Across Canada, more than 2,100 seniors requiring long-term care form a unique community to which The Salvation Army responds.

Enveloped in Christian mission, The Salvation Army provides a continuum of care in partnership with provincial health authorities. Services extend from apartments where care is provided by local health agencies, to residences where assistance with daily activities is provided by trained staff on site. Facilities also include nursing homes and community-based hospices.
In Canada and Bermuda, the Army administers the following accommodation for seniors:

• three seniors’ residences with individual apartments, with services ranging from independent to assisted living; a fourth is under development in Vancouver
• four residential facilities providing assistance with the activities of daily living
• 11 long-term care homes, providing 24-hour nursing to meet residents’ requirements

In addition, palliative care is provided through two models of service delivery:

• community-based hospices for adults irrespective of age
• an integrated model for residents in long-term care/nursing homes as life comes to a closure; with rare exception, care is provided in the resident’s own room, the setting known as “home”

Quality of Life
Moving to a residential setting can be quite stressful, especially when seniors are faced with the reality of having to leave behind a lifetime of independence and adjust to needing assistance with the activities of daily living. For seniors in transition, there is a great responsibility placed on care providers to stay focused on the personhood of each individual.

On one particular occasion when I was visiting a seniors’ home, I read a very poignant message on a banner hanging in the front foyer. It simply said: “It’s not so much what they’ve given us that matters, but what they haven’t taken away.”

Respecting the individuality of residents, facilitating autonomy of choice, helping them to maintain their independence as much as possible while promoting feelings of self-worth and dignity-these are all essential to ensure quality of life for each individual entrusted to our care. Failure to accomplish this desired reality renders us ineffective in mission.

Supportive Services
Spiritual care is integral to Salvation Army operations. Support and comfort are provided to residents, family, significant others and staff experiencing the impact of end-of-life issues. Through a multi-faith chaplaincy service, residents can access their spiritual advisor of choice.

The Alzheimer’s Association has a motto that says “Forget Me Not.” Sadly, when short-term memory is lost, persons closest to residents frequently stop visiting. If only they would realize that they often hold the key to the memory bank, which, when opened, brings alive fond memories. The joy shared in these moments of recollection is incredibly precious, as those who have been privileged to share in such moments will attest.

When my father’s memory of me was uncertain, I was encouraged to see that he had not forgotten God. Recalling the words to a favourite hymn, he was still able to sing: “So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross and exchange it someday for a crown.”

Volunteers add immeasurably to the quality of life for residents, providing meaningful socialization and recreation. Their presence alone-just “being there”-is a meaningful gift, especially for those who have no family or few visitors.

“Seniors Helping Seniors” is another area of ministry that results in positive outcomes for all involved. When the Isabel and Arthur Meighen Manor was opened in Toronto, residents of the adjacent Meighen Retirement Residence made significant contributions to the preparations being made to welcome the residents to their new home.

Innovative Programs
How wonderful it would be if you could accompany me on a visit to some of the Salvation Army homes and hospices throughout the territory. This journey would enable you to experience examples of ongoing initiatives. Together we could:

• meet caring staff, dedicated to providing a safe secure environment for residents
• observe examples of programs that enhance the quality of life, such as Restorative Care, or the Half-Hour of Power, a devotional period
• walk through therapeutic gardens and smell the fragrant flowers
• see the beautiful handcrafts and artwork done by residents
• join in music therapy sessions and observe with delight the wide spectrum of response, from full participation to the mere tapping of a finger to the beat
• meet students from various fields of health services who are gaining valuable experience for their future practice
• sit by the fireplace, talk with residents and hear their stories of contribution to family life and society
• pet the animals who have been carefully selected to interact with residents and provide a comforting presence
• become aware of projects in partnership with educational institutions
• view awards of recognition received for outstanding achievement
• gain increased insight into measures taken by caregivers and family members to communicate with those who have difficulty communicating or are unable to respond
• taste the “comfort cookies” baked by volunteers to accompany tea at a hospice
• observe the palliative care team alongside residents as life comes to closure

Ministry and Mission
How is satisfaction with the level of service measured? Formal and informal responses come from a variety of sources, including resident/family councils, satisfaction surveys and external and internal reviews.

In addition to compliance with legislative requirements, provincial health regulations and municipal codes, The Salvation Army has its own program standards. Official recognition by the Canadian Council on Health Services Accreditation is also encouraged.

Are there challenges? Indeed there are! These include the ability to meet the increasing expectations of residents, family and health authorities, along with the recruitment and retention of qualified staff while maintaining physical properties in a day of health-care reform, financial restraints and cutbacks.

In every sense, providing a continuum of care is a business as well as a ministry. It is part of The Salvation Army’s mission, and as such, is regarded as a sacred trust. May God bless and use all those who contribute to the quality of life for every person entrusted to the Army’s care.
by Mildred G. Jarvis
Long-Term Care Consultant, THQ social services department