NANAIMO TRAVELLERS LODGE

ELDER / FAMILY HANDBOOK

1298 NELSON STREET NANAIMO BC

V9S 2K5 250-758-4676

NANAIMO TRAVELLERS LODGE

ELDER AND FAMILY HANDBOOK WELCOME

We wish to extend you a warm welcome and sincerely hope that your stay with us will be both pleasurable and memorable. Admission day can be a difficult day, for both the elder and the family. Please review this Handbook at your leisure. We are hopeful that it will answer the majority of your questions. Please do not hesitate to contact us as we want to ensure that your stay with us will be the best it can possibly be. On Admission Day you will be asked to sign an admission contract. The contract contains various aspects of your stay with us, including the cost of the accommodation and how it can be paid. In the first few months after admission, you will be invited to a Welcome Tea. The teas are held quarterly and are a good way to meet the management staff, the families of other recently admitted elders, and a representative from Family Council.

OVERVIEW BACKGROUND The Nanaimo Travellers Lodge Society is a registered non-profit charity. The Society is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. The Board guides the philosophy of the Lodge and the Lodge is managed by a team of dedicated managers who oversee the operation. The Nanaimo Travellers Lodge is licensed under the B. C. Community Care and Assisted Living Act. The Lodge adheres to the requirements of the Adult Care Regulations. The Community Care Facilities Licensing officers of the Health Authority inspect the Lodge to ensure that we are adhering to the Adult Care Regulations. The Nanaimo Travellers Lodge is a residential care facility specializing in dementia care. Each of our 90 elders has their own private bed/sitting room and a 2-piece bathroom. The Nanaimo Travellers Lodge voluntarily participates in a national accreditation program. We have consistently met, or exceeded, the national standards. The Nanaimo Travellers Lodge is proud of the dedication and commitment demonstrated by all staff towards the care of our elders. MISSION STATEMENT: Nanaimo Travellers Lodge cultivates a safe environment that supports our community in living full and abundant lives by combating the three plaques of loneliness, helplessness and boredom. VISION STATEMENT: The Nanaimo Travellers Lodge is committed to developing a centre of excellence for Dementia Care, a “Home” with active links to the community where Elders live full and abundant lives.

ELDERS’ RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES We believe each Elder is unique and has the right:

• To live in a secure, protected environment. • To be treated with equal respect, regardless of physical or cognitive ability. • To have staff and visitors respect their private living space. • To be informed of changes in treatment, medications and policies pertaining to their care. • To give or refuse consent of media coverage, medications or other treatments relative

to their care. • To make an informed choice concerning risks and independence. • To form friendships and relationships at their own discretion. • To exercise their right as a Canadian citizen, being given the opportunity to vote in Provincial

and Federal elections. • To receive care and assistance with activities of daily living which is appropriate to their

condition. • To be able to access personal charts and information, knowing that they are confidential. • To know concerns are acknowledged and acted upon where necessary.

We believe each Elder has the responsibility to:

• Be patient and respectful to all staff, visitors, volunteers and other Elders, regardless of race, culture or religion.

• Understand that other Elders may have difficulties (either cognitively or physically), taking into consideration that this does not entitle Elders to interfere with the safety or privacy of others.

• Arrange for a legal guardian or representative for personal, medical, financial or legal decisions on their behalf.

• Assist to provide accurate and complete information regarding health related issues and prescribed treatments, in order to have his/her needs met.

• Remain as independent as possible with all activities of daily living, to the best of his/her ability.

• Voice concerns, share constructive ideas and report shortcomings through the appropriate channels, with the focus on improving the quality of life within the Lodge.

• Co-operate with the policies and procedures set out by Nanaimo Travellers Lodge, to maintain the high quality of comfort, care and safety in the facility.

PHILOSOPHY OF CARE (EDEN ALTERNATIVE) As your loved one has now become part of our care community we would like to bring you up to date on how we at Travellers are endeavouring to maximize quality of life for all our elders. We aim to provide care that is elder centered and upholds the Elder’s rights and responsibilities. As of January 2008, our Board of Directors commenced our journey towards the “Eden Alternative.” The Eden Alternative philosophy aims to improve the quality of life of our elders by combating the three plagues of loneliness, helplessness and boredom. The ten principles of the Eden Alternative are as follows.

