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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday December 12, 2008 - 41 Calling on the Nurse Next Door By Melanie Cummings SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER When Lori Paton's mom was diagnosed with ovarian cancer last spring, her online search for home care led her to British Columbia, where the company Nurse Next Door has flourished since it was created seven years ago. The registered nurse and respiratory specialist saw the franchise button on the website and clicked her way to becoming part of the company. "I wasn't looking for a business, but the company presented well to us," said Paton, who owns the Burlington and Oakville Nurse Next Door franchise with her husband, Christopher. There are 20 across the country, with half of them in B.C. The career switch came about as a result of turning age 40 this year, and, for Christopher, who worked 15-years as an engineer in the auto industry, a need to find a job that would "make a difference, that was rewarding," he said. Lori has dedicated 18 years to nursing. When she read Nurse Next Door's core values: pay staff well, support them by providing flexible shifts; be passionate about making a difference; collaborate to find a better way -- Lori was sold. "It's unusual to see these three core values in the health care field," she added. After training in B.C. and hiring health care workers, including personal support workers, RNs, and volunteers at seniors centres, the Nurse Next Door franchise for Burlington, Oakville officially launched in October. To `What do you do' inquiries Lori and Christopher turn around the question and ask, `What do you need?' Nurse Next Door services range from providing companionship, to picking up groceries, to personal care such as bathing and feeding, to advocacy. Lori accompanies staff on each initial visit, providing an introduction, laying out details of care and supporting both client and caregiver. Clients are the chronically ill, postsurgical patients, new moms, children and seniors. Follow-up phone calls to client and care- ONE NIGHT IN HAVANA December 18th RICK MILLER'S MacHOMER December 19th JOHN MCDERMOTT December 20th MICHAEL BURGESS December 21st All performances are at The Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts To order tickets call 905-815-2021 or 1-888-489-7784 For more information or to order on-line go to www.oakvillecentre.ca NIKKI WESLEY / OAKVILLE BEAVER IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD: Lori and Christopher Paton celebrate the grand opening fundraiser of their new nurse next door home health care service at the Harbour Banquet and Conference Centre. giver, as well as some from head office, ensure an optimal experience for all. "We're not landscapers, but we will take care of your pet, do laundry, put out the recycling, pick up meds, ensure they're taken, and do what needs to be done, above and beyond the call of duty," said Lori. Nurse Next Door augments government care services in an effort to keep people at home, Christopher added. A full, no charge nursing assessment examines goals, needs and household safety for clients who are free to choose the day and time care is needed. Costs range from $20 per hour for a companion to $26 for nursing care. 12 Days Till CHRISTMAS 40 Up to OFF % SALE Oakville's O SELECTED SHOES & APPAREL Put Living Gift on your holiday list Ten Thousand Villages is offering a way around the rush through its Living Gift Festival. Each Living Gift sold helps Ten Thousand Villages' parent organization, Mennonite Central Committee, carry out important relief and development work. Here's how it works: friends and family receive a detailed description of the present chosen for them while the actual gift goes to people who need it most. In 2007, $1.29 million was raised through Ten Thousand Villages during the Living Gift Festival -- an increase of more than 30 per cent over the previous year. As a non-profit, Fair Trade organization, Ten Thousand Villages provides vital income to people in the developing world by marketing their handicrafts and telling their stories in North America. "Unique presents are hard to find. At Ten Thousand Villages, we're offering creative gifts that help reduce the effects of poverty at the same time. Each purchase makes a considerable difference, whether you spend $25 or $250," says Frieda Kehler, manager of Oakville's Ten Thousand Villages store. Four special projects make up the Living Gift selection this year, including specific items like seeds as well as lasting services like classroom support. Prices range from $19 to $300. The Oakville Ten Thousand Villages store is located on Lakeshore Road East in downtown Oakville. For information, visit www.TenThousandVillages.ca. Daily SPECIALS for the Last Minute Shopper Open Sunday 11-4 Till Christmas