The Butterfly Approach is being adopted by the two long term care homes that are owned and operated by the County of Renfrew. The official launch of the Butterfly Approach took place at Bonnechere Manor on Monday and at Miramichi Lodge in Pembroke on Thursday. Director of Long Term Care in Renfrew County, Shelly Sheedy, says over the next year, the two long term care homes will start the transition from a medical to social model of dementia care. She says adopting the Butterfly Approach will increase the quality of life for all residents living in long-term-care, especially those with dementia.
The Minister of Long Term Care in Ontario, Dr. Merrilee Fullerton, attended the launch at Miramichi Lodge in Pembroke Thursday afternoon. She tells myFM she’s pleased to see this transition take place.
Health officials, hospital CEO’s and long-term care facility administrators attended from all across Renfrew County. Director of Long Term Care for the County of Renfrew, Shelly Sheedy, says the Butterfly Approach puts the residents lifestyle and independence at the center of care by adapting the environment. Some of the changes the facilities look to undertake include customizing the doors to all the resident’s rooms, personalizing living areas and prioritizing the quality of life for the most vulnerable.
Sheedy says while most residents who live in long term care homes have a diagnosis of dementia, they will be focusing on a unit at the Lodge that has 27 residents and one at the Manor that has 20 residents. She says they will be dividing the units in half at both locations and personalizing the walls with connections to the residents. Sheedy says it will take both long term care homes a year to be certified in the Butterfly Approach.
She adds a donation from Dr. Eng and Dr. Pan helped launch the new model of care and the long term care homes will continue to fundraise for the Butterfly Approach. Sheedy hopes this becomes the standard for long term care across Ontario.
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