Interdisciplinary Approaches:

Healthcare Team Medicine Pharmacy Nursing Social Services Rehabiltitation Dentistry Ombudsman Food and Nutrition Therapeutic Recreation

Maimonides believes in the interdisciplinary approach to resident care and in the firm principle of client-centered treatment. Upon admission, an individualized plan of care is devised for each resident that best meets his or her needs. This plan which is developed in partnership with the resident and his or her family is readjusted periodically throughout the stay at Maimonides.

In order to optimize care and sensitize staff to the specific needs of a particular group, residents are located on nursing pavilions with other individuals suffering from similar physical or cognitive impairments. Should there be a change or deterioration in the resident's condition due to medical or nursing considerations, the resident may be relocated to a more suitable pavilion.

The average stay for residents at the Centre is three years. In order to minimize the trauma of institutionalization, residents are encouraged to bring with them small personal items - a favorite piece of furniture, family photos, treasured mementos - in order to create a familiar, home-like environment. This is especially feasible at Maimonides where fully two-thirds of the residents' rooms are private.

HEALTHCARE TEAM
Following the admission of a resident to Maimonides, he/she is assessed by staff from various departments who collaborate as members of a healthcare team. Team members represent departments such as medicine, nursing, social services, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, music therapy, art therapy, therapeutic recreation and pharmacy, who then establish a care plan tailored to the individual needs of a resident. Regular family conferences are held to facilitate the exchange of information and to encourage feedback from the resident and/or family.

MEDICINE
In order to provide a continuity of medical care to residents, physicians are assigned to particular nursing pavilions where a professional and trusting relationship is forged between the resident, the family and the doctor. As a vital member of the healthcare team, physicians are generally family practitioners who specialize in geriatrics. Most hold McGill teaching appointments and are involved in various research projects. Doctors provide coverage 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, while all consulting specialists are available on site as required.

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PHARMACY
Maimonides has its own pharmacy within the Centre. Working in conjunction with the physicians, nurses and other members of the healthcare team, the pharmacist ensures that the resident receives optimal drug therapy. In addition, he also monitors the effectiveness, interactions and possible allergies to medications and makes recommendations to the resident, the family and the physician and nursing staff.

NURSING
The department of nursing is committed to providing expert geriatric nursing care to the residents. Made up of registered nurses, registered nursing assistants, nursing aides and orderlies, the nursing staff is accountable for ensuring that the individualized plan of care is put into practice and followed up. Based on the concept that the resident is the center of all nursing activity, the goal is to maximize each residents inherent potential for healthy and dignified functioning.

It is the professional responsibility of the nursing staff to problem-solve creatively, both in moments of crisis as well as when faced with long-term concerns of the resident and family.

An important objective is to continually upgrade the professional approach to care by means of ongoing staff development, educational and nursing research.

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SOCIAL SERVICES
Placement in a long-term care establishment can sometimes be a stressful experience for the newly admitted resident and the family. Adapting to life in an institution requires a period of adjustment which varies with each individual. One of the principle functions of the Department of Social Services is to ease the transition into Maimonides for the resident and family and to support them in their integration and adaptation as well as to be available to deal with a range of social and emotional problems during the course of their stay.

In addition to counseling and other social services, the department offers a variety of support groups for residents and families.

REHABILITATION

Art Therapy
Offered to both individuals and small groups of residents at Maimonides, Art Therapy provides an opportunity for self-expression through the art-making process. It facilitates this expression by gently guiding residents to communicate verbally and non-verbally, their perceptions and feelings in a safe, supportive space. This process occurs within the context of a therapeutic relationship.

Art Therapy aims to stimulate the emotional, spiritual, social, cognitive and physical well-being of the residents. It promotes contact with the environment and maintains or enhances personal abilities.
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Music Therapy
Music Therapy is the clinical application of music as a therapeutic intervention for people who have special needs. It seeks to restore, maintain and improve the resident's mental, physical and emotional well-being through the skillful use of music and psychological techniques. In addition, it facilitates contact, self-expression and communication - all directed towards improving the resident's quality of life. The format of the Music Therapy program varies from one individual to the other as some may benefit from large groups, small groups or individual sessions.

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Occupational Therapy
The primary role of the Occupational Therapist is to assist residents in maintaining or improving their independence and safety in activities of daily living (self-care, feeding, leisure), so as to promote good health and improve quality of life.

Following admission, the Occupational Therapist, as part of the healthcare team, will develop a treatment plan following a holistic evaluation encompassing the individual's physical, mental, behavioural, social, cultural and spiritual needs. The program will focus on maintaining existing skills, acquiring new ones, restoring function and preventing dysfunction through purposeful activities.

All of these interventions will help to maximize the resident's capabilities thereby making them more autonomous.

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Physiotherapy
The aim of physiotherapy is to promote health, minimize functional losses and achieve the highest level of physical capability and comfort. This is accomplished through the use of therapeutic exercises and techniques, aids and adaptations, as well as through the education of staff, families and residents.

Residents are evaluated on admission and as required, in order to respond to their individual needs and abilities. Goals are then formulated and implemented in conjunction with other members of the healthcare team in order to promote optimal functioning and well-being.

When indicated, residents will participate in a maintenance program or exercise class and will be treated for acute conditions as they occur. In addition, walkers, canes or adaptive devices will be provided as required.

Speech and Language Pathology
Speech and language pathology diagnoses and treats disorders in voice, speech, language, communications, swallowing and drooling. The therapist provides information and counseling to both residents / clients and their families and collaborates closely with members of the rehabilitation team, dieticians, physicians, nurses and social workers.

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DENTISTRY
The dental team consisting of two dentists, a hygienist and an assistant, provides dental treatment to residents at Maimonides and interacts with the staff physicians by examining the effect of systemic disease upon oral care.

Dental care plays an important role in the residents quality of life by increasing their ability to eat and talk and impacts on their self-esteem.

OMBUDSMAN
The Ombudsman serves as a liaison between residents / family members and all departments of the Centre in order to ensure that every resident receives the best possible care. However should there be a concern regarding the service being provided, the Ombudsman acts to identify and solve any problems which affect the residents quality of life. He also acts to make sure that residents receive care in a humane, dignified and respectful manner.

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FOOD AND NUTRITION
Good nutrition plays an important role in the overall well-being and care of every resident at Maimonides. Nutritional care is based on the principals of sound nourishment in keeping with the rule of kashrut. It recognizes not only the specific physiological needs of our geriatric population, but also their psychosocial needs. The menu cycle includes a broad variety of familiar Jewish foods with special attention paid to holiday meals. When medically indicated, special diets are prescribed. Regular meals are presented in different textures (minced and pureed) and liquids may be thickened in order to accommodate those with any chewing or swallowing difficulties.

The clinical dietician and clinical nutrition food supervisors work closely with the healthcare team, residents and their families to ensure optimal nutritional care. A complete nutritional assessment is conducted during the initial weeks of admission and on a regular basis thereafter.

THERAPEUTIC RECREATION
The philosophy of Therapeutic Recreation is based on the premise that leisure is an inherent aspect of the human experience and has a vital impact on ones quality of life.

Each resident's leisure interests are assessed upon admission and on a ongoing basis. Individual or group activities are then selected to address specific goals and objectives that meet the emotional, cognitive, social, physical and spiritual needs of the resident.

Maimonides offers a diverse variety of activities that promote self-reliance, build confidence, strengthen interpersonal skills, improve physical ability and coordination and enhance spiritual meaning and purpose.

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