Health Care

Alzheimer Unit

Shoreham Village has a sixteen bed Alzheimer Unit. The unit consists of six double rooms and four single rooms. The entrance to the unit is locked to provide safety for those residents who may wander.

Residents with Alzheimer Disease and other types of dementia live on the unit.

The residents enjoy the large Garden View Lounge and dining area for meals and activities. A large deck and wandering garden are easily accessed from the unit.

Continuing Care Assistants working on the unit have taken the Alzheimer and Related Dementia Care Course. Past routines of the residents are taken into consideration when developing individual care plans.

The Recreation Department and a Continuing Care Assistant provide activities specific to residents with dementia.

When it has been determined that a resident does not meet the criteria for the unit, e.g. their condition has deteriorated to the point that they require the mechanical lift for transfers or they do not benefit from the unit's programs they may be transferred to another unit.



















 


Advanced Health Care Directive

Advance Health Care Directives are instructions given by a competent individual detailing what and/or how health care decisions should be determined in the event that at some time in the future, the individual named in the directive is unable to make such decisions.

Shoreham Village supports the use of Advance Directives.  Residents who do not have an Advance Directive in place on admission will be offered assistance to complete one.  It is encouraged that the Advance Directive Form be completed before admission to Shoreham Village so that the health care team is made aware of the resident's wishes regarding future health care and therefore be able to respectfully support them.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Policy

CPR is not a routine treatment option at Shoreham Village.  The majority of our resident population is comprised of the frail elderly and individuals with multiple health concerns, which would deter from CPR being a reasonable treatment option within the standard of care for this population.

It is the objective of Shoreham Village to offer excellent supportive care to all residents and to respect their individual choices.  We appreciate that there will be instances when a resident, because of religious or philosophical beliefs will request that CPR be performed.  In these instances CPR will be initiated only if the cardiac arrest is witnessed and unexpected.  A concurrent call to emergency medical services (911) will be placed by the Registered Nurse or designate and the resident will be transferred to a hospital for assessment and treatment.

All residents who do not wish to receive CPR must have an order written by their physician.  Discussion about resuscitation interventions should ideally take place well before it is necessary.  Therefore, these discussions will begin during the admission process.  If a written Do Not Resuscitate order is already in place, a Registered Nurse will review it to ensure that it conforms to our policy.


Specialized Equipment Program

Equipment such as special mattresses, beds, wheelchairs, customized walkers, lifts, etc. are available through the Red Cross equipment program.

Approved residents may be required to pay a monthly fee based on income. The amount of the monthly fee is based on the resident's income as well as the type and quantity of equipment. The items are the property of the Red Cross and will be returned to the Red Cross when no longer required by the resident.

Medical Appointments

At times physicians recommend medical appointments at outside health care facilities. Shoreham staff schedule the appointments and make transportation arrangements. Payment for transportation and staff to accompany the resident is the responsibility of the resident or next-of-kin. Families are encouraged to take or accompany their loved one to appointments whenever possible.

Medical Services

Several physicians in the community and surrounding area are available to provide medical coverage for our residents.

Residents may indicate their preference for a particular physician and the Registered Nurse will approach the physician. A resident or next-of-kin may change their physician at any time. If this decision is made we ask that the resident and/ or family notify the physician.

The physicians do not make regular visits but are contacted at the discretion of the Registered Nurses.



Medications

All medications administered to residents must be ordered by a physician. Medications are administered by Licensed Practical Nurses and Registered Nurses.

Residents and/or families must consult with nursing staff regarding the use of over the counter drugs.

Residents and/or families are required to pay for prescription drugs that are not covered by the Nova Scotia Pharmacare Program.

Policy of Least Restraint

The staff of Shoreham Village is dedicated to the provision of quality resident care.  We strive to provide a safe environment that maintains and promotes the individual's right to dignity, respect and independence.  Although we accept the responsibility to identify potential risks, we believe it is essential that residents be permitted to make the choice to take the risks of everyday life.  Therefore we have adopted a policy of "least restraint".

Nursing Services

The nursing staff of Shoreham Village consists of the Director of Care, Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Continuing Care Assistants and Personal Care Workers. The nursing staff is committed to providing excellent care to the residents. Staff care for residents with dignity and respect and encourage independence.  Emphasis is placed on caring for the resident holistically, i.e. physically, psychologically, socially and spiritually.

Families are encouraged to call the Registered Nurses at any time to discuss care issues.

