FAQs
Here is a list of commonly asked questions and answers (FAQs) to help inform the family of residents or those who are planning to become residents.
Click on each question below to see the answer. If a question you have is not answered here then contact us directly.
What is Dementia Care?
The term dementia describes many conditions that can lead to a gradual and progressive decline in thinking and functional ability. Dementia can affect short-term memory, communication, language, judgement, reasoning and abstract thinking.
Preserving the person’s quality of life especially as it pertains to who they were before they had dementia requires a specialized approach to care. Our staff have taken some form of dementia care training providing them with skills in caring for an individual with dementia. The overall goal of care is to reduce a person’s feeling of isolation, boredom and powerlessness that can come from the disease.
Do you offer End of Life Care?
End-of-life care focuses on making a person comfortable during the final stages of life. Comfort for some residents may mean medicine and or treatment to control pain and other symptoms. Medical assistance in dying services is availabe in Birchview Residences. Our focus is to create a peaceful and kind environment that aligns with the person’s wishes.
What personal care services are included?
Professional nursing care and supervision is provided 24 hours daily. During the course of each day there will be a nurse attending to medication administration, physician prescribed treatments and resident’s health care concerns.
Personal care services of bathing, dressing and grooming are provided by care aides who are available 24 hours daily.
May I bring my own furniture/decor?
Rooms are equipped with a bed/mattress, night table and wardrobe/dresser. You are encouraged to personalize your room by decorating it with pictures and things that are important to you. Personal furnishings must be cleanable and movable.
What about immunizations/vaccinations?
As required by the Adult Care Regulations, people who move into the long-term care must comply with the Province’s Immunization and Tuberculosis screening program. Care homes are required to maintain a record of the immunizations/vaccines that are residents receive. The program promotes both the pneumococcal and influenza vaccines.
Do you take care of medication ordering?
When resident arrives they will be asked to clarify the medications they need. Care staff will discuss resident needs with their doctor and document these the plan of care. Medications must be safely and securely stored at all times.
What kind of security arrangements?
Birchview residents have a monitored door security system in place to ensure resident’s safety. Staff will monitor and have safety plans for any residents who are unsafe to leave the building on their own.
Fire drills are conducted routinely. When the fire alarm goes off you are to stay in the room until directed to leave by staff. There are fire doors throughout the building which close automatically when the fire bell rings.
What health and safety measures are in place?
It is important to recognize that all residents share a common living space, services and care provided by staff. If a family member or loved one is sick with flue like symptoms, or has a fever or cough then we ask that they do not visit the care home. We take the temperature of visitors on arrival to help us keep the facility safe.
All visitors to Birchview Residences should use the hand hygiene station at the entrance to the building. Hand washing and sanitizing are encouraged on arrival and departure from the facility.
All residents are assessed for risk of falling when admitted. Strategies to reduce risk of falling become part of the care plan.
A nurse call system is available beside each bed and in the bathroom.
How do meals work? Dietary needs addressed?
Three nutritious meals, planned in consultation with our dietician, are served each day along with snacks, juices, water, coffee and tea that are available throughout the day. There is a monthly menu which is posted on the site under the residents section.
Special arrangements are made to accommodate preferences, for those who are diabetic, have allergies and other health conditions. We have trained cooks who provide quality meals and make a point of connecting with residents.
Families may join for meals if advance notice is given. There is a charge for each visitor meal.
What housekeeping tasks are included?
The suites are cleaned each week and in addition on an “as necessary” basis, bed linens changed, clean towels and facecloths provided. Our friendly housekeepers make a point of getting to know the residents and families preferences regarding the cleaning of rooms.
Our staff will assist residents as needed with hand washables. Our staff are well equipped and trained to handle all laundering requirements.
What recreational activities are available?
We offer a broad range of social programs and enriching activities. Our recreation staff eneavors to provide activities that will stimulate and keep residents mentally and physically active daily with planned internal and external programs. Activities range from exercises, games, crafts and trips exploring the community around as such as concerts in the park and the fall fair. With sufficient interest we plan monthly trips to the swimming pool.
We have an outdoor secured patio area that are residents may enjoy and bingo, movie night, happy hour and sing a longs are also offered. Resident’s birthdays are celebrated.
What if a senior has mobility issues?
An occupational therapist or physiotherapist may complete an assessment on residents if needed and will recommend the most suitable equipment. Other equipment may be needed after assessment including wheelchair cushions, wheelchair boots, adaptive clothing, specialty mattresses etc.
What are the visiting hours?
There are no set visiting hours. We ask loved ones to talk to the staff to find out about any special events and to make the most of their visit.
Families and loved ones are partners in care. We encourage them to review the care plan with nursing staff and participate in resident care conferences. Family and friends are encouraged to visit and participate in many of the daily activities.
The resident section of our website has the proposed recreation and activity schedule for the month posted.
Birchview Residence Rates
Currently we have 12 Northern Health contracted beds and 7 private beds.
Private bed fee is $8,000.00 per month.
Monthly fee includes:
- accomodations and 3 meals plus snacks per day
- housekeeping and linen service
- recreational, social and therapy programs
- 24 hour skilled nursing care
- emergency call bell alert system
Not included:
- personal in-room phone and cable
- insurance on personal items
- specialized medical equipment or mobility devices
- medical supplies and personal hygiene products
- medications