Now more than ever, we are seeing how the small things we do, improve the lives of seniors. The COVID-19 pandemic has created social isolation, in some cases taken away a sense of purpose like volunteering for example. Overall it’s created vulnerable health situations for many of our seniors.
At Southlake we have done many things to help our seniors during COVID-19. This includes, but is not limited to: arranging virtual visits with families and friends, providing companionship for socially isolated patients, and assisting long term care homes by providing staff and leadership. We have reached out to care partners to do things differently. We’ve worked with Mackenzie Place, Bradford Valley and River Glen Haven to collaborate and help keep our seniors safe.
However, improving the life of seniors is not a new commitment at Southlake. As part of Southlake’s 2019-2023 Strategic Plan, one of our Strategic Goals is to Champion a culture of exemplary care and deliver clinical excellence. This includes being a leader in enhancing health outcomes with a focus on seniors.
Southlake’s Seniors Health Strategy Steering Committee was formed to improve the way care is organized and provided to our seniors. Three priority committee areas were identified:
- To increase awareness of the resources available in senior care that will improve efficiencies and coordination of service amongst providers at Southlake
- To share best practices in senior care to foster knowledge in staff and physicians
- To optimize patient outcomes by focusing on mobilization with an initiative called ‘Up For Meals’
We look forward to addressing these priorities in the coming months and years.
