Pioneer Ridge in Thunder Bay is embarking on a transformational journey after becoming the first long-term care home in North-Western Ontario to adopt the ‘Butterfly Approach’ – an emotion-based, person-centred model of care.
With the support of Meaningful Care Matters (MCM), the founders of the Butterfly Approach, Pioneer Ridge’s Memory Care, Home Area 1, will spend the next 18 months transitioning away from traditional, task-oriented care, and towards a philosophy that places emotional well-being and personal connections at its heart.
The Butterfly Approach is a care philosophy where feelings matter most, and the focus is on creating an environment that feels like home. It is a comprehensive culture change model that enhances the quality of life for individuals in long-term care. Key elements of this approach include fostering meaningful relationships between residents, staff, and families; creating warm, colourful, and welcoming environments; and offering flexible schedules and routines tailored to residents’ life stories.
Staff will be empowered to demonstrate emotional intelligence, and leadership will be committed to a relationship-based approach to care. In addition, activities will be designed to bring joy and fulfilment to each resident, no matter their abilities.
The project, which will make Pioneer Ridge a leader in compassionate, person-centred care, will be led by Mary Kneale, RN Consultant at MCM, in support with Behavioural Supports Ontario embedded team members Judy Walters and Crystal Wark.
Samantha Moir, Director of Nursing at Pioneer Ridge, said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Meaningful Care Matters to introduce the Butterfly Approach here at Pioneer Ridge. Our goal has always been to create an environment where people living in long-term care can thrive. By focusing on emotional well-being, we are enhancing how we care for our residents, ensuring that everyone feels valued and supported.”
She continued: “This transformation aims to bring the art and heart of care back to the forefront, where each resident’s emotional experience is given top priority. The Butterfly Approach will foster a stronger sense of community and belonging within Pioneer Ridge, creating a place where people matter, and relationships thrive.”
The Butterfly Approach emphasises the importance of emotional intelligence and creating personal connections in a care setting. Residents are seen as individuals with unique life stories, and care is tailored to meet their emotional and physical needs. This model prioritises engaging with residents in the present moment, ensuring that their day-to-day experiences are rich with meaning.
Peter Bewert, Managing Director of Meaningful Care Matters, said: “We are delighted to support Pioneer Ridge in becoming the first Butterfly Home in North-Western Ontario. In an era where social care has faced unprecedented challenges, it is more important than ever to focus on emotional care. We are proud to work alongside the team at Pioneer Ridge as they embrace this transformative journey, ensuring their residents receive the highest quality of care, built on love, compassion, and emotional engagement.”
For more information on Meaningful Care Matters, please visit: https://meaningfulcarematters.com/
For more information about Pioneer Ridge, please visit: https://www.thunderbay.ca/en/city-services/pioneer-ridge.aspx