During a time of crisis, it can be challenging to maintain good mental health and coping strategies when feelings of stress surface. It is a time of uncertainty and a time we have been taken out of our normal, daily routines and thrust into the unknown. It can be challenging to keep up our feelings of hope and resiliency.
As part of the initial intake process for the day program, we have started asking caregivers the following question: “What makes your loved one laugh, or what made them laugh in the past?” Some might think that this is an odd question, but forging strong relationships with our clients (and caregivers) is integral to our purpose at McCormick Dementia Services. If staff members know what might make a new client laugh, it could help build a trusting relationship.
During this unusual time, it is important to remember to care for yourself and make sure that you are getting enough daily rest, nutrition and exercise to remain healthy and in good spirits. Family members and caregivers know that self-care is one of the things that we tend to do the least.
This year has been an extraordinary one with the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. There has been very little in our organization -- let alone the world -- that has not been significantly affected by this event.
McCormick Dementia Research is participating in a research study with Carleton University, who is looking to identify infection risks associated with the design of shared workspaces at long-term care homes and how to create safer working environments for staff to prevent the spread of infection during viral outbreaks.
Each year, the McCormick Care Group recognizes an employee for their special contribution to demonstrating our organizational values of compassion, accountability, respect, excellence, and collaboration. This year, the peer-nominated award recognized the value of accountability. We are pleased to announce that Shelley McGinnis, administrative assistant for McCormick Dementia Services, is this year’s recipient.
Recently, McCormick Home began administering rapid antigen test testing for its staff, essential caregivers, support workers, and anyone entering the home. This new practice marks a departure from the standard COVID-19 test that has been regularly conducted at the home..
After so many months of uncertainty and numerous restrictions for the sake of everyone’s health and safety, we are now beginning to see a glimmer of change on the horizon, most particularly through the measured rollout of vaccines to our residents, staff and our wider community as well as through the introduction of rapid antigen testing.
We are pleased to share an in-depth look at our founding as the Women’s Christian Association in 1874 and the compelling history that followed. You are invited to take your time to review four presentations that outline our history from 1874 to 1999.
Even though our McCormick Day Program is currently at a reduced capacity because of COVID-19, we are often asked about what a day in the program looks like for our clients. We thought we would provide a peek through our doors and describe our physical environment, our typical daily routines, and the types of person-centred activities we provide.
