All care Health Services News

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1 December 2006 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT All care Health Services News I am pleased to advise that CanCare Health Services has acquired Allcare Health Services on June 1, CanCare and Allcare have 60 years of combined history in providing homecare services to governments and private clients. We, at CanCare feel fortunate to combine the proud histories and leadership of our organizations. We are proud of our leadership in general, pediatric, and palliative nursing, along with expertise in personal support. I have had an opportunity to meet and work with the dedicated team of professionals at Allcare and know that they will continue to provide service excellence with compassion and caring that has been the cornerstone of Allcare success. We are committed to ongoing investments in continuing education, training, and technology that will improve the quality of our worklife and patient care. We hope you will find our newsletter informative and the wellness and safety tips invaluable. Allcare is celebrating its 25th anniversary and we always appreciate your suggestions. I can be reached at toll free Eric Paul, President PANDEMIC FLU PREPAREDNESS Allcare has a Pandemic Flu Plan which was developed to be implemented in conjunction with the local CCAC s, health units and provincial and Canadian plans. Remember to continue to read your newsletter for information related to pandemic flu. In this issue, we d like to share a few tips on how you and your family can be personally prepared for a pandemic flu: Get immunized with the up-to-date influenza vaccine Maintain good health habits at all times; maintain a healthy immune system Maintain good hand hygiene all the time, e.g. Wash hands before eating or preparing food, after touching potentially contaminated items, etc Stay home when you are sick Follow safe, hygienic practices at home or in public, e.g. Clean/disinfect surfaces in your environment such as commonly used items like the telephone or computer Cover nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing preferably with a tissue, or cough into your arm/elbow if no tissue available Have a plan to have essential supplies at home in the event of a pandemic, e.g. stock up on water, tissue, medications and food Educate family members in personal hygiene especially children Use personal protective equipment when providing direct care to a sick person once a pandemic is declared We will continue to provide you with more information and education related to a potential or actual pandemic flu. Remember, to always read your newsletters to receive the most up to date information.

2 WELLNESS TIP You can prevent a heart attack EVERYDAY or hope to be lucky enough to find a defibrillator in an emergency. Why take the risk? If you have spent anytime in a major airport or shopping mall over the past year, you ve probably noticed signs pointing to automated external defibrillators, placed strategically to assist patients and caregivers in the event of a sudden heart attack. While it is likely that these devices have saved a few lives, consuming foods rich in omega-3 fats is likely to be a thousand-fold more effective intervention for preventing sudden death. Wouldn t it be wonderful to see signs in the airport pointing to fish oil to prevent heart disease and cancer? If you really want to improve your health, try creating a healthier balance of omega-3 fats to omega-6 fats (found in most vegetable oils) in your diet. The ideal ratio should be closer to 1:1 than the typical Western diet, which is far too dangerously toward omega-6 fats at a 1:20 ratio. When omega-6 fats predominate your diet, this encourages the production of inflammation in your body. You can shift this by consuming omega-3 fats, which actually promote the production of substances that fight inflammation. Since so many diseases have now been linked to chronic inflammation, this really is one of the most important nutrition concerns to get right. In fact many scientists believe that one major reason for today s high incidence of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, premature aging, and some forms of cancer is this profound imbalance between our intake of omega-6 and omega-3 fats. Omega 3s are also absolutely necessary for your brain to function optimally. Your brain is more than 60 percent structural fat, just as your muscles are made of protein and your bones are made of calcium. But it s not just any fat that your brains are made of, the majority of it is omega-3 fats. Over 2,000 scientific studies have demonstrated the wide range of problems associated with omega-3 deficiencies, including: Depression Cancer Arthritis Memory Problems Heart Disease Diabetes That s why omega-3s not only protect your heart, but can also help you beat prostate cancer and improve your mental health. Your best source for omega-3 fatty acids is one of the most safe and natural: Taking a high-quality fish oil in liquid or capsule form daily. Omega 3s are sold in all major drugstores, supermarkets, Costco and health food stores. Be sure to buy only omega-3 products, not ones containing omega-3 and omega-6.

3 FALLS PREVENTION Falls account for more than half of all injuries among seniors. And while many people aren t aware of the steps that can be taken to avoid falls, falls can be prevented. Falls can be the result of health factors medications, lack of equipment, improper equipment, or for environmental reasons. Your health is just as important as a safe environment in preventing falls and reducing the risk of injury. By improving you diet, increasing your strength and monitoring your balance, and monitoring your balance, hearing, eyesight and medication, and eliminating possible hazards in your home, you can considerably increase your chances of avoiding falls. EAT WELL Missing meals can cause weakness and dizziness. Eating regular, balanced, healthy meals will help you keep up your strength. Canada s Food Guide to Healthy Eating* is a good source of information. KEEP FIT To prevent a decline in your mobility, strength, balance and flexibility, keep your muscles tones by accumulating at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days. If possible, walk every day, even if it s only around the house and engage in activities or an exercise class that will improve your strength and balance. MONITOR YOUR SIGHT AND HEARING People who cannot see or hear properly are at greater risk of falling. Be sure you wear appropriate glasses (wearing reading glasses while walking is dangerous!). Impaired hearing also puts you at risk of falling (if you don t hear traffic or children playing around you). Have your eyesight and hearing tested regularly. If you need glasses or a hearing aid, wear them! KNOW YOUR MEDICATIONS Medications can cause dizziness and weakness, affecting your perception and balance, especially if not taken as prescribed or if not suitable for you. Be aware of the potential hazards and interactions of the medications you use. Ask your doctor for information on the possible side effects of all your medications and feel free to raise any questions you may have about their benefits or undesirable effects. ENVIRONMENT EQUIPMENT Be sure any equipment you are using, like walkers or wheelchairs, is in good working order and is used appropriately. Grab bars in the washroom might be required if you need assistance getting in and out of the tub or to use the toilet. Clutter, loose mats, poor lighting, and many other things in your home could cause you to fall. Look around your home and eliminate any potential hazards.

