Glen Haven Manor

The following is a piece written about the those long awaited, special first hugs for our residents and their loved ones. It was most profound for all. The article was published by The Chronicle Herald as the letter of the week and appeared in this past weekends edition. Love and A Place in History Filled the Room by Kimberly Dickson...Continue reading

Labour Day Message from Our CEO Many Thanks to our Devoted Team Summer is not officially over, yet Labour Day signals the beginning of fall routines. What fleeting vacations there were for those working in long-term care are coming to an end and our staff have continued to be extraordinary in their devotion and commitment to provide safe, quality care to our residents....Continue reading

Love at First Sight Turns into 60 Years of Inspiring Marital Harmony A beautiful 1960 vintage wedding photo appeared in The Chronicle Herald on August 17 that thanks a couple for their wonderful example of love and devotion to each other and their family. It celebrates the love story of a beautiful country girl from St. Andrews, Antigonish County and a dashing small town boy from New Glasgow who met coming out from Mass at St. Ninians Cathedral more than six decades ago.... On that day, their eyes locked, and their fate was sealed. Neil and Anne MacMillan marked their 60th milestone wedding anniversary right to the day with a special indoor visit at Glen Haven Manor where Anne is a resident. The two reminisced about their special day and tell about a lovely wedding that included a Mass followed by a breakfast with their family and guests and then a gathering at the brides parents family farm. Neil, who was manager of the Sobeys store in Antigonish those many years ago says he first spotted Anne coming out of the grand cathedral, ran to catch up with her, and that he asked the young woman who was working at Goodmans in the Cathedral town if she would go to a movie with him. She agreed and the two had their first date at the Capitol Theatre on the Main Street of Antigonish. The rest as they say is history. When asked the secret to their long marital success Anne says, no fighting while Neil adds, its give and take- give a little and take a little. Annes maid of honour was her sister Tilly (Boyle) MacDonald and the best man was Neils brother Robert MacMillan. They recollect with big smiles about their honeymoon trip to Niagara Falls where they stayed with Annes sister Kay and her husband Jerome for a couple of weeks as they enjoyed both sightseeing and a family visit. The MacMillans are noticeably proud of their four children, Neil Jr., Brian, Joseph and Angela and beamed explaining they also have nine grandchildren and one great grandson who is 10 months old. You could say the MacMillans first encounter was divine intervention and without a doubt an amazing blessing that has been lasting and inspiring. When asked if it was love at first sight, the husband and wife who can finish each other sentences, glance over at each other with a twinkle in their eyes, nodding yes as Anne adds, I hope we have 60 more (years)! Anne and Neil are pictured during a recent visit, at the 2020 Valentine Days Sweethearts Dinner at Glen Haven and on their wedding day.

Granny Rona knows that this years Back to School has a lot more newness and unknowns to it that any other year. She gives good, sound advice to help us through these uncharted waters and is always in our corner.

Glen Haven Continues Vigilance with Strong & Compassionate Safety Measures NEW GLASGOW, PICTOU COUNTY, NS, August 27, 2020.Glen Haven Manor continues to evaluate, evolve and enhance its pandemic preparedness plan throughout all stages of the global pandemic, and this will be an ongoing process in the months ahead says CEO Lisa M. Smith. The pillars of our plan have been to be proactive, vigilant and compassionate and these principles continue to serve us well. Strong layers...Continue reading

Special Notice- The Scoop on the Big White Tent We have had a few inquiries about the nice white tent on our front lawn so we thought we would give you the scoop. There are no big events being planned, as of course, we are placing safety at the forefront and a big gathering would not be appropriate nor even permitted at this time for neither residents nor staff. ... However, we are finding creative ways to ensure we have lots of opportunities to show appreciation to our dedicated staff and also to provide a forum for their input and feedback. As we have said many times, they have been stellar as we navigate these uncharted waters. Our leadership team is constantly evaluating and assessing our pandemic preparedness plan as well as our overall strategies and we wanted the opportunity for our team members to provided us with their feedback, suggestions and input. Under usual circumstances we would have been able to have our general assemblies with large groups. The tent will be used for multiple meetings where we can do physical distancing and safely have small groups come together. There will be opportunities for updates, dialogue and some good conversations. As you see staff coming and going from the tent, they will be hard at work as always, putting our residents first and at the centre of everything we do and we will be thanking them for their vigilance, compassion and devotion. Lisa M. Smith CEO

Granny Rona tells us about her happy childhood experiences with camping as she sets out on an adventure with her grandkids. She encourages us to get out and enjoy summer with those we love while we practise good public health measures. She says it is the little things that make a difference.

