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A long-term care home in Toronto is offering families direct access to their loved ones’ medical records 24 hours a day. It’s believed to be the first not-for-profit centre in the country to offer such a service.

“Technologically, we are way behind all other sectors,” said Monica Klein-Nouri, executive director of the Meighen Health Centre, which is run by the Canadian Salvation Army. “I said, ‘This is something that I want to be the first to do.'”

In March, the Isabel and Arthur Meighen Manor began offering access to Engage Plus, a Canadian-developed software program with an app that connects family members with residents’ medical files.

To read the full article and watch the video – Visit the CTV News link here

Engage Plus, a Canadian-developed software program, can provide families access to their relatives' up-to-date medical file.

Regulation Changes: Information for Residents, Families, and Caregivers 

Ontario made changes to some of the rules that long-term care homes must follow.  The changes relate to: 

  • Select staffing qualifications 
  • Pandemic provisions 
  • Air conditioning 
  • Replacement homes 

Starting May 1st, 2024 

Staffing Qualifications and Flexibility 

  • Homes will continue to have flexibility to hire a person to provide personal support services if  they have the skills, training and knowledge to perform the tasks of a personal support  worker, even if they don’t meet the qualification requirements. 
  • All regulated health professionals acting within their scope of practice will be able to perform  skin assessments to check for changes in pressure, colour, moisture, etc. 

Air Conditioning 

  • More resident choice for air conditioning preferences by specifying when homes would  not have to install a portable or window unit, if requested by residents. 
  • When room temperatures are identified to be over 26 degrees Celsius or higher without air  conditioning, for the remainder of the day and the following day, homes must implement a  heat related illness and management plan for resident comfort and safety. 

Starting July 1st, 2024 

Staffing Qualifications 

  • Nursing student externs will be permitted to work in long-term care homes to help with  tasks that are restricted to certain roles, such as skin assessments and the administration  of drugs. They will need to be supervised by a registered nursing staff to help  with clinical activities. 
  • Registered practical nurses will be allowed to conduct assessments to help  determine eligibility for long-term care and when moving residents to their preferred home. 

Pandemic Provisions 

  • Removing pandemic rules that provided exceptions to timelines for staff orientation and 24- hour nursing requirements. 
  • Removing certain pandemic-specific admission, placement, and discharge procedures. • Ensuring access to essential visitors is maintained during emergency situations. 

Replacement Related and Reopened Homes 

  • When residents are being transferred from their existing home to a replacement, related or  reopened home, they are able to move in faster with streamlined admission  requirements. This is currently limited to homes operated by the same licensee. The  change will extend this to homes operated by related licensees, subject to applicable  requirements.

Dear Residents, Family Members and Friends,

On March 4, 2024, the MLTC released a memo announcing that effective immediately it will be ending the enhanced masking measures.

The Ministry shared that this decision was part of the advice of the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health due to recent trends of decreases in community-level transmission of COVID-19, flu, and RSV, as well as decreases in outbreaks in LTC homes, and increased vaccination rates.

As required in the Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Standard and the updated MLTC COVID-19 guidance document, masking in non-outbreak situations in LTC homes continues to be:

  • Required for staff, based on a point-of-care risk assessment before every resident interaction, and based on the return-to-work protocols.
  • Staff may consider wearing a mask during prolonged direct resident care defined as one-on-one within two meters of an individual for fifteen minutes or longer.
  • Recommended for visitors and caregivers, but not required.
  • Homes are encouraged to implement “mask friendly” policies, including accommodating:
    • staff who prefer to continue to wear a mask beyond minimum requirements.
    • residents, or substitute decision-makers, who request that a staff member wear a mask when providing care, in alignment with the residents’ Bill of Rights, including the right to participate fully in making any decisions concerning any aspect of their care

We will continue to follow all IPAC-related requirements in the regulation and IPAC Standard and we continue to strengthen foundational practices, employing multiple layers of protection, including:

  • comprehensive IPAC program,
  • encouraging vaccination,
  • ready access to medication,
  • self-monitoring for symptoms,
  • staying home when sick and
  • staff training on point-of-care risk assessment before each resident encounter
  • wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE),
  • ensure adequate PPE supplies and
  • conducting regular IPAC audits

Our Home is re-implementing the “mask friendly” policy to accommodate staff/visitors/others who prefer to continue wearing a mask beyond minimum requirements. Please be kind and respect others’ choices to continue or not to wear a mask.

