Memo: Terrace Dining Room Closed

We are sorry to report that as of today there are 11 COVID positive residents in the Terraces – 8 in Terrace East and 3 in Terrace West. The affected residents are isolating in their apartments. Because of this increase in cases the Public Health office has put some extra measures in place to keep everyone safe.

Here’s what changes starting Tuesday:

  1. The Terrace dining room is closed. Staff will bring your meals and snacks to you in your apartment starting with morning snack Tuesday morning.
  2. All in person recreation activities, including bus trips, are cancelled. Channel 10 programming will continue.
  3. We recommend that all residents wear a mask whenever you are outside of your apartment.
  4. Menno Home and Menno Hospital MIGHT make changes to their visitation rules. Please call ahead before going to visit a loved one.

We are NOT in lockdown. You are still free to leave your apartment, move around the building, visit other residents, go outside, run errands and receive visitors. Please be careful. Please do not visit with residents who have an isolation cart outside their apartment.

If you start to feel unwell press your call button and let the care staff know. If you have any questions please call reception 604-851-4004.

Menno Place Video: Welcome Home

Watch and enjoy this joyful Menno Place video filmed last summer on our campus of care! Be sure to share the video from our Facebook page!

Accreditation Bulletin – Infection Prevention & Control Theme

BULLETIN – INFECTION PREVENTION & CONTROL

Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) is one of our Accreditation Themes. It covers hand hygiene education & training, compliance with accepted practices, and infection rate tracking and analyzing. Within the IPC there are 3 Required Organizational Practices (ROPs) that must be met to successfully complete our Accreditation which will occur October 17 – 21, 2022.

Who is on the Infection Prevention & Control Committee (IPCC)?

Kim Scott (Chair), Smitha Varghese, Anitha T, Leanne T, Angela R-F, Linda W, Trish G, Moreen R, Annette F, FHA IPC representative.

How will the ROPs be evaluated?

Surveyors will tour Menno Home & Menno Hospital and test compliance for each of the ROPs. Specifically they will gather information by:

  • Talking and listening to team members, families, residents, volunteers, and community partners such as physicians, pharmacists, and contractors.
  • Observations of what is taking place as they tour the sites
  • Reviewing resident health records and/or Employee files

Who needs to be aware of the Infection Prevention and Control ROPs?

Surveyors will meet with team members, residents, families, students and volunteers so everyone should be aware of this IPC theme and the associated ROPs and priority practices. If you are asked a question on an unfamiliar topic, please refer the surveyor to the appropriate individual or supervisor.

ROP 1  Hand Hygiene Compliance

How does Menno Place evaluate compliance with accepted hand hygiene practices?

Menno Place evaluates hand hygiene compliance by directly observing the practice using their Speedy Audit tool.

Evidence: How does Menno Place do this?

  • We have a written policy available on SharePoint:  Infection Prevention & Control Program AP 5.05
  • We have trained Hand Hygiene auditors who regularly conduct peer audits
  • Audits are reviewed with the Infection Prevention and Control Committee, sent to leaders, and then shared with team members at unit team meetings and department meetings
  • Audits are posted on our bulletin boards and visible to residents, families, visitors, and volunteers
  • Concerns and trends are followed up on
  • Our audits provide valuable information to our leaders and staff in developing and implementing strategies to improve hand hygiene. For example, based on feedback, we have installed more hand sanitizers in targeted areas.

ROP 2 Hand Hygiene Education & Training

What education and training have Menno Place staff received on hand hygiene?

Menno Place staff receive regular education assigned to them in Surge Learning, they have visual signs posted throughout the site, they receive hands on education at unit team meetings, and direct feedback by hand hygiene peer auditors.

Evidence: How does Menno Place do this?

  • Annual Hand hygiene education for all staff and volunteers
  • Hand hygiene education at orientation and on Surge Learning (ongoing)
  • Annual COR certification
  • Hand hygiene is discussed with all families during move-in
  • Posters throughout the building
  • Hand hygiene is discussed at family councils and resident councils
  • Education – Fact sheet – posted in Newsletter

ROP 3 Infection Rates are Tracked and Analyzed

Does Menno Place track infection information, analyze it, and communicate this information throughout the organization?

Yes, Menno Place tracks infection rates, analyzes the information to identify clusters, outbreaks and trends; this is shared throughout the organization.

Evidence: How does Menno Place do this?

