People of Perley - Alanah Hazelwood

 

As Manager of Food, Nutrition and Housekeeping at Perley Health, Alanah Hazelwood's passionate commitment to continuous improvement has a positive impact on residents' lives every day.

After graduating from the Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (Dietetics Option) at Nova Scotia's Acadia University, Alanah searched across the country for an employer that met her expectations. Researching online opportunities, she craved a workplace with a community and culture similar to the East Coast. She found that, and more, at Perley Health. The cheerful atmosphere in the spick-and-span building impressed her from the first visit.

Perley Health has the staff, resources and opportunities to significantly improve the lives of residents, Alanah says. She appreciates that person-centred care informs all Perley Health departments. In Food, Nutrition and Housekeeping, the focus is on improving resident experience. “We are able to progress and look at the future, to really drive change, and ensure that residents' needs are met. That's my core passion.”

That passion extends to her entire team. Alanah's staff are so experienced and engaging that they make her job much more manageable, allowing her to focus on advancing evidence-based improvements in resident experience.

For example, resident social isolation and loneliness are serious concerns, only amplified during the pandemic. When a Quality of Life Survey identified food and resident dining areas that can be improved, the Perley Health team responded, including Alanah. Working in collaboration with the Perley Health Quality Improvement Team and resident-inclusive committees, they engaged residents to research and improve changes to the atmosphere in the dining room while enhancing consultations over the weekly menus.
Alanah's team continually ask residents about what they want, and need. The Food Experience Committee, and Dining Experience Committee, develop recommendations. Staff innovated by introducing suggestion boxes in the dining room, for immediate feedback. Alanah's team strives to turn those ideas into action. That's how practices such as having servers take meal orders and chat with residents, came about.

As a manager, Alanah is committed to professional development for her staff. Her role at Perley Health gives her a chance to guide people as they advance in their own careers. The facility provides encouragement and support for training and skills development.

Alanah says every morning at Perley Health is like a breath of fresh air. As she greets her positive and professional team, “The word that comes to mind is family.”

 

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"Having the opportunity in a place like Perley to be able to have a fantastic team with you and coming to work every morning is a breath of fresh air.” - Alanah Hazelwood, RD, NM, Manager, Food and Nutrition/Housekeeping