By Katie Strachan
The Oshawa Express

The region’s long-term care homes may soon benefit from extra helping hands. If regional council approves the health and social services committee’s recommendation, the region’s homes will enter into an agreement with students from Ryerson University. These students will be a part of the I n t e r n a t i o n a l l y Educated Dieticians pre-registration program. Currently, the long-term care homes benefit from student placements from the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT), Durham College and Queens University. If approved, the agreement would begin Sept. 1 and will continue for three years unless amended by either party. Staff in these homes will continue to ensure that the care and rights of residents will continue to be respected and will also make sure homecare remains a priority.

While seniors in homes benefit from interaction with students and extra helping hands, the students will benefit too. The practicum experience required for Ryerson students allows them to gain experience in nutrition therapy, health promotion, disease prevention and food service administration, says Beverly Brockest, curriculum and practicum coordinator at Ryerson University. It’s the education they need. The matter will be discussed at the next regional council meeting.