FAIRVERN - The Home with Heart and SoulHuntsville Distruct Nursing Home Inc.

Resident Services

Accommodation

Fairvern Nursing Home provides resident accommodation on two floor areas.  The residents are admitted to the Home based on their individual care needs.  Our first floor is designated for residents who are alert but physically frail.  The second floor provides a more secure "Gentle Care" environment for our residents with dementia.

"Gentle Care" means that our staff take the approach that each resident is a unique and special human being with a rich history and a difficult future. The person is acknowledged to be experiencing devastating problems, and so deserves appropriate and compassionate assistance with the life challenges to come. The person suffering from dementia is thought of as part of a family, and any intervention takes this into account. We acknowledge the power of family by supporting and assisting family members and encourage them to continue to be involved in the care process. We attempt to shift the focus away from a concentration on the behaviors of the resident with dementia, and toward an adjustment of the physical and social environment in which the person lives. Even though this philosophy was developed to assist in caring for residents with dementia, we utilize aspects of the "Gentle Care" concept in providing care for all of our residents.

Fairvern currently offers 2 types of accommodation:

  1. Ward Bed (Basic Accommodation), which consists of a 4-bed room with 1 bathroom
  2. Semi-Private (Preferred Accommodation), which consists of a 2-bed room with 1 bathroom

The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care sets our accommodation rates annually.  The only accommodation where a reduced rate is available is the Basic (Ward) room. The tax assessment form from the previous year is required to determine eligibility for a reduced rate.

Each room is furnished with a hospital type bed, a bedside table and a chair for each resident.  Bedding and linen including mattresses, pillows, bed linen, washcloths and towels are provided.

Billing

The Business Office, located in our main lobby area, prepares the monthly billing for accommodation and services. Our staff are available to assist Monday to Friday during normal business hours or by telephone at Extension 308 or 331.

Supplies and Equipment

All supplies, equipment and devices necessary for the provision of medical, nursing and personal care are provided free of charge. These include incontinence products, supplies and equipment for personal hygiene and grooming, including skin care lotions, shampoo, soap, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, disposable razors, shaving cream, and feminine hygiene products.

Activities of Daily Living

Equipment such as canes, walkers, toilet aids, commode chairs and other aids for activities of daily living are provided. Wheelchairs and geriatric chairs are loaned on a temporary basis. Rental or purchase arrangements of a chair are possible for residents who need to use special chairs on a long term basis.

Medical Care

A physician is appointed by the Fairvern Board of Directors to serve as Medical Director of the Home. His/her responsibilities are to provide the clinical and administrative direction for the medical services at Fairvern.

The Home is divided into four areas for physician coverage, with one physician being responsible for the primary care of all the residents in that particular area.  The four physicians have contracts with the Home, which require them to meet the criteria established by Provincial Legislation and the Fairvern Board of Directors. 

Resident Assessments/Care Planning

Care to our residents is provided on a 24-hour basis, which includes care given by or under the supervision of a Registered Nurse.  At the time of admission, a nursing and medical assessment is completed for each resident and a multidisciplinary plan of care is formulated.  An admission care conference is held within 6 weeks of admission and quarterly. Thereafter, the resident, if it is appropriate, and his/her family are always invited to attend the resident's care conferences at least annually to provide an opportunity to review the care being provided, discuss any concerns or ask any questions they may have, with the various team members at Fairvern. Of course, we encourage residents or their family members to discuss any concerns or ask questions of the staff at any time.

Medications/Treatments

Medications and medical treatments must be prescribed by Fairvern's Attending Physician responsible for the resident's medical care and are administered by a Registered Nurse or Registered Practical Nurse.  For the resident's safety, medications brought in from home or sent from other health care facilities may not be given by Fairvern staff. When a resident is admitted, the Attending Physician will review the medication needs and prescribe the medications required. The medications will be ordered and dispensed by the Home's Pharmacy provider. No medication of any kind may be brought in and given to a resident, or left in a resident's room.

When a resident's medication is changed (increased or decreased), or a new medication or treatment is proposed, the Attending Physician or Registered Nursing staff will attempt to obtain the resident's, or in the case of an incapable resident, the substitute decision-maker's informed consent prior to giving the medication or treatment. We would ask that if you receive a phone message from Fairvern asking you to return their call, that you phone the Charge Nurse back as soon as possible so that medication or treatment changes are not delayed any longer than necessary.

Please Note: If it is an emergency situation where to delay the treatment would pose a risk to the resident, and the substitute decision-maker cannot be reached, the registered nursing staff will proceed without the consent as per the physician's order.

In certain situations, the resident's attending physician may feel that a resident requires treatment with a medication that is not covered by the Ontario Drug Benefit Plan. In these cases, the resident or the substitute decision maker who is responsible for the resident's finances, will be notified to ensure that they are informed of the situation and agree to pay for the cost of the medication. Whenever possible, the physician will attempt to complete the necessary paperwork to submit an application to the Ministry of Health to gain their approval to cover the costs of the medication. This process usually takes approximately 6 - 8 weeks and there is no guarantee that the Ministry will approve the application. If the Ministry does approve the application, their coverage of the cost is not retroactive and the associated costs during the application period is the sole responsibility of the resident. If the resident or their substitute decision-maker gives their consent for the medication to be given and agree to pay for the medication, this will be an additional charge noted on the resident's monthly bill.

