Program Support Services
The Program Support & Volunteer Services Department is committed to providing programs and services of a recreational and therapeutic nature encompassing a wide range of expertise, including physiotherapy, restorative care, recreation and leisure, social services, spiritual and religious care, and hairdressing.
Resident choice, interest, needs, strengths, and lifestyle are major parts in program planning. The Department tries to involve and encourage family, friends, and community in resident programming. Volunteers are an essential part of the Homes operation.
Residents participate in the planning of programs of interest, from exercise programs and games to outings. Program opportunities are designed to be of interest to all residents. Residents are encouraged to participate at our monthly Activity Chit Chat where ideas are shared to improve the monthly calendar and evaluate activity programs. Resident input helps our recreation staff to tailor programs and introduce innovative ideas.
Activity Programs are offered to residents seven days a week by enthusiastic staff who offer large, small, and one-to-one programs, as well as community bus outings. A wide range of activation and entertainment programs are outlined in the monthly Activity Calendars.
- Physiotherapy services are also provided five days a week to assist residents with necessary therapy and equipment requirements through government funded programs.
- Restorative Care works closely with our Physiotherapy staff, Resident Care staff and vendors to provide the residents with necessary assistive devices to help residents maintain their independence. Restorative Care also maintains residents’ wheelchairs and walkers to ensure they are in safe working order.
- Assistive Devices Program provides the residents and their family with support during the government assisted funding process (ADP) to obtain mobility and seating equipment. Basic therapy equipment is supplied to residents receiving therapy services. As a courtesy, the Home through its supplier, will provide therapeutic assistive equipment if available i.e. wheelchairs/walkers on a time limited basis.
- Massage therapy services are now available to residents by appointment on a fee for service basis by a registered massage therapist through a contractual arrangement with the Home.
- Spiritual & Religious Care is coordinated to meet the spiritual and religious care needs of our residents in a multi-faith environment.
- Hairdressing and other convenience services such as the Tuck Shop and Mobile Shopping are available on site.
- Residents direct an organized Residents’ Council and families a Family Council where constructive suggestions are listened to and acted upon.
Recreation & Activity Programs
Our Recreation & Leisure Staff regularly visit residents who are unable to attend group functions to provide stimulation through conversation, walking, tactile exercises, reading letters, and/or listening to music in the resident’s room.
Special outings, shopping trips, meals special ordered and brought in from outside of the building are provided at minimal cost and are based upon a “sign up” process. All transportation and destination locations are wheelchair and walker accessible. All supplies and equipment for programmed recreational activities are provided at no extra cost.
Programs are offered to residents throughout the week, on weekends and on selected evenings during the week. A variety of programs are offered including gardening, music therapy, art therapy and complimentary care permitting residents of all abilities and interests to participate.
Family members, friends and volunteers are welcome and encouraged to assist during resident programs.
Music Therapy
Residents of the Home have the opportunity to benefit from Music Therapy. Music therapy is the skillful use of music and musical elements by an accredited music therapist to promote, maintain, and restore mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Music has nonverbal, creative, structural, and emotional qualities. These are used in the therapeutic relationship to facilitate contact, interaction, self-awareness, learning, self-expression, communication, and personal development.
Greenhouse & Gardening
The Home has a Greenhouse located off the front lobby of the Home. Overlooking the courtyard garden, the greenhouses is a warm and inviting space for any interested resident, family member or volunteer to enjoy. Residents can partake in year-round gardening in the greenhouse or activity rooms and, for summertime planting, the beautiful courtyard gardens or outdoor decks.
Art Therapy
Art therapy provides a safe and structured setting to help residents express thoughts or feelings in a verbal or non-verbal way. The Home has contracted a local artist who facilitates art therapy in various home areas.
Complimentary Care
Complementary care offers the resident comfort, relaxation, and a sense of well-being. Care includes aromatherapy, light massage, and various other techniques to assist residents who can benefit from this type of comfort, especially those who are palliative, cognitively impaired, or socially isolated.
Pet Program
The St. John’s Ambulance pet therapy program visits the Home regularly with their affectionate and well-trained dogs. As well, the Home encourages visitors to bring their pets to visit providing that the pets are well socialized and kept under control at all times on leash or in a carrier.