Thank you for your interest in Passamaquoddy Lodge.

This information is designed to provide a brief description of the nursing home services offered to potential applicants and their families.  The application process and other general information is included.



APPLICATION PROCESS

Potential applicants and/or families are encouraged to visit the nursing home prior to making application by contacting the Administrator, Mrs. Lezlie LeBlanc or the Director of Nursing, Ms. Patricia Bartlett.

At this time a tour of the nursing home can be arranged and full particulars regarding the admission process can be discussed.

Applicants are placed on an active waiting list once an application has been received and the Single Entry Point (SEP) process has been initiated.



COST OF CARE

The cost of care is set each year by the Dept. Social Development.  Rate revisions may occur throughout the year, reflecting significant cost increases for the general operation of the nursing home.

Cost of care includes the provision of services as they relate to nursing, dietary, activity, housekeeping and laundry.

More detailed explanation is provided throughout this brochure under separate headings.



CHANGE OF ADDRESS

Please remember to complete a change of address card once your family member is admitted.  We would also remind families that if your phone or address should change, please notify the nursing home.




STATEMENT OF VALUES

Passamaquoddy Lodge Inc. will incorporate the following values in each of its activities:

  1. Respect and Compassion – We are committed to ensuring dignity and understanding in every aspect of what we do.
  1. Organization – We are committed to being fiscally responsible promoting open communication in a trusting environment.
  1. Opportunity – We are committed to providing an atmosphere which enhances existing and future partnerships.
  1. Teamwork/Empowerment – We are committed to an atmosphere which encourages comprehensive teamwork and empowerment.
  1. Confidentiality – We are committed to the highest level of confidentiality with respect and awareness of our Residents and employees needs.


NURSING HOME CULTURE

Passamaquoddy Lodge Inc. fosters and supports a culture which embodies the following principles:

-         the involvement of individuals from our own community

-         the provision of an atmosphere of caring, nurturing and welcoming

-         The provision of a warm homelike environment which facilitates teamwork, participative decision making, trust and open communication

-         that all Residents are respected and valued the same, regardless of race, creed, religion, financial status or care and service needs

-         that the value of views and contributions of all staff and clients is recognized and utilized

-         that all care and services are re-assessed and validated on an on-going basis.



ETHICS COMMITTEE

We have an Ethics Committee composed of the Administrator, Director of Nursing, a Registered Nurse, a Board Member, a Community Member and a representative of the Clergy.  The purpose of the committee is to address ethical issues relating to residents and families rights through interpretation and discussion of these issues with decisions made reflecting the homes’ mission, values and culture.



LEAST RESTRAINT INFORMATION

Although restraints are used to protect the resident from injury, to maintain treatment, and to control disruptive behaviour, research shows that the use of restraints is actually associated with increased incidence of injury, skin breakdown, and functional decline, loss of appetite, dehydration, constipation, disorganized behavior and emotional distress. When restraints must be used, they are used only as a last resort to prevent harm to self and to others; they are a planned short-term solution, never a long term intervention

The goal of nursing practice in nursing homes is to achieve the best possible health outcomes for the resident, with no unnecessary exposure to risk or harm. Nurses act as advocates to protect and promote residents’ right to autonomy, respect and dignity. In keeping with these values Passamaquoddy Lodge supports least restraint practices.



ADMINISTRATOR

The Administrator, Mrs. Lezlie LeBlanc, (529-5240, extension 5242), is available to discuss any part of the operations of Passamaquoddy Lodge.  Her office is located past the Front Reception Desk and is open Monday through Friday.



PHYSICIAN SERVICES

Passamaquoddy Lodge Inc. has retained Dr. Lesley Pinder who provides twenty four (24) hour coverage and visits the nursing home on a weekly basis.

Appointments are arranged through the Charge Nurse.

Residents may use the services of their family physician but must make their own arrangements with him/her.

Active treatment or emergency care will be provided by Charlotte County Hospital in St. Stephen, or in certain situations by Saint John Regional Hospital or Saint Joseph’s Hospital.



