The RK MacDonald is on Instagram! You can follow us at www.instagram.com/rkmacdonaldnursinghome
Make sure to share or like our photos!
What’s New
CEO Update on the R.K. as of March 16, 2020
March 16, 2020 6:00 pm
Good Evening Everyone:
The facility continues to work through the information shared from Department of Health and Wellness (DHW) as well as finalizing many parts of our pandemic plan.
Updates:
Phone System– As you know, our phone system unexpectedly collapsed. When we ordered replacement equipment, we realized we had a much bigger system issue. New equipment was ordered and is currently being programmed. We have indicated to the provider that we need that equipment on site and functional as soon as possible. We do not expect the technicians on site until the week of march 23, 2020(subject to change). We understand the difficulty this presents especially now that all visitation to RK MacDonald has been restricted.
CareQ: As you know we have purchased a rapid notification system. The information for residents has been collected and we expect the system to be up and running by end of day Wednesday. This will allow us to notify families more efficiently of changes and where to find updates.
Communicating with your loved one: We had a staff and resident meeting today televised on channel 1885 today. This provides an opportunity for us to reach out to residents in their rooms as well as residents and staff in common areas. We reviewed the current guidelines regarding COVID-19 and the reasons for the visitor restrictions. We were able to discuss some of the interim planning we have in place and the activities we are undertaking to prepare. We have purchased iPads for each of the care areas to facilitate video conferencing with residents. We are working through the IT pieces and hope to have more information on Tuesday.
Pandemic Planning: RK MacDonald has had a generalized pandemic plan for a number of years; it is a requirement of the LTC Licensing Requirements. We are currently In the process of overlaying the information specific to this virus to the pandemic plan. We received Long Term Care (LTC) Infection Control Guidelines today from DHW. We are doing one on one education with staff regarding infection control measures and staff are also watching educational/instructional videos to ensure everyone is updated on best practice. The staff at RK MacDonald have had this education many times before. This situation is reason for us to do a full staff refresher in advance of any cases of COVID-19 in the facility. We will continue to update the plan and processes as well as prepare for unforeseen circumstance to the very best of our ability. We have an experienced and dedicated staff here and I feel confident in our ability to make sound, practical decisions as scenarios arise. Department of health and Wellness and the Nova Scotia Health Authority are providing excellent and timely information to us. We feel connected to these partners and we are doing our very best to get the information they send out to all of you.
Michelle Thompson
CEO R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home
64 Pleasant St, Antigonish, NS
B2G 1W7
Phone: 902-863-2578 ext 232
Email: mthompson@rkmacdonald.ca
Fax: 902-863-4437
Closed to ALL Visitors
HEALTH/WELLNESS–First Presumptive Cases of COVID-19 in Nova Scotia; New Prevention Measures
—————————————————————–
Nova Scotia announced the province’s first three presumptive cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), today, March 15. The province is also taking further measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
The cases are not connected and are travel related. The individuals followed all the proper procedures when they started to feel unwell.
“My thoughts are with the individuals affected and I wish them a speedy and thorough recovery. Now, more than ever, all Nova Scotians must follow public health direction – that’s how we will reduce the spread of this virus in our province,” said Premier Stephen McNeil. “We need to work together to protect our most vulnerable.”
Two individuals are in the Halifax Regional Municipality and one is in Kings County. All three are managing their symptoms at home in self-isolation. Details include:
- a female in her 60’s, who returned to Halifax from Australia on March 8.
- a male in his late 50’s, who recently attended a conference in California and returned to Halifax on March 13.
- a male in his 30’s, who returned to Halifax on March 10 following travel throughout Europe.
Public health has been in contact with these individuals and those who have come in close contact with them are also being directed to self-isolate at home, away from the public, for 14 days.
Additional prevention measures for Nova Scotians are in effect immediately under the authority of the Health Protection Act and include:
- long-term care facilities closed to visitors effectively immediately
- public schools closed for two weeks following March Break (weeks of March 23 and March 30) and then will be reassessed
- regulated child care centres closed March 17 to April 3 and then will be reassessed
- March break camps cancelled
- casinos in Halifax and Sydney are closed as of 12 am March 16 and bar owners can no longer operating VLT
- anyone who travelled outside of Canada must self-isolate even if symptom-free
- organizations and businesses must practise social distancing of two metres or six feet and keep gatherings below 150 or much smaller if possible. This applies to restaurants, bars, movie theatres and other gathering spots
Starting Monday, March 16, public health inspectors will be onsite at the Halifax International Airport and the J.A. Douglas McCurdy Sydney Airport. Work is ongoing with federal partners responsible for border security to strengthen the screening process. As well, both airports now have information on digital screens in all areas frequented by travellers.
Nova Scotians can find accurate, up-to-date information, handwashing posters and fact sheets at https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus .
Quick Facts:
- as of March 15, Nova Scotia has completed 418 tests for COVID-19, with 415 negative results and 3 presumptive positive cases. Testing numbers are updated daily at https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus
- the Government of Canada has issued a travel advisory asking Canadians to avoid non-essential travel outside Canada until further notice.
