FALL FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN
This fall, we have launched a fundraising campaign to raise funds for several resident focused items shown on the attached pages – Broda Chairs, Heated/Refrigerated Meal Carts and a Soft Ice Cream Machine. We are pleased to note that The Kiwanis Club of St. Andrews has already committed funds for the soft ice cream machine.

Donations may be made online through our website: https://passamaquoddylodge.ca/donate
By e-transfer to foundation@passamaquoddylodge.ca OR in person at the Lodge.

We appreciate your support !

VACCINATION CLINICS
We have completed our Fall/Winter flu, COVID and RSV vaccination clinics for our residents. If families have any questions please reach out to Megan.

PASSAMAQUODDY VISITS PROGRAM
Please see details below.

ACTIVITY DEPARTMENT
REQUEST FOR RECIPES
Please send in your loved one’s favourite recipe. Our cooks will be adding the recipes to their menu in the new year.

CHRISTMAS MARKET : is being held on December 11th for our residents to shop for their loved ones. And we are accepting donations until Dec. 7th.

UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER DAY !!!! This is a wonderful opportunity for all the staff to show off the Christmas spirit and spread J-O-Y to our residents for December 18th. If possible we would please ask family members to bring in a sweater/shirt for their loved ones. We will also be having our Christmas Parade for the residents. We want to make this our best Christmas yet !! Thanking everyone in advance ! Cheers !!

PLEASE DO NOT BRING IN ANY TYPE OF MEDICATIONS
Please do not bring in any medications of any kind, over the counter items or otherwise. IF you need to, be sure and give any item to the Charge Nurse with an explanation. The Charge Nurse will have the medication ordered so the resident can use it if it’s warranted. We continue to find some residents with items they should not have at their bedsides as per our Nursing Home Standards. Thank you for your continued support.

RECYCLING INITIATIVE
Recycling bins have been placed in the Kitchenette, A & C Dirty Utility Rooms, as well as the A Wing and C Wing Nurses Stations. It would be very much appreciated if all refundable recyclables could be placed in one of these locations. Proceeds are going to the Resident Council Committee. Thank you!

DENTAL COVERAGE CARDS
All families who have dental coverage or the New Canadian Dental Seniors Plan Card for their resident – please bring in a copy for our files. The dental hygienist is able to direct bill for services offered at the Lodge.

VISITATION
We encourage you to stay up to date on vaccinations, stay home if you are sick, practice good respiratory etiquette, and sanitize your hands prior to entering the facility and frequently as needed.  Masks will continue to be readily available for those who prefer to continue to use a mask, or initiation of additional precautions if required. .

ALLERGY ALERT
Please do not bring in any items with nuts, peanut butter or latex (balloons) due to Allergies. Thank you! Also, please remember we are a fragrance free building.

RESIDENTS CLOSETS etc.
Space is limited so unfortunately there is not room for all the belongings for all seasons. Please check the closet and dresser for excess items –and take them home. Thank you!

RESPECTFUL CONDUCT and COMMUNICATION
We want to encourage open communication with families, but we do ask that you keep your comments respectful to all of our staff. If you have a concern please remember to speak to a manager or Charge Nurse. They will gather all necessary information. As your residents’ representative, we request that you advise other family members visiting that respectfulness is necessary. It is always best to gather your thoughts to ensure communication is calm, thorough and respectful. Thank you for keeping this in mind.

GENIE PROJECT
The Genie is an easy-to-use messaging platform designed for older adults to use independently, to connect with family and friends. Please see Nathalie or Mariah for instructions on how to assist your resident with the Genie messaging platform located in the front living room. Nathalie’s email address is activitymanager@passamaquoddylodge.ca

We have included the December Activity Calendar. December’s activities are being organized by our Activity staff. The schedule of activities may change with regards to visitors/volunteers and restrictions.

 

Passamaquoddy Visits program offers practical tips and resources to enhance the visiting experience. Here are some suggestions for families to consider.

Engaging in the long-term care community:

• • Participate in community programs and activities together.
  • Share meals. You can order a meal from the kitchen.
  • Foster new relationships by introducing yourself to other residents.
  • Use Guest WiFi or the Genie Project to share family photos or meet virtually with distant family members and friends.

Experiences to cultivate happiness:

• • Bring personal items from home, such as photo albums or memory boxes, to spark conversation.
  • Enjoy quiet moments of connection without specific activities – listen to music, hold hands and be present.
  • Use sensory resources like sound amplifiers and magnifying glasses to enhance communication.
  • Explore the living room and activity room which include puzzles, games, books and other activities to enrich your visit.

Strategies for challenging visits:

• • Opt for shorter, more frequent visits to improve engagement.
  • Be mindful of your loved one’s best time of day for visits.
  • Establish consistent routines and minimize distractions.
  • Communicate through senses like sight or touch if verbal communication is challenging.
  • Stay positive and flexible, even if visits don’t go as planned.
  • Seek personalized strategies from team members to enhance your visit.

Supporting the final days:
The final stage of life comes with a range of emotions, and families often seek guidance on how to provide comfort and support. Here are some ideas:

• • Read favourite books, play soothing music, and provide favourite foods (if possible).
  • Offer physical comfort through touch, such as hand-holding or gentle massages.
  • Spiritual leader visits can offer valuable therapeutic support.

Playing your loved one’s favourite music can be particularly meaningful, as hearing is often the last sense we hold on to.