1 - The three plagues of loneliness, helplessness and boredom account for the bulk of suffering among our elders.

2 – An Elder-centered community commits to creating a Human Habitat where life revolves around

close and continuing contact with plants, animals and children. It is these relationships that provide the young and old alike with a pathway to a life worth living.

3 – Loving companionship is the antidote to loneliness. Elders deserve easy access to human and

animal companionship. 4 – An Elder-centered community creates opportunity to give as well as receive care. This is the

antidote for helplessness. 5 – An Elder-centered community imbues daily life with variety and spontaneity by creating an

environment in which unexpected and unpredictable interactions and happenings can take place. This is the antidote to boredom.

6 – Meaningless activity corrodes the human spirit. The opportunity to do things that we find

meaningful is essential to human health. 7 – Medical treatment should be the servant of genuine human caring, never its master. 8 – An Elder-centered community honours its Elders by de-emphasizing top-down bureaucratic

authority, seeking instead to place the maximum possible decision-making authority into the hands of the Elders or into the hands of those closest to them.

9 – Creating an Elder-centered community is a never ending process. Human growth must never be

separated from human life. 10 – Wise leadership is the lifeblood of any struggle against the three plagues. For it, there… can be no

substitute. This designation and commitment represents a significant departure from the traditional “institutional” model for Elder care and poses many challenges for staff, management, caregivers and families. We at Travellers believe strongly that these principles represent the future of Elder care. We urge you to become an active member of our Family Council and become part of our “Eden” journey as we work toward making life for your loved one rewarding and worthwhile. Nanaimo Travellers Lodge have staff members who are certified “Eden Associates.” Eden philosophy training videos are available for your viewing. Our Eden Associate staff members are available to discuss ideas that will enhance the environment our elders live in. FAMILY COUNCIL Family Council is a group of family members and friends of elders at Nanaimo Travellers Lodge who meet on a regularly to advocate for our elders. This forum also provides a place for family and friends to voice concerns of our elders. Family Council has elected officers and terms of reference which guide them. Family Council is always looking for new members, please check out the Family Council board which is located outside the Bonar Wing for meeting and contact information. For more information about Family Council, please speak with the Chair of Family Council, the Administrator or the Director of Care.

