Welcome to 2023 and to our first eConnections newsletter now that we're looking beyond our singular focus on pandemic response.
This month, along with many of our partners and community organizations, we're recognizing the importance of mental health awareness and showcasing some of Providence Care's innovative and impactful programs and services in place to support the wellness journey of the people we serve.
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As many of you know, January plays host to Blue Monday (the gloomiest day of the year) as well as Bell Let's Talk day which takes place on January 25.
Acknowledging these occasions reminds us about how much more there is to do to end the stigma often associated with mental illness. It also encourages people to spread the word about mental health and wellness and come together to influence positive change.
When it comes to treating people with mental illness, we know there’s no one size fits all approach to care. That’s why Providence Care has dozens of programs and services in our hospitals, long-term care home and across communities throughout the region.
Our main focus is meeting people where they are, setting realistic goals and making sure everyone is able to live successfully. Let’s work together to ensure as many people as possible have a home, a job and a friend.
I’m so proud of the work our staff, physicians and volunteers do day in and day out. They’re truly making a difference and helping individuals continue on their journey.
I hope you take the time to read the stories of the people we serve and those that serve them. Let’s keep the conversation going, well beyond the month of January.
Sincerely,
Cathy Szabo, Providence Care President & CEO
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Stepping outside the box with mood disorders - Dr. Ruzica Jokic
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When Dr. Jokic isn’t providing her patients with specialized care or conducting her latest research project, you can find her enjoying the latest British TV, mystery series like Foyle’s War and the Magpie Murders.
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Dr. Ruzica Jokic says everyday it’s her mission to step outside the box when providing mental health care for her clients.
She is a psychiatrist, researcher and the Clinical Director of the Mood Disorders, Research and Treatment Service at Providence Care. She’s one part of a larger team made up of psychiatrists, psychologists, occupational therapists and social workers who run a very busy outpatient clinic for people who have treatment-resistant, mood disorders.
“At any given time, we have more than 800 active clients in this group. And that’s only because of the effort of our team,” says Dr. Jokic. “We work with people with the most complex mood disorders; many have seen other specialists and have had several other treatments before coming here. It’s our job to think outside the box, optimizing treatment by looking at the whole person and not just their disorder.”
Dr. Jokic explains that mood disorders vary and can be complex. Some examples include bi-polar disorder as well as a range of depressive disorders.
“These conditions can be very long-term and debilitating but ultimately not giving up and trying different treatments has shown to be effective in improving quality of life,” she explains.
Dr. Jokic’s team is highly respected and widely known across Eastern Ontario, which she says is incredibly rewarding.
“We are unique because from one point, we could be seen as a last resort, but on the other hand we really keep our clients going by providing the best evidence-based treatment, giving them opportunities to participate in research with new projects, which is done in a very careful, organized way.”
From Dr. Jokic’s perspective, the research element of the mood disorder program at Providence Care makes it particularly unique and helps continuously evolve the care provided.
“Our team gives our clients opportunities to participate in research projects that have the ability to positively impact their lives and the lives of many others too.”
The Providence Care psychiatrist advises that everyone’s path to wellness looks different and it’s important to communicate this fundamental concept clearly with every client.
“When the treatment is challenging and the conditions are stubborn and resistant to treatment, it is important to personalize the goals for improvement. Goals have to be realistic, attainable and achievable,” she says.
When Dr. Jokic sits down with clients, she takes the treatment right back to building a strong foundation.
“The sign of health is the ability to love and work. So that means having meaningful relationships and the ability to be productive in whatever way you choose. These are the signs of health we want to focus on and make progress with together.”
With more than 20 years of experience in the mood disorders field, Dr. Jokic says helping individuals improve their quality of life will always be what she takes the most pride in.
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Pet therapy and art bring joy at
Providence Care Hospital
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Volunteer handlers Judith and Don pose with their goldendoodle Lucy.
Lucy is just one of many therapy dogs who visit Providence Care.
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On Tuesday afternoons in the Art Hive at Providence Care Hospital, seven-year-old Goldendoodle Lucy greets each person who enters with a wagging tail and enthusiastic demeanor. Sporting a red bandana with her own name tag, her excitement is obvious. Those in the room are equally excited to see Lucy. Lucy’s volunteer handlers, Judith and Don, have a weekly presence in the Art Hive – both in helping people create art and in providing pet therapy.
