites.
The purpose of the poster is to provide a detailed accoutning of our culture change process thus far including "Speedbumps" (situations, issues or experiences that remind us to slow down and reflect on teh culture change process) and "Ramps to Opportunities" (experiences, supports and occasions that nurture relationships and open up new possibilities".
This process is reflective of the larger goals of the PiDC Alliance, including:
- Facilitating sustainable culture change where all voices in Long term Care settings, including residents/clients, family members and staff are heard, and included in decision making
- using participatory action research and Appreciative Inquiry to identify existing strengths and aspirations
- Enhance the care experience of residents/clients, family members and staff
- Identify outcomes of Culture Change
- Build capacity to implement and sustain Culture Change
- Translate our findings broadly.
See the Poster!
This handout accompanies the poster
Wednesday, 7 November 2012
Living with Dementia Website launches!
The Partnerships in Dementia Care (PiDC) Alliance is proud to congratulate MAREP on the launch of their new website. The Living with Dementia website contains important, accessible information on how to live with a diagnosis of dementia. It is a valuable resource for individuals living with dementia, their family partners in care, as well as healthcare and other individuals who work, live or interact with individuals living with dementia.
New website launches to assist those with dementia and their families
New website launches to assist those with dementia and their families
WATERLOO,
Ont. (Wednesday, November 7, 2012) – A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or a
related dementia leaves both the person with the illness and their family
members with many unanswered questions. Researchers
at the University of Waterloo and McMaster University are leading a project
that has resulted in the creation of a new web-based resource that provides valuable
information that will help navigate the journey of living with dementia.
Launching
today, the Living with Dementia website (www.livingwithdementia.uwaterloo.ca)
was designed to provide persons newly diagnosed with dementia and those who
care for them with the information and resources needed to live well with an
illness causing dementia. This new research-based website, available in both
English and French, was created in collaboration with persons living with
dementia and their family members and care providers.
“I
would have been ecstatic to have walked away from my doctor’s office with this
information; something that would allow me to be proactive and give me a sense
of direction, instead of sitting in my car crying and feeling hopeless,” said
Brenda Hounam, who was diagnosed with dementia 10 years ago. “This website is a
lifeline. It is a place to get safe, hopeful information.”
The
website covers a wide range of information with topics identified by those
living with dementia, including answers to questions surrounding health care,
how to continue living well with dementia, how to ensure they are receiving the
right care and support to meet their needs, and how to begin the process of
planning for the future.
“Persons
with dementia and their families can continue to live well and have meaningful
lives when they have the information and resources available to support them in
doing that.” said Sherry Dupuis, co-investigator and Director of the Murray
Alzheimer Research and Education Program (MAREP) at the University of Waterloo.
“What makes this resource unique is that it was developed specifically by
persons with dementia and their care partners working actively with our
extensive team of researchers, educators, health professionals, pharmacists,
and family health team representatives. This ensures it is relevant and easily
accessible to persons and families diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or
another related dementia.”
Carrie
McAiney, co-investigator, and associate professor in the Department of
Psychiatry & Behavioural Neurosciences at McMaster University adds
that this resource will be a valuable tool for professional health care
providers and community organizations supporting those whose lives are touched
by dementia. "This project will
help physicians, pharmacists, Alzheimer Societies and others find ways to
integrate the Living With Dementia resource into their everyday practice so it
can be shared with those living with dementia and their family members,” she
said.
About MAREP
The
Kenneth G. Murray Alzheimer Research and Education Program (MAREP) is a unit of
the Schlegel-UW Research Institute of Aging. Based in the Faculty of Applied
Health Sciences at the University of Waterloo, MAREP is an innovative program
that adopts an authentic partnership approach and integrates research and
educational activities in an effort to improve dementia care practices in
Canada and beyond. Its goal is to enhance the ability of all involved in
dementia care, including persons with dementia, their family partners in care,
and professional care partners, to respond to the needs of persons with
Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and ultimately improve the quality of
life of all those experiencing dementia. For more information about MAREP,
visit www.marep.uwaterloo.ca.
