VOLUME 5

The Family Advisory Council of St. Joseph’s Health Care London Mental Health Care

Family Forum Newsletter

Fall 2015

1. Mental Health Research half day

2. The healing power of pets

3. The healing power of pets continued 4. Who is who and what do they do?

Meet the forensic outreach team 5. Who is who and what do they do?

Meet the dental team 6. Family experience survey and education on mental health and addictions for families 7. Announcements & upcoming events

8. Family Resource Centre Services for families

9. Calendar of events

Mental Health Research Half Day

This year’s Mental Health Research Half

Day was a great success. This annual event

has become very well attended by family

members who are quite encouraged to hear about the strides be-

ing made in mental health research and to learn that their loved

one may benefit from the research being conducted at Parkwood

Institute.

The 11th Annual Tony Cerenzia Research Lecture featured Dr.

Edward Coffey, presenting: “An Overview on Neurostimulation:

Current and Future Approaches”.

Other hightlights of the event included researchers presenting their

findings and the many poster presentations on display.

Dr. Edward Coffey

The Healing Power of PetsThe Healing Power of PetsThe Healing Power of Pets by Laurel Lamarre and Rachel Hudson

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Family Forum Newsletter

Have you ever been comforted by a dog, your pet?

Do you remember how it made you feel? Research has shown the positive benefits of pets on people’s

emotional and psychological health. We were fortunate to be

able to connect with 7 different furry friends and their owners

who spoke to us about how ther-

apeutic their pets are to their

wellbeing and the positive im-

pact in their lives.

First let us introduce you to Sir

Oliver Tulley whose owner is Tara. She informs us that Tulley

is a 6 year old labra doodle whom she purchased in Tampa Bay, Florida. The connection between Tara

and Tulley is very apparent. Tulley is a service dog

who has completed his training and both of his par-ents are also trained therapy dogs. Tulley’s temper-

ament changes if he is wearing his therapy vest ver-

sus not. When he is wearing the vest he is gentle,

calm, and responsive to commands, he knows he is in work mode. Tara’s analogy is that he is using li-

brary voice versus outdoor voice. When the vest is

off, Tulley can be seen putting his paws on Tara’s

shoulder in the form of a hug.

Tara who has PTSD describes how her moth-er brought Tulley to the hospital and

encouraged her to be re-sponsible for Tulley’s care, as much as she was able to initially. Tara describes this moment as when she started to reconnect with life and functioning once again, she slowly began to hold Tulley’s leash when taking him outside for walks and he began to bring back emotions that Tara had not felt for a long time. While Tara was an inpatient, Tulley was brought in 3 times a week and because of his designation as a therapy dog, he was able to stay with her on the unit during the day-time.

Tulley has a very good temperament, gets along well with other dogs and is protective of Tara. He has a very good connection with Tara and is able to sense when she is feeling upset and will reach out to com-fort her. Today they have a very close bond and gen-erally wherever Tara goes, Tulley is right next to her. Christine purchased Cherie when she was 12 weeks

old and is now seven. Cherie is a shih-poo whose temperament is very compatible with Chris. Cherie is the ideal dog for Chris; she is laid back, patient, quiet and affectionate and gets along with her two other housemates, cats by the name of Silver and Ellie. Chris has men-tioned that Cherie helps to bring

structure into her day and encourages her to get out of the house and go outside. At times when Chris becomes very ill and requires admission to hos-pital, she will always plan ahead to ensure that ar-rangements are made for Cherie’s care in her absence. Cherie is very therapeutic in Chris’ life and helps to keep her feeling positive.

Barney is an 8 year old cairn terrier who has been vol-unteering at Parkwood Institute’s Mental Health Care building since he was six months. Barnie used to ac-company Gracie, who is now retired at age 16 from her vol-unteering job. His owner Pat says that Barney just loves to volunteer on the Geriatric units every Friday, and every other Monday when he visits the Treatment and Rehabilita-tion programs and the Dual Diagnosis Unit. Pat also shares that bringing Barney to this facility is one of her favorite volunteer jobs; she gets a lot of satisfaction from seeing the interaction between the patients and Barney. While interviewing Pat, a patient approached Barney and shared a bond-ing moment that was heartwarming.

Sir Oliver Tulley

Cherie

Barney

Halle is a 4 year old black lab and she attends the adolescent unit with her owner Roger every Tuesday afternoons.