If you would like information on a particular medication, please ask the Charge Nurse, who will be happy to contact the Pharmacy on your behalf.  Residents may be charged a co-payment fee each time a prescription is filled.  The Ontario Drug Benefit Program (ODB) or the Government Pharmacy does not always cover all of the residents' medications or prescribed treatments.  There may be a charge for drugs not covered.

Infection Control and Immunization

It is Fairvern's policy that all residents have a 2 step Tuberculin Skin Test done prior to or within 14 days of admission.  It is recommended that all residents be immunized against Tetanus and Diphtheria prior to or upon admission and then repeated every 10 years.  Fairvern's Registered Nurses provide residents with their Flu shot every fall and hold a free Flu Clinic for the staff, volunteers and family members.

It is very important that visitors do not enter the Home if they are suffering from the flu, a cold or any other communicable illness.  Our frail residents are very susceptible to illness and an illness may compromise their condition even further.

It is also very important that all visitors read and adhere to the notices posted at the main entrance to the Home or at the residents' bedroom doors.  These notices are to advise of any illnesses that residents may be experiencing and special instructions that need to be followed during visitation.

Hand washing is proven to be the single most effective infection control measure to prevent the spread of infection. Hand sanitizer is provided inside the front door to enable everyone to wash their hands on entering the Home and again before leaving the building. As well, it is important that if visiting more than one resident, that you wash your hands with soap and water or by using hand sanitizer between resident contact and at other times as appropriate.

Food and Nutrition Services

Meals are offered in two sunny, bright dining rooms for the eating enjoyment and comfort of the residents.  The Dietary Department takes pride in providing quality service to all our residents and will seek to discover their likes and dislikes.  Therapeutic diets and assistive eating utensils and dishes are provided for residents as may be required.

A Registered Dietitian is on staff and available to assess each resident's nutritional needs and provide follow-up care.  Our kitchen is fully equipped to provide home-style cooking seven days a week.  Our Chef and Dietitian, with the help of our residents, develop seasonal and theme menus. We provide three meals and three snacks each day.

Bringing Food Into The Facility

If you are considering bringing food and beverages into the nursing home at any time, please consult with the Dietitian or the Charge nurse on duty in advance.  Some foods may require special storage.  Further, many residents are on special diets prescribed by the physician, and a small variance may disrupt a planned program of nutrition.

Life Enrichment Services

The Life Enrichment Department provides a large variety of high quality programs to our residents with the assistance of our dedicated staff and our many volunteers.  We encourage families to continue to be actively involved in the daily lives of our residents. Many programs are scheduled to promote family involvement such as our Breakfast Club, our Travelogue Series, Social Events, and the Fall Colors Drive and Picnic. Other programs are designed specifically to meet the individual needs of those residents with dementia and those with specific needs. For those residents who are more active and can tolerate social type programs we offer a wide variety of activities. The Life Enrichment staff are always willing and eager to meet with family members who have some fun and creative ideas, to assist in making visits with their loved one more enjoyable.

Many residents enjoy being escorted outside onto the grounds or out onto the balcony in the nicer weather. The view of the gardens and waterfront is breath-taking. In the summer, we hold as many programs outdoors as possible.

Examples of our activity programs include such things as tea parties, visits from the nature club, community performers, music programs, Bible study, shuffleboard, drum circle, art programs, current events, stimulating word games, seasonal decorating of the Home, theme parties and pet visits.  Large print monthly calendars are posted in the residents' home areas.

Intergenerational programs are always encouraged.  We hold indoor parades at Easter and Christmas. Children are encouraged to come to Fairvern to model their costumes, join in our parades, and to Trick or Treat at Halloween.

Students from various educational programs benefit from their placement at Fairvern. They learn first hand about long term care and how enjoyable working and interacting with residents can be. At the same time, they learn new skills that help to prepare them for the future.

Studies show that residents of nursing homes respond positively to the companionship and spontaneity of having animals as an integral part of their daily lives. We offer "Pet Therapy" Programs on a regular basis and as well, maintain several pets in the Home for the residents' enjoyment. Family pets are welcome to visit, however, it is necessary that all pets visiting the Home have the required vaccinations, be well groomed, housebroken and friendly.

Pastoral Services

The Home has a committed group of community volunteers who are members of our Pastoral Care Committee.  They also provide Pastoral Care Services to our residents. These services are coordinated by our Life Enrichment Coordinator with the assistance of Friends of Fairvern volunteers, and our Pastoral Care Committee volunteers. All of our services are non-denominational, and we respect the wishes of those residents who prefer not to be involved.  Regular church services are available weekly in our Chapel, and a weekly hymn sing is designed especially for our residents with dementia who are unable to attend a service in the Chapel.   Residents who wish to have their Clergy visit them can make arrangements through their Church.  If they need assistance, we will let their Church know that they wish to see them.    Families are encouraged to work with the Life Enrichment Coordinator to arrange special services for their family members as we strive to meet the spiritual needs of all our residents.

Laundry

Personal laundry services are provided by the Home and include labeling of clothing articles and machine washing and drying of personal clothing.  Our seamstress can provide a valet service, which includes ironing, mending and alterations, for a small monthly charge.

Other Supportive Services available include:

Services offered at an extra cost include: