Recipe of the month: Curried Tofu and Avocado Dip with Rosemary Pita chips

Recipe Ingredients: Fresh ground pepper to taste 4 whole wheat pitas, split 1 tablespoon chopped Rosemary Salt to taste 7 ounces soft or silken tofu drained 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 avocado peeled, pitted and coarsely chopped 1 teaspoon finely grated lime zest ¼ cup low-fat sour cream ¼ cup Greek-style, fat-free yogurt 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 1 ½ teaspoons honey 1 garlic clove 1 teaspoon curry powder 2 tablespoons chopped mint Grape tomatoes, radishes and cucumber slices for

serving

“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time”

Thomas A. Edison.

Welcome to the Patients’ Voice Newsletter

The Patients’ Voice

Inside this Issue1- Recipe of the month2- Hair salon/Family experience survey 3- Vitamins and mental health4- Who is who and what do they do?5- The healing power of pets6- The healing power of pets continued7- Patient BBQ8- A new fall wardrobe/Cooking program

Volume 3, Issue 3Fall 2015

THE PATIENTS’ COUNCIL OF ST. JOSEPH’S MENTAL HEALTH CARE

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.Stack the pita halves and cut them into six wedges; transfer to a bowl and add the rosemary and olive oil. Season with salt and toss. Spread the pita wedges on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake until crisp for 30 minutes; then let cool. Meanwhile, in a food processor, puree the avocado, sour cream, tofu, yogurt, lime juice, lime zest, honey, garlic, curry powder and mint until smooth. Season the dip with salt and pepper, and refrigerate until chilled. Serve the dip with the pita chips, cucumbers, radishes and tomatoes.

Recipe from Cooking.com By: Stephanie Taylor

PAGE 3 THE FAMILY FORUM3

Family Experience Survey – Parkwood Institute Mental Health Care and Southwest Centre

Aligned with our commitment to patient-driven care, an annual experience survey is conducted with family members/most significant visitors of inpatients at Parkwood Institute Mental Health Care and Southwest Centre for Forensic Mental Health Care (Southwest Centre). The survey assists in identifying areas of accomplishment and opportunities 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, patients will identify the family member/most significant visitor to be contacted. In the event that a patient is incapable 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 regarding the quality of care and services provided, the living environment, communication, 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 Measurement & Clinical Decision Support, at extension 47030.

Page 2 The Patients’ Voice

Hair Salon now open:

Services are now available to all patients in Parkwood Institute’s Mental Health Care Building at the salon located in the downtown area, next to the Outlook Café.

Beginning September 11, the hair salon will be 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.

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Vitamins and Mental Health

Recent studies paint an interesting picture about vitamins and their effect on mental health. Researchers are now discovering that vitamin D may have an effect on mental health. Some people have found that taking a

daily multivitamin can help with increased energy levels and motivation as well. A lack of vitamin D has been linked or found to cause depression in some people. Many people suffer from depression, and have feelings of

sadness, helplessness, and frustration. Apparently, studies have shown that a substantial lack of vitamin D can lead to depression. Please keep in mind

that this research has not proven to be conclusive or final. If you lack vitamin D in your blood, it does not necessarily mean that you will be

depressed.

Since this is a relatively new area of research and because of the uncertainty that vitamin D actually does cause depression, it is wise to take or keep taking medication(s) for the treatment of depression, as advised by

your Doctor. You may also need to find a vitamin tailored to your age, weight or gender. For example, there are vitamins for older adults, over 50 years. Talk to your Doctor about what vitamins he/she might recommend, and do not make any changes to your current medications that the Doctor

has prescribed for you.

If taking vitamin D improves your depressive state, then great. However, it should not be used to replace conventional or regular treatment of depression. It may be wise to have your doctor check for vitamin

deficiencies first, since many health issues can be affected by these deficiencies.

Sources: Psychology Today and Vitamin D Council (https://www.vitamindcouncil.org)

(website: https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/reading-between-the-headlines/201307/vitamin-d-deficiency-and-depression)

Article written by Roy Paglione

PAGE 5 THE FAMILY FORUM5Page 4 The Patients’ Voice

Meet the Forensic Outreach Team by Laurel Lamarre and 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 roles 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 services they provide are very individualized to the person and the justice system provides a disposition that determines 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 between one to 25 years. The team will help link the patient to the appropriate resources such as support from an Assertive Community Treatment Team, the Canadian Mental Health Association or a 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 individuals 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 anyone who may require readmission.

During the interview, the team members shared that they enjoy working together and are in a very cohesive environment. They work together to cover tasks if a member of the team is away, and 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 patients achieve their goals and stay safe in their community.