PROMOTING INDEPENDENCE

Staff will provide basic personal care for those Residents who are unable to do these things for themselves.  However, Residents will be expected to do as much as possible in order to prevent deterioration of psychomotor and cognitive abilities.

We ask families/sponsors to provide a personal profile of the Resident.  This personal profile should include information that makes it easier for staff to care for and support the Resident.  This profile should include things such as personal likes/dislikes of the Resident, past accomplishments, favorite memories, names of family members and friends, and other information that can help staff build a relationship with the Resident.



PERSONAL EFFECTS

Passamaquoddy Lodge Inc. tries to provide a warm and comfortable atmosphere within the Resident’s room.  This includes a bed, clothes dresser, bedside table, closet storage and chairs where space permits.

Residents are encouraged to bring small personal effects for their rooms.  These items must meet all health and safety standards of the facility.  Due to limited space, approval must be obtained from the Maintenance Dept.  before items are brought into the Resident’s room.  Passamaquoddy Lodge is not responsible for items that are damaged or lost.  Families/sponsors are asked to remove seasonal clothing and seasonal decorations from the room and return as needed.

All Electrical items (lamps, radios, hair dryers, televisions, decorations, etc.) must be CSA approved and safety inspected by our Maintenance staff prior to being used the Resident.  Families/sponsors are asked to check with the Maintenance staff prior to bringing these items in.

Valuables, such as rings and watches, should be taken home if the Resident is not able to wear them.  All money should be placed in the Resident’s Trust Account in the Accountant’s care.  Clothes will be labeled with the Resident’s name by the Laundry Department. 

In the event that a Resident dies, the Resident Sponsor may have 24 hours to pack and remove personal items.  After this, staff may store items for a maximum of three weeks.  We are unable to accept donations of clothing.



PERSONAL CARE AND HYGIENE

Passamaquoddy Lodge Inc. provides one brand of those items necessary for basic personal hygiene such as:

                                    Polident

                                    Colgate toothpaste

                                    Mouthcare swabs

                                    Lotion

                                    Straight razors

                                    Arjo shampoo & body wash

                                    Tena incontinent care products

                                    Band aids – wound care items

                                    Vaseline

                                    Bedding

                                    Towels/face cloths

                                    Kleenex

Other personal items or special requests are the responsibility of the Resident and family and items required will be ordered and charged to the Resident’s Trust Account.

Passamaquoddy Lodge has hairdressing services for Residents.  The cost for this service will be paid from the Resident’s Trust account monthly.

Podiatry service is available for an additional fee, also charged to the Trust Account.

Research shows that scented products may be harmful to those with allergies or chronic conditions.  We ask Residents and families to buy scent-free products.  The use of body powders, scented or unscented, is not permitted.  We also ask that highly scented flowers such as lilacs and lilies, be avoided.  At Christmas, fresh cut evergreen trees or boughs are not permitted.



SMOKING

Please be advised that we are a SMOKE FREE FACILITY as of June 1, 2008.

SMOKING IS NOT ALLOWED ON THE FRONT DECK, IN THE COURTYARD OR IN ANY PART OF THE NURSING HOME.  PLEASE EXTINGUISH YOUR SMOKING MATERIAL IN THE SAFETY ASTRAY PROVIDED FOR YOU.



LATEX PRODUCTS

Passamaquoddy Lodge Inc. is committed to minimizing exposure to Latex due to increasing incidence of latex allergy and sensitivities.  Therefore, latex balloons etc. are not to be brought into the building.



EXTERNAL SERVICES

Laboratory, doctor, hospital, X-ray and ambulance services will be arranged by Passamaquoddy Lodge Inc. when considered necessary.  Costs related items would be charged to the Resident’s Trust Account.



CHANGE OF ACCOMMODATION

Passamaquoddy Lodge Inc. reserves the right to transfer a Resident, at any time, from one accommodation to another within the facility.  Request by a Resident for transfer will be arranged as soon as possible, if deemed advisable by the Lodge.  No transfer will be unjustly denied.  Costs associated with Resident requests will be charged to the Resident’s Trust Account (cable, telephone).

