To Mandate or Not to Mandate? COVID-19 Vaccinations in the Workplace (Recorded on March 9, 2021)
Long-term care employers are facing challenging decisions related to requiring employees to be immunized against COVID-19 as the vaccine campaign rolls out for priority populations. This short webinar will cover key considerations and best practices for implementing a vaccination mandate in your home from a legal perspective.
Medication Safety Webinar: Important New Resources and Protocols (Recorded on February 23, 2021)
The Gillese Inquiry set clear recommendations for important measures all long-term care homes should take to enhance medication safety. Learn about new resources under development by the non-profit Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) Canada that respond to those recommendations. Ensure your home stays “in the know” about leading protocols and helpful tools that can help you to evaluate, benchmark and improve your safety program.
HR Guidance for Staff Screening and Management (Recorded on February 16, 2021)
As homes bring in new staff to cope with the added demands of COVID-19, they must continue to stay on top of screening and management processes recommended in the Long-Term Care Homes Public Inquiry’s final report. Our labour and employment law expert will walk you through your home’s legal obligations and share current human resources best practices for effective ways to screen, hire, manage and discipline staff in the long-term care setting.
Resilience Recharge: Practices for Mental Wellness during the Second Wave (Recorded from January 26 - February 16, 2021)
PPE is there to protect your physical health, but your mental health needs care and attention too. Learn to cultivate inner calm and strength in the face of the current pandemic storm through this bite-sized webinar series. Each weekly 30-minute session will engage you in a different theme, inviting you to try out a variety of movement, breathing and mindfulness techniques that are simple but transformative. Become comfortable with practices to help you relax and calm your mind, stay positive, and treat yourself and others with kindness, even as you deal with current challenges.
New Ministry Guidance for Infection Prevention and Control (Recorded on February 11, 2021)
Ensure your home’s infection prevention and control (IPAC) program is on top of the most current provincial guidance through this overview of the Ministry of Long-Term Care’s newly released IPAC Program Guidance. This new guidance pulls together elements in the design and implementation of a home’s IPAC program.
In this session, you will:
- Review the main components of an IPAC program, including the IPAC lead, training, policy/procedures, surveillance, screening and immunizations.
- Understand current best practices in IPAC as supported by Public Health Ontario.
- Bring your questions and have them answered.
In the News and On the Table: Current Issues for Long-Term Care Governance (Recorded on January 26, 2021)
With a health system in transformation while it also faces perhaps its greatest test, it is a dynamic time to be on a not-for-profit or municipal long-term care home board. Hear how topics covered in the first two sessions apply to several current issues on the agendas of long-term care governing bodies across Ontario. Gain insight into the background of these issues, ways to approach them and what to expect in the future.
Frontline Advice for Preparing for Vaccine Rollout (Recorded on January 21, 2021)
The long-awaited vaccines against COVID-19 have arrived to long-term care homes in every part of the province. Ottawa’s Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre has been among the first to administer vaccines to its residents and staff. A senior executive from Perley Rideau will share the centre’s experience in this not-to-be-missed webinar. Find out what your home can do to prepare for the rollout, get strategies for encouraging high vaccine uptake among your staff, and ensure this critical tool for ending the pandemic has the very best chance for success.
Staying in Your Lane: Governance Versus Management (Recorded on January 19, 2021)
Governing bodies can find themselves in trouble and overwhelmed when they drift beyond their role. Set your board up for good governance practice by understanding the distinction between governance versus management and the structures/processes that can help everyone maintain well-defined spheres of useful and complementary activity.
Rapid Testing: Lessons Learned from Pilot Site Homes (Recorded on January 13, 2021)
Legal-Ease: The Legal and Regulatory Framework for Not-for-Profit and Municipal Long-Term Care (Recorded on January 12, 2021)
Upholding your fiduciary duties is a key responsibility of a director. But what are they? While some duties are common to all boards, the not-for-profit boards in long-term care sectors are governed by legislation specific to them. This first session will introduce you to the legal and regulatory framework you need to know and explain how it applies to your work.
Staying Vigilant, Being Prepared: How to be Ready for an Outbreak (Recorded on January 7, 2021)
Homes continue to support one another through the pandemic’s second wave by sharing the lessons they have learned from their experiences with outbreak management. Margaret Lambert, Administrator of Upper Canada Lodge in Niagara-on-the-Lake will talk about the practices her home implemented in advance to be as prepared as possible should the home go into an outbreak. The better prepared you are will impact how smoothly the outbreak management will go, help save time, and may increase staff confidence in feeling that they are prepared for the worse case scenario (while optimistically hoping that the preparations will not be needed).
