New app gives PSWs and nurses more time for resident care

Waterloo Region – Sunnyside Home has invested in a mobile application that could save staff up to 1.5 hours a day, redirecting that time into direct care for residents.

The app replaces a paper system, allowing nurses and personal support workers to complete medical charts and forms on mobile devices.

“We want staff to have more time to get to know residents and be able to create opportunities on a daily basis for them to feel joy and purpose,” said Julie Wheeler, Administrator at Sunnyside Home. “This app will help enhance clinical care and emotional care for the people who live here.”

“Time is precious in long term care and documentation requires a significant portion of that time,” said Brandon Restoule, a PSW at Sunnyside Home. “This gives us an opportunity to do that work more efficiently and accurately, ultimately freeing up time that residents can benefit from, such as getting help to set up at an activity or a few extra minutes to have a conversation.”

During a pilot at one long term care home, the app, developed by VitalHub, saved personal support workers 23 minutes per shift and registered practical nurses 1.5 hours per shift.

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For an interview, please contact:

Sherry Morley, Communications Coordinator, Community Services, Region of Waterloo, 519-883-2377, smorley@regionofwaterloo.ca

About Sunnyside

Sunnyside Home is a leader in quality care for older adults. Services provided include dementia services, supportive housing, convalescent care, respite care, assisted living services, aging-at-home supports and the Sunnyside Wellness Centre. Many of these services are also offered in Waterloo and Cambridge. Watch our video “Welcome Home” (www.regionofwaterloo.ca/sunnysidehome) to get a sense of what it feels like to be part of our community.