Upon admission, all resident names are added to the waiting list for a private room.



MEDICATIONS

Medications will be controlled and administered by a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse who has been trained in giving specific medication.  Alcoholic beverages are governed by the same principles as medications.

All medications must have a written physician’s order.  All medications dispensed at Passamaquoddy Lodge Inc. must be labeled by our affiliated pharmacy.

Not all medications are covered by the drug plans or Medicare. If a physician orders a medication not covered by funding sources, the Resident or family/sponsor will be responsible for covering the cost of the medications.

Since many over-the-counter drugs and herbal medicines may affect medications the Resident is taking, sponsors are asked not to bring in such medications.

Medications are never to be left the Resident’s bedside, unless specifically ordered by the Resident’s physician.



FLU VACCINE, PNEUMOVAX, TUBERCULIN TESTING

It is our policy that all Residents have a tuberculin test within 2 weeks after admission to Passamaquoddy Lodge.  

Passamaquoddy Lodge recommends that all Residents have a Pneumovax injection upon admission and every 10 years thereafter.  Pneumovax increases the Resident’s tolerance if they should develop pneumonia or bacteremia. 

Flu vaccinations are recommended for all Residents unless the physician advises otherwise. 



RESIDENT CARE MEDICAL DIRECTIVE - ADVANCED DIRECTIVES FORM

Since Passamquoddy Lodge is a long-term-care facility, many of our Residents complete their life span under our care.  The Resident and sponsor should be the ultimate decision makers when it comes to deciding what medical treatment and procedures should be carried out in the final stages of life or in the event of incurable/untreatable illness.  The physician and nursing staff will provide information and guidance to help make such difficult decisions easier.  Family members/sponsors are always notified in the event the Resident’s health status should suddenly deteriorate.

In the event that the Resident may not be able to tell us what their wishes are or the staff may not be able to reach the sponsor, we ask that the designated sponsor provide some guidance as to what level of treatment should be given if the Resident’s health status should deteriorate or if  the Resident suffers from a terminal illness.  This will be established with the Charge Nurse on admission.  The level of treatment is renewed yearly with the resident/sponsor and can be changed at any time by contacting the Charge Nurse.

In the event of an acute episode or injury or ill health, where the Resident is not terminal or progress is treatable, the Resident will be sent to hospital.



NEXT OF KIN / GUARDIANSHIP

We ask each Resident/family to designate one next-of-kin or sponsor who will be contacted to make decisions regarding the Resident’s status and care planning.  This individual would speak on behalf of the Resident if he/she were not able to do so and sign the Resident Care Contract.

The designated sponsor is responsible for keeping other family members informed or changes to the Resident’s condition and to ensure that all financial expenses and obligations are met.  This individual will be contacted when clothing and other personal needs are required unless other arrangements have been made.



TELEPHONE

Arrangements for telephone service can be made with the office by yourself or family member. We will provide the telephone set and you will be charged monthly on your Trust Account for initial connection and service. The initial connection fee is $25.00 and the monthly service charge is $25.00. The long distance rate is $.25/minute for all of Canada and $.50/minute for US calls. To reach a resident’s room you dial the main number (529-5240) and enter the assigned extension number. To dial out from the resident’s telephone you must dial “9” first to access an outside line.

There are telephones at each Nurse’s Station which you are welcome to use.

(Please ask if you need assistance).



CABLE TELEVISION

Cable TV is available for a nominal charge ($35 one time connection fee and $15 monthly usage fee). Please see Administration for this service. If you need to purchase a TV we would suggest a flat screen with stand and no larger than 26”.

A TV / VCR system is also available for use in your room.  Please see the Activity Coordinator, Crystal Griffin, for this service.

There is a TV available in the Multi-Purpose Room and the front living room.



ACTIVITY DEPARTMENT

The Activity Department offers Resident activity programming, Pastoral Care, Senior Day Care and Volunteers.  Your input is valuable to maintain and care for your social, emotional physical and spiritual needs.