GENERAL

ACCOMMODATIONS

Moving In: Elders and families are encouraged to personalize the elder’s room with pictures, photos, wall hangings, some furniture, bedspreads and similar items. Some personal items could pose safety risks and are not permitted. For example, rocking chairs, low chairs and rugs are not permitted due to safety concerns. We also ask that you remove glass before hanging photos and pictures on the walls. These items are discussed under the heading Elder Safety. If you are uncertain, please ask. As an elder’s care needs change, we may ask the family to remove some items of furniture to ensure the continued provision of safe care. A lamp, an electric bed with side rails, dresser, chair and beside table are provided. Relocation Stress: Each elder responds differently to the relocation stress associated with moving into a residential care facility. For example, some elders may display enhanced exit seeking behaviour by putting on outdoor wearing apparel and trying to leave, others may try to pack their suitcase, and so on. To assist with the “settling in period”, we reserve the right to speak with the elder’s primary contact to discuss strategies to help the elder during this difficult period. In the case of the above two examples, some of the strategies might be to temporarily remove outdoor wearing apparel or suitcases from the elder’s room. Elder Safety: For safety reasons, rugs and mats are not permitted as they are a tripping hazard. No electrical appliances may be brought in other than a television, VHS/DVD player, radio or a music player. Families may be asked to remove personal items, i. e. furniture, to accommodate more specialized care. Room Changes: At times we find it necessary to move an elder to another room within Nanaimo Travellers Lodge. The priorities used to determine room changes are: 1) Safety considerations. 2) Elder care needs. 3) Elder preference. Requests for room changes are recorded by the Director of Care, and can be made at any time following admission. When a bed is available, the needs of all of our elders are satisfied prior to the bed being offered to the community for admission. Moving Out: As with other residential care facilities, we are under tremendous pressure to ensure that our beds are constantly occupied. Families are requested to move out within 24 hours of the elder’s discharge. For example, this may include any clothing, pictures, furniture or other mementos that were brought in to personalize the elder’s room. Unfortunately, due to limited storage space and the pressure to fill vacant beds, items left for longer than 72 hours will be disposed of at the discretion of the Lodge. The cost incurred for the disposal will be recovered from the family.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION Accommodation Charges: The Ministry of Health sets a monthly accommodation rate for each elder. The Lodge using these rates calculates the accommodation costs and issues invoices. Accommodation costs must be paid on or before the first of each month. Electronic authorization will be set up at the time of admission. Refunds are issued within 30 days of discharge. Admission Agreement: On the day of admission you are asked to sign an admission agreement. This agreement is a contract existing between an individual who has responsibility for the elder and the Nanaimo Travellers Lodge. The agreement outlines the responsibilities of both the responsible individual and the Nanaimo Travellers Lodge. Charitable Donations: As a non-profit facility and a federally registered charity, Nanaimo Travellers Lodge is most grateful for donations. These can be in the form of funds or gifts-in-kind. With limited public funding available to facilities like Nanaimo Travellers Lodge, donations to our facility support and enrich programs and property for the benefit of all elders and their families. We ask elders and families to please remember Nanaimo Travellers Lodge and its elders when they:

• Make financial donations. • Remember a loved one at time of his/her death. • Prepare their will or help prepare the will of a family member. • Wish to celebrate some special event or anniversary by giving, thereby enriching

the lives of others. Tax receipts are issued for all donations of $10.00 or more. For further information, contact the Administrator. Clothing Labeling Charge: There is $10.00 one-time labeling charge that will be applied at time of admission. Labels with the elder’s name will be made and applied to the personal clothing that the Lodge will be responsible for washing. The labels are applied using a heat sealing process. Legal Documents: Staff members are not permitted to witness legal documents, even at the request of a lawyer or other visitor. All such matters must be referred to the Administrator. “Monthly Comfort Fees”: A $20.00 monthly fee is charged to cover the costs of cablevision, dental hygienist, and outings. Services Provided Free of Charge Programs and services coordinated through Nanaimo Travellers Lodge and provided free of charge include: • Prescription drugs and treatments listed in the Drug Benefit Formulary. • Equipment for the elder’s general short-term use, including wheelchairs, canes, walkers,

gerichairs, etc. • Medical devices, such as catheters and colostomy and ilieostomy devices, basic dressings.

• Supplies and equipment for personal hygiene and grooming, including skin care lotions, shampoos, liquid soap, denture cups, toilet tissue, facial tissue. In addition, disposable products to manage incontinence are provided.

Trust Accounts: A Trust Account may be set up to accommodate personal shopping to pay for some lodge activities, hairdressing charges and similar transactions. Deposits or withdrawals may be made from these accounts Monday through Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. or by using the secure drop box located at the office. The family will be asked to authorize how the trust account may be used. The maximum amount permitted in the trust account is $250.00. This service is provided free of charge. INVOLUNTARY SEPARATION We want all spouses of Elders to be aware that they may be eligible for an increase in Guaranteed Income Supplement if they are involuntary separated from their spouses (i.e. due to nursing home or residential care placement). The ‘phone number to contact is 1-800-277-9914. CONCERNS and COMPLIMENTS If there is a matter of concern that you would like to discuss please follow the suggestions listed below: • First, contact the Nurse • If the matter is not solved to your satisfaction contact the Director of Care • If the matter is not solved to your satisfaction contact the Administrator • The Administrator will provide you with additional avenues where you can express your

