Resource Audience Type: Social Workers

Think Tank on Moral Distress in Long-Term Care

Posted on October 17, 2023 by -

About the Think Tank | Agenda and Presentation Slides | Graphic Recording | Think Tank Report

About the Think Tank

The Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA) hosted a Think Tank on Moral Distress in Long-Term Care, in Waterloo, Ontario, on September 29, 2023. Participants included researchers, policy makers, care providers, and knowledge mobilization practitioners.

The goals of the Think Tank were to:

  • share and learn about current Canadian perspectives on moral distress and moral injury,
  • understand how this knowledge can be applied to the long-term care sector, and
  • explore opportunities for future research, clinical practice, and collaborative knowledge mobilization.
Group photo of Think Tank participants in front of the Research Institute for Aging

Think Tank on Moral Distress in LTC participants (photo: Jasmin Gow)

Call for Expressions of Interest

Posted on August 15, 2023 by -

Workplace Mental Health in LTC:
Training and Support Program for Implementation Teams

Deadline to submit expressions of interest: Friday, September 29, 2023

Program dates: October 2, 2023 to March 26, 2024 (see program schedule below)

Information webinar: September 15, 12:00 noon-1:00 pm (presentation slides)

Jump to…

Accelerate Your Workplace Mental Health Strategy | Eligibility | Team Application |
Requirements | Program Schedule | How to Submit | For More Information

Accelerate Your Workplace Mental Health Strategy

The Ontario Centre for Learning, Research and Innovation in Long-Term Care (CLRI) at the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA) invites leaders in long-term care to take your workplace mental health strategy to the next level.

Learn how to build an organizational culture that promotes and protects the mental health of all team members, and improves workforce productivity, recruitment and retention. Our goal is to foster a happier, healthier, more resilient workforce who will ultimately be more capable of providing quality care for residents.

The Workplace Mental Health in LTC program provides free training and coaching support to help Ontario LTC homes develop an implementation plan to adopt the National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace (CSA Group, 2013). The National Standard is sponsored by the Mental Health Commission of Canada and provides a systematic framework for leaders in LTC to create and sustain organizational policies, processes and programs that enhance employee mental health and prevent psychological harm.

The Workplace Mental Health in LTC program will help participants:

  • Learn about workplace mental health
  • Understand the benefits of adopting the National Standard
  • Assess organizational strengths and opportunities for improvement
  • Engage team members to identify solutions
  • Develop an action plan that meets identified needs while reflecting current resources and realities, and
  • Create an evaluation framework to measure your progress.

Eligibility

The Ontario CLRI’s Workplace Mental Health in LTC program is open to any provincially recognized LTC home or LTC management organization in Ontario.

NOTE: Only one application should be submitted per LTC home or LTC management organization. Separate applications will be accepted from both an LTC home and its management organization, and/or separate LTC homes within the same organization.

Team Application

Who Will Participate in the Program?

Workplace Mental Health in LTC provides training and coaching support for your implementation team (up to three participants from each organization, including the lead applicant). Implementation teams will be responsible for learning about the National Standard, conducting an organizational assessment, engaging others in the planning process, and developing an action plan for your LTC home. Training workshops and coaching sessions will be open to all implementation team members (see the program schedule below).

In addition, some workshops may be offered to your management team and members of your Joint Health and Safety Committee. Free mental health education programs will also be available for all staff members.

Who Should Submit the Application?

The Expression of Interest Application Form should be completed by the individual who will be your organization’s lead participant in the program. The lead participant will be a member of your implementation team and the primary point of contact for your organization.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to enroll up to two additional implementation team members to participate in core training and coaching activities. Names and contact information for all three implementation team members will be requested on the application form.

Applications will be accepted from anyone in a leadership role related to, or responsible for, planning and supporting the health and safety of team members in Ontario LTC homes, including (but not limited to) executive directors, administrators, human resource managers, educators, directors of care, nurse managers, or health and safety professionals. A leader can be a decision-maker (a person who has power to make changes) or an influencer (someone who is well-connected and good at communication).

Requirements

Letter of Support

To participate in this program, you must have support from senior leadership in your organization. Successful applicants will be required to submit a letter of support signed by your supervisor, executive director, or administrator. The letter should outline your organization’s commitment to promoting workplace mental health and express support for your implementation team’s participation in the program.

The letter of support must be submitted by October 6, 2023 to Katrina Street at katrina.street@the-ria.ca.

Ontario CLRI eLearning Hub User Account

User accounts on the Ontario CLRI eLearning Hub will be created for each member of your implementation team, in order to access program resources. Participants will receive an email notification with login details.

Technical Requirements

To ensure a high-quality learning experience, you will need the following to participate:

  • Desktop or laptop computer with a camera, microphone and speaker
  • Access to a phone to ensure the audio experience is consistent
  • Access to high-speed Internet, and
  • A quiet and private space for the learning sessions.
Active Participation

Implementation team members are required to actively participate in all elements of the program:

  • Attend the orientation session
  • Complete all training courses
  • Participate in group coaching check-ins
  • Engage other leaders and team members in your LTC home to participate in program activities
  • Complete workplan assignments, and
  • Participate in program evaluation activities, including feedback surveys, an organizational readiness assessment, and a final interview.