Facetime Visits Continue to Connect Residents & Families from Near & Far FaceTime has been a communications tool used for quite some time at Glen Haven Manor with several residents regularly having virtual visits with family members living in many places across the province, country and even farther away but for many more in these recent times, it is a brand new experience that is bringing great joy to both them and their families. Resident Bob Olsen is a pro at FaceTime ha...ving had weekly visits with all his children in place, long before the days of the global pandemic. I enjoy seeing my family members every day, he says. It keeps me going.: Bobs daughter Anne Munroe comments that FaceTime visits set up by Glen Haven with her Dad have provided the opportunity for her and siblings to talk to their father each and every day and sometimes they even have had group chats. We are very appreciative of everything Glen Haven is going to look after the residents to keep them safe as well as the time to chat with them through FaceTime, Anne says. Resident Rene Bourgeois tells that Facetime brings contentment and helps keep him closely linked to family and brightens his days. Resident Nancy Marshall agrees. FaceTime keeps me connected with my family so I can see how they are doing and they can see me and know I am staying safe, says Marshall. It is reassuring for them to know everything that should be done is being done and I am well. Staff at Glen Haven Manor who often help facilitate the Facetime or Skype visits have also remarked on how the virtual visits results in big smiles among the residents. For another resident, who just turned 97, Facetime was a new experience that she has responded to with great interest and tenacity. It has opened the opportunity for her daughter who lives in Ontario to speak with her mother every week. Glen Haven Manor CEO Lisa M. Smith encourages families to continue with Facetime and Skype visits to segment the newly established Outdoor Curbside visits. The virtual visits are very important to our residents and their families, she says. They have opened up a whole new way of consistent communications residents look forward to and our staff are very pleased to facilitate them. Anyone wishing to schedule a Facetime or Skype visit should email their request to [email protected]. Photo Cutlines: Glen Haven Manor Resident Bob Olsen enjoys regular FaceTime chats with family members and has been doing so on a very regular basis so long before the global pandemic began. It is part of his routine which he looks forward to each and every time. Resident Care Manager Miranda MacKenzie assists resident Bob Olsen with his headsets as he prepares for a Facetime visit with family. Photo Credits : Kimberly Dickson

Chats with Granny Rona- Grany Rona gives us some demonstrations on the rights and wrongs for mask wearing in her sweet humorous way. Granny wants us all to be safe and to help protect the most vulnerable and each other. Thank you Granny Rona!

The following is a letter to the editor from our CEO that has been published in local and provincial newspapers. A Powerful Combination Keeps Us Strong Glen Haven Manor continues to remain vigilant, diligent and dedicated throughout the challenges of the COVID-19 global pandemic. We are continuously assessing and evolving our pandemic preparedness as we navigate and steer these uncharted waters through the easing of some restrictions, while also be ever mindful that COVID-1...9 risks are still abundant and a resurgence in the fall is being predicted by public health experts. Our curbside and indoor visits have been uplifting and heartwarming and these touching and historic occasions will stay in our memories for years to come. We greatly appreciate the many encouraging, reassuring emails, phone calls and other messages we have received from our residents families and members of the community. To have families express their kind and supportive views about Glen Haven along with their feelings about the extraordinary bond between our residents and staff means the world to our entire team. Those who choose a career in long-term care, do so with a special purpose and calling. We witness this passion each and every day. This has not been an easy time for any one of us no matter what our circumstances and we will be on this journey for an unknown period. For Glen Haven, it has meant faithful and unwavering devotion, a tireless work ethic, and firm decisions, carefully balanced with compassion and caring. We are truly blessed to be surrounded by so many wonderful staff here at Glen Haven Manor and it has never been more apparent than during these unprecedented times. Our decisions are always grounded in providing safe, quality care while respecting and honouring residents and familys rights and responsibilities. As CEO, I am grateful each and every day for the Leadership Team who have worked long hours since March 12, showing resolute commitment to our residents, families, staff and who are well prepared to stay the course through the next phase of uncertainty. It is without a doubt the powerful combination of great staff, supportive families and committed leadership that keeps us strong. Sincerely, Lisa M. Smith CEO Glen Haven Manor is an accredited, 202 bed long-term care facility with 20 enriched housing units and 300 employees, located in New Glasgow, Pictou County, Nova Scotia that is committed to building momentum and vitality in continuing care through vigilance, compassion and action.

