The Future of Caring: Q2, 2020

July 16, 2020

By Akos Hoffer, Chief Executive Officer

In many ways, the first few months of the pandemic have been the best of times and the worst of times for the Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre. We mourn the passing of 12 residents who had tested positive for COVID-19, although the virus was the primary cause of death in only 6 cases. At the same time, however, the outpouring of community support and the attitude displayed by staff fill me with gratitude and joy.

Our latest newsletter, which doubles as our second-quarter report, highlights a few of the many remarkable stories about Perley Rideau during the first pandemic of the modern era. Minimizing the harm caused by COVID-19 requires changes in behaviour that, for most of us, are unprecedented. Many of our residents, of course, experienced similar restrictions and deprivations during the Second World War and the Great Depression. I believe that the sacrifices made by residents during earlier crises inspire members of the Perley Rideau community to confront COVID-19 with determination, humility and grace.

It is only thanks to the dedication of staff and the support of our community that we are able to minimize harm and maximize quality of life during the pandemic.

Staff continue to go above and beyond the call of duty, working long hours – often in different assignments – and abiding by continual changes in procedures and care protocols. Some staff of the Therapeutic Recreation and Creative Arts Program and of the Interprofessional Clinic volunteered to serve meals and provide frontline care. Complementing the efforts of staff are generous contributions from our community: donations of cash to the Perley Rideau Foundation’s COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, and of everything from hand sanitizer to facemasks to snacks and more. During meetings in the Command Centre, a team of executives and senior managers coordinates everything, in close collaboration with suppliers, stakeholders and partners, including the Government of Ontario and The Ottawa Hospital.

So while the pandemic represents the worst of times, the Perley Rideau community’s collective response to it demonstrates the best of times. To try and tell this story, this issue of the newsletter features a different format and relates a few of the hundreds of the individual stories that have unfolded in recent months. Sprinkled throughout are a few of the thousands of expressions of support and encouragement posted to social media.

While minimizing the pandemic’s impacts has been the main focus in recent months, Perley Rideau has also continued its day-to-day business of improving the well-being of the people we serve. A new Quality Improvement Plan was developed for instance, and planning continues on the project to expand our Seniors’ Village.

COVID-19 will be with us for many months. To sustain the collective effort needed to protect health and maximize quality of life, all members of the Perley Rideau community – residents, family members, staff and volunteers – must support one another. Donations, along with expressions of gratitude help to connect us; they remind us that we are in this together.

By standing strong and lifting each other up, I am confident that we will get through this.

Download the newsletter: CLICK HERE

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Download the Q2, 2020 Report: CLICK HERE

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We’ll Be There in LTC:

  • Original Song credited: “I’ll Be There” by Walk Off The Earth
  • Created by The Perley Rideau Nursing Week Committee
  • Lyrics: Amanda Hansen, Administrative Assistant and Daniela Acosta, RN
  • Vocals: Amanda Hansen, Administrative Assistant
  • Music: A talented musician who wishes to remain anonymous

A Staff Member’s Thank You:

A tribute to VE Day:

Celebrating International Day of the Nurse:

Personal Support Worker Day:

COVID-19 can spread easily: Be kind and remind:

 

The 122nd Annual Meeting of The Perley and Rideau Veteran’s Health Centre Corporation was held on Thursday, June 4, 2020. Residents, tenants, families and friends, staff and volunteers were cordially invited to attend via video conference.

The theme of the meeting was gratitude, both for the dedication of staff and for the support from the community. In his remarks, Board Chair Kris Birchard emphasized that Perley Rideau’s success results from a team effort. He also described the work underway to update Perley Rideau’s brand so that it better reflects the organization’s ongoing evolution.

Members of the Board recorded and posted video tributes to staff. Along with expressing appreciation for all staff, members singled out individuals who went above and beyond the call of duty during the pandemic.