As always, please feel free to contact me if you have questions or concerns.

Thank you for your continuous support.

Sincerely,

Monica Klein-Nouri

Executive Director Meighen Health Centre

Resident and Family Portal at Isabel and Arthur Meighen Manor

 

Isabel and Arthur Meighen Manor is proud to offer its residents and/or their substitute decision maker (SDMs, POA-Care) a robust communication portal called Engage+. Meighen Manor recognizes that family engagement and communication is key in delivering person-centered care, and this service empowers families to be equal partners in residents’ care.

 

Engage+ is a secure online clinical “portal” accessible from any device, at any time, and at no cost. SDMs get instant access to residents’ health information such as Care Plan, Vitals, Medications, Conditions, Physician’s Notes, Therapy Notes, Specialist Notes etc. They can also view Meighen Manor’s upcoming events and activities, IPAC policies, newsletter, upcoming resident appointments and care conferences, and more!

 

Only residents and/or their authorized contacts at Isabel and Arthur Meighen Manor can sign up for the portal. Please contact monica.klein-nouri@salvationarmy.ca  for information on how to sign up. If you have already signed up for the portal, visit https://engage.evokehealth.ca to log in.EngagePlus Leaflet for Families (1)

Work or Volunteer with Us

Work With Us

Working for The Salvation Army has many benefits. For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has had the privilege of serving vulnerable people in communities across Canada. Last year, we helped over 2.1 million people. The following is a list of our current employment opportunities at the Meighen Health Centre:

Registered Nurse

Registered Practical Nurse

Personal Support Worker

Dietary Aide

Housekeeper

To apply, please submit your CV to mhcrecruitment@salvationarmy.ca.

Volunteer With Us

Volunteers provide an essential contribution by enhancing the quality of life for our residents. Volunteers contribute their skills, time, unique talents, and community knowledge to provide personalized attention to each resident.

Family and friends are welcome and are encouraged to become registered volunteers.

If you wish to volunteer with us, please contact our Recreation and Volunteer Coordinator, Adrienne Osborne, at +1 (416) 481-9449.

Salvation Army Meighen Manor Resident’s Passion for Painting Brightens Home With Beautiful Colours

Posted on 2nd November 2023, by Caroline Franks 

Categories: Divisional News

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Artist name has been changed for privacy.

Ginger is 89-years-old and she discovered a new talent and passion for painting. She became a resident at The Salvation Army Meighen Manor long-term care home in Toronto in 2021 and attended her first art class.

Her love of painting began when a local artist came to teach art at Meighen Manor to provide an activity for residents facing isolation during the pandemic.

Art teacher Roberta Pellegrina began working at Meighen Manor as a resident assistant in 2021 through a government program for those who found themselves unemployed during the pandemic. Roberta was offered a position at Meighen Manor and the program has now expanded to retirement residents as well.

“Roberta had an amazing approach with the residents. She was very encouraging, and the residents would paint whatever they liked,” said Monica Klein-Nouri, Executive Director at Meighen Manor. “They really enjoyed the activity and we now have paintings all over the home.”

Ginger has completed over 50 paintings. Her goal is to donate paintings to the units at Meighen Manor so other residents can enjoy the paintings and many have them hanging in their rooms. Residents are encouraged to choose the paintings they love the best for their room.