  • We track infections by completing the infection log monthly
  • Complete infection surveillance sheets for all infections
  • We have an Infection Prevention and Control Committee where we analyze monthly data
  • All outbreaks are reported to our Infection Control Lead (Kim Scott), who follows up according to the infection control manual’s outbreak management guidelines from FHA
  • Outbreaks are managed in partnership with health authority medical health officers.
  • Infection rates are displayed on a report sheet every month; the graph is shared with team members at unit/department meetings.
  • Outbreak information is shared at monthly Leadership team meetings and quarterly at the Quality Improvement Risk Management Board committee (QIRM).
  • We have a Policy: APS 5.05 – Infection Prevention and Control Program

 

What are some sample questions that surveyors may ask about the Infection Prevention and Control theme?

  • How do you get regular information about infection control issues?
  • Do you know about the infection rates within your care home?
  • Do you know where the hand hygiene audit results are posted?
  • How easy was it for you to get your flu/covid vaccination at work?
  • What would you do if you suspected a co-worker or resident had an infectious disease?

Thank you for your part in making this Accreditation Survey another successful one!

In Person Family & Friends Council Returns!

On September 15, 2022, 2:30pm-3:30pm, Family and Friends (Family Council) will start to meet in person again! The option of attending via Microsoft TEAMS will be offered as well if you cannot attend in person.

The meeting will take place in the Menno Hospital Conference Room (near the Fireside Café – behind Receptionist Leslie Calbick’s desk).

If you plan to attend in person:

• You will need to be vaccinated
• Please arrive early in order to conduct the rapid test in the reception lobby
• Please wear masks during the meeting

If you plan to attend online through Microsoft TEAMS, please click the following link below to join the meeting by video, or call the number with the code beside it to call in to the meeting. It is recommended to download Microsoft TEAMS onto your device to benefit from all its features, but it not, you can still click the link and use TEAMS through your internet browser.

Join on your computer or mobile app

Click here to join the meeting
Meeting ID: 232 592 692 764
Passcode: S8MP9Z
Or call in (audio only)
+1 778-731-1352,,50679340# Canada, Port Moody
Phone Conference ID: 506 793 40#

Family and Friends is a regularly scheduled meeting for family members, friends or representatives of our residents in Menno Home and Menno Hospital. Our guest speakers will be Recreation/Volunteer Manager Linda Weatherly and Menno Home and Hospital Life Enrichment Coordinator Garry Janzen. Linda will be sharing her role, as well as discussing family volunteer opportunities at Menno Place. Garry will be sharing about the admissions process, as well wound care that is provided at Menno. We would love to hear your feedback regarding admissions and wound care.

Family Council is a great way to connect and learn about the opportunities that are on the Menno Place campus, as well as getting to know other family members that are on a similar journey with their loved ones in long term care. We hope you will be able to join us.

Accreditation Bulletin – Safety Theme

BULLETIN – SAFETY BULLETIN

SAFETY CULTURE

Safety is one of our Accreditation Quality Dimension. It focuses on creating a culture of safety at Menno Place. Within the safety quality dimension there are 4 Required Organizational Practices (ROPs) that must be met to successfully complete Accreditation which will occur October 17-20, 2022.

How do we comply with the Safety ROPs?

Menno Place has dedicated resources to adopt and implement a variety of safety reporting measures including reporting events and disclosing them. Safety is embedded in Menno Place’s Strategic Plan. Leaders regularly report to the Quality Improvement Risk Management Committee (QIRM) on safety concerns and provide recommendations and progress reports on key initiatives in process. Additionally, leaders provide detailed review on all the quality indicators.

How will the ROPs be evaluated?

Surveyors will tour Menno Home & Menno Hospital and test compliance for each of the ROPs. Specifically they will gather information by:

  • Talking and listening to team members, families, residents, volunteers, and community partners such as physicians, pharmacists, and contractors.
  • Observations of what is taking place as they tour the sites
  • Reviewing resident health records

Who needs to be aware of the Safety Culture ROPs?

Surveyors will meet with teams, physicians, staff, residents, families, students and volunteers so everyone should be aware of the Safety Quality Dimension and the associated ROPs and priority practices. If you are asked a question on an unfamiliar topic, please refer the surveyor to the appropriate individual or supervisor.

ROP 1  Accountability for Quality

Does the Menno Place Board have a demonstrated commitment to quality performance in the organization?