Halle is very calm and gentle and the patients and staff really gravitate to her. When Roger and his wife first got Halle, she exuded so much positive energy that they real-ly felt that they wanted to share this experience with pa-tients in need. Halle has been volunteering at Parkwood Institute Men-tal Health Care for three years and we hope to continue seeing her for a long time; she certainly has that “feel good” quality about her.

Joe is a seven year old rescue golden retriever. When he was adopted, Joe was very under-weight and in gen-eral not in good health. As we can see from the photo-graph, he has been loved and cared for and is very much a part of the Maskell

family.

He is Rachel’s dog; however he has been a healing pres-ence for the whole family.

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Stephanie and Liz truly enjoy looking after Sargent Pickles and Kiwi who are miniature greyhounds. The two dogs belong to their family members who live out-side of London. Stephanie shares that they are the most intelligent and loving dogs ever and she feels bet-ter every time they snuggle. They are also great guard dogs who makes them feel safe and bring a lot of joy and fun in their lives. Although it is wonderful and therapeutic to have a pet it is also a responsibility. Both Tara and Christine spoke about the importance of making arrangements for their pets when they are not well. Each take their role as pet owners very seriously and are aware of the finan-cial obligations and cost associated with veterinary care.

While we were writing this article, we learned about the Farley Foundation which is a charity that helps low income pet owners with emer-gency veterinary costs; however only the vet-erinarian can apply. For more information

please visit the website: www.farleyfoundation.org or ask your own veterinarian if you need assistance. Having a pet can be quite therapeutic but we must en-sure their wellbeing. When balancing the care and commitment of having pets, the therapeutic benefits greatly outweigh the obligations for Chris and Tara. If you have a pet, you probably un-derstand the healing power that pets can bring into your life! We encour-age you to be kind and loving to your furry friends, and remember they bring you unconditional love.

Halle and Roger

Joe

Sergeant Pickles & Kiwi

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Meet the Forensic Outreach Team by Laurel Lamarre & Rachel Hudson

Earlier in the summer, the authors had the opportunity to meet

with some of the members of the Forensic Outreach Team and

interview them regarding their role and the type of supports

that they provide. This article is part of the series that began in

the Summer issue titled “Who is who and what do they do?”

The Forensic Outreach Team is an interdisciplinary team that has

been in existence close to 20 years. The outreach team has

evolved to meet the needs of the clients over time. Their catch-

ment area is quite wide, and extends from Windsor to Owen

Sound and even Tobermorey. In 2001, the team adopted more

of a recovery focused model of care. The team has 16 staff including psychiatrists, nurses, occupational therapists ,

social workers, therapeutic recreationists and a vocational counselor. This team current works with approximately 70

to 80 patients and there is no wait list for their services.

The services they provide are very individualized to the person and the justice system provides a disposition that de-

termines what care the treatment team will provide and how long the team will be following the person. The length

of time of the disposition can vary from 1 year to 25 years for example. The team will help link the patient to the ap-

propriate resources such as support from an Assertive Community Treatment Team, Canadian Mental Health Associa-

tion or Community Care Access Centre.

There is a wide range of supports available to clients that are based on individual

needs. Staff help with medical appointments, medication support, employment

and job seeking, cooking skills, and educational supports. The team monitors

each client’s risk, and may see high needs individual up to four times per day. The

staff will help the patient through the transition process so the individual knows

their outreach team workers. The outreach team has weekly meetings with the

inpatient programs to work together in planning ahead, should the person need to

be readmitted in the future. The team works to ensure a seamless process is in place for clients who may require re-

admission.

During the interview, the team members shared that they enjoy working together and it is a very cohesive environ-

ment. They work together to cover tasks if a member of the team is away and they said that all disciplines on the

team assist with medication observations. This ensures that care is seamless and that there are no interruptions in the

clients’ goals.

In closing, we came away with information about the role of this valuable team and the importance of the ongoing

support that they provide to forensic outreach individuals. Through ongoing monitoring and risk assessments, the

team is able to help clients to achieve their goals and stay safe in their community.