The Art Hive is a centre for the arts – a space where patients and clients can paint, draw, do crafts, play or listen to music, read and write or simply enjoy some quiet time. Opened in 2020 thanks to a generous grant from the University Hospitals Kingston Foundation, it is accessible four days per week and is extremely popular.
Providence Care Hospital patients and clients, regardless of their age, ability, or needs can drop by the Art Hive and try something new in a supportive environment.
“We experience the relaxation and the feeling of confidence people gain by producing something tangible they can take back to their rooms,” says Judith.
In late December, Judith prepared a feel-good art project. Patients and clients were encouraged to create drawings on canvas of their ‘good’ traits - doing so aims to help participants become more positive and build a better self-image. They happily created their art pieces while accompanied by Lucy laying quietly on the ground.
Incorporating pet therapy within the Art Hive has seen incredible results. “Everyone knows her name, but not mine!” exclaims Don with a grin, referring to Lucy. Some individuals drop by the Art Hive just to greet Lucy.
Pet therapy at Providence Care dates back to the early 1960s, possibly earlier. For those in the hospital, pet therapy provides comfort, increased socialization and an opportunity to lessen stress and anxiety. Further benefits include promoting healing, lifting spirits and lowering blood pressure. Many patients and clients miss the companionship of their pets at home. It’s a highlight for everyone involved and there’s no surprise that people look forward to it.
“The most exciting part is how people are drawn to Lucy and she to them – including patients walking through the halls and staff too. She brightens everyone’s day and being able to pet and hug her makes people feel happy,” says Judith.
At Providence Care, 12 trained therapy dogs and their volunteer handlers make a difference in the lives of patients, clients, visitors, learners and staff each and every week. Coordinated by Volunteer Services, the pet therapy program provides many smiles and much joy.
“People come to the Art Hive to create and sharing the experience with a friendly dog is an extra benefit. The pets make a huge difference. You can instantly see it – the way people’s eyes light up is incredible. To witness it is simply amazing,” explains Janet Hunter, Director, Volunteer Services.
And pet therapy isn’t just offered in the Art Hive – the program has expanded across Providence Care Hospital and is offered 2-3 times per week on each of the nine inpatient units.
“We have dogs in the pet therapy program ranging from a Pug, to an English Bulldog, to a 155 Bernadoodle. There’s a favourite breed for everyone! If a dog can bring comfort, entertainment and smiles within seconds; the program is a hit in my eyes,” explains Janet.
The therapeutic interaction between animals, patients, clients and, in this example, combining art - is just one way mental health is boosted at Providence Care. During the cold winter months, a heart-warming, joy-filled experience is even more meaningful for everyone involved.
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Providing mental health services
closer to home
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Perry Drobot says he’s on the other side of what was a long, tiresome and dark period of his life.
He tells his story nervously but proudly, having a new understanding of his childhood trauma and the coping mechanisms he turned to.
“I’m starting to become a better person thanks to the hard work from the people at Providence Care,” says Perry.
Perry is served by the Regional Specialty Mental Health Team. This interprofessional team works in a shared care model with Primary Care and is comprised of occupational therapists, social workers, nurses and psychiatry. Care is available in the community and clinicians provide recovery focused treatment, rehabilitation and support to enable people we serve to live satisfying, hopeful, and contributing lives.
“I carried a lot of shame from childhood abuse. I thought it was all my fault,” explains Perry.
“I tried to bury my feelings and hide them, and to ease the pain and suffering I turned to drugs and alcohol. Much of my adulthood was quite confusing and I spent much of my time homeless,” he bravely goes on to say.
Perry says that before working with Providence Care he was diagnosed with depression and anxiety and was told he was often having panic attacks. But he says he didn’t have a good grasp on his diagnosis, didn’t understand why he was suffering or how the medication he was prescribed was supposed to help him.
“I really didn’t understand all the feelings going on in my head or why they were happening,” recounts Perry. “That’s until I was introduced to Dave Carmichael and Doctor A” [Dr. Oyedji (Deji) Ayonrinde].
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A refresh to Providence Manor's home area helps those living with Alzheimer's and Dementia
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Providence Manor staff pose with a resident who is having her door repainted as part of the wayfinding pilot-project.