complaint We are always happy to receive a compliment. Compliments can be verbal or written and can be directed to the nearest staff member or to any of the above-named individuals. Staff members are not allowed to accept gifts, either in cash or kind. LEAVE If you are planning on taking an elder out of the Lodge at any time, please notify the nursing staff as early as possible. If you are planning on having the elder out for any length of time, it may be necessary to have the nursing staff package up the elder’s medication so that you ensure that the elder receives their medication while out of the Lodge with you. The longest possible notice is appreciated. Casual Leave: Casual leaves of absence of up to 72 (seventy-two) hours per week are available to elders in complex care facilities. Casual Leaves are permitted throughout the year, regardless of vacation or other medical leaves taken. Casual Leaves are considered separate from medical and vacation leaves. Advance notice is to be given to the nurse in order that medications can be prepared for the leave. The total of all casual leaves and vacation leaves are limited to 30 (thirty) days per calendar year. Medical Leave: An elder’s condition may change requiring assessment or treatment in a hospital. If this occurs, a Medical Leave of Absence in a hospital for up to 28 (twenty-eight) days is available to the elder. (Use of Medical Leave does not reduce the elder’s available casual or vacation leave days).

If an elder is not well enough to return to Nanaimo Travellers Lodge after 28 (twenty-eight) days, the Case Manager can authorize a short extension.

If the elder is still not well enough, the bed will be released and the elder wait-listed for facility placement, possibly at the Nanaimo Travellers Lodge, when well enough. Vacation Leave: A Vacation Leave of Absence of up to 28 (twenty-eight) days a year is available to elders of complex care facilities. The family should inform the Nurse well in advance of the anticipated leave so that all necessary treatment, preparation, medications and/or teaching can be done in a timely manner. NOTE: The total of all casual leaves and vacation leaves are limited to 30 days per calendar year. ELDER ABUSE Nanaimo Travellers Lodge is committed to ensuring a positive atmosphere for both elders and staff, by endeavoring to ensure that each individual’s human rights and personal dignities are respected. Abuse of an elder is not tolerated under any circumstances. If an elder or family member witnesses an incident which might be defined as abusive, they are strongly encouraged to inform the nurse, or ask to speak to the manager on call, immediately. The Nanaimo Travellers Lodge has a zero tolerance policy; abuse is not tolerated.

ELDER SAFETY

General Adaptive Clothing: As your loved one moves through the progression of their dementia, you may receive a request from staff for adaptive clothing (clothing that opens down the back). This type of clothing allows for greater ease in dressing. Information about adaptive clothing suppliers is located throughout the Lodge. The Business Office will provide the information that you need to contact the adaptive clothing suppliers. Clothing: All clothing should be washable. It is suggested that each elder have at least 7 (seven) changes of clothing, both night and day wear. All clothing, regardless of whether it is laundered by the family or by the Lodge, should be labeled. If any elder’s clothing or personal items go missing, please contact the Nurse. Escorts outside the Lodge: The medical community has insisted that an individual able to provide hands-on care escort the elder and that this individual remain with the elder for the duration of the appointment or treatment.

Should the family be unable to escort the elder outside the Lodge to appointments or for treatment, arrangements can be made through the Nurse or Director of Care (or delegate) for a community service provider at their established rate, to serve as an escort and/or support person. Charges are the elder’s responsibility as per the Nanaimo Travellers Lodge Policy. Each community service provider

