Baycrest Health Sciences & Baycrest Foundation Publications
Issue link: http://baycrest.uberflip.com/i/1300909
BrainMatters FALL|WINTER 2020 5 "...our team's expertise enabled us to respond in a timely manner." JACKIE REALE, Recreationist Working in the Therapeutic Recreation department, Jackie's priority is to reduce social isolation and increase mood and engagement with patients while respecting physical distancing. "Working during the pandemic has really honed our skills," says Jackie. "I've been able to work more closely with patients individually, reducing their social isolation and providing positive engagement, especially during a time when their loved ones weren't able to visit." AFSHA RIZVI, Manager, Baycrest@Home Afsha worked to build a digital alternative to social recreation and engagement activities in the loss of group programming and family visitation. "Our priorities in our regular roles changed to focus on our COVID-19 response overnight," recalls Afsha. "I was tasked with creating accessible digital programming, including spiritual care, done previously in person." One of the more rewarding moments for her was a staff recreationist expressing how thankful they were for the technology, delivery and program support that allowed them to provide care in a COVID-19 environment. JAGGER SMITH, Program Director, Ambulatory Services Transformation As lead of the Baycrest part of the North Toronto Ontario Health Team COVID-19 Community Response Team, Jagger and his colleagues led clinical support to thousands of older adults in the Toronto Community Housing's Senior Housing Unit. His team redeployed specialized geriatric services and primary care physicians across North Toronto to tenants with dedicated onsite spaces, and assigned staff to support the city's Seniors Housing Units with self-isolation during COVID-19. "Our efforts enhanced physical distancing and infection prevention and control practices (IPAC); increased access to virtual care; and mitigated unnecessary emergency department use in North Toronto." Thanks to all the Baycrest staff who are heroes to our patients, residents, families and each other!