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Residents living with Dementia or Alzheimer’s at Providence Manor are piloting an innovative program to assist them with way-finding.
This is part of a larger strategic direction to enhance the quality of life for those living with dementia, to ensure service is personalized and resident-centered, while maintaining a warm and welcoming environment.
“A colour is easier to remember than a number so we painted everyone’s door,” explains Stacy Jowett, Coordinator, Resident Activities & Student Placement.
The initiative completely transformed the Montreal 5 resident home area and added a vibrant energy. Residents selected one of five colours for their door such as bright pink, purple and yellow. Harsher colours such as red and black were avoided because they can cause agitation. A chalkboard is on the middle of the door, indicating the residents first name and room number.
“We’re piloting this because we’re going to be moving into a new building eventually, and we’d like to know if this type of way-finding is helpful,” says Stacy. “It’s important to us to make long-term care as home-like as possible. This is a resident’s home and it needs to be welcoming and friendly.”
The work was made possible by funding from Volunteer Services, with the help of volunteers and students who painted.
“The goal is for our dementia friendly resident home area to lead this region; using best practices and involvement of residents and their loved ones in all decisions. These are small steps we’re taking now,” explains Stacy who describes the feedback and results as positive.
“We’ve had a lot of residents comment on the colours and express their approval,” she says with a smile.
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Improving lives at Providence Care Hospital through innovative programming
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Program co-creator and Developmental Services Worker Susan Boudreau, poses with Developmental Service Worker, Madelaine Millard alongside clients of the focus program in action.
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Reintroducing clients to their interests, hobbies and passions beyond the hospital walls, is just one part of what hard-working Developmental Services Workers (DSW) are doing every day throughout the halls of Lakeview 0, at Providence Care Hospital (PCH).
It’s all done through The Focus Program, and as the co-creator, Developmental Services Worker Susan Boudreau says, the one-on-one programming which runs 7 days a week, emphasizes on building social, community, and life skills.
“We do a regular laundry program, some of them will go up to the café and we will help them make a purchase. But a lot of it is social activities, even if it’s just visiting for half an hour,” says Susan.
The Focus Program’s main objective is to enhance the quality of life of clients through life skills programming coupled with social activities of their choosing.
Cooking, managing money, navigating crowds, laundry and how to pick up on social ques and have an appropriate conversation are all topics the staff on Lakeview 0 cover in the focused programming.
“It’s a forward-thinking program,” says Madelaine Millard, a DSW who’s been involved since the program’s inception in 2018.
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Honour Your Caregiver:
Mood Disorders Clinic Team
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The Mood Disorders team who work at Providence Care Hospital was recognized with an Honour Your Caregiver certificate from the University Hospitals Kingston Foundation by a grateful donor earlier this month.
The Honour Your Caregiver initiative is a way for patients, clients, residents or their loved ones to celebrate the great care they received while donating funds for equipment, education, research and more.
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From hospital to home, to community and beyond, every donation to UHKF helps to grow healthcare facilities, equipment, programs, research and education for people across Southeastern Ontario.
Your gift today makes tomorrow's healthcare possible.
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A Look into Seniors Mental Health
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Seniors Mental Health is located on Parkside 2 at Providence Care Hospital and is a specialized unit for seniors 65 years and older with diagnosis like Alzheimer's and Dementia. Learn more about the unit and join our team today!
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Job Title: Registered Nurse, Adult Mental Health Outreach Services
File #: 22-634A
Closing Date: Open
The Outreach Clinician – Registered Nurse (RN), will work as a member of a regional specialty interprofessional mental
health team. The team strives to improve the clinical outcomes for individuals with serious mental illness in South-Eastern
Ontario by engaging in the provision of clinical services and community capacity enhancement activities.
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Job Title: Registered Nurse, Mental Health Services
File #: 22-RN-MHSJANUARY
Closing Date: Open
The Registered Nurse (RN), Inpatient, will provide direct professional nursing care for patients/clients requiring
complex mental health services.
Utilizing the principles of the nursing process, the RN will implement
autonomous nursing actions to ensure that services provided promote positive patient outcomes.
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STAY CONNECTED WITH PROVIDENCE CARE
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