“THE FACTS” - Strategic Planning Next Steps - Communication with Residents March 3, 2009
|
On Thursday February 27, 2009, the SMCSI Board members were presented with the themes that came from the 10 residents’ Strategic Planning sessions. Although each resident session was different in a sense of who participated and the dynamics of the session, there was no mistaking the consistency of the themes.
About half of residents took the opportunity to participate in these sessions which explored what optimal life looks like, or could look like – through the exploration of fears, joys, and the things that make happy memories.
Without a doubt, the strongest theme emerging was the fear of health changes creating uncertainty for the future. Moving away from the Bethany Manor community was not seen as an ideal way of receiving needed care. Related to this theme, separation from one’s spouse as a result of these health changes was strongly feared and was painful for some already.
The strength of this communication, even after the 3rd session, affected the facilitator and administration deeply and led to a focused energy to address this as a priority. The remainder of the 7 sessions reinforced the need to pursue a true “Aging-in-Place” complex, including the pursuit of a long term care home connected to Bethany Manor.
 |
Firstly, the SMCSI Board has approved development of business plan and concept plan for a long term care home connected to Bethany Manor. This is not a guarantee that construction of a long-term care home will occur, but a commitment to due diligence in exploring the feasibility of one. If you feel led to, please join us with a commitment to prayer for God’s leading in this matter.
Secondly, ‘relationships’, with family and friends, at Bethany, and far away, emerged as the main source of joy in residents’ lives. Milestone occasions became evident as quality of life enhancement opportunities. Jennifer’s role as ‘Quality of Life Coordinator’ will be working with the strategic planning information to create / facilitate an environment true to this theme.
Thirdly, residents clearly communicated a desire to have their physical needs met in their current residences. Related to this, there was fear of experiencing a health incident and not being discovered in a timely fashion. A desire to “Age in Place” safely was heard very clearly. Our ‘Aging in Place Coordinator’, Tina Friesen, will be expanding her role outside of her current focus of Bethany Place. Please assist us in creating a snapshot of physical needs here of Bethany Manor by completing the attached questionnaire. If you would like assistance to complete the questionnaire, please call the Bethany office at 242-9019 and request an appointment time for Tina to visit you in your home.
This is an initial snapshot of the strategic planning themes that emerged from resident sessions. Watch the newsletter for monthly Strategic Plan updates.
|
|
|
