Basic Services
A signed admission agreement with Runnymede Long-Term Care grants you access to the following list of services:
- 24/7 nursing and personal care assistance, including the administration of medications and assistance with daily living given by or under the supervision of our registered and practical nurses
- Personal hygiene and grooming products, including skin care, lotions, shampoo, soap, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, denture cups, toiletries, disposable incontinent products, facial tissues, combs, razors/shavers, shaving cream, and more
- Standard meal service, including 3 daily meals and 3 snacks. Our home supports accommodate special and therapeutic dietary requirements with a food-first philosophy, supplements and assistive devices to assist with eating for self-feeding
- Organized social, recreational, and physical activities with ample supplies and equipment
- Rehabilitation/restorative nursing programs; services as required
- Laundry services, including labelling, machine washing and drying, and impermeable laundry bags. Families may choose to be responsible for personal laundry
- Bedding and linen including mattresses, pillows, bed sheets, washcloths, and towels
- Bedroom furnishing, including adjustable beds for height and positioning, nightstand, closet, and chair
- Air conditioning throughout the home
- Regular cleaning and maintenance services
- Equipment for the general use of residents, including geriatric chairs, toilet aides, and other self-help aids for daily living activities
- Palliative care program
Additional Services
- Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy is available to residents with the cost covered by OHIP. On-site physiotherapy services are available for residents who have been assessed for the program.
- Therapeutic Surfaces: Runnymede Long-Term Care offers therapeutic surfaces to those residents who qualify. A therapeutic surface is designed to prevent or assist in healing of pressure ulcers and/or bed sores. For more information contact the director of care.
- Foot Care: Foot care is provided by a qualified external foot care service. The cost of these services are not covered by OHIP and are the responsibility of the resident. Referral to a podiatrist or chiropodist may be recommended.
- Dental Services-Denturist: Arrangements to have dentures made, relined, and adjusted may be made by contacting the charge nurse or by contacting a denturist of your choice. The denture therapist will provide services within the home. The cost of these services is the responsibility of the resident.
- Optometrist: Optometrist services can be arranged by contacting the nurse in charge or by contacting an optometrist of your choice. The fee for a house call is not covered by OHIP.
- X-Ray/Ultrasounds Services: These services are available and provided by a local company which will come to the home. All services are covered by OHIP.
- Medications/Treatments: Medication and treatments are prescribed by a physician or nurse Practitioner and are administered by a registered nurse or registered practical nurse. No medication of any kind may be brought to the resident or left in the resident’s room. Most medications/treatments are covered by the Ontario Drug Benefit Programs (ODB) or the government pharmacy.
- Alcoholic Beverages: Alcoholic beverages may be allowed with a physician’s written order. All spirits will be kept in the medication room for the residents’ safety and dispensed by the charge nurse. Discretionary consumption of alcohol is not usually permitted. Family may provide alcohol if requested by the resident and approved by the physician. Some activities, sponsored by the activity department, may include alcohol, e.g. pub nights. Please cooperate with the policy as the mixing of alcohol with medications may produce severe reactions.
- Resident Appointments: We strongly encourage family members to arrange medical appointments for residents and to accompany them to their appointments. If families are unable to accompany a resident, families will be responsible for payment of transportation and accompaniment by a staff member. The approximate cost for a healthcare aide or personal support worker is $25.00 per hour, minimum four hours.
- Social Work: Residents can access social work services onsite on an as needed basis. There is no fee for this service.
Services at Extra Cost
Certain services are subject to a charge above the amount of the monthly accommodation rate. These services are called “unfunded services.” The charges are subject to change and current rates are available upon request.
Examples of unfunded services are:
- Hair styling
- Preferred accommodation
- Transportation and accompaniment to appointments/clinics
- Medications not covered under the Ontario Drug Benefit Plan
- Dental services
- Personal wheelchair maintenance
- Chiropody/podiatry
- Optometrist
- Special activities and trips
- Telephone/cable connections and fees
- Newspaper delivery
Trust Accounts
Runnymede Long-Term Care offers a non-interest bearing bank account in which it deposits all money entrusted to its care by the resident or the resident’s trustee. We recommend that residents use this service rather than keeping any sums of money on their person. The account is particularly appropriate for residents who:
- Require readily available funds to cover the cost of supplementary services, activities, trips, dining, and appointment escorts
- Are unable to handle their own financial affairs
Residents may obtain cash from the administration office from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday (excluding statutory holidays).
Nursing
Wound Care
Runnymede Long-Term Care has a dedicated skin and wound care team that is committed to maintaining a high standard in skin care, skin breakdown, and ongoing education with our staff, residents, and families.