A Resident activity calendar is located in the reception area, as well, monthly calendars are placed in your room to serve as reminders.  Volunteers assist in the Activity Programs and are coordinated by this department.

Pastoral Care Services are coordinated by this department.  Weekly services are held as well as communion twice a month.  If you wish to see clergy of a particular denomination, please contact the Director of Activities.

Resident Council meetings are held monthly. The minutes are posted on the bulletin board at the reception area and the Multipurpose Area.

The Activity Coordinator, Crystal Griffin, is located beside the Multi-Purpose Room and is open Monday - Friday.  She may be reached by telephone at 529-5240, extension 5245.



HAIR  CARE  SERVICES

Hair care services are available three days a week.  Gift Certificates can be purchased at the front desk. Costs are as follows: shampoo and set $12, haircut with shampoo and set $17, permanent $40; haircut for men $7.

Scheduling for shampoos and sets are weekly, unless otherwise specified by you or your family.  Haircuts are routinely scheduled at six-week intervals when possible.  Perms are booked at three-month intervals.

Appointments often need to be rescheduled due to changes in the Resident’s condition. Miranda McFarlane is the hairdresser and may be reached by calling: 529-5240, extension 5577. (Please leave a message).



ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

Maintenance staff are on site from 8am - 4pm, Monday through Friday.  The Charge Nurse can call staff weekends, after hours and holidays, if necessary.

Upon a Resident's arrival, Maintenance will inspect and safety check any electrical appliance the Resident brings from home.  Please be sure that any electrical appliance is CSA  approved.  Although we strive to provide a home-like atmosphere due to limited space and fire regulations, please do not bring any furniture from home before checking with the Environmental Services Supervisor or his delegate.

The Environmental Services office, (529-5240, extension 5130), is located on the lower level of the Lodge and is open Monday through Friday to answer any questions or concerns.



INFORMATION ON EMERGENCY PROCEDURES FOR RESIDENTS/FAMILIES

Passamaquoddy Lodge is equipped with a state of the art fire protection system.  The Lodge is equipped with a sprinkler system and has smoke detectors wired back to the fire alarm system.  Fire prevention and education is the first line of defense against fire.  Fire drills are held monthly by all Staff.

The Environmental Services Supervisor will be happy to answer any questions you may have in relation to fire protection/procedures or other safety matter. 



FACILITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT

It is the policy of the Facility Services Department to provide personalized service where possible.

After admission, the Facility Services Manager and the dietitian will visit you to discuss your food preferences and individual dietary requirements.

Meals are served at:   

Breakfast        8:00    A.M.
Dinner      12:00    Noon
Afternoon Drinks        2:00    P.M.
Supper        5:00    P.M.
Bedtime Snack        7:00    P.M.

A kitchenette is located across from the Accounting Department and you and your family are encouraged to make use of the drinks, tea, coffee, etc. as you wish.  Just ask any staff member to access the security lock.  Any food items brought in for residents must be heated in the kitchenette if required.

Families and friends are encouraged to join Residents for a meal on occasion.  Advanced notice to the Facility Services Department is necessary and a nominal fee is charged (Dinner $7, Supper $5).



LAUNDRY

Passamaquoddy Lodge does all its own laundry on site, seven days a week.

The laundry staff will apply nametags to the Resident’s clothing shortly after their arrival.  Please leave any items requiring labeling with the Care Staff or at the front desk.

Families are encouraged to provide wash and wear clothes.  Wool clothing is not recommended.  Costs for dry cleaning such items are charged to the Resident.



HOUSEKEEPING

Passamaquoddy Lodge Housekeepers are on duty seven days a week.  The friendly and courteous Maids take pride in their work while providing a clean and comfortable environment.

The Facility Services Department works with the Activity Department to hold special events like the annual potluck suppers, special occasion meals, barbeques and picnics in the summer.

The Facility Services Manager, Paul Sullivan, is available Monday - Friday.  His office is located across from the Reception Desk, or you may contact him at 529-5240, extension 5260.



Last update: Jan. 2009