has different advance notification requirements; generally speaking, the more notice provided when arranging the escort the better. Fire detection and suppression: Nanaimo Travellers Lodge is equipped with many features designed to provide for maximum protection in the event of fire. It is divided into zones protected by fire doors, which close automatically in the event of a fire. Heat detectors, smoke detectors and sprinklers are located throughout the building. Fire drills are regularly conducted to ensure that staff and elders are familiar with fire emergency procedures. If the alarm sounds, elders and visitors are asked to remain in their rooms, or wherever they are at the time, and follow the directions of the staff. Foot care: New elders have a nursing assessment of their feet on admission. Each elder’s basic foot care needs are assessed and cared for by the staff as required, as part of routine care. Advanced foot care will be provided only by podiatrists or qualified registered nursing personnel. The cost of advanced foot care is borne by the elder. Families should contact the nurse or Director of Care to receive a list of independent foot care nurses. Hairdressing/Barber Services: The Lodge has a contract with a self-employed hairdresser. The hairdresser attends The Lodge three times per week. Appointments can be made either by contacting the Business Office or the hairdresser. The hairdresser’s fees are paid for out of the elder’s trust account. Library: A limited number of large-print books are available throughout the facility. Many other reading materials, such as newspapers and magazines, are also available. For those elders who enjoy reading, arrangements can be made through the Vancouver Island Regional Library to have books delivered. Contact the Facility Activity Coordinator. Mail: The mail is delivered to the Business Office and distributed daily to the elders. Newspapers: The Bulletin and The Harbour City Star paper are delivered to the facility in large numbers and are available in the front lobby for elders. Pastoral Care or Religious Worship: Regular church services for various denominations are conducted in the lodge twice a week. The Anglican Church conducts a hymn-sing and prayer service weekly, as well as communion monthly. Sunday services are from 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Dining Lounge.

1st Sunday - United Church 2nd Sunday - Baptist Church 3rd Sunday - Full Gospel Assembly 4th Sunday - Salvation Army 5th Sunday - Full Gospel Assembly

Pets: Pets are not permitted in the dining rooms immediately before or during the service of meals or snacks. All pets must be leashed and be under the control of a competent person. All pets must have their vaccinations current. Some pets may need to be muzzled. Accidents are the responsibility of the person who accompanies the pet and must be cleaned up by them. Pets that cause our elders’ anguish may not be permitted to return to the Lodge. Private Meeting Space: If families or elders require private time, space arrangements can be made by contacting the Facility Activity Coordinator. Several rooms are available for private family functions, free of charge. We request that families clean up and leave the room as they found it. Meeting space is very limited. Elder Outings Register: There is an Elder Outings Registry Board secured to the top counter at the downstairs Nursing Station. Family members and friends are asked to utilize this book whenever an elder leaves the building. This addresses safety concerns for the facility. We need to be aware of where all elders are in the event of an emergency. Visitor families can check the registry if they are unable to find an elder. Elder-to-Elder Aggression: Unfortunately, aggression sometimes occurs between elders. Staff constantly observe elder-to-elder interactions and will intervene as needed. Risk Management: Risk management is an important component of Nanaimo Travellers Lodge’s operation. Risk management activities include all those strategies designed to reduce and control actual or potential risks to the safety, security, welfare and health of elders, staff, volunteers and visitors or to the safety and security of the facility. Staff is committed to minimizing safety and security risks and strives to provide a hazard-free environment for everyone at Nanaimo Travellers Lodge. Safety: Each elder is a unique human being who has the right to self-determination. We owe it to our elders to preserve their dignity and autonomy while ensuring their safety. Elders should enjoy unrestricted freedom of movement in their surroundings although the risk of injury from falls may be present. Risks are a part of life within the home’s environment. Independence in mobility and reduction of risks to the elder occurs by utilizing interventions that promote safety without the use of restraints. Restraints render the elder immobile and dependent. Should family/visitors notice potential hazards to themselves, elders or staff, you are requested to report them immediately to the Charge Nurse. At certain times such as the flu season, the Lodge may elect to limit visitors for their own protection. In these cases, a notice will be posted at the entrance of the building with specific instructions for all visitors to follow. For the protection of the elders, we advise elders, family, and visitors to not assist with transferring non-family elders or assisting in provision of personal care. Secure Building:

All exterior doors that do not lead to secure gardens are locked by magnetic locks that are controlled by key pads. These doors all have a manual emergency release and automatically release when the fire alarm sounds. Several staff committees oversee the safe operation of the facility. Smoking: Effective April 2008, all health care facilities were designated smoke-free. Only elders are permitted to smoke on the grounds of elder care facilities. This means that all non-elders wishing to smoke must leave the Lodge property prior to lighting up. As a safety measure, all cigarettes and lighters are kept at the Nursing Station, and elders will need to ask for them. Telephones and television: Telephones and televisions with cable coverage are located throughout Nanaimo Travellers Lodge, for the elders’ enjoyment. All elders’ rooms have outlets for both telephones and television. Cablevision is included (part of the monthly $10.00 comfort fee). If the elder/family wishes to arrange for a telephone, they must contact the suppliers directly.