Yes, the Board of Menno Place demonstrates a clear commitment to quality by having it as a standing item on the agenda of its meetings.

Evidence:  How do we do this?

  • The Board is engaged in overseeing quality in order to ensure that quality performance continually improves. Governing bodies are accountable for the quality of care provided by their organizations. The Board is aware of key quality and safety principles in order to understand, monitor, and oversee the quality performance of the organization.
  • The Board has a clear commitment to quality as evidenced by having it as a standing item at each meeting.
  • The Leaders and Board review a number of indicators on a regular basis.
  • Resident safety is embedded in the Menno Place strategic plan.
  • Menno Place’s quality performance indicators are directly linked to strategic goals and objectives. Knowledge gained from the review of quality performance indicators (i.e. data collected on number of falls, pressure ulcers, restraints, sick time, injuries etc.) is used to set the agenda, inform strategic planning, and develop an integrated quality improvement plan. Resource allocation may be determined by priorities arising out of evaluation of quality performance.
  • Menno Place has a Quality Improvement and Risk Management Committee (QIRM). This committee consists of Senior Leaders and Directors and Board members and meets quarterly. The QIRM committee reports to the Board.

ROP 2 Workplace Violence Prevention Program

Does Menno Place have a documented and coordinated approach to prevent workplace violence?

Yes, Menno Place does have a documented and coordinated approach to prevent workplace violence.

Evidence:  How do we do this?

  • We have written policies, available on SharePoint: Workplace Violence Prevention AP 3.41 and Workplace Harassment and/or Bullying AP 3.43
  • Risk assessments are conducted to determine and identify the risk of workplace violence
  • Staff are educated and trained on workplace violence prevention through Surge learning and hands on workshops.
  • The JOHS committee regularly reviews policies, incidents, and conducts audits and assessments to prevent workplace violence.

ROP 3 Client Safety Incident Disclosure

Does Menno Place have a documented and coordinated approach for disclosing client safety incidents to residents and families?

Yes, Menno Place has a policy “Disclosure of Harm or Near Miss” AP 2.28, available on SharePoint.

Evidence:  How do we do this?

  • Disclosure is the process used by Menno Place to inform a resident and/or their family of a specific harmful incident. During this process the implications of that incident are discussed in a respectful, sensitive, and thorough manner. Part of the process involves support for residents and staff as well.
  • Menno is committed to honest and open communication with residents and families when harm occurs. This may include a fall with injury, medication error, unexpected death, missing resident, theft, etc.
  • A complete, accurate, and factual account of the disclosure discussion(s) is recorded in the resident’s health record.
  • An example of support to resident’s, families, and team members includes emotional/psychological support by social worker, 3rd party counseling service such as the Employee Family Assistance Program, and/or spiritual care.

ROP 4 Resident Safety Incident Management System

Are there processes in place to review client safety incidents, recommend actions and monitor improvements?

Yes, Menno Place addresses client safety incidents and takes action to reduce any risk of recurrence.

Evidence:  How do we do this?

  • Menno Place encourages everyone to report and learn from resident safety incidents including harmful, no-harm and near miss. The reporting system is simple, clear, confidential, and focused on system improvement.  Residents and families are also encouraged to report.
  • We have written policies, available on SharePoint: Incident Reports RCS 1.09, Reportable Incidents RCS 1.14, and Safety of Residents RCS 2.01.
  • We utilize resources from the Canadian Patient Safety Institute and learns from shared client safety incidents from other sources.
  • Broadly communicating incident analysis internally and externally in order to build confidence in incident management and promote collective learning.

What are some of the questions surveyors may ask about Safety Culture?

During the onsite visit, surveyors will ask questions about Menno Place and how they comply with the ROPs and standards. A sample of questions may include the following:

  • Do staff feel there is a no blame culture?
  • Are there open discussions about resident safety issues in each neighborhood?
  • What can you tell us about the incident reporting system at Menno Place?
  • Can you tell me about an improvement initiatives that has occurred in your work area over the past year?
  • Have you reported any near miss incident? Can you give an example?
  • Can you define a harmful event?

Thank you for your part in making this Accreditation Survey another successful one!

Menno Apartments – Assurity Approved – Well Done!

We are thrilled to announce Menno Place Apartments – Independent Living are now part of Assurity’s Approved Operators!

Assurity is the Mark of Quality developed by the experts at EngAge BC (https://engageseniors.ca/assurity) to make it easier for seniors and their families to pick a home health or independent living organization that upholds industry standards for quality. It’s like a 5-star rating for Menno Apartments!

