March 4, 2024
Dear Family and Friends:
First, I would like to say hello as the new Executive Director. My name is Lisa Bernadette Alcia. I have been working in health/hospital/primary and long-term care for over 20 years. Our dear Toni Dell’Aquila has retired. She oversaw our accreditation as her last big project. She joyfully shared her memories and gratitude for her great journey at Villa Colombo Toronto (VCT).
We have just finished our accreditation site assessment by Accreditation Canada. Accreditation Canada (AC) a global, not-for-profit organization with a vision of safer care and a healthier world. Together with an affiliate called Health Standards Organization, AC has been setting the bar for quality across the health ecosystem for more than 60 years. AC empowers and enables organizations to meet national and global standards with innovative programs that are customized to local needs. The assessment of programs and services supports the delivery of safe, high-quality care across the health ecosystem. As part of this ongoing process of quality improvement, the organization participated in continuous quality improvement activities and assessments, including an on-site survey from February 12 – 15, 2024.
The surveyors met and interacted with our teams. They noted that the staff expressed a sense of pride in a working environment that was warm, welcoming and embraces teamwork. The community partners expressed a collaborative working relationship based on respect and transparency. They met with residents and the Family Council and noted that residents and families are informed of activities in the organization and are solicited informally for input and through the client satisfaction surveys. They also noted the people-centered care approach is integrated within the organization. They commended the organization for the culture of measurement and commitment to quality improvement.
Once the official report is received, the results will be shared with you.
Fusco Wing Revitalization Project
The process to get approval of the Fusco Wing Revitalization from the Ministry of Long-Term Care is still on-going. A model to increase the number of private beds is being considered, i.e., reducing the number of beds further to accommodate more private rooms. Private rooms will improve infection prevention and control, as well as the overall quality of life for residents.
Resident and Family Survey Action Plan
The survey results were presented at the December town hall meeting. The survey was conducted by Quality Care Consulting Inc., in partnership with the LTC Not-for-Profit Alliance Group. Given that VCT had previously used the Extendicare surveys, VCT will not be able to compare to the results of previous years until next year, however, VCT will be able to benchmark with other not-for-profit organizations. Overall satisfaction was 92% for residents and 85% for families.
Top areas of strength:
(Scores ranging from 86%-92% – Usually/Always)
Residents | Families |
1. Opportunities to participate in activities. | 1. Temperature in the home. |
2. Home is clean and tidy. | 2. Staff treatment of family members. |
3. Activities provided. | 3. Building and grounds. |
4. Respect for privacy. | 4. Cleanliness and tidiness of the home. |
5. Building and grounds. | 5. Meeting family member’s daily care needs. |
Top areas for improvement are:
(Scores ranging from 16%-29% – Never/Sometimes)
Residents | Families |
1. Daily care that meets residents’ needs. | 1. Laundry Services are good. |
2. Temperature in the home. | 2. Staff availability to family members. |
3. Concern/complaint process. | 3. Family updates on health of residents. |
4. Staff support for accessing other health care professionals. | 4. Physician explanations. |
5. Pleasurable mealtime. | 5. Odours in the home. |
Action plans that align with our Quality Improvement Plan will be developed in consultation with our Board, Staff, Residents and Family Councils.
Tuck Shop
This is a reminder that the Tuck Shop, operated by the Villa Colombo Toronto Auxiliary is open and has many great and convenient products for sale. All the proceeds directly benefit our residents and clients. We appreciate our volunteers who make this possible. Please visit the shop during your visit. If there are items you would like to see there, or have questions, please contact the VCTA at 416-789-2113, ext. 2260 or email them at vcla@villacolombo.on.ca.
Easter
VCT is excited to share our special department Easter events for the upcoming festivities. The Easter Preparation began with Ash Wednesday Mass on February 14, 2024, for all the residents. As we continue our journey, here are the upcoming events.
- San Giuseppe – March 19, 2024- Event in Sala with Traditional Zeppole – 1:30 p.m.
- Confession March 20, 2024 – 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- Palm Sunday Mass March 24, 2024 – 10:30 a.m.
- Holy Thursday Mass, March 28, 2024 – 3:00 p.m.
- Good Friday Celebration, March 29, 2024 – 3:00 p.m.
- Easter Sunday Mass, March 31, 2024 – 10:30 a.m.
During the season of Lent every Friday at 2:30 p.m., the way of the Stations of the Cross will be observed. Additionally, each unit will host a special Easter event. Details can be found on InTouchLink or on the Unit’s program calendars.
Thank you for your continued commitment to the safety of our residents, visitors and staff. We appreciate your diligence with wearing masks and self-screening before events. The Ministry of Long-Term Care (MLTC) has been working closely with the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health (OCMOH) to monitor and assess respiratory illness in the community and Long-Term Care Homes (LTCHs), including reassessing enhanced masking measures currently in place in LTCHs. Recent trends have shown continued decreases in community level transmission of COVID-19, flu and RSV, as well as decreases in outbreaks in LTCHs, with lower risk of severe illness and hospitalization amongst residents, and increased vaccination rates. While outbreaks can still be expected, we anticipate entering a lower risk period of respiratory illness than we have experienced over the past three months. Based on the recent trends and projections, and the advice of OCMOH, MLTC is ending the enhanced masking measures immediately. We will implement this effective at 7.00 am Tuesday March 5, 2024.
As required, masking in non-outbreak situations in LTCHs continues to be:
- Recommended for visitors and caregivers, but not required.
- Required for staff, based on a point-of-care risk assessment before every resident interaction, and based on the return-to-work protocols; staff may consider wearing a mask during prolonged direct resident care defined as one-on-one within two metres of an individual for fifteen minutes or longer; and
LTCHs continue to be required to follow all IPAC related requirements in the regulation and IPAC Standard and are encouraged to continue to strengthen foundational IPAC practices, employing multiple layers of protection, including:
- Continuing to build comprehensive IPAC programs as required by the IPAC Standard
- Encouraging residents, staff and caregivers to get vaccinated, as staying up to date with vaccines is the best way to prevent severe illness;
- Ensuring ready access to therapeutics and to pre-assess residents for eligibility for antivirals in advance;
- Self-monitoring for symptoms (i.e., passive screening) and staying home when sick;
- Ensuring that staff are trained to conduct a point-of-care risk assessment before each resident encounter and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
Our next Family Town Hall will be held on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. Please send your questions to info@villacolombo.on.ca by 12:00 p.m. on the same day. To access the Family Town Hall, please click here or dial +1 647 374 4685. The webinar ID is 844 3705 0747. Please enjoy your March break and Happy Easter!
Yours sincerely,
Lisa Alcia
Executive Director