Creating Welcoming Communities In March 2006 Concerned Friends received a grant from the Social Development Canada 's New Horizons for Seniors Program for $24,950. With these funds we are looking at: • facilitating the development of welcoming culturally sensitive communities in long-term care homes, and, • supporting long-term care homes in building cultural competence. Specifically, we are determining how existing and emerging small ethno-cultural communities in North East Toronto are engaging long-term care homes in order to achieve responsive cultural communities and cultural competence in long-term care homes, identifying the barriers and ideas for overcoming these barriers, share successful models and processes and create a report that summarizes the findings and plans for advocacy and future directions. A terrific project steering committee made up of diverse and experienced community leaders, service providers from the long-term care home sector, and the community, guided the project and worked with our consultants, Joan Christensen and Ellen Rajzman of Christensen Community Consulting. A draft report of the fascinating findings and ideas gathered via key informant interviews, focus groups and internet searches was presented to a forum November 16, 2006. The forum, attended by a diverse group from the community, long-term care homes, service providers, and government, was an opportunity for gathering additional thoughts and reactions to the draft report and recommendations to the steering committee for further action and next steps. The audience was treated to a panel discussion of the issues from the perspective of OLTCA, OANHSS, Ontario Seniors' Secretariat, MOH-LTC and CCAC. The final report has been widely distributed. Click here to download it now to your computer. The report has been well received and Concerned Friends' work in this area continues as we partner with the Ontario Association for Not-for-Profit Homes and Services for Seniors, under the guidance of the Ontario Seniors Secretariat, Ontario Long-Term Care Association, Ontario Residential Care Association, the Ontario Association for Residents' Councils, and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, to develop a cultural competency toolkit for long-term care homes. Click here for information on how you can help by sharing ideas and best practices. |
