Resident/Family Safety Guidelines

Holland Christian Homes Mission Statement is “In partnership with residents, tenants, caregivers and families, we provide a safe, professional, caring community for seniors based on traditional Christian values, offering a continuum of care and support while respecting their individuality and dignity.” Ensuring the safety of our residents and their families is of paramount importance to our front line staff and our leadership team.

There are several areas of risk, listed below. However, by working in collaboration between residents, families and staff, risk mitigation activities can ensure a safe living and working environment for all.

Be Involved in Your Care

Admission to a Long Term Care Home can be an overwhelming experience for both the new resident and family member.
You will be provided with a Resident Information Handbook which contains key information to help you make the transition to long term care.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, both on the day of admission and everyday going forward.
In the admission package, you will be provided with an information sheet which lists the contact information for the unit to which you/your family member is being admitted to.
The resident’s photo will be taken on the day of admission. The photo is used as one of the key identification tools by staff.
Your plan of care will be developed with you/your family. Please ensure that you share your preferences, goals, strengths and concerns with the staff to ensure that these are incorporated into your plan of care.
Visitors are required to sign in and out of the building when visiting, and wear a visitor tag.
If you have any cultural or spiritual preferences, please communicate these to staff.

Medication

Holland Christian Homes has a contracted service provider who supports the homes with all their medication needs.
The Fixing Long Term Care Homes Act stipulates that all medications provided to the residents must come from the contracted pharmacy.
The pharmacy is able to provide for most medications. In the event that they are unable to provide a specific medication, they will work with the resident/family and the home’s nursing staff to ensure the medication is provided.
On admission, the Nurse will record any allergies or sensitivities to medications, food and environmental allergens into the resident profile.
The Pharmacist, as part of the circle of care, reviews all medication profiles for all residents, and works closely with the Physician, Nurse Practitioner and Nursing staff to ensure that any risks or concerns are addressed.
The Pharmacist also completes a quarterly medication review with the Physician to review current medications, risks and makes recommendations as required.
Residents are not permitted to keep medications, including over the counter medications, at their bedside.

Restraints

A restraint is a practice, device, pharmaceutical (drug) or product that limits or prevents a resident’s range of motion or restricts their freedom to act, move or access an area.
HCH has a “Least Restraint” philosophy, which means that we actively seek out all alternative methods to promote the residents safety and security needs while respecting their rights.
The risks associated with application of physical restraints is known to be higher than if a restraint is not used.
Restraints are applied only when, in consultation with the resident/family and the Physician, all other alternatives to the restraint have been tried and shown to be ineffective.
Risks associated with the use of restraints include:
-Falls
-Strangulation
-Loss of bone and muscle mass
-Pressure sores
-Stiffness/decreased mobility
-Loss of dignity
-Agitation/frustration
Risk of falls is the main reason that a restraint is initiated. Alternatives available to reduce the risk of falls without the use of restraints include:
-High low beds
-‘Safe Hips’, (padded undergarments, hip protectors)
-Fall mats
-Physiotherapy and exercise programs
-Social activities

Fire Safety and Smoking

Fire plans are available in our homes.
In the event that you hear a fire alarm, please follow the direction of the staff during the alarm.
Our Long Term Care Homes are equipped with sprinkler systems and fire doors in specific areas.
Please note that smoking is only permitted in designated outdoor areas.
Please note that staff are not able to support residents to smoke from a Health and Safety perspective. If a resident choses to smoke, they must be able to do so safely and according to the Smoke Free Ontario. All smoking material must be provided by the resident/family and must be kept secured.

Infection Control

Please ensure you wash your hands upon entering and leaving our homes.
Clean hands often, especially before you eat or drink and after using the bathroom.
There are hand sanitizer stations located throughout the homes.
If you are ill, or have had contact with an ill person, please refrain from visiting.
In the event of a respiratory or enteric outbreak, affected residents may be isolated to their rooms while they are ill.
We work in collaboration with Peel Public Health during an outbreak and may be directed to restrict access to specific residents, home areas or in some cases, the entire home during an outbreak.
Environmental cleaning practices are enhanced during the “Outbreak season” (traditionally October to March).
Annual Influenza vaccines are offered and encouraged to all Home Residents and Staff.

Personal Safety

If, at any time, you feel threatened or unsafe, report this to staff immediately.
Report any health and safety concerns that you observe or experience so remedial action can take place.
Access to the home is safeguarded by use of codes/fobs/key pads. Please do not share codes or fobs with others.
Residents who wish to have money in their rooms are encouraged to only keep a very small amount.
Residents are discouraged from having any jewelry or other such valuable items in their rooms.

Resident, Family and Staff Safety

Do not open access doors for others, or let residents out of the building while coming and going to the building.
Please be courteous and respectful of others.
Videotaping co-residents without their consent is prohibited.
If you wish to hire private companions, please ensure that they are aware that their role is limited to friendly visiting.
Privately hired caregivers (for example, a personal support worker) must undergo an orientation to the home, policies and equipment and provide proof of liability insurance prior to providing care activities in our Homes. This is a legislated requirement.
The use of transfer equipment such as mechanical lifts must only be used with trained Home staff. Family members are not permitted to be the 2^nd operator on this equipment. There must be 2 staff at all times.
Our Long Term Care Homes support a zero tolerance for abuse and neglect. This applies to staff as well as to families and visitors. Abuse is not tolerated under any circumstance. Staff are expected to treat everyone with dignity and respect and as an employer, we expect the same for our staff.