As an Assurity-certified independent living organization, Menno Place will have the Assurity logo on their Route 65 listing. Having the Assurity symbol means Menno Apartments has made it a priority to meet or exceed industry standards in areas such as privacy, safety, client/resident onboarding, infection prevention and control practices, emergency preparedness, employee safety and client satisfaction.

Assurity was developed from the ground up by collaborating with B.C.’s best home health and independent living professionals, and consultations with older adults and family members about things that were important to them when choosing a place to live with support!

Thank you to the staff at Menno Apartments for all you do!

Winning Tagline Announced – Resident and Family-Centred Care Tagline Contest

Here is the winning tagline:

“If it matters to you, it matters to me/us”

 

We thank all who entered the contest! What an amazing response.

80 people submitted their ideas for a tagline with over 241 tagline suggestions!

The winning tagline was chosen by the Resident and Family-Centred Steering Committee who did not know the names of the individuals who provided the 6 semi-finalist tagline suggestions.

The winning entry was made by Sharon Simpson, Director, Community Enrichment who is not a member of the RFCC Steering Committee. She has declined the prize.

——————-

Menno Place describes Resident and Family-Centred Care (RFCC) this way:

Resident and family-centred care at Menno Place starts with asking our residents and their families, “What matters to you?”

We focus on respectful engagement, collaboration and communication so we can help each resident achieve their best days possible.

 

As you read this definition, here are some ways to think about how it applies at Menno Place:

  • The definition starts with and ends with our residents. Without residents at Menno Place, there is no reason to exist. They are the centre. It is for our residents that we do all that we do – from maintenance to administration and all that comes between.
  • The definition begins with our action and initiative. It is the responsibility of the staff and leadership of Menno Place to ensure that we keep the spotlight on providing RFCC.
  • The definition shares the easily remembered, simple question that will initiate an RFCC focus with a resident or family member – “What matters to you?”
  • The definition includes the 3 primary ways we engage in RFCC: respectful engagement, collaboration and communication.

Thank you to the RFCC Steering Committee who have taken us through the exercise of defining RFCC, creating an RFCC Framework and providing a catchy tagline that we will use to remind ourselves, our residents and our families what it means to have a Resident and Family-Centred Care focus at Menno Place.

Karen Biggs, CEO, announces her retirement

Karen Biggs, CEO, announces her retirement for December 31, 2022

Karen began her service as the CEO of Menno Place in May of 2013. As she moves into this next season of retirement, her focus will be on her continued care for the love of her life, her husband, Peter.

Karen shares, “When the Lord led me to this amazing campus, I had no idea how much it would bless me over and over. The Leadership team is an amazing group of individuals who care passionately about each other and about the seniors we serve with compassion, fervor and a deep and abiding faith.” We thank you, Karen for leading the Leadership Team who, in turn, led with confidence and vision in their roles.

Karen’s leadership is visionary and innovative – she led changes that included putting financial investment into the campus. This includes the Primrose Gardens putting green, the Living Waters Garden, the upgrades to the Chalet garden and the Courtyard.

Karen has the unique position of being both the leader of Menno Place and a family member as her husband, Peter, lives in Menno Home. She is a devoted advocate to the Resident and Family Centered-Care philosophy that undergirds our care for seniors.

With 42 years of serving seniors as a nurse leader, including 9.5 years at Menno Place, Karen is completing a lifetime commitment to the vulnerable who need our support and care. We thank you for your service, Karen, and bless you as you prepare for the next season of retirement. May you find great joy in the journey!

This is a photo of Karen and Peter enjoying the journey together!

If you would like to thank Karen and wish her well in her retirement, please fill out the form (below).

The Mennonite Benevolent Society Board have begun their search for our next CEO who will ensure our founder’s legacy of a living Christian faith as they lead us into the future.

Peter and Karen on their wedding day – June 13, 2020

Fill out my online form.

Accreditation Bulletin – Accreditation Taking Place October 17-21

BULLETIN – ACCREDITATION – THE 5 ‘Ws’

WHY

We want to BEE the best! Being accredited allows Menno Place to be measured against world class evidenced based health care standards. The goal is to provide the best healthcare and services to our residents so we can do what we do best: care for and improve lives.

