At Kensington Health, we believe that caring for someone means caring for all dimensions of a person's wellness including the mind, body, and spirit. We sat down with John Yip, CEO, Kensington Health, and Corinne Rusch-Drutz, CEO, Kensington Health Foundation, to discuss what makes Kensington special.
“There is an interconnection between the services we offer.” says Corinne. “There is a real feeling of community that comes not just from residents and staff, but also from their families and caregivers. There is a feeling that everybody is part of a bigger conversation.”
Keep what’s important in sight
When Chris Taylor’s retina detached, he was also caring for his dying wife. Stressed and looking for answers about the future of his health, Kensington Eye Institute provided the specialized care he needed while also making sure he was comfortable mentally, emotionally and physically. For Chris, losing his sight would have been a devastating blow to his life as a father, a high school teacher and a boat enthusiast.
“Until you lose part of your sight, you don’t understand how important it is.” –Chris Taylor
Adding harmony to health care
SarahRose Black is a Music Therapist at Kensington Hospice and believes music is a fundamental part of life. As an evidence-based practice, music therapy has proven to decrease anxiety, stress and fear, especially at the end-of-life. In her work, SarahRose can use music to help people access to certain memories, which can be very powerful.
“People tell me their life stories through music.” –SarahRose Black, Music Therapist, Kensington Hospice
Health depends on precision
As a popular Youtuber, with an active life and career in television and media, Cherylann Nesbit didn’t have time to feel sick. Unfortunately, four years ago, she was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Worried that she would just become another ‘patient’ Cherylann asked to be referred to a clinic that would take the time to get to know her needs. Kensington Screening Clinic welcomed Cherylann with a warm hug (literally!), and gave her the personal touch she was looking for in her care.
“She treated me like a person as opposed to a patient.” –Cherylann Nesbit
Fresh food makes a major difference
Fresh food has a profound impact on the well being of residents who live in long-term care at Kensington. A diet of fibre-rich foods including vegetables and legumes is proven to reduce chronic illness, including Type 2 diabetes, certain cancers and cognitive decline. The Food and Nutrition Team prepares over a thousand meals every day for residents, and relies on donor support to supplement the menu daily with fresh produce. Paula Ashley, Director of Support Services and Florance Nemani, Dietitian at Kensington Health take a closer look at the significance of fresh food within long-term care.
“We focus on fresh ingredients, because there’s no processing, and there’s no loss of nutrients. It’s important residents get the full experience of taste, texture and smell of the food.”
–Paula Ashley, Director of Support Services, Sodexo
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