Palliative Care
At Runnymede Long-Term Care, we offer a comprehensive palliative care program that prioritizes the comfort and dignity of our residents at their end-of-life. Our approach addresses the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs of both the residents and families, aiming to enhance the quality of care we provide. We encourage open communication to gain insight into our residents’ wishes, values and preferences.
Features offered to palliative residents:
- 24/7 available physician
- Medication management at any level ordered by the physician
- Therapeutic surfaces for comfort control
- Drinks, snacks, and meals provided to family members. Families are welcome to stay through the night as rooms can be equipped with a chair that can be converted into a bed
- Caring and compassionate staff trained in palliative care
- Music and aromatherapy
- Optional private room available for resident and families for end-of-life care (no additional cost)
Psycho geriatric Outreach Services
Runnymede Long-Term Care staff are educated in the Gentle Persuasive Approach, U-First, P.I.E.C.E.S., and Montessori techniques. This training aids our staff in effectively handling behaviours associated with Alzheimer’s and other related dementias. Our team collaborates with Behavioural Supports Ontario (BSO) and the Alzheimer’s Society to access educational resources and receive support for our responsive behaviour program.
P.I.E.C.E.S.
The PIECES approach to care encompasses the following:
- Physical — look at the disease, drugs, disability
- Intellect — look at changes in specific areas of the brain
- Emotional — is there depression, delusions; loss of independence
- Capabilities — focus on what the person can do, not what they cannot do; build on their strengths
- Environment — is the environment noisy, cluttered, etc.?
- Social — life story; likes/dislikes; previous coping skills
Attending Physician
Residents may continue to choose their own physician to provide care to them in the home. Each attending physician is required to sign a contract with the home. Attending physicians will be expected to meet the standards and criteria established by the government. If desired, residents’ care can be assumed by the “House” physician.
The home does not normally restrict the attending privileges of doctors. We will, however, consult or request attendance of another doctor if certain physician responsibilities have not been complied with, as required by the physician contract, home policies and provincial legislation. If a resident does not have a local doctor, the home, upon consultation with the family, will assist in selecting a doctor for the resident.
Infection prevention and control
Infection control is the practice by which the home prevents and manages infections. Infection control principles are included in all aspects of care for all residents. Hand washing is the best method to prevent infections. In order to protect residents from infections, staff wash their hands often. We encourage residents and visitors to do the same.
It is sometimes necessary to take additional measures. Gloves, gowns, and masks may be worn to protect the resident and caregiver from potential infection.
Immunization is important for all seniors. It is especially important for individuals who are frequent visitors in a long-term care home. It is recommended that seniors receive:
- A single dose of tetanus and diphtheria booster every 10 years
- A single dose of pneumococcal vaccine at the age of 65 years or over
- A flu shot for influenza every year
The influenza vaccine is the single most effective way of preventing the flu.
Infection control is everyone’s business!
Visitor Restrictions
To protect our residents and staff from contracting potentially contagious illnesses such as colds or gastro-type illnesses, we suggest visitors refrain from visiting if feeling unwell. If they are suffering from cold-like symptoms, they should wait 3-5 days before visiting. If they have a gastrointestinal illness, they should wait at least 48 hours from onset of their symptoms before visiting. For further visitors’ information, PDF copy of our visitor policy.
Due to safety reasons, visits may be limited as a precaution, particularly during an outbreak situation or to prevent or limit the spread of infection. Any changes to visitation protocols will be promptly communicated to residents and the Substitute Decision Makers (SDM) once a decision has been made. Runnymede Long-Term Care will adhere to guidance by the local public health authorities concerning visitor restrictions during an outbreak situation.
Education
- An important component of the Infection Control Program is the ongoing education of residents, volunteers and staff
- Awareness of the mode of infection transmission is paramount to the prevention and control of such conditions
- Runnymede Long-term Care offers scheduled and impromptu educational opportunities for staff and volunteers
All visitors to Runnymede Long-Term Care must receive education on IPAC practices. We kindly ask that all visitors review the following Public Health Ontario education and training resources prior to your visit:
- PDF: Recommended Steps: Putting on Personal Protective Equipment
- Video: Putting on Full Personal Protective Equipment
- Video: Taking off Full Personal Protective Equipment
- Video: How to Hand Wash
- Video: How to Hand Rub
External Liaisons:
- Ministry of Long-Term Care
- Toronto Public Health
- Ontario Public Health
Physiotherapy Services
Upon admission to Runnymede Long-Term Care, each resident undergoes a physiotherapy assessment to determine their current level of functioning. If they wish, the resident can participate in an individualized program developed to meet their desired goals or needs or in a group program. Our physiotherapist has the training to complete an assessment on the need for a mobility device(s) and support the resident/SDM in acquiring the mobility device(s).