Granny Rona adds sunshine to our days and tells us to find the positive and explore safe adventures, fishing to picking blueberries, as we spend more time with those we love and uncover the things that make us happy.

Today the wearing of masks in most indoor public places becomes mandatory in Nova Scotia. Granny Rona tells us why masks help.

Granny Rona tells us about a unique opportunity for a career in long term care with customized training right here at Glen Haven Manor. Have a listen- if you have a strong work ethic, are compassionate and caring, and are good with people, there may be a whole new career with purpose and fulfillment right around the corner. For more information contact [email protected]. https://www.glenhavenmanor.com/teampositions/rsw/

Glen Haven Manor Operation Bluenose Participation Virtual Vigil to light up Nova Scotia in Blue #operationbluenose

Glen Haven Manor is supporting Operation Bluenose this weekend with blue lights cascading on its front entrance and blue lights in its fountain. We are proud to join citizens, businesses, communities and government in celebrating the strength of Nova Scotians during these difficult and challenging times, says CEO Lisa M. Smith. We will forever remember the devastating losses throughout the province from COVID-19 as well as those lost in too many heartbreaking tragedies.Th...ere has been far too much sorrow and loss. We stand strongly, united together with our fellow Nova Scotians to preserve and protect our best Nova Scotia values and way of life. The Bluenose represents our strength of character, our lives by the seacoast and is an iconic symbol of our province. Our residents and our team are proud to be Nova Scotian and are committed and vigilant to be there for each other and stronger together. Thank you to Jon Visser of RavenMedia for the most memorable photo! #OperationBluenose Operation Bluenose

Indoor Visits Mean Treasured Reunions, Great Conversations & Inspiring Connections NEW GLASGOW, PICTOU COUNTY, NS, July 24, 2020. Adrian Heighton could not stop smiling as he and his wife Hazel enjoyed one of the very first indoor visits at Glen Haven Manor on the morning of July 22. The Heightons visit was with their granddaughter Brianne Washburn who will soon be going away to teach internationally. Adrian beamed as he explained about Briannes career successes and experie...Continue reading

APPLY TODAY! For a rewarding Continuing Care Assistant career at GLEN HAVEN MANOR. Glen Haven Manor is a large, long term care facility that takes great pride in honouring the dignity and rights of our residents and tenants by providing exceptional individualized quality care within a safe and pleasant environment. Highly qualified staff work with residents, family, volunteers and community partners to make Glen Haven our residents home of choice. Glen Haven also provides re...warding careers in all aspects of our operations with many opportunities for development and growth. Situated in the heart of New Glasgow, Pictou County, Glen Haven has a beautifully landscaped setting with mature trees and a garden. It is also near a scenic walking trail and is located close to a breadth of health services and lifestyle amenities. What it means to be part of our team... Payroll Deduction Options Health/Dental Benefits Optional Life Insurance Pension Plan Employee & Family Assistance Program Professional Growth & Development Opportunities Attendance Rewards Continuing Care Month Celebrations Staff Menu Option Option for Full or Part Time Work Twelve Hour Shifts Send your resume to: [email protected] https://www.glenhavenmanor.com/t/continuing-care-assistant/

