WELLINGTON COUNTY – Wellington Terrace Long-Term Care Home was honoured with the Supporting Seniors Award at the AdvantAge Ontario annual convention in Toronto on April 21.
The facility was recognized for its Wellington Wishes program.
The award recognizes a program or technique in the provision of care or services for seniors that demonstrates:
– innovation;
– inspiring positive change;
– positive outcomes;
– replicability; and
– identifiable benefits
The Wellington Wishes program was created by the life enrichment staff at the Terrace, a long-term care home operated by the County of Wellington.
As budget and capacity allow, staff plan special events to grant residents’ wishes, with inspiration from friends, family, or the residents themselves.
The goal is a team approach in which residents, all interdisciplinary team members, family, community, and volunteers can bring ideas forward that honour a resident’s goals and interests during their stay at Wellington Terrace and/or as they near the end of their life, states a press release announcing the award.
Since the program began in 2022, there have been 11 wishes granted; 14 are currently being planned for 2023.
“A huge part of this program is empowering residents living at the Terrace, who will spend the last years, weeks, and moments of their lives with us,” said Terrace life enrichment manager Tiffany Wurdell.
“Through Wellington Wishes, we give residents the opportunity to pick an adventure or activity that helps them to feel fulfilled, find joy, and know that their personal interests and wants matter to their caregivers.”
“I’m proud of the work being done at the Terrace to support not only the medical health care needs of residents, but also their social, emotional, physical, spiritual and intellectual needs,” said Warden Andy Lennox. “The benefits of this program are substantial.”
To learn more about Wellington Wishes and read about past wishes, visit www.wellington.ca/wishes.