About
the University of Waterloo
In
just half a century, the University of Waterloo, located at the heart of
Canada's technology hub, has become one of Canada's leading comprehensive
universities with 35,000 full- and part-time students in undergraduate and
graduate programs. Waterloo, as home to the world's largest post-secondary
co-operative education program, embraces its connections to the world and
encourages enterprising partnerships in learning, research and discovery. In
the next decade, the university is committed to building a better future for
Canada and the world by championing innovation and collaboration to create
solutions relevant to the needs of today and tomorrow. For more information
about Waterloo, please visit www.uwaterloo.ca.
About McMaster
University
McMaster
University, one of four Canadian universities listed among the Top 100 universities
in the world, is renowned for its innovation in both learning and discovery. It
has a student population of 23,000, and more than 156,000 alumni in 140
countries.
For
further information about MAREP and the Living with Dementia, contact:
Lisa
Loiselle, Murray Alzheimer Research and Education Program (MAREP),
519-888-4567, ext. 35040 or loiselle@uwaterloo.ca
Media
Contacts:
Pamela
Smyth, University of Waterloo, 519-888-4777 or email: psmyth@uwaterloo.ca
Veronica
McGuire, McMaster University Health Sciences, 905-525-9140, ext. 22169 or
email: vmcguir@mcmaster.ca
Friday, 2 November 2012
Fall 2012 Newsletter is here!
The PiDC Alliance is proud to announce the publication of our fall newsletter.
Click here to see what has been happening at our CCC sites, where we have been taking our research, and to meet some new team members.
Want to catch up on previous editions? Here you go!
Happy Fall Everyone!
Click here to see what has been happening at our CCC sites, where we have been taking our research, and to meet some new team members.
Want to catch up on previous editions? Here you go!
Happy Fall Everyone!
Friday, 26 October 2012
Bloomington Cove's October Meeting--Partnering Together for Change!
At the October Meeting of the Bloomington Cove CCC the team came together to vote on a new name. Bloomington Cove CCC has been re-named "Partnering Together for Change" .
Bloomington Cove is a LTC facility that is focussed on serving individuals living with dementia and related issues. Partnering Together for Change is new name which reflects the excellent work done by all members of the team over nearly two years to create a space which is connected and committed to one another and in which diverse perspectives are valued.
To that end, at the October meeting, the team came together to analyze transcripts of focus group data that focused on the voices and perspectives of family partners in care. Family members were asked to discuss their experiences and perspectives of their interaction with all aspects of Bloomington Cove. The team looked at this data and asked the following questions:
1) What does this information tell us about what an ideal care experience would like for staff, residents and family members?
2) What does this information tell us about what is working well? What do people feel most proud of?
3) What is going on when things are working well (how do people feel, what are they doing, how are they treated,etc)?
These questions lie at the heart of the Appreciative Inquiry process and are integral in the Discovery Phase of the culture change initiative, which aims to discover 'the best of what is' in a given organization. With this analysis, the team at Bloomington Cove can form, in the next phases of the project, aspiration statements that build on these positive experiences and will lead to thoughtful, long-standing positive change.
By collecting data, narratives and experiences from family members, the Partnering Together for Change Team also reaffirms their commitment to Relationship-Centered Care. By ensuring that everyone involved in dementia (including individuals living with dementia), have a chance to be heard and express their desires and experiences, there is greater opportunity to increase quality of care and quality of life for everyone involved in the Bloomington Cove experience. When family partners in care, staff, administration and people living with dementia all feel as though their needs and experiences are heard, quality of care will increase.
In the preliminary data analysis, the Partnering Together for Change Team rreaffirmed that family partners in care at Bloomington Cove feel that their family members are being taken care of, and in particular, appreciate the humour and friendliness that staff employs in working with residents. By reviewing the transcripts, the team felt a renewed sense of appreciation for both front line staff members and family partners in care. Together, the team strategized about ways to increase the number of stories from individuals living with dementia, to ensure their voices are consistently heard throughout this process.
Upcoming meetings will see the Partnering Together for Change team continue data analysis and celebrate their progress with a holiday celebration in December.
Bloomington Cove is a LTC facility that is focussed on serving individuals living with dementia and related issues. Partnering Together for Change is new name which reflects the excellent work done by all members of the team over nearly two years to create a space which is connected and committed to one another and in which diverse perspectives are valued.
To that end, at the October meeting, the team came together to analyze transcripts of focus group data that focused on the voices and perspectives of family partners in care. Family members were asked to discuss their experiences and perspectives of their interaction with all aspects of Bloomington Cove. The team looked at this data and asked the following questions:
1) What does this information tell us about what an ideal care experience would like for staff, residents and family members?
