Oakville hospital's SMILE program gets $1,000 Community Fund grant The Oakville Hospital Volunteer Association (OHVA) recently received a $1,000 grant to enhance the local hospital's SMILE program. The OHVA applied for and received the bursary from the Oakville Community Fund, a fund held within the Oakville Community Foundation. "The OHVA is always proud to support the hospital by giving our gift of time and through the many fundraising initiatives we're involved in," said Patte Seaton, OHVA president. "Creating wonderful patient and family experiences is our goal and we are so very thankful to have this additional support from the foundation to help us continue on this path. They are great partners to work with." The SMILE program is dedicated to enhancing the recovery of older adult patients who are at risk of developing delirium and functional decline. SMILE is an acronym that stands for: Stimulate the brain; Move the body; Improve hydration; Limit caffeine and sleep enhancing medication; and Enjoy better hearing and vision. "As co-chair of the Safer Elder Care Committee at Halton Healthcare," said Kim Kohlberger, who is also director of Rehabilitation and Geriatrics. "I am delighted to have received this Community Fund grant through the OHVA that will bene t the continued development of innovative interventions to enhance the success of the SMILE Program." Launched in September 2014, the program consists of specially-trained volunteers who work with patients during the day and evening with the goal of the day program to involve patients in social and cognitive therapeutic activities, such as playing all kinds of games, or reading the newspaper. The evening program, which launched in April, focuses on enhancing a good night's sleep by offering patients a cup of decaffeinated tea, snack, eye mask and warm non-slip socks. The program's ultimate goal is to improve patient care outcomes and continues to receive positive feedback from patients, their families, the program volunteers and staff, stated a media release. The grant will be used to purchase a new teacart and keep the activity box well-stocked. Health 25 | Thursday, July 30, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com "Connected to your Community" From left, Shirley Coughlin, clinical co-ordinator of Rehabilitation; Carolyn McDougall, of the Oakville Community Fund; Sudi Kalra, vice-chair of the Oakville Hospital Volunteer Association (OHVA); Kim Kohlberger, director of Rehabilitation and Geriatrics; and Patte Seaton, OHVA president, present the $1,000 grant from the Oakville Community Fund given to the Oakville hospital's SMILE program. | submitted photo How participating in a two-day bike ride can help Conquer Cancer I n 2014, I signed up for my rst Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer bene ting Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. 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