MLA THANKS GLEN HAVEN MANOR FOR DEVOTION & DEDICATION TO RESIDENTS NEW GLASGOW, PICTOU COUNTY, NS, JULY 22, 2020Members of the Glen Haven Manor team appreciated a the show of moral support by The Honourable Pat Dunn, MLA for Pictou Centre as the long- term care facility marks an historic day today at Glen Haven Manor with the first indoor visits since visitor restrictions were in effect during the COVID-19 pandemic. MLA Dunn said he recognized this is a monumental day fo...r the residents, residents families and staff at Glen Haven and he wanted to thank Glen Haven in person for offering the visits so promptly and to also salute the team for its vigilance, caring and diligence and for going above and beyond the call of duty, not only through the pandemic but each and every day. The MLA commented that he salutes the grace and strength of the residents and their family members through these times of the pandemic and noted that we must always remember the debt we owe the residents and their generation for their years of contributions and leadership. Lisa M. Smith, CEO, whole heartedly agreed and said that the residents are matriarchs and patriarchs of families, the builders of our communities and were professionals, volunteers and pillars of our towns, cities and villages as well as protectors of our nation. We must never lose sight of this, said CEO Smith. Our residents continue to be contributors and we learn so much from their wisdom, experience and insights each day. It is a great privilege to be part of the long-term care sector and the vital work that is being done to protect our elders and the most vulnerable. We always appreciate MLA Dunns interest and support in Glen Haven and the long-term care sector, adds Smith. Pat has been a long-standing, avid supporter and we appreciate him stopping by as well as his steadfast interest. MLA Dunn is pictured with CEO Smith and Darlene Izzard, CCA Lead, who was the staff support for the first indoor visit of the day. Photo Credit: Kimberly Dickson

Glen Haven Manor Ready to Accommodate Scheduled Indoor Visits with Safety Measures in Place NEW GLASGOW, PICTOU COUNTY, NS, July 17, 2020..There is great excitement and happiness being felt throughout Glen Haven Manor by residents, staff and the leadership team with the announcement by Dr. Robert Strang, Chief Medical Officer of Health of Nova Scotia, that long-term care will be permitted to have indoor visits as early as Wednesday, July 22. The team at Glen Haven has been ...Continue reading

Linda Mayo, President of the Residents Council at Glen Haven Manor, concludes our inaugural Fireside Stories series with a heart warming reading of Nova Scotia Lullaby by author P.L. McCarron. Lindas touching presentation of the stirring words written by McCarron brings our deep affection and pride for our beloved Nova Scotia to life. Thank you again to our previous resident readers, Louise MacDonald, Mary Coady, Nancy Marshall, Tawnya Jack and Anna Worthylake for their uplifting renditions, to Recreation Programmer Nicole Blackwood for her wonderful idea, to Nicole and Bethany Visser for the inspiring selection of books and to Jon Visser of RavenMedia for the production of these delightful and charming videos. All music is used under paid license from audioblocks.com and ravenmedia

Granny Rona gives us some sage advice on supporting local and appreciating our own beautiful Nova Scotia. And of course she always has a good word to share about staying safe and protecting each other.

Amanda DeCoste, originally from Antigonish, is new to the Glen Haven Manor team as a young professional in the Business Office. With an educational background in health care administrative support, she is a perfect fit in a long-term care setting, not only due to her studies and experience, but also because of her community mindedness, caring, outgoing personality and life-long respect for our elders. Following the shocking mass shooting in Portapique and devastating losses ...Continue reading

Alain Mypenzi has written this uplifting article on true purpose published in The Advocate. Alain is a member of the Glen Haven Manor team as a Glen Haven Care Assistant. Congratulations Alain on also being a regular columnist for The Advocate. Alains sister Aline and their father Emmanuel are also members of the Glen Haven team. We look forward to reading more of Alains pieces. https://pictouadvocate.com//07/09/the-true-purpose-of-life/

New Glasgow Town Crier Jim Stewart delivered a cry recently that paid tribute to the work being done by long term care workers across Nova Scotia. Here he is delivering the tribute at Glen Haven. Jims cry was part of several tributes that were given in connection with the Nursing Homes of Nova Scotia Association AGM on June 26.

Granny Rona is back from vacation with lots of words of wisdom to help keep us all safe and smart!