Concerns related to resident care should be discussed with the Director of Care immediately.

Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy Centre

An Occupational Therapist visits weekly to assess residents who have disabilities which impact their activities of daily living.

The Occupational Therapist recommends and implements appropriate programs and equipment that will improve the resident's independence and quality of life.

A Physiotherapist visits weekly to assess residents who may need interventions to improve or maintain their mobility and independence.

A Physiotherapy Assistant is available on weekdays to implement the recommendations of the Physiotherapist.

Care Conferences

Care Conferences are an avenue by which concerns of the resident, family and staff can be addressed and all aspects of the resident's care are discussed. The goal of the Care Conference is to improve the resident's quality of life.

Care Conferences are held every Wednesday morning from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Training Room. Thirty minutes is allotted per resident. The initial Care Conference is held approximately six weeks after the resident is admitted, then yearly thereafter. The Pharmacist, Dietician, Registered Nurse, resident, family and a representative from each department attend the conference. The Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist and the Physiotherapy Assistant attend when their input is required.

Dietitian

A Registered Dietitian is on staff at Shoreham Village to oversee the nutritional health of our residents. On admission a nutritional assessment is completed on each resident. The assessment includes: diet history, weight history, food preferences, food allergies, capabilities for independent eating, need for special dishes or utensils, and special nutritional needs.
A nutritional risk level is assigned to each resident and is reviewed yearly or sooner depending on level of risk. The dietitian also oversees the menus and food preparation.


Infection Control

Shoreham Village has an active Infection Control Committee and program.

Isagel, an alcohol based hand sanitizer, is located at the entrances to the building and in other strategic locations. Visitors are asked to clean their hands with Isagel upon entering and leaving the building.

The Influenza vaccine is administered yearly as per Public Health recommendations and guidelines.

The Pneumovax vaccine is administered shortly after admission if the resident has not received it previously.

All new residents receive a TB test shortly after admission for screening purposes unless contraindicated.


Resident and Family Involvement

Shoreham Village recognizes that residents and family members are an integral part of the care team and we welcome your input and participation. If at any time you have a question or concern you may speak with the RN on the unit or the Director of Care.


Resident Care Plan

A Care Plan is developed for each resident. Information is obtained from the Health Care Team, the resident and family to help make the transition to Shoreham Village as smooth as possible.

Care Plans include information regarding personal care, dietary, social, recreation and safety issues. The Care Plan helps to ensure the resident receives consistent, individualized care.

Respite

This is designed to provide relief to family care givers for a short period of time.  Shoreham Village has one bed designated as respite care.   This service can be very beneficial to families during a family illness, vacation, or other times deemed necessary.   In order to be admitted you must go through the single entry access system that is outlined under "Admission Process".

During their stay, the person will get the care and support they need from the staff at Shoreham Village.  Meals are included.  A person may access respite beds anywhere in the province for up to a total of 2 months in a 12-month period, with no stay being longer than 1 month.   The daily charge for respite beds across the province of Nova Scotia is $30.20.  This rate is effective until October 31, 2009.  An individual or family who is unable to pay the standard daily respite charge may apply to the Department of Health for a reduced rate by completing an application.


Protection for Persons in Care Act

The Protection for Persons in Care Act is an extra safeguard for patients or residents 16 years of age or older receiving care from Nova Scotia's hospitals, residential care facilities, nursing homes, homes for the aged or disabled persons under the Homes for Special Care Act, or group homes or residential centres under the Children and Family Services Act. 

What is the Protection for Persons in Care Act ?
This act requires facility administrators and service providers (includes staff
and volunteers) to promptly report all allegations or instances of abuse. Anyone
else may also report abuse under the act.

What is meant by abuse?
Under this act, abuse may include physical, psychological, emotional, sexual, neglect, theft, or medication abuse.

How do I make a report?
If you believe someone is in immediate danger, first take steps to ensure the person's safety. To report abuse, call  1-800-225-7225.

What happens after I make a report?
After a report is received an initial inquiry will be done to determine if a more extensive investigation is required. If so, an investigator is assigned to conduct a formal investigation. The investigator must develop a report with conclusions, and there may be recommendations that require follow up.

What safeguards are in place for people reporting?
Under the act, no adverse employment or other action can be taken against someone who makes a report in good faith. It's an offense under the act to knowingly make a false report.

Please refer to the Nova Scotia Government website for more information
http://www.gov.ns.ca/health/ppcact/default.asp