2) What does this information tell us about what is working well? What do people feel most proud of?
3) What is going on when things are working well (how do people feel, what are they doing, how are they treated,etc)?
These questions lie at the heart of the Appreciative Inquiry process and are integral in the Discovery Phase of the culture change initiative, which aims to discover 'the best of what is' in a given organization. With this analysis, the team at Bloomington Cove can form, in the next phases of the project, aspiration statements that build on these positive experiences and will lead to thoughtful, long-standing positive change.
By collecting data, narratives and experiences from family members, the Partnering Together for Change Team also reaffirms their commitment to Relationship-Centered Care. By ensuring that everyone involved in dementia (including individuals living with dementia), have a chance to be heard and express their desires and experiences, there is greater opportunity to increase quality of care and quality of life for everyone involved in the Bloomington Cove experience. When family partners in care, staff, administration and people living with dementia all feel as though their needs and experiences are heard, quality of care will increase.
In the preliminary data analysis, the Partnering Together for Change Team rreaffirmed that family partners in care at Bloomington Cove feel that their family members are being taken care of, and in particular, appreciate the humour and friendliness that staff employs in working with residents. By reviewing the transcripts, the team felt a renewed sense of appreciation for both front line staff members and family partners in care. Together, the team strategized about ways to increase the number of stories from individuals living with dementia, to ensure their voices are consistently heard throughout this process.
Upcoming meetings will see the Partnering Together for Change team continue data analysis and celebrate their progress with a holiday celebration in December.
Tuesday, 23 October 2012
October 2012 Meeting of the Huron County CCC: Hearing from Persons Living with Dementia
On an extremely windy and rainy day in October, members of the Huron County CCC met in Seaforth to begin their first meeting in which the group would come together to begin analysis of data from the Discover phase of the Appreciative Inquiry process.
From the Culture Change Toolkit: "Discovery is the second phase of the Appreciative Inquiry process where the team works to discover what gives life to an organization or community when it is at its best. It involves gathering stories and opinions from as many people within the organization or community as possible to learn about the factors that contribute to its success. Discovery is most effective when all voices within the organization or community are heard".
The rain and wind kept many CCC members from attending as power outages across the region required team members to attend to clients reliant on machinery and tools requiring electricity. The Huron County CCC is made up of members from various community groups and is not, as are other CCC's linked to a single Long Term Care (LTC) facility. Most community groups are oriented towards providing care for individuals living with dementia in their home.
The group was enthusiastic about beginning to analyze data related to questions about quality of life from people living with dementia. In their next meetings, the CCC will analyze data from other stakeholders, like staff, family members and others to get a well-rounded picture of experiences of client care. This sort of analysis is extremely rich because it is done by people who also have first-hand experience in working with individuals who are living with dementia. Their experiences and knowledge add an additional layer to the interpretation of the data. These team members are also actively involved in the data collection process and, true to the AI framework, are instrumental in deciding what sort of data will be collected, from whom. The group also collaborates to decide what data collection methods might best suit their needs.
CCC members at Huron County have been enthusiastic about being involved in data collection as well as analysis. Looking at narratives from persons living with dementia, CCC members used the Appreciative Inquiry process to ask what they learn from the data. After familiarizing themselves with the raw data, CCC members answered the following questions which are rooted inthe Appreciative Inquiry Methodology.
These questions are designed to help Discover 'the best of what is' in terms of current care practices among members of the Huron County CCC. By learning what works best in the Discover phase, the CCC team will be able, in subsequent phases of the project, to expand on those aspects of care that work well to other areas.
Analysis is still in early stages, but what is clear from the onset is that individuals living with dementia are happiest and feel most comfortable when there are few barriers to accessing care and support from community groups and when there is opportunity for one on one social contact.
From the Culture Change Toolkit: "Discovery is the second phase of the Appreciative Inquiry process where the team works to discover what gives life to an organization or community when it is at its best. It involves gathering stories and opinions from as many people within the organization or community as possible to learn about the factors that contribute to its success. Discovery is most effective when all voices within the organization or community are heard".
The rain and wind kept many CCC members from attending as power outages across the region required team members to attend to clients reliant on machinery and tools requiring electricity. The Huron County CCC is made up of members from various community groups and is not, as are other CCC's linked to a single Long Term Care (LTC) facility. Most community groups are oriented towards providing care for individuals living with dementia in their home.