Please note – all costs associated with initial installation, monthly fees and subsequent moves or transfers of the telephones are the family’s personal responsibility. Valuables: Articles of significant value, either monetary or sentimental, should not be brought to Nanaimo Travellers Lodge. Large amounts of money should be deposited in safekeeping at the Business Office. Money should not be kept in elders’ rooms. Nanaimo Travellers Lodge does not assume responsibility for missing articles. It is recommended that elders arrange for private insurance coverage (tenant) for loss or damage of personal items while at Nanaimo Travellers Lodge, as this type of coverage is not provided by Nanaimo Travellers Lodge’s liability insurance coverage. All personal items, including dentures, eyeglasses, hearing aids, and electric razors, must be marked with elder’s name where possible. The serial number of equipment should be submitted, to be noted in elder’s file. Concerns about missing items need to be identified to the Nurse as soon as possible, so that the staff may assist in tracing the whereabouts. Infection Control Flu Vaccines: Flu vaccines are offered to all elders, staff and volunteers yearly. Out of respect for our elders, if a visitor is feeling unwell, we ask that he or she reschedule the visit. If there are a number of elders who are ill, Nanaimo Travellers Lodge works with the Vancouver Island Health Authority (V.I.H.A.) and takes appropriate actions to reduce the spread of infection. This may require the cancellation of facility-wide activities. To inform visitors, notices of the presence of certain infections will be posted at all entrances. Handwashing: Help prevent the spread of germs:

• Be aware that hand-washing is the best single way to prevent the spread of germs. • Practice good personal hygiene. • Staff will welcome a reminder to wash their hands or wear gloves before examining elders,

doing a treatment, giving medications or performing care. • Ask friends and relatives who have colds, respiratory symptoms, or other contagious

illnesses, not to visit. • Get vaccinated, if it is recommended. Flu and pneumonia vaccines can help prevent

illnesses in elderly and high-risk patients. If in Doubt, Stay Away: Older adults generally have suppressed or weakened immune symptoms. If you are not feeling well, please stay away for the health and safety of all elders Medications Across the counter: Across-the-counter medication use by elders is not permitted. Please do not purchase these items for your loved one. This includes cough syrup, headaches, sore throat remedies, Tylenol, and similar items. Alcohol: Alcohol is managed and distributed by the Nurse. Alcohol may not be kept in an elder’s room. At Nanaimo Travellers Lodge activities where alcohol is served, elders and visitors are limited to two small drinks. Please note that staff are not allowed to purchase or provide alcohol to elders. Prescribed drugs: Nanaimo Travellers Lodge has a contract pharmacy service under the direction of a Registered Pharmacist. All medications are supplied by this accredited pharmacy. Only Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses are allowed to administer medications. Blister-packed medications are used at Nanaimo Travellers Lodge for elder safety. Mobility Assistive Devices and Specialized Equipment Families and/or a designate are responsible for the purchase of supportive equipment. Nanaimo Travellers Lodge has a limited number of basic wheelchairs, geriatric wheelchairs, walkers, and mattress overlays. Most have been donated and are shared between the elders. Due to the various sizes and options available in walkers and wheelchairs, an individually prescribed assistive device is best for the elder who requires it daily. Inappropriate size or type of device could be a safety and comfort concern. Nanaimo Travellers Lodge has access to a contracted Occupational Therapist who is available to assist those who require an assistive device or specialized seating. Funding assistance may be available if an elder receives benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs, Intertribal Health Benefits, Non-insured Health Benefits, Ministry of Human Resources (if under age 65) or an Extended Health Plan such as Blue Cross. If no benefits are available, the elder must purchase the equipment independently. There are a variety of medical suppliers in the area with which the Occupational Therapist can collaborate, to provide the most appropriate assistive device or seating system for the elder. The wheelchairs and assistive devices that Nanaimo Travellers Lodge does own may be loaned to an elder under the following circumstances:

• As a trial to allow the elder to try the equipment prior to purchase. • As a loan, to be used while the elder’s own equipment is being repaired.

