b'HEALTH HUMAN RESOURCESConnecting with post-secondary programs Teachers will then identify students with an interest related Post-secondary applied programs often have a built- to the roles you have available. You may set up interviews in placement requirement or option. For example, into determine whether students are a good fit. The guide engaging with culinary, nutrition and dietetic programs,provides a checklist of topics and types of questions that we found they already had established relationships withmay be covered in an interview.health care organizations, including long-term care homes. The faculty work closely with nutrition managers orSample student role descriptions are provided on our directors of hospitality in these homes to develop studentwebsite. These roles may be adapted then shared with placements that meet all the program competencies.teachers to identify students that may be a good fit. To access these descriptions, visit the CLRI website and do a The residents loved it, thesearch for Sample Student Role Descriptions.Orientation and communication are key kids got a great knowledge ofIt is critical to provide students with a comprehensive orientation to working in a long-term care home. The how a home really works, andOntario CLRI provides an orientation package templateand a number of training videos and resources for it was incredibly successful!students, to use in your orientation. To access these resources, visit the CLRI website and do a search for The highlight for me was whenStudent Orientation Package and Training for Secondary one of the students came toSchool Students. Ensure you include resources about emotional and mental me and said I never thoughthealth. A placement in a long-term care home has the potential to be emotionally challenging for students.about working with seniorsWe list some mental health resources to support your before, but now I want to workteams on the CLRI website at clri-ltc.ca/mental health. Other tips for success:with seniors, said one long- Communicate regularly with the student, the placementterm care home resident. supervisor, and team members. Open communication is essential and can mitigate challenges.Plan regular meetings, let the student know your door is There is often a placement office or an experientialalways open, and ensure other team members are also learning co-ordinator in each academic department. Someavailable to support the student as needed. colleges and universities host information sessions and resources for employers on their websites.Ensure residents and families are made aware of the roleand responsibilities of the student. Connecting with these offices and programs is a first step toward developing a post-secondary co-op placement.Begin your experiential learning journey today and let us Once youve made a connection, you can work throughknow how it went. We are collecting feedback on the the process together to ensure an optimal experience.Experiential Learning Toolkit via an online survey and would love to hear about your experience.LTCTA post-secondary student placement can lead to a more permanent role in your long-term care home. This is aThe Ontario CLRI is a resource for the sector by providing huge benefit, as youve now trained a new team membereducation and sharing research and innovations to enhance who already has experience working in your long-termthe health and well-being of people who live and work in care home.long-term care. This work is supported in part with funding from the Government of Ontario. The views expressed Connecting with secondary schoolsherein do not necessarily reflect the views of the Province.Secondary schools also offer co-op placements. While these students do not have health care training, a co-opShilpi Majumder is a Project Manager with placement in a long-term care home can open up a wholethe Ontario CLRI at the Schlegel UW Research new world to them. Institute for Aging where she is leading a number To connect with a school in your locality, check the list ofof projects to improve care in long-term care school boards, locate the board in your region, and findhomes across the province. Previously, she held schools close to your long-term care home. Once youvevarious advocacy, health policy, and knowledge identified some schools, connect with a co-op teacher ortranslation roles, leveraging evidence toguidance counsellor in the school. Discuss your respectiveinfluence change. goals, expectations and requirements.www.oltca.com LONG TERM CARE TODAY 49'