Care by a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) is provided monthly to all our Residents. This is a comprehensive assessment on the Resident’s current foot condition. They help identify any existing problems while providing recommendations for future care. For Residents with a diagnosis of diabetes, the Unit Manager will assess weekly. Foot care assessments can include assessing for:
- Bumps, lumps, blisters or bruises
- Cuts, sores, or cracked skin. Even the tiniest crack can become infected
- Patches of thin or shiny skin (which can signal lack of blood flow)
- Areas of redness (especially red streaks, which can signal the presence of infection)
- Temperature differences (one part warm, another cold). This can signal lack of blood flow
- Pain, tingling, numbness or no feeling at all. These can signal nerve problems
- Ingrown toenails with red, puffy skin along the nail and tenderness or pain
- Loss of hair on foot or leg, which also can signal reduced blood flow
If a Resident requires Chiropodist/Podiatrist services, the cost of these services is the responsibility of the Resident, however the foot care nurse will assess in a referral.
Audiology
Care by a Registered Audiologist can be arranged for any Resident requiring audiology services. There is free mobile service that is available to conduct hearing tests. Any other costs associated are the responsibility of the Resident (i.e. hearing aids, repairs, batteries)
Dental Services – Denturist
A Denturist is a dental health care professional who provides denture care directly to the public. Denturists examine Residents who are missing some or all of their teeth, and can design, construct, repair and alter removable dentures. Arrangement to have dentures made, relined or adjusted may be made by contacting a Denturist of your choice. The cost of these services is the responsibility of the Resident.
Dental Services – Hygienist
A major role of a dental hygienist is to perform periodontal therapy which includes things such periodontal charting, periodontal debridement (scaling and root plaining), prophylaxis (preventing disease) or periodontal maintenance procedures for Residents with periodontal disease. Arrangements may be made for dental hygiene exams through the Unit Manager when necessary. Any costs for these services are the responsibility of the Resident and consent must be obtained prior to a dental hygienist assessment. A Dental Room is provided within the facility for their use.
Optometry/Ophthalmology
Optometry involves examining the eyes and applicable visual systems for defects or abnormalities as well as the correction of refractive error with glasses or contact lenses and treatment of eye diseases.
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor or a doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) who specializes in eye and vision care. Ophthalmologists are trained to perform eye exams, diagnose and treat disease, prescribe medications and perform eye surgery. They also write prescriptions for eyeglasses and contact lenses.
Care by Optometrist/Ophthalmologist can be arranged for any Resident requiring this service. Any costs (transfer, appointment, aides) associated are the responsibility of the Resident.
Registered Pharmacist
Pharmacists working in Long-Term Care (LTC) settings specialize in providing pharmaceutical care to specific populations such as Residents who are typically elderly or aging people, but may also include people with physical or developmental challenges who require the services of a LTC setting. LTC pharmacists work in a variety of practice settings, including nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, or pharmacies that dispense medications to LTC Homes. LTC pharmacists play an important role in ensuring appropriate medication use, particularly since Residents of LTC may have complex medication regimens. LTC pharmacists review and update medication lists for Residents of LTC facilities, counsel Residents and family members on new medications, and make recommendations to doctors and nurses on medication changes to be made. LTC pharmacists are valuable members of the healthcare team and are advocates for safe and appropriate medication use in the LTC setting.
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT) assist with the management of oxygen needs of Residents by providing around the clock support for equipment for conditions like sleep apnea, COPD and CHF. They provide the Home with continuous oxygen supplies, concentrators, tubing, devices to administer aerosolized medication, and suction equipment. In this setting, when a physician or nurse practitioner prescribes oxygen therapy, the RRT can complete the Application for Funding Home Oxygen in place of the prescriber, for Residents the RRT has assessed under ADP.
Lab Services
The Home utilizes external and internal team members for lab services. This brings a range of laboratory services that are convenient for the Residents, as well as clinical and management teams. This collaboration maintains professional care, scientific analysis of test results, and timely, accurate and trusted health information.