L to r: Kristy (OT), Quincy (TR), Jared (OT), Patti (Team Leader),

Dr. Flett, Donna (VC)

Meet the dental team by Laurel Lamarre

Teeth are important and oral health matters

Dr. Penelope Campbell-Lownie, known as Dr. Penny to patients at

Southwest Centre for Forensic Mental Health Care and Parkwood In-

stitute met with me in August along with Dental Assistant Stacy and

receptionist Karen to help promote the dental services that they pro-

vide for inpatients.

Through the interview I learned that treatment teams make referrals

for thier inpatients to receive dental services. Both clinics are open

one day per week and emergency dental care is the first priority.

Once a patient is discharged, they resume seeing their regular dentist

in the community.

The dental clinic at Southwest Centre is located on the second floor,

room C2-275 and is open every Friday all day. Vince, who came to

Southwest Centre’s dental clinic while I was there, commented on

how the team has created an environment that is welcoming and

how this really helps in reducing his anxiety about dental services.

He quotes “They are very good; they go far and beyond especially in

promoting oral care and hygiene.”

At Parkwood Institute, the dental clinic is located inside Parkwood

Main Building in room A215. The clinic is open on Mondays, all day.

Services provided at both locations include: check-up, basic cleaning, fillings and extractions. Referrals can be

made to a specialist if the care required is beyond this scope.

The dental clinic team strives to create a welcoming atmosphere where the patients feel safe and respected. hey

shared a story about how they were able to take the time needed to build a trusting relationship with a patient

who happened to be very anxious about dental services. Due to the effort of the team, this person is now able to

continue dental services.

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From Left: Karen, Dr. Penny and Stacy

Family Experience Survey

St. Joseph’s Mental Health Care Programs

Aligned with our commitment to patient-driven care, an annual experience survey is conducted with family members/most significant visitors of inpatients at Parkwood Insti-tute Mental Health Care and Southwest Centre for Forensic Mental Health Care (Southwest Centre). The survey assists in identifying areas of accomplishment and op-portunities for improvement at both facilities.

The survey will be mailed by the National Research Corporation Canada (NRCC) in October 2015. Patients must provide consent to allow NRCC to mail their family member/most significant visitor a survey. Additionally, pa-tients will identify the family member/most significant visitor to be contacted. In the event that a patient is inca- pable to consent, the substitute decision maker will be approached for consent. The survey will ask family members/most significant visitors questions about their experience with Parkwood Institute Mental Health Care or Southwest Centre regard-ing the quality of care and services provided, the living environment, communica-tion, patient care, and more. All information provided is confidential and results will be reported collectively. For more information on the survey, please contact Jennifer Sussex, Quality Meas-urement & Clinical Decision Support, at extension 47030.

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Larry Lalone

Educating families about addiction and mental health

For the first time Larry Lalone, who is the addiction education consultant at Park-wood Institute, offered to present educational sessions on addiction and mental

health specifically for families. Larry has been a regular presenter at the Family Education Course for a number of years now, but felt that families needed more

information. Therefore, he suggested three, two hour weekly sessions for family members. He felt that families needed to be better informed if they were to sup-

port a loved one with mental health and addiction issues.

The family members were impressed with his teaching style. Larry is the ultimate story teller and he engages his audience by sharing his knowledge in the form of

stories. Many family members commented on his wealth of knowledge and the eases with which he imparted his material.

These sessions are free for any family member to attend. In the future Larry may present more of these series as they were extremely well attended and illustrate

a need for this type of education.

The Family Resource Centre will work in partnership with Larry to promote any

future sessions.

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Hair salon now open:

Services are now available to all pa-tients in the Mental Health Care Build-ing at the salon located in the down-town area, next to the Outlook Café.

The hair salon is now open every Friday from 1 to 6 pm. Cuts, coloring, wash/blow dry and styling services are available, by appointment, with hair stylist Gloria Wright.

6th Annual Music Balm

WHEN: Oct. 18 TIME: 2 to 5 pm WHERE: Aeolian Hall, 795 Dundas Street

Admission is free but donations are appreci-ated.

Come out to support the mental health community.