WHEN

Save the Date: Oct 17th to Oct 21st, 2022

These are the dates the Accreditation surveyors will be on the Menno Place campus site. Preparation is already underway and will continue until then. Stay connected by reading the Bulletin updates on the Family and Friends website – www.MennoPlaceLife.com

WHERE

Onsite at Menno Home and Menno Hospital in all areas of care, services, and support.
Will you BEE prepared?

WHO

Accreditation Canada (AC) is an independent, non-government, not-for-profit organization affiliated with Health Standards Organization (HSO), located in Ottawa, Ontario. AC is committed to inspiring people to make positive change that improves the quality of health and social services in Canada and around the world. HSO develops world-class and evidence-based standards, assessment programs, and quality improvement solutions. AC and HSO use a People-centered care philosophy and approach to setting its standards and guiding the accreditation process.

WHAT

The Accreditation Tool is organized into six chapters:

Chapter 1: Governance and Leadership

Addresses criteria assessed by governing bodies and/or leadership teams and defines the standards under which the organization or LTC home’s management operates.

Chapter 2: Delivery of Care Models

Addresses thematic areas related to team management, talent development, work-life, information management, quality improvement and delivery of virtual health services.

Chapter 3: Emergency Disaster Management

Addresses emergency, disaster, and outbreak management, focusing on reducing risk and being prepared to respond to and recover from an emergency, disaster or outbreak that occurs inside or outside of the organization.

Chapter 4: Infection Prevention and Control

Addresses organizational infection prevention and control (IPC) practices that promote a collaborative approach in providing safe and reliable services and preventing transmission of pathogens and health care-associated infections.

Chapter 5: Medication Management

Addresses organizational medication management practices that promote a collaborative approach in providing safe and reliable services.

Chapter 6: Residents’ Care Experience

Focuses on ensuring the needs of LTC home residents are met by providing safe and quality individualized care from competent teams.

These chapters are further broken down into eight quality dimensions that all play a part in providing safe, high-quality care.

  1. Population focus: Work with my community to anticipate and meet our needs
  2. Accessibility: Give me timely and equitable services
  3. Safety: Keep me sage
  4. Work-life: Take care of those who take care of me
  5. Client-centred services: Partner with me and my family in our care
  6. Continuity of services: Coordinate my care across the continuum
  7. Appropriateness: Do the right think to achieve the best results
  8. Efficiency: Make the best use of resources

Watch for these themes to come in future bulletins.

 

Accreditation Bulletin – Resident Safety

BULLETIN – RESIDENT SAFETY

Resident safety is one of the Accreditation Required Organizational Practices (ROP’s) that must be met to successfully complete Accreditation which will occur October 17-20, 2022. Menno Place has a Resident Safety Plan to ensure our delivery of care and services are provided safely to the residents and for the team members.

ROP: Resident Safety Plan

Menno Place has a developed and implemented Resident Safety Plan that assesses and addresses resident safety. Here is a summary of the main points in our plan.

Evidence:  How do we do this?
The Resident Safety Plan supports Menno Place’s mission and vision by providing the mechanisms to improve resident safety and reduce identified risks. This is accomplished through the collection and analysis of data from various direct care and support functions of the care home within Menno Place.

A number of indicators are reported to Fraser Health including:

  • % of residents with worsened behaviours
  • % of residents with urinary tract infections
  • % of residents with stage 2-4 pressure ulcers
  • % of residents with pain
  • % of residents with unscheduled transfers to emergency
  • % of residents with restraints
  • % of residents that have fallen
  • % of residents with antipsychotics without a diagnosis
  • % of residents prescribed more than 9 medications

Internal monitoring of resident safety measures and practices designed to address and evaluate safety matters include, but are not limited to:

  • Ongoing education, training, and communication, including hand hygiene audits
  • Tending of incidents and near misses, and initiating improvement projects
  • Medication reconciliation at move-in and during transfers
  • Incident Reports
  • Resident/Family concerns/complaints
  • Employer incident investigation report
  • Pharmacy input and interventions
  • Licensing agency complaints/investigation
  • Resident healthcare record reviews
  • Workplace safety audit
  • Heat Preparedness Plan

Proactive Approaches:

  • Ethics Committee
  • Staff/Resident/Family Input
  • Unit level huddles/rounds/meetings
    • Environmental
    • Clinical
    • Infection Control
  • Community Care Licensing Information and Reports
  • Partnerships with external sources such as Fraser Health, BC Patient Safety & Quality Council, and Worksafe BC.