What’s New

LTC Digital Transformation (interRAI)

We are pleased to share a project update about the LTC Digital Transformation (also known as the interRAI Project). The goal of this project is to implement an assessment that will identify a resident’s needs and can be used to develop more effective care plans and interventions leading to improved resident care and health outcomes.

Project Background

The interRAI-LTCF assessment is considered best practice for assessing the needs of our residents. The assessment is embedded in a technology application, making the resident’s assessment and care plan accessible in an electronic format at the point of care. By completing an interRAI assessment, staff can assess the function, mental and physical health, social support, and service use to gather the full picture. This assessment will improve access to accurate, timely client information and increase use of evidence-based care plans all while improving communication between staff and facilities.

Project Go-Live

• The implementation of the interRAI assessment will “go-live” on February 14, 2023
• Staff will begin using the assessment and leveraging technology and IT services from this date

Reflecting on 2022, each one of us has contributed to our mission of “providing loving, dignified quality care and enabling people to love full and abundant lives”. Over the past year, there have been many instances where the word “awesome” was used to describe our efforts, our services and our annual Continuous Quality Indicators provides amble evidence of your awesomeness!

According to the staff based Accreditation Survey on Well-Being, Quality and Safety, 80% of responses were positive. I am very pleased to note that 96% of responses regarding diversity, equity and inclusion were positive … which tells me the RK is a respectful and welcoming place for staff, residents and their families representing a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds! Well done!

Our annual Family Satisfaction Survey and Resident Satisfaction Survey also provide evidence of our collective awesomeness! Family satisfaction surveys revealed 87% of responses to be positive and 82% of Residents responses were positive!  Although each of these surveys are very positive, they provide critical feedback in terms of where we can improve.

The past year has certainly thrown us a few curves; COVID made its presence felt, we braved several storms and staffing was a challenge. Yet, our quality indicators are all very positive and I feel the root of our success lies in our everyday commitment in role modelling our core values!

Our strengths are a dedicated staff, continuous family feedback, generous Foundation support, strong Board leadership and Government support. Special thanks to the Hon. Barbara Adams, Minister, Dept. of Seniors and Long Term Care and the Hon. Michelle Thompson, Minister, Dept. of Health and Wellness for your financial support, advice, team building and leadership!

For 2023, a few goals…

1. Accreditation: To maintain our status as a nationally accredited Long Term Care Facility
2. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: To continue to support a culture that welcomes, promotes and respects diversity, equity and inclusion
3. Infrastructure Renewal: To implement a process where all stakeholders have the opportunity to meaningfully contribute to the future of the RK MacDonald Nursing Home

I truly believe our 2022 quality indicators support our claim of “awesomeness”; they substantiate our commitment to our core values and reflect the RK family is well positioned to meet the exciting challenges that await us in 2023!

We have a great team …. thank you for being you!

Most sincerely,

Terry MacIntyre, CEO
RK MacDonald Nursing Home

Join us in celebrating Christmas this year by helping the R. K. MacDonald Nursing Home light its tree with bulbs dedicated to love. This is the 25th year that our “Lights of Love” Christmas tree will be lit to honour individuals in whose name donations have been made. Those honoured do not have to be residents of the R.K.

Your donation will be used to “Enhance the Journey of Life” to the residents of the R. K. MacDonald Nursing Home. This will include comforts in the dining areas and comfortable furniture in the common spaces for residents and guests consistent with a home like atmosphere.

You can dedicate a bulb in memory of a deceased loved one or honour someone presently in your life. There is no limit to the number of bulbs you can purchase. In addition to a tax receipt for your donation, you can receive a card to send to anyone you have honoured.

It is at 7:00pm on Sunday December 4, 2022 and the tree on the front lawn of the RK MacDonald Nursing Home will be lit at that time. All dedications will be entered in a “Lights of Love Memorial Book” that will be on display in the R.K. Chapel throughout the upcoming year.

For more information or to donate in support of the campaign, please visit the Lights of Love page.

As you are likely aware, the Nova Scotia Government is recommending further loosening of COVID management guidelines for long term care facilities. Before we can get into their recommendations, let’s have a look at what we learned during the latest COVID-19 outbreak:

• Residents: 38 residents were COVID positive – fortunately, they were all vaccinated and most had very mild symptoms
• Staff: 25 staff were required to isolate due to contracting COVID-19
• Significant staff stress due to the necessity to fully gown, glove, mask and shield in order to provide care to our residents

Based on our recent experience, we acknowledge the impact a COVID-19 outbreak has on our residents, families and staff. Our response to today’s Government recommendations reflect our ability to support the safeguards we will continue to implement to reduce the likelihood of future outbreaks.

Outbreak Update:

• Outbreaks have been declared over in Cobblestone, Thistledown, Tanglewood, Maple Ridge and Brambleberry
• Martha’s Place remains in a Suspected Outbreak situation – see visitation guidelines below.

Screening:

• Our Main Entrance screening practices are under review, however they will remain in place and include temperature checks and signing in

Visitation: Non Outbreak Care Area

• DCG’s, family and friends are all welcome to visit your loved ones here at the RK
• 3 visitors in a private living area, 2 visitors in a semi private resident room at one time
• There are no restrictions on where your visits can take place – indoors or outdoors – our gardens are in full bloom!
• Please do not bring food or drink for yourself as masks must remain on at all times for indoor visits
• Mask are encouraged for outdoor visits while maintaining 6’ social distancing
• Visitors no longer have to be vaccinated
• Visitation hours are from 11:00am to 7:00pm, seven days a week
• Masks are strongly encouraged for resident offsite outings

Visitation: Outbreak Care Area

• Only Designated Care Givers are welcome to visit – full Personal Protective Equipment will be available for DCG’s – please complete the DCG education session
• Please do not bring food or drink for yourself as masks must remain on at all times for indoor visits
• Residents must remain in their care area to reduce the risk of spread

DCG Education

This initiative will enable DCG’s to safely visit during a suspected or an outbreak situation. DCG’s can sign up by calling either 902-863-2578 ext. 222 or 902-863-3458.

Important reminder

Managing COVID will be an ongoing challenge and we fully anticipate experiencing future outbreaks. Our goal is to minimize the risk to our residents and staff. We ask that when out in public please consider wearing a mask …. COVID-19 is still very active, very invisible, very contagious and has a significant impact on our ability to safely staff the Home in order to continue providing quality care to your loved ones!”

Please forward this update to your family members and any friends that visit the RK.

Terry MacIntyre, CEO
RK MacDonald Senior Leadership Team

Due to an outbreak of COVID-19, all care areas in the Home are closed to all visitation effective June 2, 2022 until further notice.

Maple ridge/Bramble berry is closed to all visitation effective May 29, 2022 until further notice.

Dear Family members,

We are pleased to announce that Martha’s Place will open for general visitation effective today, Thursday May 12th at 11am. We want to thank you for your ongoing cooperation and support and look forward to welcoming you back.

Sincerely,
RK MacDonald Senior Leadership Team