Cohorting: How to Achieve Compliance during an Outbreak (Recorded on December 17, 2020)
The cohorting of residents and staff to stem a COVID-19 outbreak has received close attention from public health units and the Ministry of Long-Term Care. The practice, however, requires flexibility, creativity and vigilance to be successful. The County of Simcoe faced a serious challenge with cohorting initially, due to staffing issues, and was cited with a Ministry order. Hear directly from County representatives as they share their journey to compliance, including their use of frequent and different levels of audits as well as escalation processes to ensure cohorting requirements were met and maintained.
Special Webinar: Vaccines in LTC (Recorded on December 14, 2020)
Frontline Lessons from a COVID-19 Outbreak (Recorded on December 14, 2020)
Homes continue to learn from one another as we move through the pandemic’s second wave. Greenwood Court – Tri-County Mennonite Homes in Stratford went through the difficult experience of a COVID-19 outbreak in late March resulting in 16 infections – 10 staff and six residents, four of whom died. When the outbreak was declared over in early May, the local medical officer of health commended the staff’s diligent work to contain the infection. Members from Greenwood will generously share their story, what they learned about Infection Prevention and Control, communication through a crisis, isolation processes and how to stay on top of fast-moving health system guidance.
COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream (Recorded on November 26, 2020)
In response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Infrastructure Canada is expanding their Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) to include a COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream. The expanded program gives Ontario LTC homes access to this funding stream.
On November 23, applications opened for Ontario LTC homes to access the $100 million in federal and provincial funding available to the Long-Term Care sector. In this webinar, you will: Get an overview of what is eligible for funding, How to apply and The steps to get you there.
LTC Leaders: Techniques for Encouraging Mindfulness in your Team (Recorded on October 29, November 12 & 26)
The mental health and well-being of your team is a priority as long-term care homes rise to meet the challenge of COVID-19’s second wave. Building on the success of our popular mindfulness webinars, this separate series will show long-term care leaders how to model, share and integrate mindfulness techniques into their regular staff interactions, such as morning meetings or rounds. Trish Tutton, our mindfulness coach and facilitator for both series, will provide tips and tools for incorporating these practices to help team members manage their anxiety, reduce negativity and stay compassionate towards themselves and those around them during a demanding time.
Take Care of Yourself: Mindfulness Techniques to Face the Pandemic Challenge (Recorded from September 10 - November 26)
You are no doubt feeling burnt out and wondering how to refill your tank, especially with the looming possibility of future waves of COVID-19. Now more than ever, you must make time to take care of yourself so that you are at your best for your residents. That’s why we’ve launched our first-ever series of mindfulness sessions. Your mental health and well-being is critical to us and we have engaged Trish Tutton, an experienced facilitator, speaker and coach on mindfulness and well-being to lead this series.
Each week, Trish will cover a different topic, guiding you through simple techniques for managing anxiety, combating negativity, improving resilience, and remaining compassionate towards yourself and others.
We have chunked them out into manageable, half-hour segments over the course of 12 weeks. You can join in on each live session or tune into the recordings at a time that works best for you.
OHT Decision Making in COVID and Beyond: Strengthening the LTC Voice (September 22)
COVID-19 has required a system-wide response to the various unique challenges that have been faced in LTC. The Ministry has restarted Ontario Health Team (OHT) implementation with a new emphasis on COVID system capacity and care planning. Establishing a collaborative decision-making arrangement is a fundamental step for all OHTs as they resume their development and seek eligibility for implementation funding. How can you ensure your home is heard in that work and that your needs will be met? This webinar will walk you through the requirements set out in recent Ministry guidance, give you an overview of different OHT decision-making models, and outline what to consider as the OHT selects a financial custodian. Leave with a set of valuable tips for strengthening the LTC voice in OHT decision-making and financial accountability.
The Meaning of Clean during COVID-19: Environmental Hygiene in LTC (Recorded on September 3, 2020)
Maintaining a hygienic environment has always been a priority in long-term care. But it’s become a critical tool in the all-out effort to prevent and contain COVID-19 outbreaks in our homes. Mark Heller, Director of Aramark Canada’s COVID-19 Response Team for Environmental Hygiene Excellence, will review current industry guidelines and how to apply best practices in environmental hygiene, specifically in LTC. He will share insights on what has been learned so far about cleaning and disinfection during the COVID-19 experience and will discuss what this may mean for cleaning operations going into the fall and a potential “second wave.”