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 patients over time. Their catchment area is quite wide, and extends from Windsor to Owen Sound and even Tobermorey. In 2001, the team adopted 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 currently works with approximately 70 to 80 patients and there is no wait list for their services.

L to R: Kristy (OT), Quincy (TR), Jared (OT), Patti (Team Leader), Dr. Flett, Donna (VC)

PAGE 6EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTE6R

Page 5 The Patients’ Voice

The Healing Power of Pets by Laurel and Rachel

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 4 different furry friends and their owners who spoke to us about how therapeutic their pets are to their wellbeing and the positive impact in their lives.

First let us introduce you to Sir Oliver Tulley whose owner is Tara. She informs us that Tulley is a six 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 parents are also trained therapy dogs. Tulley’s temperament changes if he is wearing his therapy vest versus 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 library 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 Post Traumatic Stress Disorder describes how her mother brought Tulley to the hospital and encouraged her to be responsible 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 three times a week and because of his designation as a therapy dog, he was able to stay with her on the unit during the daytime.

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 comfort her. Today they have a very close bond and generally wherever Tara goes, Tulley is right next to her.

Tulley (Tara)

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 mentioned 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 hospital, she will always plan ahead to ensure that arrangements are made for Cherie’s care in her absence. Cherie is very therapeutic in Chris’ life and helps to keep her feeling positive.

Cherie (Chris)

PAGE 7 THE FAMILY FORUM7

Halle is a 4 year old black lab and she attends the adolescent units with her owner Roger every Tuesday afternoon. 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 really felt that they wanted to share this experience with patients in need. Halle has been volunteering at Parkwood Institute Mental 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 underweight and in general, not in good health. As we can see from the photograph, 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 presence for the whole family.

Page 6 The Patients’ Voice

Barney is an 8 year old cairn terrier who has been volunteering at Parkwood Institute’s Mental Health Care building since he was six months. Barney used to accompany Gracie, who is now retired at age 16 from her volunteering 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 Rehabilitation program 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 bonding moment that was heartwarming.

Barney (Pat)

Halle (Roger)

Joe (Rachel)

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 financial 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 emergency veterinary costs; however only the veterinarian 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 ensure 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 understand the healing power that pets can bring into your life! We encourage you to be kind and loving to your furry friends, and remember they bring you unconditional love.

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6

Summer Barbecue

(From left to right: Stephanie, Ron, Roy, and Rachel)

On August 27, Volunteer Services, in partnership with the Patients’ Council, hosted the Annual Patient Barbecue at Parkwood Institute’s Mental Health Care Building. The barbecue took place outside in the central courtyard. Patients helped themselves to hamburgers, corn on the cob, chips, beverages, and dessert. The Patients’ Council

provided ice cream for dessert, and helped to serve as well. Patients could choose from vanilla, chocolate, butterscotch, and strawberry ice cream. The event was very well

attended and the weather was beautiful. Patients also enjoyed a game of BINGO with the Therapeutic Recreation staff.

Thank you to Volunteer Services, and the Patients’ Council members who helped out at the event!

Page 7 The Patients’ Voice

PAGE 9 THE FAMILY FORUM9Page 8 The Patients’ Voice

A New Fall WardrobeFinding your new fall wardrobe doesn't have to be expensive; there are many options in the London area- some are second-hand, and some are sale items in the London community.Goodwill provides both shoes and clothes in different sizes, ranging from small to large sizes of clothing. Talize offers many pieces of clothing at rock- bottom prices. Value Village has a large selection of clothing and on a personal note; two friends of mine have found whole wardrobes at Value Village in small and in plus sizes. They both work in office settings and have found professional work attire. The Men's Mission has clothes for both men and women at a nominal cost. The boutique at the mental health care building has excellent clothing and winter gear, and is free for inpatients and outpatients of the hospital.Old Navy has both adult’s and children’s clothing at economical prices. Burlington coat factory also has fall family wardrobes for less.Watch for sales at your local mall and look to see if there are any discounted summer clothes you could get for next summer season. Another place to look for clothing is at garage sales and fall bazaars, as sometimes they have nice clothing at very affordable prices.

By: Stephanie Taylor

Adaptive Cooking Program

Did you know about the Adaptive Cooking Program in the community? This program is available for individuals with disabilities, who are looking to learn important cooking skills and meet new friends in a social environment. Learn about:

REGISTER TODAY!

Every Thursday from 1 to 3 pmSept 24th to Nov 3rd, 2015

FREE (space is limited)

Check out our website at: www.adaptivecooking.ca

Contact adaptivecooking@gmail.comOr (519) 691-6225

Call today!

Eating Healthy onA budget andGrocery Shopping

Cooking in Bulk

Freezing and Thawing Food

Cooking Skills

Creating Social Activities Around Food

Safe use of an electric frying

pan, toaster oven and crockpot