b'QUALITY & INNOVATION AWARDS 2019activities for its residents. TheseSouthamptons Indigenous initiativeLooking forward, Southampton included nature walks, art programs,has also informed its day-to-dayplans to maintain its momentum by building an Indigenous healingoperations. In addition to usingproviding the same cultural awareness garden, and cultural celebrations.Ojibwe greetings on the floor andtraining to new staff and holding Staff endeavoured to incorporatediscussing Indigenous history duringregular staff workshops to keep the important Indigenous teachings andhome announcements, the hometeachings alive. The homes Resident philosophies within each activity, suchhas incorporated meal optionsand Family Services Coordinator also as the Medicine Wheel, Tree of Life,based on traditional recipes. Notably,attends Indigenous-focused events to seek new opportunities for the home, Grandfather Teachings, and 13 Moons. Southampton has also created theand team members continue to work Pathway to Reconciliation, a spacewith Indigenous residents, local elders, Reflecting on the lessons thewithin the home designed to shareand community groups to enhanceteam learned when creating theseIndigenous culture and history its approach.programs, Activity Director Brendawith all residents, families, andMisch says, When providing activityteam members. This innovation will not come to programs, we learned very quicklyfruition overnight, says Ohm. We that it is important not to makeThe results of the initiative have beencontinue to focus on implementing assumptions about certain residentsrewarding to date. Southampton hasan organizational behavioural change or traditions of different cultures,experienced an improvement amongthat ensures the equal treatment of and not to preset something withoutits Francophone and Indigenousresidents and staff regardless of their checking factors, otherwise the eventresidents Social Engagement Scores,cultural, spiritual, ethnic oror activity may offend the very culturea decrease in the Depression Ratingsexual orientation. you are trying to celebrate.Scale, and a reduction in negativeUltimately, she adds: Were behaviours among its Indigenouscommitted to making an outstanding Every culture, religion, and family hasresidents. Moreover, Southamptondifference in the lives of others its own uniqueness, she continues, documented a 94.4% Resident Socialthrough our commitment to It is important not to paint with aHarmony Score in 2018, representinginclusivity, accessibility, and equality broad stroke. an increase from 90.2% the year prior.for all.LTCT1-888-940-0751info@indusflow.comwww.indusflow.com20 LONG TERM CARE TODAY Spring/Summer 2020'