Designing the Long-Term Care Home for COVID and Beyond (Recorded on August 31, 2020)
We’ve seen through the pandemic how a long-term care home’s design can acutely influence its ability to prevent and respond to infection outbreaks. But design also affects many other important elements of LTC living. Whether you’re building new, redeveloping, or thinking about adaptations to your existing building, this webinar will equip you with essential knowledge and fresh ideas to consider as you plan. We’ll have a detailed discussion of current design standards and recent changes, what they could mean for your home, and the less understood role of mechanical engineering. Learn about the influence of design on infection control and alternative design approaches that also address other aspects of resident well-being, such as smaller clustered settings. Examples of the impact of design during the pandemic’s spring surge will be reviewed and the implications of provincial funding announcements will be discussed.
How To Use Social Media for Crisis Communications (Recorded on August 27, 2020)
Who is responsible for social media in your organization? Is it a priority? If not, it should be. This short, practical webinar will explain why your home needs to be on social media and how you can get started today, even with limited time and resources.
In times of crisis, like the current COVID-19 pandemic, social media is an essential item in your communication toolbox and a powerful crisis communications tool. Social media platforms can help you keep families up-to-date, answer questions, and proactively share positive stories. We’ll review the various platforms, the basic components of a social media page and explain how to set up a simple posting schedule and page maintenance routine. We’ll touch on best practices and you’ll leave with tips for growing your follower count and a list of ideas about what to post on your page.
This session is designed for both new and experienced social media users, and will be valuable for LTC leaders, managers and staff alike. Be sure to invite those in your organization who are or may one day be responsible for managing your home’s social media presence.
COVID-19 Preparedness Assessment Framework – Special Webinar (Recorded on August 21, 2020)
To assist LTC homes in completing LTC COVID-19 Preparedness Assessment Framework, DDO Health Law (Mary Jane Dykeman), Lynette Katsivo & Sarah Le Monnier will be providing some tools and resources that cover ‘things to consider’ and ‘things not to forget’ when completing this document by August 31, 2020.
Delivering Sensitive and Compassionate Care through COVID-19 (Recorded on August 20, 2020)
The presence of COVID-19 has stretched and challenged our ability to deliver relationally warm and supportive care. Yet we know how important it is to residents’ mental health and sense of belonging.
This webinar will give you and your team’s caregivers fresh insights and creative strategies for relational and socially supportive approaches to care within your home’s COVID-19 bubble. We’ll review and deepen your understanding of the psychosocial needs of long-term care residents, how the concept of well-being has been reframed by COVID-19, and share frontline stories of how this session’s ideas are being successfully put into practice for seniors in diverse homes in Ontario.
Feeling Connected, Staying Safe: Supporting Resident Well-Being (Recorded on July 30, 2020)
The “new normal” caused by COVID-19 protocols means residents have limited opportunities to engage in the daily interactions that used to be typical and structuring aspects of their day. Learn how to help them overcome feelings of isolation and loss of pleasure from the activities of daily life in this resource-rich session. You’ll hear from specialists and advocates about the many creative approaches available to provide more stimulating dining and leisure experiences and put residents more in the centre of the communication loop. Leave inspired by LTC colleagues’ real-life stories of success in the midst of outbreaks, even in homes coping with cramped quarters and aging buildings. We’ve got a great speaker line-up, so don’t miss it!
Bringing Healthcare Safely into Your Home through VirtualCare (Recorded on July 23, 2020)
As we move into a “new normal” and prepare for a possible second wave of COVID-19, homes must be very careful in their approach to outside visitors including health care providers. Learn all about VirtualCare, an online telemedicine platform funded for use in Ontario long-term care homes by Ontario Health to support COVID-19 response and prevention/containment measures. This secure platform allows residents to access support from their existing healthcare providers, from primary care to physiotherapy, while limiting person-to-person contact, using virtual visits.
Find out how you can implement VirtualCare in your home and the ongoing role it could play once the pandemic is behind us. Hear how homes have adopted this platform in creative ways, keeping residents and their providers safe while continuing to deliver quality resident care.
