| Recognizing diversity: By Dorothy Godbold, RN September 2006- The Tamil Wing at Extendicare Scarborough was established in the fall of 2004 in partnership with the Senior Tamils' Centre and Senior Tamils' Associations. The population of this culturally sensitive unit has grown steadily and is currently home to almost 30 Tamil residents. Extendicare Scarborough, located in Scarborough, Ontario, employs a number of Tamil-speaking staff— PSWs, registered staff, cook, receptionist, physiotherapist, restorative care aids and social worker. (The unit also serves as a placement home for Tamil-speaking PSWs.) The presence of so many Tamil-speaking staff in key positions is largely responsible for the unit's extraordinary success. With virtually no language barrier to hinder interpersonal communications, staff and residents and their families can interact freely and easily with one another. Correspondence between staff and residents and their families is translated into Tamil using special language fonts that have been installed directly on the unit's computers, and the Extendicare Scarborough brochure has been translated into Tamil. The unit offers a wide variety of culturally appropriate programming—including Tamil dancing and crafts. Radios and television sets are tuned to Tamil stations. Cultural and religious groups visit regularly to hold social events for the residents and a spiritual worship service is held weekly. A Hindu shrine was recently installed in the unit's lounge and dedicated to the residents. Meal planning is also culturally sensitive, which is a critical contributor to the unit's growing popularity. Residents and their families meet regularly with the dietary manager, Tamil cook and social worker to discuss menus—all of which are translated into Tamil. Staff on the unit embrace the continuous learning approach to care. They keep in close contact with the community through quarterly meetings with the home's Tamil Support Group, an organization that provides valuable insight into the Tamil way of life and the unique supports and services required in the daily operation of a safe, comfortable and culturally appropriate environment for this special population. Dorothy Godbold is a registered nurse with more than 15 years of experience in long term care as a Director of Care and Administrator. She joined Extendicare in April 2005. |