Resident Safety
Living in a residence presents some different safety issues than at home. In order to keep both residents and staff safe, we have some simple policies we need everyone to follow.
We encourage families and friends to visit, but please don’t bring germs with you. If you have a cough, cold, or flu symptoms, please visit on another day when you’re feeling better. Hand washing is recommended both on your way in to visit and on your way out. You will find hand sanitizing stations throughout the building and at the main entrance.
For accurate monitoring and resident safety, we require that all medications come from our pharmacy and are administered by a staff nurse. On admission, you will be asked to give the nurse any and all medications you have with you. We also ask that family do not provide any medications, herbal remedies, or over-the-counter drugs to any residents when you visit.
Our staff is always on the look out to prevent residents from falling. On admission, please provide the nurse with any information regarding recent falls at home and any mobility aids used at home.
We ask that the resident have good fitting footwear with non-skid soles. Please avoid the gift or use of talcum powder as it contributes to a slippery surface. If you see a spill, please help to keep the area safe by wiping it up. Scatter rugs are not recommended in the rooms.
We like to keep residents as active as possible. Doing so may require a Physio, Occupational Therapist, walker, wheelchair, or other wheeled chair. There is a contracted OT and PT to evaluate and assist Residents who may need walkers, wheelchairs or other mechanical assistance. Please be sure to consult with the therapist before purchasing or renting equipment to make certain the equipment is suitable for the Resident. The Nurse will contact the therapist on your behalf. It is the family’s responsibility to provide wheelchairs and the use of the lodge’s equipment is only temporary.
Many of our residents have food allergies or swallowing difficulties. Visitors bringing in specialty foods are asked to check with the staff before sharing food items with residents. Alcohol for residents is kept by and dispensed by the nurse or dispensed at ‘Happy Hour’ in our Activity room. A Physician’s order is required for alcohol consumption to reduce the risk of medication interactions.
Scooters and power wheelchairs are assessed for use in the building on an individual basis. The multi-disciplinary team may consist of the Physician, Occupational Therapist, and Nursing to assess appropriateness of use. Resident and staff safety are our primary concern. Permission is based on demonstrating a need and safe operation.
We do our very best to limit the use of restraint devices in our Lodge. As a last resort only, if someone is in imminent danger of causing personal injury to themselves or someone else, are restraints used. The family is contacted and a Physician order is received prior to using any device. Restraints include using belts, ties, or trays to keep someone in a chair or side rails to keep someone in bed.
Knowing the whereabouts of our residents is essential. If you’re taking a resident out, please let staff know and sign out. Please do not assist other residents out or offer lifts to town. If we are unable to locate a resident, we will be calling the RCMP. If you are unsure about anyone you see leaving the building, please do not hesitate to ask a staff member for assistance.
All electrical appliances brought into a resident’s room should be CSA approved.
Please help to avoid having too much clutter in the resident’s room, keeping in mind staff safety when providing care and in the event of evacuation during a fire . Should visitors arrive when a fire alarm is ringing, we ask that they do not enter the building until the alarm situation is resolved.
Appliances such as coffee machines, toasters or microwave ovens are not permitted in Resident’s rooms. Electric blankets and heating pads are not allowed in rooms. Candles or other sources of ignition are not permitted in the Lodge. Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside of the building.