Great West team

Grace West day staff

Everyone deserves a safe home where they are welcome and are part of the community. The Great West team at St. Teresa Place stepped up to make this work for a resident who had remained in hospital for over a year because multiple care homes declined accepting her due to her complex multiple sclerosis, a personality disorder and almost no family support.

Once the resident arrived, the care team immediately engaged in comprehensive care planning, working closely with her to identify her needs, preferences and goals. Then they collaboratively developed a personalized care schedule that respected her routine while remaining workable for the unit. The Great West team went beyond standard expectations by assisting with her exercise and a passive range-of-motion program, helping her maintain function and autonomy.

Staff actively supported her integration by connecting her with residents, involving her in activities and ensuring she received full access to all services available at the site. Through intentional inclusivity, the team ensured she experienced belonging, dignity and meaningful participation.

As the resident's care needs gradually increased, it became evident to both the resident and the Great West team that a higher level of support in long-term care would best meet her safety and quality-of-life needs. Recognizing the resident's limited ability to independently navigate complex care systems, the team advocated on her behalf. They worked closely with Community Transition Services, attending multiple meetings to have her needs fully understood and prioritized. Eventually she got to go on waitlists for long term care homes she preferred.