Community Partner Update
May/June 2023
It’s a wonderful time of year to recharge, re-energize and make some heartfelt memories. In that spirit, we are pleased to share highlights of our recent 2023 Values Awards, and official start of construction on the latest of our nine planned developments (this one very near and dear to family owned peopleCare’s hearts). We also look forward to enjoying a little R&R with our partners and friends at our upcoming golf tournament, all in the name of a positive social impact.
Hit the Links in support of MEDA
Registration now open! Join us Sept 18 for peopleCare’s golf tournament at the Rebel Creek Golf Club, in support of MEDA. Enjoy 18 holes of golf (best ball format), silent auction, a delicious meal and lots of great prizes. Not to mention the opportunity to support a great cause! Register now as an individual, twosome or foursome. Sponsors play a key role in the success of our fundraising events and we’ve created a variety of unique sponsorship opportunities this year. Click to learn more and step up as a valued sponsor. Sponsorship forms due by Aug 14, 2023. Golf registration closes Aug 25, 2023. If you’d like to donate an item for the silent auction, or have questions, contact Sydney Taylor at 519-513-5260 ext. 201 or staylor@peoplecare.ca.
Values Awards 2023
As a values-based organization, each year peopleCare acknowledges and celebrates employees who live our Values and go above and beyond to exceed the expectations of our residents, families, partners and communities. We extend our heartfelt appreciation and congratulations to the 35 very deserving 2023 Values Awards Winners from across the peopleCare organization. Thank you to our partners from ProResp, Seasons Care, Arvan and Medical Mart and Dr. Tracey Hughes – one of peopleCare’s Medical Directors – for joining members of our team in choosing our Winners from the outstanding (and record) 120 nominations received. Read about how we celebrated this year, including a special luncheon with speeches, gifts and a toast. Click to view a video of this year’s Values Award Winners.
L to R: Values winners Mazhar Muhammed, Mitchel Spence and Abigail McCraw of Oakcrossing LTC with Executive Director Deb Sims
Construction Underway for peopleCare Tavistock LTC
Multiple generations of family owned peopleCare were thrilled to come together with residents, staff and special guests to celebrate the start of construction for a new 128-bed LTC Home in the wonderful community of Tavistock. The new Home will open in 2024 and is the first phase of a planned campus. We are thrilled to have this opportunity to redevelop peopleCare Tavistock to a new and modern standard, while still retaining the values and the focus on people that have been the hallmarks of our organization for over 50 years. Thank you to the Ontario Government, the Minister of Long-Term Care Paul Calandra and Oxford MPP Ernie Hardeman for your steadfast support. Read Construction Underway on new Tavistock LTC. Check out the official news release. Watch MPP Hardeman Member Statement in the Legislature.
Delivering LTC in the Beautiful Blue Mountains
In mid-May, peopleCare had the pleasure of meeting with the Mayor and Council of the Town of the Blue Mountains (TBM) to talk about how we will make a positive contribution as the senior living partner delivering LTC within an integrated, vibrant care campus in that community. “This is the first step on a journey we’ll take together,” noted TBM Mayor Andrea Matrosov. peopleCare Chairman and CEO Brent Gingerich agreed, “It’s super exciting and we look forward to working with the municipality.” Read more in Collingwood Today about what’s envisioned for this development on the beautiful shores of Georgian Bay. Keep updated on Our Developments.
peopleCare Director Wins Prestigious IPAC Award
peopleCare’s Director of IPAC Francine Paquette works with the Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) leads in our Homes to ensure the highest standards and continuous improvement. A certified expert on IPAC, and past President of the SW Ontario Chapter of IPAC Canada, she also supports peopleCare’s ability to embed leading practices into our future builds. We are proud to share that Francine received the Julie Larose Memorial Scholarship at the recent IPAC Canada conference. Known for her strong leadership, advocacy for excellence in IPAC programs and encouragement of her colleagues, Francine was commended for her unwavering commitment to public health, government and LTC. Congratulations Francine!
Championing Change: Internationally Educated Nurses
At an OLTCA Champions of Change webinar in May, peopleCare joined the College of Nurses Ontario and Ontario Health to talk about recruitment solutions for healthcare settings. Our VP Quality, Research and Strategic Partnerships, Jenn Killing and Meaford LTC Executive Director Bethany Rupp shared learnings and the tools peopleCare has developed as we add skilled, caring Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) to our teams. IENs practice as personal support workers (PSWs) in our Homes, providing resident care while working towards their Ontario nursing license. Read about the first IENs to join the peopleCare team.
Supporting Employee Mental Health
During Mental Health Awareness Month in May, peopleCare engaged employees with resources such as podcasts, articles, stories and webinars. We also continued to encourage staff to make use of our Employee Wellness Program (formerly called employee assistance program – or EAP) if needed, which provides free, confidential counselling and mental health supports to employees and their families. Building on our partnership with the CMHA – Ontario, a group of our leadership and frontline employees is participating in an 8-module mental health and wellness education series. Their goal is to report back on key takeaways and inform a rollout of the training to the rest of the organization in the Fall.
Celebrating a decade as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies
ICYMI. For the tenth year, peopleCare was named one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies, an achievement made possible thanks to our exceptional employees and commitment to leadership, innovation and excellence. With this good news, we also maintain Platinum status, a distinction exclusive to organizations that have been Best Managed companies for seven years or more.
For a printable version of this update, please click here.