“I want to donate my paintings to every resident in the Manor. I gave away paintings to everyone on my floor and to any other people that wanted a painting. Now I want to see my paintings on every floor. Some residents have nothing on the walls, or they don’t have anyone to visit them, so the paintings give them something to look at,” said Ginger.

Ginger loves to paint nature, animals, landscapes and structures such as the Eiffel Tower.

“I enjoy it because it makes the time pass by and it keeps me busy. I paint about 5 hours per day. I have a routine to paint every day after breakfast and after lunch,” said Ginger.

“She has very beautiful paintings! She is such a selfless person,” said Monica. It’s very heartwarming and she wants to keep painting, sharing her art and donating to those who don’t have one.”

With the encouragement of the Recreation Team’s Jose Rodriguez and supervisor Adrienne Osbourne, Ginger is meeting her goal and exceeding her expectations.  An art exhibition of Ginger’s work was recently held in the Meighen Manor community room. Residents, staff and family members attended the show.  Donations were accepted and proceeds went to the home’s recreation department.

A few months ago, an art show of all the residents’ work was held and included a fundraising auction. Many of the paintings were sold and funds raised went to purchase more art supplies.

To support The Salvation Army please visit SalvationArmy.ca or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY.

By: Caroline Franks

Intergenerational Program: Meighen Retirement Residence & Toronto French School

On December 18th, Meighen Retirement Residence proudly launched an inspiring intergenerational program with The Toronto French School. This inaugural event, part of a planned quarterly series, fostered unique connections between our residents and the school’s students.

Posted on January 26th.

Categories: Divisional News

A Festive Day of Learning and Celebration

The event featured students learning about the history of Meighen Health Centre and engaging in festive activities, including exchanging Christmas cards and enjoying performances of Christmas songs and piano recitals by the students. These activities not only entertained but also strengthened the bonds between generations.

Building Ongoing Relationships

This program marks the beginning of a series of quarterly visits by The Toronto French School to our Toronto-based retirement home, aiming to develop lasting relationships between students and residents. It’s a blend of education, entertainment, and emotional connection, enriching the lives of all participants.

Future Collaborations

We look forward to nurturing this partnership, anticipating more shared experiences that bridge generations. Join us in celebrating this journey of friendship and discovery at Meighen Retirement Residence.

Stay tuned for more updates on our enriching intergenerational events!

To support The Salvation Army please visit SalvationArmy.ca or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY.

A Look Back at the Coombs Christmas Dinner at Meighen Health Centre

We recently celebrated the festive season with our cherished Coombs Christmas Dinner, and what a splendid evening it was! Here’s a glimpse into the joy and warmth that filled the Meighen Health Centre during this special event.

Posted on January 26th.

Categories: Divisional News

A Night of Festive Delight

Our residents and staff came together for an evening of celebration, marked by a delightful Christmas feast. The dining hall was adorned with festive decorations, creating a magical holiday atmosphere. The smiles and laughter shared over delicious meals made the night truly unforgettable.

Capturing Joyful Moments

We’ve captured some beautiful moments from the evening to share with our community. From the beautifully set tables to the happy faces of our residents, each photo tells a story of togetherness and festive cheer.


These moments are a testament to the vibrant spirit of the Meighen Health Centre community. We thank everyone who joined us for making the Coombs Christmas Dinner a memorable occasion.

Stay tuned to our Home Updates section for more glimpses into life at Meighen Health Centre!

To support The Salvation Army please visit SalvationArmy.ca or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY.

The woman in the video, her name is Kate Sidal, visits Long Term Care homes and  Retirement Residences every year and delivers individual daffodil plants, in the Spring.
One of the homes she visits is ours and she entered a contest at Sunlight Canada and won a free video recording that she can show to prospective donors in order to continue her volunteer initiative. She does not ask for any compensation she does this out of the goodness of her heart along with her two small children.
the filming was done at The Meighen Retirement Residence on November 24th, 2023.