- anyone who has travelled outside of Canada or has been in close contact with someone who has and are experiencing fever (above 38C) or cough should complete the online questionnaire to see whether you need to call 811. The online questionnaire can be found at: 811.novascotia.ca
- Nova Scotia’s Health Protection Act gives the chief medical officer of health the authority to give advice to protect public health and decrease risk to public health presented by communicable diseases such as COVID-19 –the public school system will be investigating virtual schools focused on essential curriculum to ensure Grade 12 students can graduate
Additional Resources:
The Public Health Agency of Canada maintains a list of affected areas: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/health-professionals/covid-19-affected-areas-list.html
Government of Canada: https://canada.ca/coronavirus
Government of Canada toll-free information line 1-833-784-4397 Nova Scotia Public Health offices: http://www.nshealth.ca/public-health-offices
Family Caregiver Education Series: Alzheimer’s
Are you providing care and support to a family member or friend who has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia?
If so, the Family Caregiver Education Series may be for you.
When: Six thursday afternoons (130PM – 330PM)
Date: April 16, 23, 30 and May 7, 14, 21, 2020
Where: Antigonish Public Library, 283 Main St, Antigonish
To Register: Call Dominic at 902-867-7683 or by email at dominic.boyd@asns.ca
There is no fee but registration is required.
Palliative Care Front-Line Education Course by NSCC
NSCC is offering a Palliative Care Front-Line Education Course
Where: RK MacDonald Nursing Home, Second Floor Board Room, Antigonish
When: March 3rd to April 2nd
Tuesday & Thursday from 6PM to 8:30PM
Cost: $175.00 (Includes textbooks)
Contact: Business Office to register – Call 902-752-2002
Strategic Planning Update
The Rk MacDonald is proud to release the annual update to our Strategic Plan for 2019/2020.
These directions were created through a community process and capture the voices of residents, families, staff, Board members, volunteers and other community partners. We were excited to embark on this consultation process and the end result is a reflection of both our past and our collective vision for the future.
- You can view the updated Strategic Planning Document 2019/2020
- Download a copy of the updated Strategic Planning Document 2017/2018 in PDF
- Review past Strategic Planning Documents here
Dementia: Challenges & Rewards
Families, Friends, & Anyone Interested, please join Dominic Boyd—Education Co-ordinator from the Nova Scotia Alzheimer Society on Saturday, November 09th, 2019 at 3:30PM – 4:30PM. This education session will be held at the Rhubarb Patch.
Buddy Bench 2.0
We are very pleased to reproduce the below excerpt of an article by Richard MacKenzie of The Casket published on August 22nd, 2019.
Antigonight, R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home collaborate on project
Stella Merry decided a hand-print is nice but a foot-print is even better, when contributing to the ‘buddy bench’ Aug. 16, a collaboration between the R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home and Antigonish: Art after Dark Festival which will sit outside the People’s Place Library. – Richard MacKenzie (The Casket)
ANTIGONISH, N.S. — The ‘buddy bench’ created for the R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home’s garden last year proved so popular, a second one has been created for the People’s Place Library.
“Last year, Antigonish: Art after Dark Festival, in partnership with the R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home, crafted a buddy bench for their new garden. We brought the bench to Antigonight as a seating option for people during the festival and the library liked it so much, they wanted one,” festival director Emma MacDonald said Aug. 16, as the activity of putting hand and foot-prints on the colourful bench took place, just outside the library on Main Street.
You can read the rest of the article on The Casket’s website here.
RK Artists Meet & Greet
Please join us on Friday, July 26th
2:15-3:15 p.m.
to Meet & Greet
the
RK MacDonald Nursing Home Artists
Celebrating their Art Show 2019
at the
People’s Place Library – Main Street
Job Fair for CCA’s
Are you kind, caring and compassionate? Always wanted to become a Continuing Care Assistant?
Are you interested in working as part of a friendly, supportive and skilled team?
If so, you may be the person we are looking for!
R.K MacDonald is an employer who is willing to provide and invest in in-house education opportunities and support successful candidates in becoming Continuing Care Assistants.
You can apply now online at jobs@rkmacdonald.ca or join us at our Job Fairs on Thursday, May 2nd, 2019 from 6-7:30 p.m. and Saturday May 4th, 2019 from 9-11 a.m. at 64 Pleasant Street Antigonish NS.
R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home is a rich and vibrant community that recognizes and appreciates the uniqueness of every person who lives and works here. This uniqueness of spirit and character drives the life plan for our residents. We strive to provide the best possible care and services to our clients and as a result, we are looking for people who genuinely care.
We have immediate vacancies for PCW (PSW, HSW) with employment designed to enable those interested to become a certified Continuing Care Assistant.
We offer:
- Comprehensive Benefit package including;
- Pension contributions; Vacation,
- Sick benefits (upon Completion of a 528 hr. Probation Period);
- Health Benefits
We are looking for people who:
- Have an interest in being a caregiver.
- Does not have CCA certification but have been working in the role of Personal Care Worker; Home Support Worker; and other classifications of this role.
- Are a graduate from a related Health and Human Services Programs such as: Social and Community Support; Social Services; Community Residential Worker; Human Services Worker; and are interested in obtaining your certification as a Continuing Care Assistant.