In This Together: Working with Families to Support Resident Well-Being (Recorded on July 20, 2020)
Family play a valued, supportive role in resident care. Yet the COVID-19 pandemic has imposed new stresses and demands on the relationships that so many homes have worked to build with residents’ families. Families have become anxious about how they can stay involved with their loved ones. In this webinar, you will discover helpful resources and learn creative, sustainable ways to continue to collaborate with family caregivers, even under COVID-19 restrictions. Family advocates and long-term care innovation researchers will share simple approaches to maintaining good family communication as well as success stories in the midst of outbreaks, carrying promise for us all.
COVID-19 Crisis Communications – Be Prepared! (Recorded on June 4, 2020)
There has never been more urgency to have your crisis communications tools and strategies at the ready. Don’t get caught unprepared. There are so many layers to how COVID-19 is playing out that you never know when you will need manage a communications crisis. And you need your staff and board to know that you are prepared to handle what comes. This session will review what you need to have in place at a minimum and what else to add so that you have what you need when you need it.
Safely Together: Physical Distancing Best Practices (Recorded on June 2, 2020)
We know how important social connections are for our residents, but how can we help them maintain contact with family and friends while keeping them and our homes safe from COVID-19? Learn from the best practices of three different organizations serving seniors and other vulnerable adults in care settings: St. Joseph’s Health Centre Guelph and Elder Care; St. Joseph’s Continuing Care Centre (Cornwall); and Seasons Care Inc. Dietitian Network. Discover how they are facilitating safe outdoor visits, using technology innovatively to promote connections between residents and with loved ones, and helping homes to manage dining operations whether they are facing an outbreak or not.
Keep it Out: COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control (Recorded on May 28, 2020)
Learn from two different perspectives about the detailed requirements for a sound approach to infection prevention and control, with special attention to COVID-19. Infection control experts will speak on the theory behind infection prevention and control in public health, as well as how to put that into practice to keep residents safe and COVID-19 out of your home. You’ll hear from Madeline Ashcroft of Public Health Ontario and Jane Sinclair, General Manager for Health and Emergency Services in Simcoe County.
COVID-19: Understanding the Implications for HR and Labour Relations (Recorded on May 26, 2020)
As Ontario works towards flattening the COVID-19 curve and reopening, long-term care homes continue to experience the most significant changes and serious impacts of this crisis. This is especially the case when it comes to managing the staffing and human resources concerns which have accompanied the pandemic. Join this webinar to discuss many of the most pressing issues including employee rights and protections, pandemic pay, employee testing, workplace health and safety, personal protective equipment, and more. A toolkit will also be shared for assessing and supporting absent healthcare workers’ return to work.
Vigilant and Ready: Outbreak Management during COVID-19 (Recorded on May 21, 2020)
Long-term care homes have become the epicentre of COVID-19. In the absence of a vaccine, it is critical to have robust plans in place to prevent further outbreaks and mitigate their spread, should they occur. We’re in this together – the best way to learn is from the experiences of colleagues. In this webinar, members from York Region, Yee Hong Centre, and Hillsdale Terrace – one of the first homes to handle an outbreak and clear it – will each share how they’ve contained COVID-19 and worked to keep it out of their homes. You’ll hear specifics on creating preparedness plans, steps for containing an outbreak among residents, among staff, and get insight into the infection prevention and control measures other homes are using.
Providing Compassionate and Appropriate Palliative Care During COVID-19 (Recorded on May 19, 2020)
Addressing palliative care needs, and providing compassionate and appropriate care at the end of life is essential, especially in the context of COVID-19. Representatives from the Ontario Palliative Care Network (OPCN) will walk you through tools and resources to guide and support long-term care homes in the provision of palliative and end-of-life care for residents. Clinicians with experience working in long-term care homes will share practical approaches for addressing palliative care needs in the context of COVID-19, and will help to answer your questions.
Handling Media Requests During COVID-19 (Recorded on May 14, 2020)
Ontario’s long-term care sector has been a media focus during COVID-19, creating an imperative for homes to respond while simultaneously meeting unprecedented operational demands. Media training coach Warren Weeks is here to help. He will discuss LTC-specific best practices for handling reporters’ requests, how to quickly craft key messages, and successfully navigate a media interview under stressful circumstances. Warren will also share clips of media coverage and approaches used by different homes across the country to understand how these lessons apply in a practical setting in the midst of the ongoing crisis.