QUALITY OF CARE

Restraints-Free Policy
The use of restraints to eliminate the risk of falls was, at one time, commonplace in long-term care facilities. New research however, confirms that the routine use of restraints fosters depression, reduces muscle strength and mobility, increases incontinence and skin problems and leads to agitation in the individual restrained.

Maimonides, always in the forefront of change, has adopted a restraint-free policy as a gradual and careful process and has almost entirely eliminated the use of restraints amongst the resident population. The benefits are compelling. Moving about stimulates circulation, channels excess energy, reduces stress and anxiety and reduces the risk of cardiovascular problems. More importantly, it preserves dignity and allows residents to live more normally.

Abuse Prevention
Residents have the right to be treated with dignity and respect and to be free from all anxiety or acts of violence that could threaten their physical or emotional well-being. Through a comprehensive series of workshops, the publication of brochures and other promotional efforts sensitizing families, employees and administration to this issue, Maimonides has adopted a policy of zero tolerance and has established a process to report any incidents of suspected abuse.

Maimonides is committed to the elimination of abuse of any kind, be it physical, emotional, psychological, financial or sexual.

Clinical Ethics
A Clinical Ethics Committee is designated to deal with conflicts or differences of opinion that may arise between caregivers and residents' decision makers. In the case of residents at Maimonides, the most characteristic ethical issues deal with end-of-life decisions - how and when to intervene - treatment choices, etc. With some families, dying with dignity becomes the overriding concern. With others, heroic interventions are demanded. So many ethical issues are charged with emotion and subjectivity that frequently the best interests of the resident may be overlooked.

A Clinical Ethics Committee acts as a consultative or facilitative group and not for the purpose of decision-making. They help to identify the problem, to explore the possible solutions and to arrive at a decision that is satisfactory for all.

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Validation Therapy
Frequently with old age, comes an increased incidence of mental confusion and deterioration. Validation Therapy provides professional caregivers with the skills to communicate with disoriented people by tuning into the person's inner world and helping them to restore the past by reliving good times and resolving past conflicts.

This technique in caring for the elderly, has assisted caregivers at Maimonides to interact effectively with highly confused residents.

QUALITY OF LIFE

Nutrition and Food
As people age and their infirmities increase, the satisfaction derived from enjoying good food may be one of the few pleasures left to them. Accordingly, Maimonides places special importance on the quality and variety of food. The Department of Nutrition and Food Services is continually testing new menus and the massive improvement to our food delivery system currently underway, at a projected cost of $3,000,000, will ensure that food arrives on the floors at the desired temperature.

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Bat Mitzvah Program
A unique and challenging spiritual experience offered to both residents and staff, the Bat Mitzvah Program allows women the opportunity to participate in a meaningful ceremony that was unavailable to them during their youth.

Adult Education Program
Adult Education courses, a rarely-seen program in long-term care, focuses on the residents intellectual needs and provides an excellent opportunity for enhanced self-esteem.

Boutique Evie
Originally conceived for residents who have no family members to fulfill their needs, Boutique Evie is a small in-house boutique which allows residents or families to shop from a variety of specially adapted merchandise at very reasonable prices.

Moroccan Tea Salon
Created to provide a comfortable and familiar ambiance for those of sephardic origin, the exotic Moroccan Tea Room allows residents to connect with their cultural roots. The tea room is also used for various programs and serves the special needs of all 3rd floor residents.

Roots Program
This is an intergenerational program together with Jewish dayschool elementary students that traces Jewish heritage (roots), holidays and customs.

Cantorial Concerts
These very popular concerts given by a cantor, are held twice a month - once as part of the Oneg Shabbat program on Fridays and once on a Sunday.

Breakfast Club
This program brings residents together once a week to prepare and enjoy their breakfast thereby encouraging socialization in a normalized environment.

Humour Therapy Program
This program is designed to educate the residents on the positive effects of humour and how this technique can be used in dealing and coping with stressful situations in a long-term care facility.

Recreational / Leisure Resource Centre
The resource centre includes a collection of items that can be used by staff, family members & volunteers to assist them in engaging in meaningful activities and visits with residents.

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Interactive Computer Games / Programs
A computer version of T.V. shows and trivia games (i.e. Who Wants to be a Millionaire?, Wheel of Fortune) that are projected on a large screen to promote group interaction and cognitive stimulation.

Community Link Programs
These programs are designed to encourage residents to maintain a connection to the community through participation in various events and celebrations.

Sensory Stimulation Palliative Care
Designated for residents who have few visitors, minimal sensory stimulation and who are at risk for isolation, this program uses various methods to encourage interaction with others and participation in activities.

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Tuesday Friends
This is an intergenerational program with daycare children that takes place weekly, which provides residents with the opportunity to establish a nurturing relationship, resume previous roles and maintain a connection with the community.

Wellness Spa
The Wellness Spa empowers residents to take charge of their physical and emotional wellness, learn and use holistic techniques such as yoga, relaxation / breathing, hand massages, aromatherapy and beauty care to enhance their quality of life.

Olympic Day
Olympic Day is a special intergenerational event where 28 residents participate with community day camp children in a day of adapted sporting activities.

Day Camp
Day Camp is a six week program where 12 residents join the same group of campers each week at a community day camp and participate along with the children in music, arts & crafts, science, baking and computers.

Walk the Dog Program
With the assistance of a physiotherapist, a therapeutic specialist and a trained "therapy dog" residents are motivated to walk by focusing on the pleasure of interacting with the pet and not on the effort of walking.

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