Chest Physiotherapy:
This therapy is performed by the physiotherapist and involves teaching residents breathing exercises and the provision of manual/mechanical percussion to improve breathing.
Strengthening Exercise Programs:
Free weights and resistive devices such as Theraband are used in conjunction with exercises to increase muscle strength. These are performed with the goals of increasing or maintaining strength and endurance.
Balance Training Programs:
Static and dynamic balance exercises are prescribed to improve balance during ambulation and to help reduce the risk of falls.
Hand Programs:
Designed for residents who would like to improve and/or maintain hand function.
Walking Programs:
Residents that are able to walk are encouraged to continue this on a regular basis. Residents who require assistance are given the opportunity to walk with one or two staff, and the use of a gait aid when appropriate. Physio may assess for appropriate equipment and then educate residents, families, and staff on appropriate and safe use of the equipment. The focus of these programs is to increase the residents’ endurance and improve the quality of their gait and transfers.
Range of Motion:
Active range of motion (ROM) exercises are performed independently without the assistance of a physiotherapist assistant. These exercises help maintain flexibility for functional activities and to aid in transfers. Assisted exercises encourage the resident to perform exercises with the same goal as active ROM however the resident requires some assistance from physiotherapist assistant to gain full range of motion.
Passive range of motion exercises are prescribed to maintain range of motion and prevent the development of contractures. Passive exercises are performed by an assistant to aid the movement of the body when the resident is unable to do so independently. These exercises help maintain joint and muscle integrity.
Independent Exercise Programs/Gym Facilities:
Runnymede Long-Term Care’s physiotherapy services operates from our wellness room. Residents have the choice of participating in their individualized plan either within the wellness room or in the comfort of their own room. Wellness room amenities include:
- Recumbent cross trainer bike
- Dumbbells
- Parallel bars
- Mini staircase
Seated Exercise Group:
Seated exercise groups are offered twice per week. The seated exercise group is appropriate for most individuals and accommodates residents in wheelchairs as well as residents with other mobility aids. The focus is on improving arm and leg strength and flexibility.
Modalities:
TENS, hot packs, ice packs, deep cold/A535 cream massages are available.
Assistive Devices Program:
The cost of a new walker or wheelchair may be covered under this government funding program. Residents may qualify for relief of up to 75 percent of the cost of the mobility aid.
Splinting W/C Assessments/Seating Assessments:
The physiotherapist may prescribe different splints to support hand/foot positioning to improve position or function and prevent contractures. We also offer wheelchair/walker repair and maintenance clinics.
Motion Specialties:
A representative visits the home once per week to ensure all mobility equipment such as wheelchairs and walkers are in good working condition.
Laboratory and pharmacy
Laboratory Services
Laboratory Services to the home are provided by Lifelabs. A lab technician visits the home on a weekly basis to perform lab tests ordered by the physician. Results are available to the home within a 24-hour time frame.
Pharmacy
CareRx pharmacy is the home’s provider for residents’ medications. A pharmacy consultant is assigned to Runnymede Long-Term Care and visits regularly to assist staff, residents and families with any medication related concerns.
Culinary
Runnymede Long-Term Care offers a pleasurable dining experience in a relaxed environment. Resident meals and snacks are prepared onsite by our experienced culinary team that are appetizing, nutritious and palatable. Our certified nutrition manager supervises our culinary team of certified cooks and dietary aides. We provide registered dietician services for nutritional monitoring and risk assessment of residents. We offer a variety of therapeutic diets, and texture modifications for chewing or swallowing difficulties.
Our menus are carefully planned by a team composed of our nutrition manager, red seal chef, registered dietician and resident’s council/food committee. Menus are based on a three-week rotation cycle that follows Canada Food Guide and meets the nutritional requirements and food preferences of our residents. The menus are changed seasonally to incorporate seasonal items and provide variety. Special occasion meals are held throughout the year (BBQ, holiday meals, theme days, etc.) with families encouraged to participate in festivities.
As a resident, you’ll be provided three meals a day and three daily snacks in accordance with the Ministry of Long-Term Care guidelines. Alternate meal selections are available upon request. In order to facilitate meal selection, our staff displays both plated meal choices, giving ample opportunity to view both dishes. Mealtimes are scheduled at the same time each day with flexibility provided to allow for residents to attend any scheduled appointments.