4 HAND WASHING Our hands are used in almost every task and they easily pick up microbes/ germs from a person, place or thing. Our hands can transmit these microbes/ germs to another person, place or thing. If you touch your eyes, nose or mouth with contaminated hands, you can also transmit microbes/germs into your own body. Because your hands are contaminated very easily, you need to wash them properly frequently. Hand washing with soap is the easiest and most important way to prevent the spread of an infection. Cleaning hands with alcohol sanitizers is also an option if you do not have access to soup and water. Hand washing causes dry skin, so apply hand lotion after you wash your hands. The staff at Allcare are taught proper hand washing techniques and they have the responsibility to wash their hands when they get to your home before they start caring for you. Our staff also have annual training on hand washing and infection control. ACCREDITATION Allcare Health Services Limited is currently preparing for survey by the Canadian Council on Health Services Accreditation. This council has developed standards in consultation with other health professionals and organizations, academics, consumers and experts. This survey involves Allcare assessing itself in the areas of our home care services, working environment, human resources, information management and leadership and partnerships. This allows us to assess the quality of our services and helps us to learn and improve. The objectives for our survey include: 1. To have all staff learn more about CQI processes through participation in the accreditation process and teams. 2. To evaluate the organization against national standards to help achieve recognition and improve services. 3. To identify areas where there may be duplication of efforts and improve efficiency by having teams with members from a variety of departments. 4. To improve measurement and reporting processes to provide meaningful performance feedback within our organization. 5. To increase communication, collaboration and team building within the organization and with clients, and stakeholders.. In March of 2007 surveyors from the CCHSA will visit with us and review our self assessment. We will then be informed of the results of the survey and will share that news with you when we have it!

5 2006 CLIENT SATISFACTION SURVEY RESULTS - RESULTS Late in August, 2006, Allcare mailed out 128 surveys to a random selection of clients and 54 clients returned the completed survey; resulting in a great response rate of 42%. A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL CLIENTS THAT WERE ABLE TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THE SURVEY; YOUR FEEDBACK IS VALUABLE TO US!!! THE OVERALL SATISFACTION RATE WAS EXCELLENT!!! 100% of clients indicated they are always or most of the time satisfied with the quality of services provided and our target is to have 97% choose always or most of the time. STRENGTHS 96% of clients that responded indicated that their Allcare worker confirms the day and time of their visit in advance. 100% stated that their Allcare workers make their safety a priority (e.g. Washes their hands) 100% indicated that their Allcare workers treat them with respect and courtesy. 91% stated they can ALWAYS reach a live person when calling Allcare 95% indicated they ALWAYS have their calls returned within 24 hours after leaving a message 92% stated they receive good quality care from all of the Allcare workers that visit. 100% would recommend Allcare to a friend or family member AREAS TO IMPROVE Although 100% of clients stated that Allcare workers provide service on the day and time expected always or most of the time, only 70% chose always for their response. PLANS TO IMPROVE: As a matter of courtesy we feel you should receive service at the day and time expected. Our workers will be reminded to inform you of any changes to their scheduled visit days/times. They may also provide you with a range of withing one hour; allowing for any unforseen circumstances. Although 100% of clients stated they are always or most of the time satisfied with their participation in service planning and delivery, 78% chose always for their response and we hope to improve on this already very good result. PLANS TO IMPROVE: We will continue to review your care plan with you and have you sign it and will encourage your participation and empowerment anyway possible, for example through health teaching.

6 2006 CLIENT SATISFACTION SURVEY RESULTS - RESULTS 90% of clients indicated that they received useful information related to safety. PLANS TO IMPROVE: Again although this is a terrific result, we want to do better as CLIENT SAFETY IS A TOP PRIORITY. Our workers are continuously reminded to provide health teaching and education to our clients, e.g. Related to medications, falls prevention, infection control, etc. We have also started to develop a client newsletter which all clients will receive three times per year; client safety information will always be a part of the newsletters, so read up and enjoy!!! Some examples of comments from the surveys: Never have to worry about someone not showing up Great job, caring worker I am always satisfied. My home care lady is such an asset to me. I couldn t ask for more, she is super. The only thing I can say is Allcare is wonderful in my eyes. Your service is excellent, thank you. I am completely satisfied with the care provided. Reaching alive person is a nice change. I have received the best of best care from all of your staff and can not say enough to my friends and family. After having spent a week in hospital I was very glad to get home and have such wonderful professional nurses come to look after me. I feel I got along much better being home and having these wonderful nurses looking after me. My husband has always received excellent care from the Allcare staff. I have only recently had to use your services and was impresses. Nurses are prompt and polite. I fell reassured I can call with a problem. Continue doing the great job you are doing. Thanks! THANK YOU AGAIN FOR HELPING US ON OUR JOURNEY TO CONTINUOUSLY IMPROVE SERVICES!!!!! From all of us at Allcare and Cancare, We wish you and your family a happy and safe Holiday Season and all the best in 2007!