There is an RN on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. RPNs also work various shifts as medication and treatment nurses. Staffing ratios vary according to shift and unit as consideration is given to the needs of the residents living in each care area.

Residents may retain their own physician as long as that physician is willing to sign an agreement with the home which outlines our medical staff by-laws, and to apply for privileges at the home. If a resident’s physician is not able to continue medical care for the resident at Runnymede Long-Term Care, the in-house medical advisor, will accept responsibility for the care of the resident.

Runnymede Long-Term Care opened in 2025, and is operated by Universal Care.

Our home has state-of-the-art equipment including a variety of weighing methods, lifting devices, hydro sonic tubs, monitoring devices, assistive devices such as special eating utensils, special bed pads, etc. residents are encouraged to obtain their own wheelchair, walker or other specialized seating as each resident’s seating and safety needs are unique. Residents with special needs are assessed for additional equipment that will encourage independence and make day-to-day living easier.

Menus are on a 3-week rotation and change seasonally. Alternate entrées are always available at noon and evening meals, and residents always have a choice of entrée, vegetable and dessert. Special diets are easily accommodated and monitored by our nutrition nanager and dietitian. Nourishment is offered between meals, three times daily and supplements are provided when the need is identified by the dietitian.

Runnymede Long-Term Care promotes a smoke-free environment in support of the City of Toronto’s smoking by-laws, and the new provincial smoking legislation, enacted June 1, 2006. Any resident who chooses to smoke will participate in regular assessments to determine their safety and will be asked to sign an agreement related to our smoking policies. Smoking is only permitted in designated areas, and the resident must be deemed to be a safe smoker as staff does not assist with smoking. If the resident is unable to access the smoking area safely a family member must accompany them for all smoking activities.

The recreation staff manage each resident’s recreational, general interest activities, rehabilitation and spiritual programs

Billings go out to families the third week of each month and are payable on the first of the following month. Although most things that residents need are included in the monthly payment (i.e. nursing and medical supplies, toiletries, food, laundry) some are available at an additional cost (i.e. hairdressing, transportation, escort service, etc.). Room rates at Runnymede Long-Term Care are the same as those charged at any long-term care home in Ontario. Rates are fixed by the Ministry of Long-Term Care, and are usually increased annually on July 1st of each year. A notice will be sent out when rates are increasing.

The physician responsible will write an order allowing the resident to go out on pass. Residents are able to be signed out of the home for outings with family whenever families request it. If medications need to be given during the time of the outing, the nurse will see that the family has a clearly labelled container with the dose to be given. Medical and vacation leaves of absence are also allowed by the Ministry of Long-Term Care.

Residents are encouraged to bring personal belongings into the home to make their space within the home more familiar. Electrical items are inspected by the maintenance person and are tagged. Anything that is important to the resident and can be accommodated safely in their room is welcomed.

When a resident is moved in, families must bring to the office a copy of the POA and social insurance number. Any resident moved into a basic or ward accommodation is potentially eligible for a rate reduction. This requires that families bring in the notice of assessment from the latest income tax filing. This will allow us to determine if the resident qualifies for a rate reduction based on his/her income.

If a resident is discharged to another home, they are responsible for room charges up to but not including the day of discharge. Although the home appreciates advance notice, and it is in the best interests of the resident, no advanced notice of leaving is required. Runnymede works with other homes and community resources to make each transfer or discharge as smooth as possible.