The group was enthusiastic about beginning to analyze data related to questions about quality of life from people living with dementia. In their next meetings, the CCC will analyze data from other stakeholders, like staff, family members and others to get a well-rounded picture of experiences of client care. This sort of analysis is extremely rich because it is done by people who also have first-hand experience in working with individuals who are living with dementia. Their experiences and knowledge add an additional layer to the interpretation of the data. These team members are also actively involved in the data collection process and, true to the AI framework, are instrumental in deciding what sort of data will be collected, from whom. The group also collaborates to decide what data collection methods might best suit their needs.
CCC members at Huron County have been enthusiastic about being involved in data collection as well as analysis. Looking at narratives from persons living with dementia, CCC members used the Appreciative Inquiry process to ask what they learn from the data. After familiarizing themselves with the raw data, CCC members answered the following questions which are rooted inthe Appreciative Inquiry Methodology.
- What does this information tell us about what an ideal care experience would look like for residents/clients (persons living with dementia)?
- What does this information tell us about what is working well? What do people feel most proud of?
- What is going on when things are working well? (how do people feel, what are they doing, how are they treated?)
- After reading this information, what recommendations would you make? What should happen more? What might need to change?
These questions are designed to help Discover 'the best of what is' in terms of current care practices among members of the Huron County CCC. By learning what works best in the Discover phase, the CCC team will be able, in subsequent phases of the project, to expand on those aspects of care that work well to other areas.
Analysis is still in early stages, but what is clear from the onset is that individuals living with dementia are happiest and feel most comfortable when there are few barriers to accessing care and support from community groups and when there is opportunity for one on one social contact.
Wednesday, 17 October 2012
MAREP and PiDC Researchers at the Canadian Association of Gerontology
At the Canadian Association of Gerontology Annual Meetings in Vancouver, BC on Friday October 19th, from 3-4:30 pm PiDC team members will collaborate on a session entitled The Partnership in Dementia Care Alliance . During the session:
Dr. Sherry Dupuis will give a paper co-authored with Dr. Lisa Meschino, entitled Supporting Inclusiveness in Culture Change at Bloomington Cove Specialty Care (Abstract here). The paper will discuss the work to date at Bloomington Cove where the CCC has worked to foster inclusiveness and has begun work on analyzing the data collected during the Discovery Phase of the Appreciative Inquiry process.
Dr. Jenny Ploeg will give a paper co-authored with Jessica Luh-Kim entitled The Culture Change Coalition at Yee Hong Centre for Geriatric Care (Abstract here). In it, Dr. Ploeg discuss the work to date at the Yee Hong Centre for Geriatric Care in Markham. Dr. Ploeg will discuss how the Yee Hong CCC, which serves a primarily Chinese and South Asian population, incorporates an understanding of specific cultural traditions in their approach to Culture Change in the Dawning phase of the Appreciative Inquiry process.
Jennifer Carson will give a paper co-authored with Dr. Carrie McAiney entitled Building on an Organization-Wide Culture Change Initiative: The Experience at the Village of Wentworth Heights (Abstract here). In it, Jennifer will discuss the unique process of culture change at The Village of Wentworth Heights and talk about her findings and experiences in facilitating an organization-wide culture change process and share the experiences of a PiDC site working in the Deliver or Destiny phase.
Dr. Lorna De Witt will give a paper co-authored by Jennifer Gillies entitled Collaborative Relationships in a Community Care Partnership (Abstract here). In it, she will share PiDC experiences in the creation of the Dawning phase of Appreciative Inquiry and talk about how this phase, new to the traditional Appreciative Inquiry process, helps CCC’s foster authentic relationships and sets the stage for the subsequent four stages: Discovery; Dream; Design; and Deliver.
Other papers written by MAREP partners at the Annual Meetings include:
Dr. Elaine Wiersma's paper entitled "Taking a Social-Ecological Approach to Self-Management for People Living with Dementia" taking place on Friday, October 19th at 8am.
Colleen Whyte's paper entitled "Exploring Tensions between Policy, Practice and Lived Experience in Long-Term Care" taking place on Friday October 19th at 8am.
