‘Surviving change’, occupancy successes are key Village Green triumphs: Pierce
Thursday, November 25, 2004 - Roderick Benns
When administrator Linda Pierce thinks of the accomplishments of the past year at Village Green, the idea of "surviving change" comes
to her first.

"(This year) has been a year of incredible change and the team has been responding
to so many needs for our people," Linda tells OMNIway.

The Province has mandated a great deal of transformation in the sector this year, including adding more money to long-term care, creating a public website, greater accountability and higher standards in care.

Linda says the secret to having survived so much change is having a strong team. "I have a great team and we are still strong, love each other, take care of each other, forgive each other and most importantly enjoy a home with our residents that celebrates life," she says.

The administrator says another key accomplishment has been dealing with its occupancy challenges this year. The team at Village Green has a history of approving placements for younger men with various challenges who live in the long-term care home's catchment area, according to Linda. This involves extra work on the part of the programming team and the development of care plans to meet their needs, Linda explains.

Some of the key aims for 2005, says Linda, will be responding to the new standards and responding to the registered nurse and registered practical nurse changes. Linda is referring to one of the new rules created by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, requiring each home have at least one registered nurse on the floor 24 hours a day.

Occupancy, Local Health Integration Networks and embracing the opportunity to build stronger relationships with community partners were also cited by Linda as focuses for the coming year.

Linda notes the home’s family council is moving in new directions, thanks to some strong people helping the team along.