Mealtimes are 8:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Meal Service for Visitors
Meal tickets are available in the front office. Meal tickets are $6.00 for lunch and $10.00 for dinner.
Special Diets/Cultural Diets
Special dietary requirements and cultural diversity are taken into consideration when menu planning. Special adaptive devices for eating such as special cups, built up utensils and rimmed plates are available. Please discuss your personal needs for any special or culturally specific diet with our nutrition manager.
Food Committee
Food committee meetings are held every month immediately following the resident council meeting.
To ensure accessibility and safety, each unit in our building features a dining room with designated seating. This approach establishes a daily routine for our residents and attendance checks but also promotes socialization, fostering relationships between our residents.
Recreation
Remaining socially connected and actively participating in meaningful activities are essential components of healthy aging. The life enrichment department offers a variety of programs to meet the social, emotional, spiritual, and physical needs of our residents.
The goal of our recreational programs is to enhance the independence, mobility, and quality of life for our residents through the wide range of programming offered. Some of our most popular activities include:
- Entertainment
- BINGO
- Java Music Club
- Art Therapy
- Baking
- Technology
- Cognitive Development
- Gardening
Our programs are updated and offered daily. Resident participation is always encouraged to allow social interaction and avoid isolation but program declines are always respected.
Social Work Services
Moving to a long-term care facility can be a challenging journey for many individuals. Our social worker will provide both residents and families with an admission orientation and counselling to help adjust to your new life at Runnymede Long-Term Care. The social worker not only eases the transition but also offer continuous support and assistance throughout their stay with us. Our social work program includes:
- Admissions
- Support to residents and/or families with adjustment or coping issues
- Initiate family council
- Facilitate support groups
- Tours of the home
- Resident advocacy with public guardian and trustee
- Referrals to community resources
- Grief/bereavement counseling
Amenities
Designed for Comfort and Connection
The welcoming central gathering area, located near the entrance, features a stunning floor-to-ceiling fireplace and expansive windows, creating a bright and inviting space for residents to connect with family and friends. Our long-term care home is thoughtfully designed to support residents’ well-being while fostering opportunities for socialization, relaxation, and personal growth.
At the heart of our community is a spacious central activity room on the main floor, featuring a kitchenette for engaging baking and cooking activities. This inviting space encourages residents to gather, create, and share meaningful moments.
Private Dining Room
For special celebrations, our private dining room offers an elegant setting overlooking the large, secure garden. With seating for up to 10 guests, it’s the perfect space for family meals and intimate gatherings.
Central Therapy Room
To support mobility and overall well-being, we offer a central therapy room dedicated to physiotherapy and exercise.
Environmental Services
Housekeeping
Regular housekeeping and maintenance duties are carried out in accordance with Ministry of Long-Term Care regulations to ensure that the resident’s environment is clean and safe.
Please advise the administrator if a maintenance or safety concern is identified.
Laundry
Laundry services are available seven days a week. Please ensure that clothing is machine washable and able to withstand high temperatures during the drying process. Laundry services include labeling, machine washing, drying, folding, and delivery of personal clothing. Ironing services are not provided.
Upon admission, the home will affix labels to all clothing. For any new items brought in for the residents, thereafter, kindly bring them to the charge nurse for inventory and to be sent to the laundry department for labeling. Please be aware that newly acquired clothing will be delivered to the resident already labeled within a 48-hour timeframe.
If families choose to be responsible for a residents’ regular laundry, we ask that they notify the charge nurse and provide a laundry hamper in the resident’s room. A sign will be posted in the resident’s room indicating that laundry is being done by the family. Kindly be aware that in order to maintain infection control.
Hairdressing
Our on-site salon provides professional hairdressing services, ensuring residents always feel their best.
Spiritual Care
Our spiritual space offers a place of solace and reflection and serves as a dedicated space for interdenominational services and worship for our residents. We provide meaningful services within this sacred space where our residents can come together to find comfort, connect with their spirituality and participate in gatherings to uplift the soul.
Please see the monthly recreation calendar for dates and times of services.
Each year, we hold a memorial service to honour and commemorate the lives of residents who departed. It’s a time for remembrance and celebration, as we come together to cherish the memories of those who are no longer with us. For families seeking to honour their loved ones, the option to memorialize them is available through the purchase of a gold leaf which will be added to our memorial tree, located in our chapel. Should this resonate with you, we encourage you to connect with the administrator to explore this meaningful opportunity further.