• When the equipment has been identified as being needed for only a short period of time.

Nanaimo Travellers Lodge cannot supply wheelchairs and assistive devices to elders on a permanent basis. Wandering If wandering is identified as a safety concern, either in the pre-admission assessment, the 24-hour assessment or the care plan process, then the care plan will direct the staff on strategies to be implemented. Family members may be involved in the development of strategies to deal with wandering.

OUR APPROACH TO CARE Admission Day Admission day is a busy day and potentially a very stressful day. All staff will try to make this day as pleasant as possible. Most of your contact will be with the Nurse and the Director of Care. As many staff as possible will introduce themselves and welcome you into our community. Shortly following Admission You are welcome to contact the Director of Care or nurse to inquire about your family member. Care Plan Planning for each elder’s care is co-coordinated by a Multidisciplinary Health Care Team. This team is made up of the elder’s physician (when possible), RNs, LPNs, Resident Care Aides, Dietitian, Activity Coordinator, Medical Coordinator and Pharmacist. As members of the Multidisciplinary Health Care Team, the staff members of Nanaimo Travellers Lodge are committed to the safety and enhancement of the quality of life for elders. Several staff members will meet with the elder and start writing a personal care plan. The care plan will cover a range of issues including activities of daily living, nutrition, when the elder likes to get up in the morning and go to bed in the evening, what their interests are and similar information. The care plan is updated on a regular basis throughout the year. Annual Multi-Disciplinary Review Reviews are held annually. Families will be notified prior to the annual review and are encouraged to attend. Families who are unable to attend the scheduled review are encouraged to submit their concerns to the Director of Care prior to the annual review Quality Conscious and Service Focused We are constantly aware of the quality of our service and strive to bring about quality improvements wherever they are identified. Nanaimo Travellers Lodge’s primary concern is the well-being and safety of our elders. Please contact either the Administrator or the Director of Care to share your thoughts. Report promptly so we can respond in a timely manner.

THE CARE AND SUPPORT TEAMS

THE CARE TEAM

Nursing and Personal Care Services Professional nursing staff: A combination of RNs and LPNs are on duty 24 (twenty-four) hours a day, and administer prescribed medications and treatments, and carry out other professional nursing skills as required. Nursing staff work closely with Nanaimo’s medical community. Elders retain their own family physician. Nursing staff are appreciative of the role of the family in the care of elders. We are committed to keeping families informed of changes in the condition of the elders. As a result of this commitment, families can expect to be notified of falls or incidents resulting in injury or harm. Families are encouraged to call or visit at any time to discuss the health and status of their loved one. The persons best able to assist are the RNs and the Director of Care. Resident Care Attendants (RCAs): Nanaimo Travellers Lodge provides Resident Care Attendants whose primary responsibility is to provide for the activities of daily living. These activities range from personal hygiene, to dressing, to bathing, to providing nourishment, and so on. The level of care involvement will be determined by the care needs of each elder. Recreation Services Activity Aides: A wide range of stage-appropriate activities are offered to the elders. Activities are conducted and planned to respect and validate the individual where they are in their illness and to encourage a sense of belonging and involvement. While we encourage participation, we respect the elder’s choice. To keep the elder and family informed, programs are posted daily on bulletin boards in the main lodge, and monthly calendars are posted in several areas of the lodge. Monthly calendars are also available in the Activity Office. Families are invited to stop by and pick one up. Nanaimo Travellers Lodge offers Art, Horticultural and Music Therapy programs by qualified therapists. These programs are designed to meet the needs of elders with dementia. Volunteers: Volunteers augment the services that staff, families and friends provided to the elders. Volunteers assist the activation and program staff, but do not replace them. Families and friends are welcomed and encouraged to volunteer. For more information, please contact the Activity Coordinator. External Professionals: External professionals are available and frequently used/consulted …. Laboratory, pharmacy, …