Lunch & Learn These educational workshops are held the first Wednesday of every month at Park-wood Institute’s Mental Health Care Building in the auditorium

October 7: Family Support Services by Sabrina Andrews

November 4: Peer Employment Mentor, Amanda Chalmers

December 2: Mind Your Mind by Christine Garinger

Raising teens in changing times: When should you worry and what should you worry about Guest speaker: Dr. Sandra Fisman

Also the courageous story of a family with lived experience. WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 8th TIME: 7 to 9 pm WHERE: St. Michael’s Catholic Church 515 Cheapside Rd

Alzheimer Society : Speaker Series Exploring Living Losses: When What Dies is Inside of you Speaker: Darcy Harris WHEN: Tuesday, September 29th TIME: 7 to 8:30 pm WHERE: Kiwanis Seniors Community Centre 78 Riverside Drive

The 5th Annual CURA Conference: Poverty & Social Inclusion (no registration fee)

WHEN: October 28th, October 29th

WHERE: Best Western Lamplighter Hotel

591 Wellington Road

Please RSVP by phone or email: (519) 685-

8500 ext. 75896

amanda.wright@lhsc.on.ca

The purpose of the Community-University Research Alliance (CURA2) Pov-

erty and Social Inclusion project is to facilitate a "capacity building, com-

munity development" approach, to address issues of poverty and social

inclusion, in relation to psychiatric consumer/survivors.

FREE 7-WEEK MENTAL HEALTH FAMILY

EDUCATION COURSE

Knowledgeable family members, professionals and indi-viduals with lived mental health experience will speak on

topics which include: Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Anxiety, Depres-sion, coping with mental illness, communicating with your loved one, estate planning, mental health and the law, community services and more.

WHEN: Thursday evenings from September 24 to November 5, 2015

TIME: 6:30 to 9:30 pm

WHERE: 550 Wellington Road, Parkwood Institute’s Mental Health Care Building, room F4-201

To register contact Laurel Lamarre: 519 646-6100 Ext. 47440 Register early, seats are limited!

T he Family Resource Centre offers a variety of services for families, their loved ones and mental health professionals, including:

A resource library which contains current books, magazines, videos, audio tapes, and pamphlets on most mental illnesses

An opportunity to meet one-on-one with another family member who has had a personal experience with mental illness and the mental health system

Participation in a support group comprised of 5-10 family members affected by mental illness (every second Tuesday)

A free seven week family education course offered twice per year (Spring/Fall)

Speakers for community groups

Membership on the Family Advisory Council

A computer for family members to search for internet information on mental health

We are located at Parkwood’s Institute for Mental Health Care Building 550 Wellington Road—Room F2-191

The Family Resource Centre is open: Monday to Friday: 8 am - 4 pm (unless otherwise posted) Contact us at: 519 455-5110 Ext. 47440 or visit our webpage

https://www.sjhc.london.on.ca/mental-health-care/family-resource-centre-advisory-council

Attention Family Members!

Did you know that we offer a FREE support group to family members who are supporting a loved one with a mental illness?

The Support Group meets every second Tuesday from 1:30 to 3:00, at Parkwood Institute’s Mental Health Care Building.

Interested in this group, call the Family Resource Centre at 519-455-5110, Ext. 47440 for further details.

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Here is a list of some upcoming activities happening involv-ing the Family Advisory Council or other groups to educate or assist patients and their families. Contact the Family Resource Centre at 519 – 455-5110 Ext. 47440

Family Education Course—Sept. 24, Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 and Nov. 5

Thanksgiving— Oct. 12

Family Advisory Council – Oct. 5, Nov. 9, Dec. 14

Remembrance Day—Nov. 11

Family Support Group – Sept. 29, Oct. 13, 27, Nov. 10, 24,

Lunch & Learn—Oct. 7, Nov. 4, Dec. 2

Music Balm—Oct. 18

Raising Teens in Changing Times—Oct. 8

If you are interested in donating to Parkwood Institute’s Men-tal Health Care

Contact: Senior Development Officer 519-646-6100, ext. 65454

Donations for the Family Resource Centre can be made directly to:

St. Joseph's Health Care Foundation Attn: Dr. Wm. A. Tillmann Memorial Fund Resource Centre for Families

This newsletter is intended to be used as a communication vehicle by the Family Advisory Council at Parkwood Institute Mental Health Care and Southwest Centre for Forensic Mental Health Care with families who share common inter-

ests and concerns. The information herein is believed to be accurate; St. Joseph’s Health Care, the Family Adviso-ry Council, and the author(s) cannot be held responsible for any errors. It is the responsibility of the reader to work with professionals when making any clinical deci-sions

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