Friday 23 December 2016

News Briefs from the December 2016 Blue Water Rest Home Board Meeting…

On November 22, 2016, the Board of Directors and Leadership Team participated in their annual Planning Retreat.  In the morning, topics for discussion ranged from Board Governance issues and job descriptions for Board members and committees, to studying the fiduciary relationship between the Board and the organization.  In the afternoon, the focus was on creating a new 2017 work plan for Blue Water Rest Home.  The four overall primary objectives for the year to come are focusing on A) Enhancing the “Resident Experience”, B) Volunteers and Public Relations, C) Human Resources Progress and Retention, and D) Service and Program integrations in the Huron Perth sub-region.  There are also four specific projects to be completed.

Blue Water Rest Home requires a Director-At-Large to come forward from the community and serve on the Board.  The successful candidate will be presented at the 52nd Annual General Meeting on March 1, 2017.  The terms for Board Directors are three years in duration, with an option to serve three terms (nine years in total).  Individuals with prior governance experience and an appropriate background (for example: finance, law, health care, quality management, labour relations, advocacy, government) are encouraged to apply.   Any interested people should contact the Board’s Nominations and Governance Committee: 
c/o Angie Dunn, CEO, Bluewater Rest Home
37792 Zurich-Hensall Road, Zurich, ON  N0M 2T0
519-236-4373; a.dunn@bluewaterresthome.com

Wednesday 16 November 2016

News Briefs from the November 2016 Blue Water Rest Home Board Meeting…

In late October and into the early part of this month, Blue Water Rest Home was in a “Rhinovirus” outbreak that restricted families and visitors in many areas of the Long-Term Care Home.  We are please to announce that we are now clear of the outbreak again, and Residents are able to receive families and visitors without the restrictions imposed.  Throughout the outbreak, we worked closely with the Huron County Public Health department to ensure we followed all necessary protocols.


A reminder that on Sunday, November 20th, the annual Blue Water Rest Home Family Dinner takes place.  For those attending, the Agenda is:
3:00 pm - 5:45 pm: Entertainment
3:45 pm: 1st Seating guests please gather in the Front Lobby
4:00 pm: 1st Dinner Seating
5:30 pm: 2nd Seating guests please gather in the Front Lobby
5:45 pm: 2nd Dinner Seating
7:00 pm: Angel Tree Service
For more information, please contact Janet Traquair, Administrative Assistant,
Tel. 519.236.4373 ext. 622, e-mail: bwrh.info@bluewaterresthome.com


The Fall 2016 issue of the West Huron Care Centre’s newsletter, “News & Views”, is now available.  Copies can be obtained at the Business Office of the Home, or by going on-line to: http://bwrh.ca/recent-newsletters.html

This is the last issue that will be published in print.  Future news and announcements from the West Huron Care Centre will be made via FaceBook or Twitter.

Friday 14 October 2016

News Briefs from the October 2016 Blue Water Rest Home Board Meeting…


 In September, Blue Water Rest Home was visited by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care as part of the annual Resident Quality Inspection (RQI).  This particular visit took the form of a “low risk” inspection, with only three Inspectors visiting for three days, since Blue Water is considered a low risk Home.  The inspection went very well, with far fewer issues to be addressed than last year.  In 2015, the inspection resulted in 11 recommendations with three written orders of non-compliance.  This year, there were only three recommendations with voluntary corrections.  The Inspectors commented that the Residents were happy and that the Home was in great shape. 


In late November, on the occasion of the annual Resident and Family Christmas Dinner, Blue Water Rest Home will be unveiling a plaque in our front lobby to recognize significant donations to the Home over the last few years.  The modern design is appropriate to acknowledge gifts to the Home of $500.00 or more, and is being designed and produced locally by Willow Lake Design of Bayfield.

Friday 16 September 2016

News Briefs from the September 2016 Blue Water Rest Home Board Meeting…

Blue Water Rest Home was visited by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care as part of the annual Resident Quality Inspection (RQI).  This particular visit took the form of a “minor” inspection, since Blue Water is considered a low risk Home.  The inspection went very well, with only small issues to be addressed – far fewer than last year.  The Inspectors were supportive, objective and complimentary; they observed and commented that the Residents were happy and that the Home was in great shape. 

As part of our Wellness programs, we have been successful in hiring a new footcare specialist.  Judy Noble will start on Monday, September 12, at the West Huron Care Centre.  For more information, or to make an appointment, please call 519-236-4373, ext. 631, or e-mail: p.groot@bluewaterresthome.com 

Blue Water Rest Home is hosting an Alzheimer Society of Huron County “Coffee Break”.  Please join us on September 20 at 2:30 p.m. to purchase a coffee or tea and once again support a great cause.

Sunday 14 August 2016

News Briefs from the August 2016 Blue Water Rest Home Board Meeting…

Blue Water Rest Home and the West Huron Care Centre are making news on the web and social media. The Home just launched a refreshed website at www.bwrh.ca which simplifies the presentation of information about the West Huron Care Centre and makes it easier to find all the services we now have available.  
As part of the brand extension of the Home on line, we are now on "Facebook" (@whccbwrh) and “Twitter” (@whccbwrh).  Follow the West Huron Care Centre/Blue Water Rest Home for the latest news and views.  This allows us to communicate with our audiences on a more timely basis.
Response from the community to our posts and images has been very favourable so far, and we look forward to developing our on-line presence further as a meaningful method of connecting to the people we serve. 


