The following services are also available
to you.

Physiotherapy
Where available, physiotherapy services will be provided to residents who have been assessed by their Physicians to require this service. The cost of this service may be covered by OHIP.

Foot Care Services
Care by a specially trained nurse is provided to our residents on a fee for service basis.

Dental Services – Dentist
Arrangements may be made for dental visits through the Charge Nurse when necessary. We recommend an annual examination by a Dentist for all residents.

Dental Services – Denturist
Arrangements to have dentures made, relined, or adjusted may be made through the Charge Nurse or by contacting a Denturist of your choice. Most Denturists will provide services in the long term care home. The cost of these services is the responsibility of the resident.

Optometry
Care by a Registered Optometrist is arranged for any resident requiring care. The cost of these visits may be covered by OHIP.

Audiology
Care by a Registered Audiologist is arranged when requested. The cost may also be covered by OHIP.

Medications/Treatments
Medications/treatments are prescribed by the doctor and are administered by the nursing staff. No medication of any kind may be brought to the resident or left in the resident’s room. Not all medications/treatments are covered by the Ontario Drug Benefit Program (ODB) or the Government Pharmacy. There may be a charge for drugs not covered.

Alcoholic Beverages
Many residents may wish to continue to consume alcoholic beverages. The home will attempt to accomodate this choice. Alcoholic beverages may be allowed with a Physician’s written order. All spirits will be kept in the medication room for resident’s safety and dispensed by the nurse. Discretionary consumption of alcohol is not usually permitted. Family is required to provide alcohol if requested by the resident and approved by the Physician. This policy is important for ensuring that the mixing of alcohol with medications does not produce a severe reaction.

PASTORAL SERVICES
Pastoral Services are coordinated and monitored through the Pastoral Services Committee. The Committee strives to meet the spiritual needs of all residents. Participation in spiritual programs is at all times voluntary. Interdenominational services are held. As well, pastoral visitors are available to conduct an individual Pastoral Care program. For more details or special requests please contact the Life Enrichment Coordinator/Pastoral Care Coordinator.

RESIDENT’S ATTENDING PHYSICIAN
Residents continue to have the right to choose their own physician to provide care to them in the home. Each Attending Physician is required to sign a contract with the home. Attending Physicians will be expected to meet the standards and criteria established by the government.

Homes do not normally restrict the attending privileges of doctors. We will, however, consult or request attendance of another doctor if certain
Physician responsibilities have not been complied with, as required by the Physician contract, home policies and Provincial Legislation. If a resident does not have a local doctor, the family, upon consultation with the home, will assist in selecting one.

RESIDENT CARE CONFERENCES
At the time of admission, an assessment is completed for each resident, and a plan of care is formulated, with input from the resident and family. Within the first six to eight weeks after admission, a conference is held for each resident. The resident is encouraged to attend if he/she desires and if it is appropriate. Family members, Physician, Nursing Staff, Life Enrichment Coordinator, Nutritional Care Manager, and any other personnel who are involved with the resident’s care (or who could provide appropriate input), are asked to attend. A plan of care will be re-assessed at the conference, including advanced directives. A conference is then held at least annually and offers an opportunity for all parties to communicate and maintain a consistent approach to care and quality of living for the resident.

Concerns or questions can be addressed to nursing staff anytime. The conference is an excellent opportunity to share information in an informal setting, at a scheduled time, with all departments represented. The Director of Care and Administrator are also available for family conferences at other times, as the need arises.

Staff continually evaluate the care plans and update them based on resident’s status. You are encouraged to be active participants in all components: assessment, planning of care and evaluation of outcomes. Also, the resident and family members are encouraged to become involved in the provision of care to the extent that they are able and willing. The resident and/or family member may have access to the care plan, upon request. If you require assistance to read or understand its’ contents and intent, this will be willingly provided.