IMMEDIATE OPPORTUNITY....APPLY TODAY! Environmental Services /Nutritional Services Worker (Casual Position, combination of scheduled shifts and on call) Responsibilities:... Clean according to assigned schedules using appropriate cleaning and sanitation methods and procedures. General food preparation, service, mechanical dish washing, general cleaning and delivery duties within the established guidelines for health, safety, infection control, and quality management. Qualifications: Grade 12 or equivalent. Food and Environmental Services Worker Course preferred. Food Handlers Course preferred. Food Service work and/or Environmental Services work experience preferred. Experience working a health care or long term care setting preferred. Janice L Jorden Employee Relations Specialist [email protected] https://www.glenhavenmanor.com//environmental-nutritional/

Church Bells Ring, Chimes Play & Official Cry Delivered for Long Term Care Workers Long-term care workers across the province were recognized on Friday, June 26 as an initiative of the Nursing Homes of Nova Scotia Association. Glen Haven Manor took part in the event, paying tribute to their staff and long-term care workers in Pictou County and throughout Nova Scotia. We were pleased to be part of the province wide celebration, said Glen Havens CEO Lisa M. Smith. Superh...eroes dont wear capes; they wear scrubs. We are so proud of our staff and their devotion and commitment to go above and beyond the call of duty throughout the pandemic. The pillars of our pandemic preparedness plan are being proactive, vigilant and compassionate and the Glen Haven team lives these guiding principles every day. Ms. Smith explained that Glen Haven gave specially designed t-shirts to each staff member which has the line Long-term Care Workers- Our Most Important Line of Defence screened on it, along with a drawing of a super hero named Haven, who symbolizes the Glen Haven team. New Glasgow Town Crier Jim Stewart delivered a cry to the long term care staff and four churches across Pictou County, St. Andrews Kirk Church in New Glasgow, West River Presbyterian Church in Durham, the Bridgeville United Church and St. Andrews Church in Stellarton each rang a church bell or played chimes in honour of the long term care workers and their outstanding work ethic and caring. In the cry the role of those in the long-term care sector was described as both noble and essential. Photos of individual teams were taken at various locations on the Glen Haven property. Glen Haven thanks these four churches ( any other church who participated that we are not aware of but which did participate), Pictou County Council of Churches Chair Rev. Donna Tourneur, as well as Town Crier Stewart for the impactful gestures of support. Stay tuned for another story in the near future which features staff from the opposite rotation.

Glen Haven Manor CEO Lisa M. Smith delivers an inspiring video message of insight and gratitude as we celebrate Canada Day 2020 as families, communities and a nation. A RavenMedia Production

Granny Rona gives some good advice to us about staying strong to still keep doing our part to keep everybody safe during the global pandemic.

Chats with Granny Rona- Today marks the Annual General Meeting of the Nursing Homes of Nova Scotia Association and it is a day to pay special tribute to those who work in long term care. Granny Rona pays tribute to our team and to all who make such a difference in the lives of others across our province. Have a listen.

Immigration, Refugees Citizenship Canada released this tweet and video on World Refugee Day on June 20. It speaks to the great potential of refugees to help strengthen Canadas health care system. Our CEO Lisa M. Smith is featured on the video speaking about this topic. Glen Haven supports hiring immigrants as well as displaced talent who bring outstanding skills to our team as we invest in parallel paths of hiring local and global to fill long term care labour shortages. Immigration et Citoyennet Canadienne

Refuge Point released its annual report on World Refugee Day on June 20 and we are very excited and proud to have our global partnership initiative featured in the report. "Refuge Point is a valued partner and leader in supporting critical pathways for refugees," says CEO Lisa M. Smith. "This recruitment project continues to be a key priority for us and we remain firmly committed to moving it forward. Hiring highly qualified, compassionate refugees is an opportunity to bring them from crisis to safety and to address long term cares critical skills gap for the CCA occupation in demand." (See Complementary Pathways section) https://refugepointannualreport.squarespace.com/

Important Notice: Update Outdoor, Curb-side VIP Visits As we enter our second week of Outdoor, Curb-side VIP Visits, we would like to thank families for their cooperation and to offer an update as well as a few important reminders. Please note it is a condition of the visit that family members remain inside the vehicle for the full duration of the visit. This is for the protection and safety of our residents and staff and must be followed without exception. ... Please watch for the name of the resident care area on the curbside signs so you will know the appropriate place to park for your visit. The Parking Space and VIP Space for Ocean Drive-Serenity Springs has been moved to be on the same side as the Parking Space for Silver Creek-Crystal Waters to enhance safety. We also remind you to use extra caution when approaching or leaving the visiting parking area. When you book your visit you will be informed about where (which entrance) your visit will take place. Be advised that we have allowed for a bit more time between the conclusion of one visit and the start of the other to make the transition of visits smoother and to ease any potential traffic flow challenges. There has been a steady flow of visits taking place and we are working diligently to accommodate every visit request. We appreciate your patience as we assure each resident has a turn before a new cycle begins. Thank you for your ongoing role as our partners in care. May you make many wonderful memories during your visits. Progress is being made in our province but we must continue to be vigilant and dedicated in protecting our most vulnerable and each other.