Program Schedule

Program dates: October 2, 2023 to March 26, 2024

All training courses will be offered on multiples dates, allowing participants to choose the date/time that best fits their schedule. All dates are subject to change.

Courses and Group Check-In Sessions

  • Implementation Team Orientation Session (1 hour)
  • Being a Mindful Employee (1.5 hours)
  • WeCARE: How to Help Someone Who Is Struggling and Create a Caring Workplace Culture (40 minutes)
  • The Working Mind LTC for Managers (7 hours) (via the PSW Education Fund)
  • Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace: Creating a Foundation for Success (6 hours)
  • Group Check-In Session #1: Introduction to the National PHS Standard (2 hours)
  • Group Check-In Session #2: Identifying Occupational Hazards in LTC (2 hours)
  • R2 for Leaders: Building Resilient Organizations (8 hours)
  • Group Check-In Session #3: Psychosocial Factors and Workplace Surveys (2 hours)
  • On the Agenda for Facilitators (2 hours)
  • Role of the Joint Health and Safety Committee in a Psychological Health and Safety Program (2 hours)
  • Group Check-In Session #4: Evaluating Your PHS Program (2 hours)
  • Readiness Survey and Follow-Up Interview (1 hour)
  • Final Group Presentations (2 hours)

All scheduled training courses and check-in sessions will be delivered virtually, via Zoom.

Total estimated time commitment (for implementation teams): 40 hours of scheduled courses and coaching sessions, plus reading and workplan activities. The time commitment for other managers and staff in your LTC home will vary, depending on their level of participation.

How to Submit an Expression of Interest

Please read the Call for Expressions of Interest carefully, including the Eligibility, Team Application, Requirements, and Program Schedule sections above.

The Expression of Interest Application Form should be completed by the individual who will be your organization’s lead participant in the Workplace Mental Health in LTC program. The lead participant will be a member of your implementation team and the primary point of contact for your organization. Download a Sample Application Form.

Application deadline: September 29, 2023

ATTENTION:

  • Space is limited. Applicants will be notified about their acceptance into the program as applications are received.
  • Please submit only one application per LTC home.

Apply Now

For More Information

Join our Information Webinar: September 15, 12:00 noon-1:00 pm (registration required).

To learn more about the Workplace Mental Health in LTC program, or find resources to support implementation of the National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace, visit Workplace Mental Health in LTC.

Questions or Comments?

For questions about the Call for Expressions of Interest or more information about the Workplace Mental Health in LTC program, contact:

Scott Mitchell
Knowledge Broker
Ontario CLRI
416-553-7382
scott.mitchell@the-ria.ca

About the Ontario CLRI

The Ontario CLRI is a capacity-building program funded in part by the Ministry of Long-Term Care. The program is hosted across three sites: Baycrest Health Sciences in Toronto, Bruyère in Ottawa, and the RIA in Waterloo. Together, we act as a resource to enhance the health and well-being of everyone who lives and works in long-term care (LTC). We do this by providing education and training, sharing research and innovations, and developing resources for LTC homes. We work collaboratively with the LTC sector to find solutions for priority issues.

Respecting and Promoting Residents Rights in Long-Term Care eLearning Course

Posted on July 27, 2023 by -

The Orientation eLearning Series, developed by the Ontario CLRI at the RIA, provides education for new LTC team members during their orientation, and for existing team members during their annual training. These scenario-based and interactive eLearning courses ensure that learners have the knowledge and skills needed to assist the people they support and are in line with MoLTC guidelines. They were developed using evidence-based best practices and adult education principles, in collaboration with subject matter experts and LTC leaders.

 

Everyone working, volunteering, or visiting long-term care homes plays a significant role in ensuring residents feel at home, are treated with kindness and respect, and receive the necessary support and services for their health and well-being. In the Respecting and Promoting Residents Rights in Long-Term Care course, learners will immerse themselves in an interactive care setting that incorporates real-life situations shared by residents living in long-term care across Ontario.

 

This interactive eLearning course aligns with the Fixing Long-Term Care Act, and can support new and existing LTC team members with knowledge and skills related to resident rights. This course is available at no cost!

Take our eLearning course

This eLearning course, part of the Orientation course series, was developed by the Ontario CLRI at RIA in 2023 with the generous support of Schlegel Villages, in collaboration with Ontario Association for Residents’ Councils (OARC). We would like to thank the people who contributed to the development and review of content for this course including:

  • Gale Ramsden, Perley Health
  • Jim Gilhuly, Sunnyside Home
  • Devora Greenspon, Extendicare Bayview
  • Stephanie Ventura, Education and Community Engagement Manager, Ontario Association of Residents’ Councils
  • Vanda Koukounakis, VP Support Office Services, Schlegel Villages
  • Pam Wiebe, Quality Specialist, Schlegel Villages

Interprofessional Internship in Innovation & Aging in Long-Term Care

Posted on January 23, 2023 by -

Celebrating 10 years of student partnerships and geriatric learning excellence!

