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COMPANY HISTORY
JILL O'DONNELL
DUNCAN BROWN
RUSSELL CARRINGTON
KARIMA KASSAM
BRENDA CONWAY
RONNIE RUSK

Complete Geriatric Care was the first entity of its kind: a centralized, client-centred consulting and advisory service established in the private sector to meet the total needs of seniors. Founded in November 1981, the company has grown steadily while maintaining the highest standards of quality and information.

In the early years, the company focused on assessment and placement coordination. Although there were many community services available to seniors, they lacked central coordination, a situation which Complete Geriatric Care dedicated itself to improving.

1986

In 1986 Complete Geriatric Care introduced the concept of Geriatric Care Management, recognizing that seniors want to remain in their own homes. Geriatric Care Management enables elders to remain at home for as long as possible by bringing community resources to them. Continuing attention is paid to the client’s needs and changing situation, adjusting services to meet these needs.

1989

In 1989, it was becoming apparent that more and more employees were caring for aging relatives at home, and that the effects were being felt in the workplace. In response, the company was the first in the private sector to introduce workplace eldercare services, a package of services tailored to the organization’s needs.

1991

With a growing incidence of Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementia, Complete Geriatric Care was instrumental in the development of the first Complete Geriatric Care ElderHome for the cognitively impaired in 1991. It is a community based residential home which offers families an alternative to institutionalization for elders with a cognitive impairment.

1994

In 1994, recognizing that many people from various walks of life are helping older adults, Complete Geriatric Care established The ElderConnection. The ElderConnection hosts a monthly networking breakfast and publishes a monthly newsletter, and gives people who provide services or products to older adults the opportunity to get together, learn from each other, and increase their knowledge and their ability to serve their clients.

1996

Most recently, in summer of 1996, Complete Geriatric Care established ElderMoves, the complete relocation consulting service. ElderMoves assists seniors and other people who need to relocate by planning and carrying out all the requirements of the move.

In recent years, with the downsizing of government services and our aging society, the need for Complete Geriatric Care’s services has grown dramatically. Our current analysis indicates that this need will continue growing in the 21st century. With 24 years of experience and a cross-section of experienced and diversified Associates, Complete Geriatric Care is poised to meet the challenge.
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Principal Associates

JILL O'DONNELL, R.N., P.H.N., Cert. Social Service Admin., B.A.
Jill O'Donnell, the founder of Complete Geriatric Care, is well known as a pioneer in the field of gerontology and as an expert consultant on aging issues. She has worked extensively in community and institutional settings and has knowledge of both private and public sector resources. Her specific interest is in the treatment and housing of frail elders and those suffering from a cognitive impairment. She has been a presenter at regional and international conferences and has been featured in national newspapers, magazines, local radio and national TV.
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BRENDA CONWAY, M.A.

Brenda has worked in both the public and private sectors. She is formally trained in sociology, family life education, and in dispute resolution. Brenda has been the client representative at Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care, and a community resource coordinator at Corporate Health Consultants, an Employee Assistance Program provider. She has been in management and project management in community-based, not-for-profit organizations and was a research consultant for the Ontario Ministry of Health. Brenda has also been involved in educational projects and programs at the University of Toronto, Clarke Institute of Psychiatry, Hospital for Sick Children and Family Service Association.

Brenda brings to Complete Geriatric Care a broad knowledge of aging and family issues and healthcare consumer issues, along with a passion for assisting seniors and their families to navigate the transitions of the later years.
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RONNIE RUSK, B.A., Cert. Gerontology.

Ronnie brings extensive experience working with older adults, their families, caregivers and service provides in New York City, Ottawa and Toronto. Ronnie has focused her work on training for staff, caregivers and volunteers, developing programs for frail and cognitively impaired elders, and facilitating support projects for older adults living in the community. She was awarded a Commemorative Medal on the 124th Anniversary of Canadian Confederation for significant contribution to Canada for her advocacy work on behalf of seniors. Ronnie has worked in care facilities and in the community for the not-for-profit, private sector and government sectors.
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