Alcoholic Beverages
While a resident of the Collingwood Nursing Home, consumption of alcohol is not permitted, either on the property or while out on a day pass. Alcoholic beverages may be allowed with a Physician’s written order, stating in writing the type, amount, and frequency. The Collingwood Nursing Home will therefore not be held responsible in any way, for any adverse affects of alcohol consumed, contrary to the Physician’s orders.
Entrance / Exit Doors
For resident safety, all entrance/exit doors are equipped with alarms and magnetic locks. Please use the main entrance when accessing the Home. The main entrance door is equipped with an alarm and magnetic lock. This is deactivated for 30 seconds, by pressing the keypad on the wall.
Fire Regulations
As a fire safety precaution, all items of an electrical nature must be cleared by and checked by the Home’s Maintenance Department. The Home has a policy which prohibits the use of extension cords and “octopus” electrical plugs. Power bars are an acceptable alternative. The Home’s Emergency Plans are tested on a regular basis. Fire drills are conducted each month for the safety of residents and staff. Fire exits are clearly indicated. Please co-operate with staff requests during a drill or emergency. There may be several important reasons why a request is made of you immediately, with little time for a full explanation.
Food and Treats
Food and treats should all be monitored by our Home, including our Dietician, Food Service Supervisor and each resident’s Physician. We monitor for diet control, special dietary needs such as diabetes and potential choking hazards. This can only be accomplished by being aware of all food items brought into our Home. We ask that any food items that are to be brought into the Home are first discussed with the Charge Nurse/Dietitian. We also ask that you do not leave food items in the resident’s drawer, as this can lead to food poisoning and insect infestation.
Family/Friends/Visitors who want to share a meal that is brought into the Home from outside, may do so using the Home’s Sitting Room. Additionally, the Home’s staff cannot store or serve food items brought into our Home from an outside source.
Infection Control & the Spread of Infection
What is Infection Control?
Infection Control is how we practice to prevent and manage infections. We use Infection Control principles in all aspects of providing care for our residents.
Prevention
Hand washing is the best method to prevent the spread of infections. In order to protect residents from infections, our staff wash their hands often. We encourage resident’s and visitors to do the same. Hands are best washed when you arrive before and after you leave the building.
Family, and other visitors should not visit if they are sick with a cold, fever, vomiting, or children are exposed to chicken pox, or other easily transmitted infections. Residents are vulnerable to getting infections from outside our Home.
It is recommended that individuals who will visit often get immunized every year. Gloves, Gowns and Masks Additional infection control prevention is sometimes required. Gloves, gowns and masks may be worn from time-to-time, to give additional protection to both the resident and caregiver.
Location and Operation of Call Bells
Each resident’s room is equipped with a ‘call- bell’ located at the head of the bed. Each bathroom has a call-bell as well. To use the call-bell just pull the cord, and a signal will go off at the nurses station notifying staff of your need for assistance.
Medications/Treatments
Upon admission, all medications must be given to the Charge Nurse at the nurses station. Medications/treatments are prescribed by the doctor and are administered by a Registered Nurse or Registered Practical Nurse. Medications of any kind cannot be brought to the resident or left in the resident’s room unless accompanied by a physician’s written order allowing self administration. Not all medications/treatments are covered by the Ontario Drug Benefit Program (ODB) or the Government Pharmacy. There may be a charge for drugs not covered by Government. It is advisable that residents with known allergies, apply for a Medic Alert bracelet. Medications include but are not limited, to vitamins/minerals/herbs/creams or treatments. Please check with our Director of Resident Services for further information. None of the above items can be given without it being dispensed through our pharmacy.
Safety Devices
It is our belief that residents have a right to be self determining. Risks are part of life, and as such, we would prefer an individual to move about independently and encounter a reasonable amount of risk rather than to be restrained. Safety devices such seat belts are used for residents safety following a comprehensive assessment of needs. Family/substitute decision-makers are encouraged to communicate any issues/concerns known, in order to address these considerations.
Smoking
The Collingwood Nursing Home is a non-smoking environment. We do not have the ability to accommodate individuals who smoke.