Smaller homes a strong selling point for OMNI: RPN

Dawna Mercer says smaller homes provide a more 'homey' atmosphere

July 29, 2010 -- Deron Hamel

PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY, Ont. - Working in a smaller-than-average long-term care home allows staff members to provide more one-on-one care and creates more of a "homey" atmosphere, says West Lake Terrace registered practical nurse (RPN) Dawna Mercer.

Mercer, who began her position at the Prince Edward County home June 28, notes that before she and her husband moved from Winnipeg to the county last month, she began researching long-term care homes in the area on the Internet and was taken by what OMNI Health Care offered residents living in its 17 homes.

Mercer had previously worked in long-term care homes much larger than the 47-bed West Lake Terrace. Coming to a smaller home make a big difference, she says.

"(West Lake Terrace) is small and homey," she tells the OMNIway. "You're able to give better care, I believe, because it's more intimate and more individualized. You can also give more one-on-one time, whereas if you're a larger home, it's often just too big to do a lot of one-on-one care."

After applying for a position in March, Mercer notes that she kept in regular contact with Mary Lynn Lester, the home's administrator and director of care, adding that Lester was supportive of her during her career move.

Once she began her post, Mercer says staff members and management were helpful in making her transition seamless.

Working in a small home is beneficial to both residents and staff members, says Mercer. Everyone at West Lake Terrace, whether resident or staff member, knows one another, and this is important because it creates pleasant environment for everyone, she adds.

"Residents get to know you," she says. "Even if you're not here that long during the week, they get to know you because the home is very small."

If you have a story you would like to share with the OMNIway, please contact the newsroom at 800-294-0051, ext. 23, or e-mail deron(at)axiomnews.ca.

If you have feedback on this story, please call the newsroom at 800-294-0051, ext. 23, or e-mail deron(at)axiomnews.ca.

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