Nucleus News
December, 2011
A Holiday Message from Nucleus
Independent Living President,
Board of Directors
As we prepare for this busy and joyous holiday season, it is
a time to reflect on the cherished and important things in life. When we
think about what are those things that create meaning, those things that
enrich our lives, those things that are hard to live without; they would have
to be our family and friends. Nucleus Independent Living is very blessed to
have the support of so many families and close friends. We would not be
the organization that we are today without the support of each and every
one of you. May your holiday be happy and healthy.
Yves Belanger
Mission,
Vision and
Values
In February, 2011our
Board of Directors
revised the Mission,
Vision and Value
Statements to better
reflect the organizations
goals.
SAFETY FIRST!
Mission, Vision and Values
Mission
Nucleus enables adults who require physical
assistance in their daily activities to live
independently in their own homes by providing
individualized support service solutions.
Vision
Leading with solutions, serving with excellence.
Values
Quality & Safety Collaboration
Respect
Accountability
As Winter Approaches, so does the snow.
To ensure the safety of our attendants, please remember, if you have
walkways and/or driveways, please be sure they are clear of snow
and ice before we arrive at your homes.
Consumer Advisory Committee
The Nucleus Independent Living Consumer Advisory Committee will
be in operation in 2012. If you are interested in volunteering your
time for this important endeavour, please contact us for more
information at 905-829-4499
2012 - Gearing up for Accreditation
ASPIRE to Excellence
Nucleus Independent Living is currently
undergoing preparations for accreditation.
We strive to comply with internationally recognized standards for quality improvement,
focused on the unique needs of each person
we serve. Our services will be reviewed
within the framework of these quality
standards.
We are in the process of reviewing/updating
our policies and practices against these
standards. Eventually, in 2013, we will be visited by Surveyors,
highly regarded industry experts, who will assess how well we
have done.
These results will be shared with you, along with our plans to
ensure our on-going commitment to quality. This is a significant
undertaking for Nucleus Independent Living, but it is absolutely
vital to ensure that we can realize our Vision to serve with
excellence. All staff at Nucleus Independent Living will be involved
in these efforts as important contributors to the process and our
Board members will also be highly engaged. As a consumer of our
services, we will be looking for your valuable input along the way
through surveys, focus group discussions or perhaps one on one
conversations. So, when you hear of an opportunity to provide
your input, we would appreciate your participation as it will help
us shape our services and ASPIRE to Excellence together!
Giving Back During the Holidays
Nucleus Independent Living has been providing
services to persons with disabilities and high risk
seniors in their homes in Toronto, Peel and
Halton for over twenty five years. Donations are
an important part of our operation and assists us
in providing quality services.
Financial donations from individuals or
corporations are always welcomed.
We greatly appreciate your generosity!
Financial donations are accepted in person or by mail at:
2030 Bristol Circle
Oakville ON L6H 2H0
Please make cheques payable to: Nucleus Independent Living
Nucleus’ Head
Office Has
Moved
Employees of Nucleus Head
Office and the Supports for
Daily Living and Attendant
Outreach programs were
busy this spring and summer
moving to a new facility.
Please note that our contact
information has changed.
2030 Bristol Circle
Oakville, ON L6H 2H0
New phone - 905-829-4499
New fax - 905-829-0555
Supports for Daily Living:
905-822-2273
Attendant Outreach:
905-829-4498
Safety Corner
Falls are among the leading causes
of injury for people of all ages.
Have your vision checked regularly.
Use medication and alcohol safely.
When walking outside be aware of
your surroundings.
Use equipment correctly such as
canes, wheelchairs and walkers.
Wear supportive, non-slip shoes,
boots and slippers.
Use a nightlight and keep a flashlight
by your bed.
Ensure your wheelchair is properly
maintained and the wheels locked
when necessary.
Get Your Flu Shot!
The flu shot helps strengthen your
body's natural immune response
against the flu. The shot stimulates
your immune system to build antibodies against the virus, making it
stronger and ready to fight off the
flu. So this year, make sure you get
your flu shot early. The sooner you
get it, the earlier you're protected!
Call your pharmacy for flu shot
clinic schedules.
Our staff follow these easy
and lowlow-cost steps to stop
many infectious diseases,
and so can YOU...
Clean your hands OFTEN
Keeping your hands
clean is one of the
best ways to keep
from getting sick and
spreading illness.
Wash your hands
often with soap and
water or handwash.
Routinely Clean and Disinfect
Surfaces
Cleaning with soap,
water, and scrubbing
removes dirt and most
germs. However, using
Handle and Prepare Food Safely
Clean hands & surfaces
often. Don’t crosscontaminate one food
with another. Cook foods
to proper temperatures.
Chill & refrigerate foods
promptly.
The 5 Warning
Signs of Stroke
Stroke is a medical emergency.
Recognizing and responding
immediately to the warning signs
of stroke by calling 911 can
significantly improve survival and
recovery. If a person is diagnosed
with a stroke caused by a blood
clot, doctors can administer a
clot-busting drug available only at
a hospital, and only within a few
crucial hours after symptoms
begin. That’s why it is very
important to be able to
recognize the 5 warning signs
of stroke and immediately call
911.
Stroke can be treated.
Make sure to remember these
5 warning signs:
WEAKNESS - Sudden loss of
strength or sudden numbness in
the face, arm or leg.
TROUBLE SPEAKING - Sudden
difficulty speaking or understanding or sudden confusion.
VISION PROBLEMS - Sudden
trouble with vision.
HEADACHE - Sudden severe
and unusual headache.
DIZZINESS - Sudden loss of
balance, especially with any of the
above signs.
F A S T
Face - Arms - Speech - Time
REMEMBER:
*Resource-Heart and Stroke Foundation