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Long-term care homes

Long-term care homes: Respiratory illness season information

Announced September 28, 2023, the Provincial Health Officer and Public Health officials are taking actions to continue protecting people, communities, and the health care system this fall as we prepare for the respiratory illness season.

Key changes for visitors to NH facilities

Starting October 3, 2023, all visitors to NH health care facilities will be required to wear a medical mask. Masks will also be required in long-term care and assisted living facilities in all common spaces and when participating in common indoor events.

  • Screening for symptoms
    • Visitors will be actively asked about symptoms and advised not to visit if sick
  • Ambassadors will be onsite to assist at facility entrances with screening and ensuring mask wearing

Preparing for respiratory illness season - Healthy habits

There are things we can all do to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our community this fall.

Visitors should:

  • Stay up to date on your influenza and COVID-19 vaccines
  • Stay home if they are feeling unwell
  • Engage in hand hygiene and follow respiratory etiquette at all times
  • Maintain respect for the personal space of others around you

The COVID-19 vaccine mandate for health care workers remains in effect.

We appreciate your support as we continue to prioritize the health and well-being of our patients, residents and staff. More information is available on the provincial orders currently in place and province-wide restrictions.

We understand that visitor restrictions because of COVID-19 have been difficult for families and friends. To learn more about these changes, please see: Acute care and hospital visitor information.

Long-term care homes provide 24-hour professional care and supervision in a protective, supportive environment for people who have complex care needs and can no longer be cared for in their own homes.

The Residents’ Bill of Rights serves as the foundation for all aspects of our care and operations. Northern Health and each of our staff members are committed to protecting individuals’ rights. As a team, we recognize that every resident is entitled to individualized, quality person-centered care.

All Northern Health owned and operated care homes provide:

  • Standard accommodation
  • Meals
  • Medication assistance
  • Free prescription medication if covered by Pharmacare/PlanB
  • Help with daily activities (such as bathing, dressing or grooming)
  • Planned programs for social and recreational activities
  • 24-hour care from nurses, personal care assistants and other supports
  • Routine laundry services (e.g., bed linens, towels, clothing)
  • General hygiene and medical supplies (e.g., oral care products, incontinence supplies)
  • Basic wheelchairs including basic cleaning and maintenance
  • End-of-life and palliative care services including assessment and provision of MaiD services (Medical Assistance in Dying)
  • Client centered care planning that involve the client/substitute decision maker and family

Deciding to move into a long-term care home

When health care needs become more complex, a person can move to a care home that provides a higher level of care than is possible to provide at home. Home health professionals are responsible for helping to determine whether it’s the right time to move to a long-term care home. This decision is supported by a comprehensive assessment and exploration of all care options. For more information contact your local Home Health/Community Services Office.

Choosing the right care home

If moving into a care home is the best choice, the individual can choose up to three preferred homes, anywhere in the province, as long as those homes can meet their needs.

To find out specific information on a particular care home see our long-term care home locations. An offer of an interim care home may happen while waiting for your preferred care home. A home health professional will explain the options to help the individual make their decision.

Northern Health long-term care homes strives to adhere to a person and family centred care model. It is a partnership between the person we serve in health care system, their family and their care providers. DementiAbility is a program that embodies these qualities. NH has developed a learning module to educate community members on how these person and family centred care principles are applied to a person with dementia.

You will need to sign up first for a free public learning hub account before you can take the DementiAbility Learning Module.

Costs

The cost for the long-term care home services are all included in the income based monthly charge, determined at the time of wait listing, and reviewed annually. The monthly cost for publicly subsidized long-term care is based on 80% of after tax income, with set minimum and maximum rates. The rate schedule is determined by the province. There are some services that may have an additional charge.

For more detailed information see the Long-term Care Home Resident and Family Handbook.

Short term stay options

Long-term care homes also offer short term stays to provide a period of rest or relief to primary caregivers, or to provide specialized services not readily provided in the home. An individual must have a referral from the family doctor or nurse practitioner, and an assessment by a Community Services professional, to access these services. Short-term stays in long-term care homes are generally for respite care, convalescent care or hospice or palliative care.

Respite care (Caregiver relief)

Respite care can give the caregiver temporary relief from the emotional and physical demands of caring for a friend or family member. Respite may take the form of a service in the individuals home, or admission, on a short term basis, to a long-term facility, hospice or other community setting. Your case manager will work with you and your family to determine your needs and eligibility. Respite care is done only in facilities where there are respite beds. 

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Convalescent care

Convalescent care is a short term care service primarily for older adults with a chronic illness who require more time to recover following a stay in the hospital, before returning home. During your stay, our staff will assist you to regain your strength and mobility so you can safely carry out your activities of daily living.

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Palliative or hospice care

Palliative or hospice care in a long-term care setting provides care and comfort for clients who are at the end stages of life. Short stay admissions are for control of symptoms such as pain or nausea, transition from hospital to home and for caregiver rest. Not all facilities do short stay admissions, it depends on availability in the facility. 

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For more information