Resident Impact

All the Better

As part of its commitment to continuous improvement, Perley Health regularly adjusts its processes, programs and activities based on the results of formal consultations with residents. A survey of residents, for instance, inspired the introduction of a lecture series, documentary club and advanced trivia group.

“I like the variety of new activities and the knowledge I gain,” says Gail Christy, a resident since 2023. “It's nice to be in an intellectual environment with my peers. I'd like them to add more Canadian content to the trivia, though.”

“My standing joke is if you want to find me, don't bother looking in my room,” says resident Jim Gayfer, who sings in the choir, completes projects in the studios, and is a regular at lectures, and at the documentary and book clubs. “I like to do new things—expand the bubble a bit.”

To identify and implement potential improvements in meal service—a longstanding challenge for all long-term care homes—the Food Committee and the Dining Experience Committee, each comprised of staff, residents, families and volunteers, meet regularly.

“Collaboratively, we have made some positive changes to the menu, but there's always room for more improvements,” says Gale Ramsden, Food Committee member and five-year resident. “Staff appreciate our feedback and we all understand that progress comes through working together.”

Fellow Food Committee member J.P. Quinn recognizes the difficulty of satisfying all 450 residents. “The logistics are daunting,” he says. “On a personal note, I really like the way the cooks now make shepherd's pie—one of my favourite meals.”

Among the changes introduced during 2024: food and nutrition supervisors review preparation instructions with food aides, and sample meals both immediately after they're cooked and before they're served. In addition, the order in which the tables in each dining room are served now changes regularly. The next improvement, to be introduced in 2025, will see residents consulting photos and written descriptions of available items to help choose their meals.

Other noteworthy 2024 developments: Perley Health hired additional staff, including personal support workers, nurse practitioners, and specialists in foot care and wound care. As a result of these hires, Perley Health began delivering at least four hours' care to each resident daily long before this new minimum—established in Ontario's Fixing Long-Term Care Act—came into effect. Finally, in consultation with residents and family members, Perley Health formalized the process used to gather biographical information about new arrivals.

"My standing joke is if you want to find me, don't bother looking in my room.” - Jim Gayfer, Resident