THE SUPPORT TEAM Nutrition and Food Services: The Nutrition & Food Service Staff prepare, cook and serve a variety of nutritious meals for our elders and community clients. A five-week cycle menu is developed by our Registered Dietitian and meets the therapeutic and texture modification needs of our elders. Daily menus are posted outside the dining room. Breakfast is served at 8:30 a.m., lunch at 12:00 p.m., and dinner at 5:00 p.m. Snacks are also provided two times daily (mid-afternoon and before bedtime) for all elders. Those elders who require a mid-morning snack will be assessed on an individual basis. Family members are welcome to enjoy a meal with their loved one at a nominal charge. We ask that you notify the front desk (nursing station on weekends and holidays) at least one hour prior to meal service. The Dietitian sees all elders on admission, completes a nutritional assessment, and welcomes any input from family members. Nutritional status and weights are monitored on a regular basis. Housekeeping: The Housekeeping staff takes pride in maintaining a safe, clean and tidy environment for elders’ comfort. The housekeepers appreciate family assistance in maintaining a “safe” environment for their loved ones and ease of movement in the room for the housekeeper. Families are asked to assist their loved ones to remove old magazines, papers, etc. to recycle bins, and by taking home clothing or items of furniture not being used. Hydration: In order to stay healthy, it is important to take in enough fluids daily. This cannot be overemphasized, especially with older adults who are also dealing with a dementia related diagnosis. We feel that a “team approach” in ensuring adequate hydration for our Elders achieves the best possible results. Some things that family can do when visiting include:

• Offer water – access is as close as the tap in each Elder room. Paper cups are available at the nurse’s station

• Offer hot beverages – the upstairs kitchen corner is stocked with tea, instant decaf coffee, hot chocolate, as well as milk in the small refrigerator. You are welcome to help yourself to a cup, as well as providing a cup for your family member.

• Offer a drink from one of our beverage containers located at the upstairs and downstairs nurse’s station (these are replenished daily with an artificially sweetened beverage).

• Providing fruit that has a high water content such as watermelon (and other melon fruits), grapes, oranges, strawberries, etc. (these can be brought in small quantities to be consumed at the time of visit). Other ideas include small containers of Jell-O, pudding, yogurt, ice-cream and fruit cups.

Let the staff and Dietitian know what the elder’s preferred beverages are. Laundry: Elder laundry is done on site on a daily basis. Although we launder clothes daily, this does not imply and we cannot guarantee same-day service. Laundered clothing that is labeled is returned to the elder’s room. Attempts are made to match unlabelled clothes with elders. As soon as you notice a piece of clothing missing, please contact the nurse.

Our washing machines are unable to accommodate comforters or bedspreads. It is the responsibility of the family to launder these items. Clothing requiring special care is also a family responsibility – e.g. dry cleaning. The Nanaimo Travellers Lodge is not responsible for lost or damaged clothing. Maintenance: All electrical, plumbing, heating and other maintenance problems, which occur within Nanaimo Travellers Lodge, should be reported to the RN or Director of Care as soon as they are noticed. The Maintenance staff will take care of the problem as soon as possible. Nanaimo Travellers Lodge has a comprehensive routine and preventative- maintenance plan. Administration: Staff members in this area are responsible for invoicing and receiving payments, scheduling staff, paying suppliers and payroll, filing a variety of reports, and a host of other duties please do not hesitate to contact them

YOUR HEALTH CARE TEAM

Administrator Greg Gaudaur Director of Care Carolyn Kavanagh Day Program Coordinator Sharen Plecas Dietitian Susan Jura Dayshift R.N. Brigitte von Battenburg Evening Shift R.N. Rosa Malen Business Office: Confidential Assistants A.M. McDonnell

Carol Scott Linda Reetham-Clayton Gladys VandenBrink

Hairdresser Jenny Collins Maintenance Gerry Stern Resident Care Attendants Activity Aides Cooks Kitchen Aides Housekeepers Laundry Workers Family Council