FAQ's (FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS)

When should I move to a Nursing Home?
There is no simple answer to this question. We recommend that you stay in your home as long as possible. This is your environment and "personal space" and independence, which is very comforting. In most circumstances seniors have lived in their current home for many years and are part of the immediate community. Moving is stressful … whether you're a child, a young adult or a senior.
There comes a time when the benefits of a Long Term Care facility start to outweigh the benefits of living at home. Medical services are available 24hours/day to provide assistance when needed and meal preparation, house keeping, and maintenance are no longer a burden or your responsibility.

Who manages the Home?
Responsive Health Management, Inc. manages Vermont Square.

Can you accommodate special diets?
Yes. Each resident has different tastes and will have specific diets for medical or cultural reasons. Special nutritional supplements are available as needed. Providing nutritionally balanced meals is only one factor in our meal plans. The Food Services Manager also works closely with the Registered Dietitian, the Resident Council and the Food Committee. This ensures that all aspects of a resident's dietary and eating preferences are considered. Three meals and three nutritious snacks are provided throughout the day.

How many staff are there to look after the residents?
A Unit Supervisor who is either a Registered Nurse or a Registered Practical Nurse is assigned to each unit. A Nurse Manager and a Director of Nursing is on duty during the day and on call during the night. Personal Service Workers and Health Care Aides are assigned according to the care levels on each floor. There is Registered Nurse in charge in the Home 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

It is important for me to have a personal phone and cable television in my room, is this possible at Vermont Square?
Yes. Upon accepting the bed offer, you may then contact Bell Canada to hook up your phone line and Rogers Cable to hook up your cable service. You will need to have your room number and the address of Vermont Square ready for these calls. The cost of these services is incurred by the resident.

Can residents go away for the weekend to visit with family?
Yes. The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care stipulates that residents may leave the Home for a vacation up to 3 weeks per year. Short getaways, no longer than 48 hours at a time, are permissible throughout the year.

What is "Accreditation"?
This is a thorough review that healthcare facilities (not just Long Term Care) can go through to show that they are meeting national standards of healthcare. The Canadian Council on Health Services Accreditation (CCHSA) conducts the review. According to CCHSA, "Three main factors are considered when determining the most appropriate accreditation recognition with CCHSA's standards as determined by surveyor(s), the quality improvement initiatives within the organization and the management of risk". "Key areas [of compliance] that are examined during the accreditation process include client/patient confidentiality, and the delivery of services, information management practices, resources development and management, the organization's goal and the management of the environment."
Vermont Square has successfully acheived Accreditation and is very pleased with the results. Vermont Square has been a fully accredited facility for over 15 years. Most recently, we were surveyed in 2004 and received a 3-year award - the highest honour possible.

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