Frequently Asked Questions about Selkirk Place, Services and Aging
FACILITY QUESTIONS
Q: How can I get my mom/dad into Selkirk Place?
A: Vancouver Island Health Authority manages admission to funded suites with a “Priority Access System”.
Private-pay suites are handled by Selkirk Place based on availability of suites.
Q: Do the residents have to share rooms?
A: The majority of our rooms are single occupancy; there are 11 double room in Selkirk Place designed especially for couples or friends who want to share.
Q: How big are the bedrooms?
A: Single rooms are either 220 square feet or 330 square feet.
Q: How long is the waitlist for accommodation at Selkirk Place?
A: Admission is based on priority need of the individual and not on first-come-first served basis. Vancouver Island Health Authority has a master waitlist; therefore, the length of our list is unknown.
Q: If my parent comes in on a private-pay basis, can we later switch to a funded bed?
A: Transfer to a funded bed is possible by placing a person’s name on a transfer list that is managed by VIHA. Selkirk Place does not handle the waitlist for admission to funded beds.
Q: How long will it take to qualify for a funded bed?
A: This is variable and there is no specific time scale.
Q: Do residents have their own apartments?
A: Bedrooms are private with an ensuite bathroom, but lounges, dining areas and recreation areas are communal spaces that allow for greater social interaction. Bathing facilities are also in a centralized area.
Q: Will someone do my parent’s laundry?
A: Our own staff do all laundry on-site daily. There is a small washer and dryer on the main floor for residents or family members who wish to do their own personal laundry. Sheets are changed weekly or more often as need determines. Dry cleaning is not available on site.
Q: Do you have nurses on duty?
A: Selkirk Place has professionally qualified nursing staff (RN’s, RPN’s and LPN’s) and certified care aides on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Q: How often are the rooms cleaned?
A: Light cleaning is done daily and total cleaning is performed weekly.
Q: Can we hang pictures on the walls?
A: Hanging rails are installed in every bedroom and picture hooks are available for loan.
Q: Can we bring in our own furniture or bed?
A: Residents are encouraged to bring any furniture to make their own room comfortable and feel at home as long as it does not cause a safety issue. Furniture supplied by Selkirk Place will not be removed due to storage restrictions.
Q: Is there a weekly church service?
A: A variety of spiritual services are held every week.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Residents per diem or daily rate for a funded placement is set by VIHA calculated on the previous year’s income. Private-pay rates are available upon request.
Q: Are there any other charges?
A: Subscription services such as newspapers, TV, telephone etc. are not included. There are also charges for extra activities such as outings, and services such as hairdressing, dentistry and footcare.
CARE QUESTIONS
Q: My parent will not remember to eat; will someone remind him when it is mealtime?
A: Mealtimes are at set times everyday. Care staff are trained to remind residents who need reminding.
Q: Will someone help my parent get to the dining room?
A: Staff give residents any assistance required.
Q: How often will they be helped with a bath?
A: Bathing is scheduled at least once a week and staff-assisted. More bathing is offered if required.
Q: My parent forgets to take her pills; will someone remind her?
A: The nurse on duty will ensure that prescribed medication is taken and recorded on the health record.
Bob Mehrs Compounding Pharmacy Remedy Rx dispenses all medications, and the nurse on duty administers the medication according to the doctor’s order. Outside medication can not be brought in.
Q: My parent cannot dress herself; does the staff help?
A: Staff assist with dressings where necessary and encourage those who can still do things for themselves as necessary to promote independence.
Q: My parent will get lost; will someone help?
A: Selkirk Place is designed for people to find directions easily. Staff assist any resident who appears lost. Elevators have double buttons to assist in keeping people safe. Please do not help residents you don’t know with leaving the building.
Q: My parent has Alzheimer’s disease. Do you take care of them?
A: Selkirk Place provides care for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias plus many other age-related conditions.
Q: Can we have lunch with the resident?
A: Visitor meals are available for a nominal charge and must be booked at least two hours in advance with the receptionist.
Q: Can we take residents out, or away for the weekend?
A: There are no restrictions on visiting hours. Residents may leave the facility with family or friends for any period of time (up to 30 days in one calendar year) but must take responsibility for prescribed medications. There is no reimbursement for rent during the period of absence.
Q: My parent is diabetic and has a special diet; will someone look after that?
A: A qualified dietitian assesses all dietary needs for residents and the kitchen will provide any special diets as required.
Q: My parent likes to have a drink in the evening. Is this okay?
A: Alcoholic beverages are allowed as long as they are not shared with other residents. Alcoholic beverages are not supplied by the facility, except at social events. Alcohol is not stored in Residents rooms.
Q: My parent does not like pork. Will you provide him with a substitute?
A: There will be an alternate meal available. Special diets are included like vegetarian.
ACTIVITY QUESTIONS
Q: Are there any activities?
A: A program of activities and events is published each month for each Neighbourhood; as well as Main Street programs available to all residents.
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