On September 11, 2016, from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m., we will be celebrating “Grandparents Day” at Blue Water Rest Home, as well as the Grand Opening of a new patio: “Glen and Donna’s Garden”, generously funded by Glen and Donna Thiel.  Also during the ceremonies, set to start at 3:00 p.m. we will be announcing the names of generous donors to the Home over the previous year.
Please RSVP to the Home at: 
Tel: 519-236-4373 ext. 622, or 
e-mail: bwrh.info@bluewaterresthome.com

Wednesday 13 July 2016

News Briefs from the July 2016 Blue Water Rest Home Board Meeting…

Our volunteers are critical for our success and a vital connection to our area.  We are always looking for more help to meet the expanding needs on the West Huron Care Centre campus, in Blue Water Rest Home Long-Term Care, and throughout the local area, assisting  with programs through Community Connections.
Our aim is to match your interests with our Residents and clients.  Our volunteers are involved in many activities, including Meals on Wheels delivery, Exercise Program Leaders, Good Food Box, C.H.A.P. (Cardiovascular Health Awareness Program),  Congregate Dining Host/Hostess, Horticulturist, Porter, Snack and Drink Cart, Special Events Assistant, Musicians and other Talent, Auxiliary Members, and Pet Therapy.
We invite you to share your special talents! If you have an interesting talent or hobby, you can make a connection to those we serve - people who would like to meet you. Volunteers are the cornerstone of our organization. Contact our Volunteer Co-ordinator at 519-236-4373, ext. 629, or a.masse@bluewaterresthome.com


As well as being on “Twitter”, the West Huron Care Centre/Blue Water Rest Home has taken its next step on social media and is now on “Facebook”.  Our address is the same for both - @whccbwrh - or you can search for “West Huron Care Centre” or “Blue Water Rest Home”.
Response from the community to our posts and images has been very favourable so far, and we look forward to developing our on-line presence further as a meaningful method of connecting to the people we serve.

Wednesday 15 June 2016

News Briefs from the June 2016 Blue Water Rest Home Board Meeting…

On May 17th, the Healthcare Inspiration Awards were held at Hessenland Country Inn. 68 people attended as 17 individuals and teams were honoured for their significant contributions in the healthcare sector, and one student was awarded a scholarship.  Blue Water Rest Home’s winners present at the ceremony included Sandra Desjardines, Brenda Sheppard, Katherine McEwen, Jill Geiger, Patty Groot, Shelly Miller and Lorri Behnish.  The event was organized by the Health Human Resources subcommittee of the Huron Perth Area Provider Table, and the committee’s members include Angie Dunn and Patty Groot.


Community Gardens at the West Huron Care Centre are in the final stages of being prepared.  The raised beds are installed at the north entrance to Birchwoods Apartments and outside Maplewoods Apartments.  The Gardens were constructed with a grant from the “New Horizons for Seniors” program from the federal government.  The Gardens at Birchwoods will be used for intergenerational programs by Seniors from the apartments and children from the West Huron Early Childhood Learning Centre as a way to demonstrate how well these groups interact.


Blue Water Rest Home is introducing courses in “Mental Health First Aid” for the region.  Nurse Clinician, Sherry Selves, has successfully completed the “Train the Trainer” curriculum and will be offering the MHFA Canada course in July, August, and September/October at the West Huron Care Centre.  The intent of the training is to allow individuals to recognize when someone is in potential mental health distress, de-escalate potential mental health crises and ensure that those in need are directed to resources to assist them through their short and long-term goals.  Brochures are being sent to healthcare and social service providers to inform them of the course dates and times.

Friday 13 May 2016

News Briefs from the May 2016 Blue Water Rest Home Board Meeting…


The issue of the water supply in Zurich was discussed at length.  Items such as the poor quality of the water (high fluoride and solids levels) and its impact on key capital items such as water heaters (replaced eight times in six years), a potential dishwasher failure (replacement cost $10,000), and the installation of a reverse osmosis conditioner (cost $40,000) and its maintenance all arose during the conversation around the Board table.  Coupled with that was a mention of the independent 25,000-gallon fire suppression water supply that had to be installed during redevelopment due to low municipal water pressure at an original (2008) cost of $200,000. 
75 of the Home’s dedicated Volunteers were recognized for all their contributions at the annual Volunteer banquet held at the Zurich Mennonite Church on April 13, 2016.  The Board and Staff acknowledged over 2640 Volunteer hours of service in 2015.  In addition, The Honourable Michael Chan, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and International Trade invited us to celebrate the 2016 Ontario Volunteer Service Awards on Thursday, April 28, 2016, in London.  The following local Volunteers were nominated from Blue Water Rest Home and each received a lapel pin and certificate in recognition of their commitment and dedication.

Carmel Sweeney - 40 years, Marlene Gingerich - 40 years, Cecilia Farwell - 30 years, Martha Risi - 30 years, Joan Regier - 15 years.  Congratulations to our Volunteers!

Friday 22 April 2016

News Briefs from the April 2016 Blue Water Rest Home Board Meeting…

The partnership between Blue Water Rest Home and Georgian College is offering a Personal Support Worker course starting in May at the West Huron Care Centre.  PSWs are in high demand in the healthcare sector!
For more information, or to register, contact Patty Groot at 519-236-4373 ext. 631 or p.groot@bluewaterresthome.com


The Home’s dedicated Volunteers were recognized for all their contributions at the annual Volunteer banquet held at the Zurich Mennonite Church on April 13, 2016.  On behalf of Blue Water Rest Home and Community Connections Outreach Services, the Board and Staff acknowledged over 2640 Volunteer hours of service in 2015!  As a result of this generosity, residents and community members enjoy a range of activities and programs.  Thank you Volunteers!