A few years ago, I came from the software world, where innovation often means chasing the newest thing. Organizations are constantly trying to be on the cutting edge – wanting to stand out from the crowd or be the first to do something. Many need to constantly push the limits in order to survive.
In the roles I had, my passion was putting the customer first. I wanted to know what they were experiencing, what was working well (or not), and what they wanted to see next. My favourite part was meeting with and speaking to the real users of what we were making – I needed to hear directly from the source.
In healthcare, especially working with older adults, there’s a lot more at stake if you move too quickly and make decisions for business reasons. There’s a risk of serious health outcomes, true, but what’s equally at stake is jeopardizing or limiting someone’s quality of life.
Innovation in older adult healthcare requires the ability to balance the “latest and greatest” with what will actually work for the individual. What does this person need in order to be their best self, and live their best life? How do we take new ideas and apply them thoughtfully, where they naturally make sense?
When I transitioned into healthcare during the pandemic, I researched organizations serving the older adult population to help me decide where to apply myself as a personal support worker. I was blown away by the promise of Schlegel Villages and their dedication to research and quality. Almost four years later (with a few role changes along the way), I’m still so grateful to be part of an organization that delivers on that promise every day.
The Innovation Summit is an excellent example of the passion coming from every corner of our villages. It brings everyone together to learn and celebrate. Our Innovation Catalysts are truly dedicated team members – personal support workers, nurses, recreation aides, housekeepers, and more – who choose to step up and help us find better ways to serve our residents and team members. They bring crucial firsthand experience and are willing to put themselves out there to try something new.
It’s so heartening to see their steadfast optimism and their drive. I’m proud to be part of this movement to put residents and team first so that everyone can thrive. The investment that our organization puts into the Summit and all of our innovation projects is remarkable – every year gets better and better.
Alysha Voigt is the Director of Quality and Innovation at The Village of Winston Park in Kitchener, and is a passionate advocate for continuous quality improvement for the residents she serves and the team members she works alongside.