Other Activities: On Friday October 19th, MAREP's Dr. Sherry Dupuis will facilitate a conversation entitled "Advancign Culture Change in Canada" This is hosted by the Research Institute for Aging. Dr. Josie d'Avernas of the RIA, Doctoral Candidate Jennifer Carson of UWaterloo and Schlegel Villages and Dr. Peter Reid of the Pioneer Network will give short presentations. The goal of this Special Interest Group is to contribute to dialogue intended to outline strategies to nurther the growing Canadian Culture Change Movement.
Other Activities: On Friday October 19th, MAREP's Dr. Sherry Dupuis will facilitate a conversation entitled "Advancign Culture Change in Canada" This is hosted by the Research Institute for Aging. Dr. Josie d'Avernas of the RIA, Doctoral Candidate Jennifer Carson of UWaterloo and Schlegel Villages and Dr. Peter Reid of the Pioneer Network will give short presentations. The goal of this Special Interest Group is to contribute to dialogue intended to outline strategies to nurther the growing Canadian Culture Change Movement.
Tuesday, 16 October 2012
PiDC Co-Prinicipal Investigator Inducted into the Academy of Leisure Sciences
In May 2012, Dr. Sherry Dupuis, Director of MAREP and the co-Prinicipal Investigator of the Partnership in Dementia Care (PiDC) Alliance was elected as a Fellow to the Academy of Leisure Sciences. Dr. Dupuis was one of just five outstanding researchers to be included in group in 2012. Just over 100 scholars have been elected as a fellow to the Academy since its inception in 1980.
Criteria for election as a fellow includes a recognition of Dr. Dupuis' contributions to scholarly literature, recognized leadership and outstanding performance as a teacher, leader, administrator, practitioner, or reseearcher in the field of leisure. Dr. Dupuis will be welcomed formally as a fellow on Thursday, October 18 at the Academy's Annual Luncheon and business meeting in Anaheim, California.
The PiDC Alliance and the MAREP team wish to congratulate Dr. Dupuis on this tremendous professional achievement.
Criteria for election as a fellow includes a recognition of Dr. Dupuis' contributions to scholarly literature, recognized leadership and outstanding performance as a teacher, leader, administrator, practitioner, or reseearcher in the field of leisure. Dr. Dupuis will be welcomed formally as a fellow on Thursday, October 18 at the Academy's Annual Luncheon and business meeting in Anaheim, California.
The PiDC Alliance and the MAREP team wish to congratulate Dr. Dupuis on this tremendous professional achievement.
Tuesday, 9 October 2012
October Meeting: Village of Wentworth Heights
The Village of Wentworth Heights is a Schlegel Village and a
member of the PiDC project.
The Schlegel Villages have championed their own AI process and are at the Destiny phase of their work, similar to
the Deliver phase of the AI process
that the other CCC groups are using (See PiDC toolkit for more info on the AI process and Culture Change).
Part of this process has included a three day Appreciative Inquiry Summit in which members of front line staff and the leadership team, alongside family members and persons living with dementia worked through the discover, dream, and design phases together.
The Village of Wentworth Heights works with a Village Advisory Team (VAT), similar to a Culture Change Coalition (CCC). This team, which has called themselves "Reaching for New Heights" (RFNH) works together to meet their identified aspiration statements, such as ‘offering flexible living and dining’ and increasing ‘shared and meaningful activities’.
The Village of Wentworth Heights works with a Village Advisory Team (VAT), similar to a Culture Change Coalition (CCC). This team, which has called themselves "Reaching for New Heights" (RFNH) works together to meet their identified aspiration statements, such as ‘offering flexible living and dining’ and increasing ‘shared and meaningful activities’.
During the October meeting, the Reaching for New Heights team, including residents
living with dementia, and staff members such as Personal Support Workers, RNs,
food services staff and managers, recreation specialists, and management came
together to review data from a survey of residents which was used to ascertain
quality of life information about the lived experiences of residents in the
Village and in other Schlegel homes. RFNH members discussed the results and
worked to discuss possibilities for building on positive results and for
expanding those successful methods to other areas of the survey results which
were understood to ‘need work’. RFNH
members spoke of their experiences in ways in which, for instance, Schlegel
staff members worked together to improve recreation and other experiences for
residents. The Village of Wentworth
Heights is very enthusiastic about the process thus far and is looking
forward to ongoing collaboration.
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