Join us in our newly redesigned virtual hybrid Interprofessional Internship! Engage with your peers in facilitated sessions, project work and an online game! All Ontario healthcare professions students are welcome to apply for this paid internship.

Interns have the opportunity to:

  • Gain exposure to the long-term care sector;
  • Enhance knowledge, skills, and attitudes in aging and leading clinical gerontological practice;
  • Apply clinical knowledge and skills in simulated care scenarios;
  • Rehearse interprofessional geriatric practice competencies;
  • Analyze current practice challenges;
  • Develop and apply design-thinking skills in the creation of a sustainable, practice innovation;
  • Exercise professionalism and goal orientation.

 

These objectives are supported through facilitated discussions with Baycrest leaders and experiential partners; collaborative, capstone innovation project; reflective learning exercises; hybrid-simulation care scenarios; and game-based learning.

Open to students and recent graduates of post-secondary healthcare profession programs, including: nursing, practical nursing, medicine, pharmacy, social work, psychology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, kinesiology, food and nutrition, therapeutic recreation, optometry, dentistry, speech language pathology, audiology, health sciences, and health studies. This exciting opportunity enables interns to explore a future in older adult health care, network with future and current healthcare providers, and shape their current practice.

“This internship is an amazing opportunity for students to gain professional skills and knowledge that is applicable to any setting in health care. I hope to use these skills to be a health advocate for the geriatric population in my future career!” – 2022 Internship alumnus

 

Hear graduates from our 2022 virtual program share their experiences and most valuable takeaways from the Internship in the video above.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Long-Term Care Community of Practice

Posted on October 24, 2022 by -

A Community of Practice is a group of people who share a common concern or interest who come together regularly to learn from one another. We encourage LTC leaders, interprofessional team members (RNs, RPNs, PSWs, social workers, recreation professionals, dietitians, physiotherapists, physicians), residents and family care partners to join these discussions!

This group is an opportunity for LTC professionals to come together with peers, researchers and sector partner organizations to learn strategies on how to build an organizational culture that is inclusive, welcoming and affirming for everyone living, visiting and working in LTC.

Currently, the Community of Practice is CLOSED for new registrants.

The group has been meeting since November 2022, and thus far the CoP has explored topics such as: how to start and sustain an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion, addressing racism, and how to utilize our Embracing Diversity Toolkit.

Quarterly sessions featuring guest speaker(s) and breakout discussions are hosted, and topics addressed are those identified by members. Additionally, optional group check-in sessions are held, creating space for participants to bring questions up, discuss challenges, and share successes with peers.

This year, topics to be covered include:
  • Measurement and data
  • EDI policy development
  • Supporting Indigenous populations: Truth and Reconciliation in LTC
  • Responding to reports of discrimination
  • EDI Strategy development
  • And more!
Learning Goals:
  • To create a space for members to learn from and share with one another around the topic of equity, diversity and inclusion in a safe and affirming environment
  • To encourage people working, living and providing care in LTC to get peer-based feedback on their EDI journey
  • To provide a space for new connections to form between people working, living and providing care within the LTC sector
  • Provide access to educational opportunities, evidence-informed tools, resources and initiatives that are relevant to LTCHs
  • To identify gaps and needs for those working in the sector to support capacity building

We look forward to supporting you on your EDI journey. If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Michelle Fleming, Senior Knowledge Broker at mfleming@bruyere.org.

To receive quarterly updates about our EDI work, gain access to relevant resources, and to be among the first to know when the group is open to new members again, please sign up for our EDI in LTC Newsletter!

Preventing, Recognizing, and Reporting Abuse and Neglect in Long-Term Care

Posted on August 10, 2022 by -

Screenshot of course on the eLearning platform with text “New! Orientation eLearning, Abuse Prevention in Long-Term Care”

The Orientation eLearning courses, created by the Ontario CLRI at the RIA, provide education for new team members during orientation, and for existing team members during their annual training. These scenario-based learning courses ensure that learners have the knowledge and skills needed to assist the people they support and are in line with Ministry of Long-Term Care guidelines. They were developed using evidence-based best practices and adult education principles, in collaboration with subject matter experts and LTC leaders.

 

Screenshot of course on the eLearning platform with text “New! Orientation eLearning, Abuse Prevention in Long-Term Care”Preventing, Recognizing, and Reporting Abuse and Neglect in Long-Term Care is a self-paced Orientation course on abuse prevention that will equip or refresh long-term care team members on the knowledge and skills required to support residents. Understanding how to prevent abuse and neglect is a critical skill for LTC team members as they care for residents from a position of power and trust. By taking this course, team members will learn the importance of following protocol in situations of abuse or neglect to ensure the safety of residents.

Click here to access the eLearning course.

 

This eLearning course, part of the Orientation course series, was developed by the Ontario CLRI at RIA in 2022 with the generous support of Schlegel Villages in collaboration with Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario. We would like to thank the people who contributed to the development and review of content for this course including:

  • Raeann Rideout, Director, Partnerships & Outreach, Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario
  • Augustin James, Director of Clinical Services, Schlegel Villages
  • Vanda Koukounakis, VP Support Office Services, Schlegel Villages