Grey County long-term care receives Workplace Quality Award from AdvantAge Ontario

Grey County has been recognized by AdvantAge Ontario with the Innovation and Excellence Workplace Quality award for the Long-Term Care Colour It Coach program. This award recognizes practical and creative programs or strategies that foster workplace excellence. Grey County was presented with the award on May 2 at the AdvantAge Ontario Convention in Toronto.

The Colour It Coach program provides support and mentorship to students and staff who are new to healthcare roles. Coaches in Grey County’s three long-term care homes (Grey Gables, Lee Manor and Rockwood Terrace) help to improve the experience of staff and students during placements. This helps students learn with confidence and in turn improves the quality of care within the homes. The program has also proven to support both the recruitment and retention of staff and helps foster a positive and collaborative workplace culture.

“Grey County is committed to building a safe, vibrant workplace where staff have the tools, support and trust they need to provide the very best care and teach the next generation of caregivers,” said Grey County Director of Long-Term Care, Jennifer Cornell. “I’m so proud of the work we have done to champion resident-led care, and of all of our coaches who have enthusiastically embraced the program.”

Grey County has built a relationship with Georgian College Owen Sound and many other educational institutions to connect students enrolled in the Personal Support Worker program with placement opportunities in Grey County homes. In 2024, more than 250 clinical placements were supported. Thirty-five students who participated in the Colour It Coach program have successfully onboarded as team members in Grey County’s long-term care homes. More than 90% of students rated their experience as excellent.

“Supporting and mentoring students in our long-term care homes is great for our services and for the community at large,” said Grey County Warden Andrea Matrosovs.  “We are encouraging young people to stay in our communities and showing them first-hand that they can have a rewarding career in healthcare. As a former teacher, I couldn’t be prouder of the successes the Colour It Coach program has achieved.”

Innovation and Excellence awards are presented annually at the AdvantAge Ontario Convention. AdvantAge Ontario is a non-partisan association representing more than 500 providers of non-profit long-term care, seniors’ housing, supportive housing, and community service agencies.

For more information about Grey County long-term care services visit www.grey.ca/long-term-care.

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For media inquiries contact Rob Hatten, communications manager, at rob.hatten [at] grey.ca (rob[dot]hatten[at]grey[dot]ca) or all 519-373-1952.