Philosophy, Programs, Admission, Accommodations, Chapel Calendar, Two-Day Menu, Enrichment Calendar, Family Council
Location: {Heritage}

Programs and Services

We believe that enhancing the quality of life of each individual person is very important. Every effort is made to ensure that the resident’s individual physical, psychosocial, and spiritual needs are identified and addressed. This is accomplished through the availability of a variety of programs and services provided by a multidisciplinary team.

Care Conferences

A care conference is a meeting with the resident, their family, and the multidisciplinary team to review care needs. Care conferences are scheduled within six weeks after admission, and annually thereafter unless there is a need to meet more frequently.

Nursing Services

The nursing team consists of Registered Nurses (RNs), Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs), and Health Care Aides (HCAs). Professional nurses are on site 24 hours a day:

• Registered Nurses are responsible for the day-to-day provision of care to the residents and to support other nursing staff.
• Registered Practical Nurses ensure the continuity of care as directed by the Registered Nurse.
• Health Care Aides provide personal care and assistance as outlined in the resident’s plan of care under the direction and supervision of the RN and RPN.
  

Medical Services

The Medical Director is available to all residents; however, individuals can retain their own personal physician.

Pharmacy Services

Spiritual and emotional support is provided on an ongoing basis for residents, families and staff by qualified Spiritual Care staff. Chapel services, as well as clergy and faith leader visits, are coordinated through the Spiritual Care Department. Residents and families are welcome at our chapel services. Click here to view our Chapel Calendar

Infection Control

Frequent and appropriate handwashing is the single most important factor in preventing the spread of infection. All residents, visitors, volunteers and staff are asked to wash their hands often. Visitors are asked not to visit if unwell or have traveled to a country where an outbreak of a severe illness is occurring.

Vaccinations

The Government of Ontario recommends annual Influenza Vaccination for all residents in long-term care homes. One-time Pneumovax Vaccination is recommended by the Thunder Bay District Health Unit for all residents. Both immunizations are available on site with consent.

Palliative Care

In situations when death is expected, residents often want to remain at their home rather than be sent to a hospital. Nursing and Spiritual Care staff are trained in providing comfort and support to the resident and family.

Family and clergy are free to visit whenever they wish. A private room on the 3rd floor is available for palliative care to any resident, if desired.

Support is also available from Hospice Northwest.

Residents’ Council

The Residents’ Council is an elected body of residents and family members. It is the vehicle through which residents maintain control over their lives, share in the management of the home, and thereby contribute to their own welfare and that of their peers.

Services Available at Additional Cost

• Preferred Accommodation
• Telephone, cable television, newspaper/magazine subscriptions
• Hairdressing/Barber services
• Gift Shop
• Custom wheelchairs and specialized adaptive aids
• Transportation
• VON foot care
• Alternate incontinent products
• Occasional fees for entertainment or outings
• Additional Physiotherapy services beyond those provided

Services Available on Referral

• Occupational Therapy – for assessments of function and seating for purchasing a wheelchair
• Physiotherapy – for assessment of and setting up a personalized exercise program
• Speech Therapy – individualized speech therapy programs, swallowing assessments, and swallowing management programs
• Professional Chiropody
• Geriatric Assessment
• Social Work
• Psychogeriatric Assessment
• Referral to other Medical Specialists

Short-Stay Respite Program

Bethammi Nursing Home has five beds designated for the Short-stay Respite Program designed for individuals who may require or may benefit from a short stay in the home. This program is also designed for the benefit of caregivers by providing relief from their caregiving responsibilities.

All arrangements to access this program are made through the Community Care Access Centre of Thunder Bay: (807) 345-7339. Each client can use up to 90 days of respite care per calendar year, with a maximum of 30 days at one time.

Smoking

Bethammi Nursing Home has a designated smoking room on the 2nd floor for residents who wish to smoke. Due to the risk of fire associated with smoking, safety measures are in place to control risk factors. Family members may be requested to provide supervision in the smoking room for the resident identified at risk.

The nutritious meals, served in the dining areas, are prepared on site and provided three times daily, with snacks in the afternoon and evening. Light refreshments are available on the units at all times. Special and therapeutic diets are also provided. Consultation with a Registered Dietitian is available as needed. Monthly Food Committee meetings are held with residents, families, and Food Services staff to discuss food issues and provide suggestions on the menus. Playing Cards

*example two day menu* Thursday Friday Breakfast Hot or cold cereal Fresh diced grapefruit Scrambled eggs Toast and jam Milk and juice Coffee and tea Hot or cold cereal Fresh diced grapefruit Fresh baked muffins Cheddar cheese Toast and jam Milk and juice Coffee and tea Lunch Chicken noodle soup Macaroni and cheese Garden salad Jelly cake or ice cream Alternate: Assorted meat Sandwiches and pickles Beef barley soup Fruit plate and cottage cheese Jellied salad Tea biscuit Custard Alternate: Cheese burger with garnish Dinner Roasted chicken legs Mashed potatoes Green beans or mashed turnips Rice pudding or fresh fruit Alternate: Hot beef dinner Breaded cod fish Hash browns or mashed potatoes Diced carrots or peas Apple crisp or sherbet Alternate: Chicken nuggets

Housekeeping Services

Housekeeping service is provided daily throughout the home and encompasses all resident home areas as well as public and community spaces. Deep cleaning is done on an annual basis or more frequently if necessary.

Building Services

Building Services staff assist in providing a safe physical environment, both indoors and on surrounding property.

Air Conditioning

At Bethammi Nursing Home, the dining room and lounge areas on both floors are air-conditioned. Individual resident rooms are not air-conditioned.

Business Office

The Business Office attends to admission contracts, monthly billings, and resident trust accounts.

Hair Salon

Hairdressing/barber services are located near the front entrance. Day(s) of operation, a price list and an appointment sheet are available at the salon. Appointments are recommended to avoid disappointment.

Store

A small store is located in the lobby of St. Joseph’s Heritage for your convenience.