b'PARTNERS IN CAREso he could run toward his wife as sheimportant, we must be sure to involveto collaborate, to work together came through the homes front door.family members and long-term on diagnosing the problems and care residents.identifying the most promising Once families were able to come backsolutions. We must transform long-into the homes, staff in our study saidIn the world of seniors health, weterm care by working together. LTCTthey noticed a big improvement inoften hear the saying Nothing for us resident behaviour and in their mentalwithout us. Dont infantalize us, dont and physical health. Whats more,control and oppress us. Treat us theJames Conklin is an Associate spouses and adult children were onceway you would want to be treated.Professor at Concordia again able to help out with some tasksInvite us to be part of the process. University and an Investigator at that staff had been struggling withBruyre Research Institute. He because of heavy workloads. This principle should become theis the author of Balancing Acts, foundation for all of our efforts toa book about organizational change published by University We learned that the care providedimprove the long-term care sectorof Toronto Press.by family members to residents inin the post-pandemic era. We need long-term care homes is no trivial matter. It is not a nice to haveit is essential. Family members provide care that is vital to the health and well-being of their loved ones living in long-term care homes. As one familyWere caregiver told us, When COVID hit and everything shut down, it really impacted [my moms] mental health and well-being.the apple We heard that residents who were living with dementia had a particularlya day.hard time. They didnt understand why the routines were so different, why staff were wearing masks and special clothing, and why their families were no longer visiting. A staff person shared the following story: One lady wandersAt Sherrard KuzzLLPwe and whimpers and cries. She is usuallycollaborate with our clients very agitated. Nobody and nothingto anticipate and avoid can stop her from that except her daughter. She does not even know herhuman resources problems.daughter, but her presence calms herWe know proactive steps down. As soon as the DCP programIf youre an employer,happened, she signed up and we sawtoday will prevent painful an immediate huge effect.headaches tomorrow. were the only callIt is clear that there is a newFrom human rights to healthyou need to make.conversation taking place in Canadaand safety, and everything 24 HOUR 416.420.0738about the need to strengthen andin betweenimprove the care that is provided to our elderly, including the care offered in long-term care. As we share ideas,AN LAWYER MADI 2022-23 Gformulate intentions and create plans,A TOP AZN IA NC ELabouyr & we must all remember that complexEmplomentBOUTIQUESsocial and organizational change is more often successful when we involve all stakeholders in all parts of the change process. This means that the improvement plans must not rely just on experts from Ministries of Health and health regions. We have to ensure that leaders and frontlinesherrardkuzz.com | 416.603.0700 | 24 Hour 416.420.0738staff from long-term care homes are250 Yonge St #3300, Toronto, ON M5B 2L7 | @sherrardkuzzoffered a seat at the table and, equally www.oltca.com LONG TERM CARE TODAY 37'