QEII Halifax Infirmary Emergency Department is working with reduced space, which may lead to delays for those with less urgent concerns. Learn more here.
Starting Saturday, December 14, the entrance to the QEII Halifax Infirmary Emergency Department will change to 1840 Bell Road. Learn more.
Two decades ago, Wendy Wierstra embarked on a meaningful journey as a care coordinator with Nova Scotia Health Continuing Care. Since then, she has been a beacon of support and compassion, dedicated to enhancing the lives of those she serves.
Wendy helps individuals of all ages, as well as their families and caregivers, to make informed decisions about available services to assist them to remain as independent as possible in the place they call home. This could mean engaging home or community care services or providing transition support to long-term care for older adults.
For the past 10 years, Wendy has also shared her knowledge and experience beyond Continuing Care as a volunteer presenter with the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia. Through the organization’s Caregiver Education Series - a virtual and in-person, six-week course where family members/care partners learn about dementia to better understand what to expect as they navigate the various stages and symptoms of the disease – Wendy presents during the final week of the series about Responding to Changing Care Needs.
“I provide an overview of the programs and services offered through Continuing Care, explain the referral and assessment process as well as the role of the care coordinator to assist families in finding the right balance of support, independence and dignity for their loved ones,” said Wendy.
Wendy strives to convey the key role of a care coordinator as someone who accompanies a client throughout their care journey, and someone they can consult about adjustments to their care plan as their situation and health needs change. “This presentation, and series, receives incredibly positive feedback as people are reassured that there is help available to them when they need it,” said Wendy.
“I learned so much and felt the compassion in the room. It was a BIG help to know I am not alone,” said one attendee.”
This past fall, Wendy was recognized by then Lieutenant Governor for Nova Scotia, Honourable Arthur J. LeBlanc, for her volunteer work with the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia. “I have enjoyed this experience immensely, the Alzheimer Society is such a great organization, with amazing, dedicated staff, and it is a pleasure to continue to offer my time,” said Wendy.
If you or a loved one need help staying in your home or require support after a recent hospital stay in Nova Scotia, you can contact Nova Scotia Health Continuing Care for assistance. To get more information or to make a referral, please call 1-800-225-7225 (toll-free in Nova Scotia). Continuing Care will collaborate with you or your loved one to create a personalized care plan that suits your needs. For further details, visit https://www.nshealth.ca/continuing-care.
Photo of Wendy Wierstra.