Melting Hearts & Walking on Air- Glen Haven Curbside Outdoor Visits Overflowing with Love & Excitement Tears of joy flowed freely during the steady stream of outdoor, curbside visits to Glen Haven Manor under sunny skies this week as residents reunited with loved ones. The months that have passed seemed to melt away with every exchange of I love you, I have missed you and It is so good to see you. The visits were carefully planned to ensure six feet physical distancing, acco...Continue reading

Chats with Granny Rona- Granny Rona tells us the times they are a changing but we still must tread softly and be careful. She offers great advice and she has lots of love to share with her little angels.

Happy Fathers Day from Glen Haven Manor On behalf of the Glen Haven Manor staff, leadership and Board of Directors, it is my pleasure to extend Happy Fathers Day wishes to the fathers, grandfathers, godfathers, and foster fathers as well as all important father like figures who are residents and staff of Glen Haven. Our Dads, Grampas, uncles and big brothers play an important role in our lives as fatherly, role models and mentors, who guide us and teach us while showing the...ir love, compassion and strength. There are many special memories to cherish and this is a day to tell them we appreciate the influence they have had, how they enrich our lives and the difference they make. A special shout out to the fathers on our team who are working on Fathers Day. Here at Glen Haven Manor we will be providing a special lobster dinner in celebration of Fathers Day for all to enjoy. Best wishes also to the many fathers in our community who play such an important role in our families and communities. Sincerely, Lisa M. Smith CEO Glen Haven Manor

Join Resident Nancy Marshall who is herself a poet, reading the childrens book, Giraffes Cant Dance by author Giles Andreae, with zeal and passion as the fifth reading in our Fireside Stories series. There is one little cricket who believes in Gerald who says everything makes music if you really want it to. The story is a gentle inspiration for every child with dreams of greatness and Nancy says a great reminder that we can all strive to achieve our goals and to be there for each other during this pandemic. A RavenMedia Production

Message from the CEO- June 18, 2020 Staying Vigilant for Residents Who Uplift Us & Staff Who Go Above & Beyond the Call of Duty As we continue to adjust to these times of living during a global pandemic, our organization, community, and province have made incredible progress, demonstrating vigilance, diligence, compassion, and leadership. We are especially proud of our residents who uplift us every day and of our staff who continue to provide outstanding care with skill, cari...ng and dedication well beyond the call of duty. There is great excitement and joy filling Glen Haven Manor as we offer the curbside VIP setting for our residents and their families. Heart warming reunions are taking place daily with the fun, feel of an old-fashioned drive- in movie or curbside service. The visits have repeatedly been inspiring examples of love knowing no barriers as it has clearly danced through the air finding its home among our residents and their loved ones. Tears of happiness have overflowed from residents, family members and yes, from all of us, as we are deeply moved by these historic reunions and so happy for our residents. There have been many, many sweet whispers of I love you and I miss you heard. Premier Stephen McNeil has recently announced that family household bubbles have been replaced by a consistent group of 10. This is not applicable to long term care as residents are still the most vulnerable and the most at risk. We must all tread softly and ensure that they are protected with every resource at our disposal and with every fibre of our being. We recognize it is beyond difficult not to be able to touch, hug or kiss those you hold most dear, but we all must remain focused and patient to ensure their safety from the spread of COVID-19. Physical distancing, mask wearing, and hand hygiene are things we can all do that give layers of protection. We are adapting to the warmer weather and are always exploring creative and progressive practices and opportunities to enhance the outdoor visits where possible. Please continue your Facetime and Skype visits, send cards and letters, and book your curbside visits. Our nursing staff are committed to their weekly calls to each residents main contact and appreciate the opportunity to give updates and thank our residents families for your role as important partners in care. Sincerely, Lisa M. Smith CEO Glen Haven Manor Photo Cutline: Resident Anna MacMillan and RSW Lydia Rickerson look towards Annas husband Neil with big smiles during the first of the outdoor visits.