advertisement
Browse All Articles

Tips on Admission Practices for Long-Term Care in Ontario

Source: The Care Guide

When you tour your facility of choice, you should enquire as to its admission process, as this varies somewhat among facilities. If you still have question, ask the CCAC.
 
The following are examples of what the facility may do upon admission:
  • It may contact your physician for confirmation of orders and to advise the doctor of your admission. The doctor is required to visit and examine you within seven (7) days of your arrival.
  • It may order all prescribed medications from the pharmacy. The facility is not allowed to dispense medications unless they are properly labeled and ordered from you current physician and only those medications sent by the facility's designated pharmacy.
  • It may advise you and your family of the rules and regulations of the facility.
  • The facility may provide you with a "Standard Admission Contract" which must be signed.
  • It may advise your family of their rights to be a member of the Resident's Council. The Resident's Council is the family's voice to discuss concerns/requests on the resident's behalf. Any requests or concerns of the Council must be responded to, in writing, by the administrator within fourteen (14) days.
  • You are generally able to the leave the facility. You or a responsible party will be required to sign in and out. A physician's orders may be required.
  • If you are going to miss a medication round during an outing, please advise the staff prior to leaving so that the medication can be prepared to go with you if necessary.
  • There is a 21 day medical leave or vacation leave and a 30 day psychiatric leave of absence permitted, if needed.

What to bring the day of admission
 
Bring those things that you will need immediately, but the rest of your clothes and personal items can be brought later when you have become familiar with your room.
 
  • Basic clothes such as night wear, socks/panty hose, undergarments, dresses/slacks, tops/shirts, sweaters.
  • Assistive devices that are used (wheelchair, walker, brace) need to labeled and brought with you.
  • Toiletries including kleenex, hairbrush/comb, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrush, razor, etc. (It is the caregiver's responsibility to ensure that all personal items are marked to identify the owner)
  • All clothes should be machine washable. Jogging suits are warm, easy to care for and stand up to many washes. Most facilities DO NOT arrange for dry cleaning.
  • All personal belongings must be labeled. Sew-on or iron-on name tags are generally preferred. Some facilities will assist with labeling at the time of admission. Inquire about the facility's practices regarding name tags when you tour.
  • Label all glasses and dentures. Jewelry stores are equipped with a marking pencil and are quite agreeable to engraving resident's first initial and last name on glasses.
  • You may wish to take pictures and familiar articles such as a favorite afghan or bedspread.
  • Some small items of furniture - check with the facility first.
  • Any electrical appliance (e.g. radio) must first be checked by the facility's maintenance department for safety - even if it is new. It must also be tagged. Earphones or head sets may be required for televisions and radios.

Suggestions of what not to bring

  • Large sums of money - a sum of $20.00 is generally sufficient
  • Precious jewelry, figurines, art work
  • Food that is not kept in closed containers
  • Alcohol can only be dispensed with a physician's approval

After You Move In
 
Even if you have participated in choosing your new home, it will probably take time to become used to it. Change is difficult. No place will be like your own home and therefore some adjusting and compromising will be necessary. However, it can also be a time of new beginnings, new friends and new interests.

For Tips About Resident Costs Involving Long-Term Care Homes, Click Here.



Comments:  

 You must be logged-in to submit a comment. Log in now.

 Not registered with thecareguide.com? Register now.

Post a comment


View all comments