January 3, 2019
Hello Everyone, Westford has decided to start posting the Aging Well columns that have run in the Tribune over the past year. We will post a new column about every two weeks to help you catch up or review. We hope you enjoy the tidbits of information that are intended to help us think about approaches that assist us to age as well as we can. Here is the first one:
The Westford Nursing Home starts 2018 with a New Executive Director with a New Column
The Westford Nursing Home has started 2018 with a new Executive Director.
They have said farewell to their long-time Executive Director, Judy White,
wishing her a very happy retirement after a lengthy and dedicated career.
Patricia Harrington has been warmly welcomed into their home.
Judy began her career at the Westford Nursing Home 27 years ago, first as
Director of Nursing and then as the Executive Director. Judy has been a
steadfast advocate for the residents and an exceptional leader, guiding and
inspiring staff throughout the years. She now hands over these responsibilities
to Patricia who will ensure Westford Nursing Home continues to provide
compassionate and professional resident care in a safe, comfortable and
homelike environment. The Board of Directors feel very fortunate to have found
someone with Patricia’s experience, qualifications and enthusiasm to fill this
key position.
Patricia is keen to continue the respectful, caring leadership that is so
evident at the Home. “I was thrilled to be informed that I was chosen to be a
part of the Westford team, I truly look forward to working in Port Elgin with
such a dedicated, caring group of people”. Patricia started out her career as a
care provider to seniors and has since worked in a number of management
positions that not only supported older people living in long term care, but,
also vulnerable people living in their communities. As the Director of a
provincial personal emergency response service, to a District Manager of
Continuing Care Services, Patricia worked collaboratively with many organizations
to ensure safe, appropriate services were available. Services such as
palliative care, home support services, long term care, equipment loan, home
oxygen, meals, adult day, and caregiver support. Patricia was also an initiator
of a successful Seniors Safety Program.
As a writer for an Aging Well column for over five years, Patricia has helped
to raise awareness of the important supports and knowledge of how we can take
control of our health as we age. As a co-facilitator of a caregiver support group,
she also helps support people who are caring for loved ones living with
dementia. “There are a lot of supports available to help people to age well and
to live as independently and safely as possible in their communities. Raising
awareness is a constant challenge. I look forward to helping people become
informed regarding the support that is currently available in the Port Elgin
region”. This work goes hand in hand with the high-quality care that the
Westford Nursing Home currently provides.
The Westford Nursing Home and Villa are integral to the community – not only
caring for our frail and elderly, as well as, offering affordable housing, but
also as a major employer, providing economic spin off to the community. “From
removing their outside footwear at the door to ensure the floors are kept dry
and safe for walking, to providing reassurance and an extra cup of tea as
requested, the staff at Westford demonstrate everyday how important the
residents are to them and how much they are loved by them. The Westford is not
just about providing the much-needed care, it is about showing how much people
are cared for as well,” said Patricia. I feel very blessed to be a part of the
Westford home.
Patricia is an advocate for sharing information about aging well and enjoys promoting the important aspects that will support our older population to age well.