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EmailFrequently Asked Questions
For a printed version please speak to your social worker.
How often are friends and family allowed to visit? Are my grandchildren allowed to see me?
Visitors, including children of all ages are welcome to visit you in your room and in the public areas of Baycrest at any time. However, we ask that family and friends do not visit in the hallways or common areas after 8:00 p.m. since many residents are settling in for the evening. Also, we ask that individuals who have a fever or symptoms of a respiratory illness to please refrain from visiting in order to prevent the transmission of infectious illnesses.
How do I let family and friends know that I have moved to the Apotex Centre?
You will be given “address cards” with your new address and telephone number. You can give your card to visitors when they come to call, or they can be mailed to all your contacts.
How do I adjust to living in the Apotex Centre?
About four weeks after admission, you and your family will meet with the Care Team – your nurse, doctor, social worker, recreationist and other health-care staff) to discuss how you are adjusting. This meeting is a good chance to raise issues or concerns about your health and your care. Staff will be able to suggest programs and resources for residents and families that may address your concerns.
What type of medical care will I receive in an emergency?
If your medical conditions change and you cannot be cared for in the Apotex Centre, you will be transferred to a more appropriate setting. This may be to a specialized unit at Baycrest Hospital, or an outside hospital. You and your family will be fully consulted and advised about the available options.
You are entitled to 21 days of medical leave and 45 days psychiatric leave. This means your room will be held for you, but you must continue to pay regular room charges. You and your family can extend these leaves further if arranged in writing and continue to pay the daily accommodation fee, all service fees and an additional bed-holding fee as established by the provincial government.
What happens if there is an outbreak like the flu or another infectious disease?
If a resident has a transmissible disease, Baycrest’s Infection Prevention and Control Coordinator will work closely with the Care Team to keep the illness contained. If an outbreak of an infectious illness – like influenza – occurs, families of affected residents will be notified. For some outbreaks, affected residents may be confined to their rooms or asked not to leave the unit. You may see special notices posted on residents’ doors, the floor and around Baycrest. You and your family can stay informed by calling our Hot Line at 416-785-2500 ext. 4444 or by consulting the Family Information page on the website at www.baycrest.org.
Am I allowed to leave Baycrest for family outings?
If you are leaving the floor but staying within Baycrest, please notify a member of the Care Team and sign out at the unit clerk desk. If you are planning on leaving the building for an outing or holiday celebration, please notify a member of the Care Team as far in advance as possible. This will allow nursing staff to arrange any necessary medications and to notify Baycrest Security of your return.
What type of activities can I join?
Each month you will receive a Therapeutic Recreation schedule which provides opportunities for you to pursue familiar leisure interests or explore new ones (please see the enclosed schedule from your floor). You may be able to participate in small group settings on your floor or larger centre-wide activities which include crafts, bingo, concerts, discussion and cultural groups.
How can I still celebrate the Sabbath and other Jewish Holy Days?
Each resident room is equipped with electric Sabbath lights which are controlled centrally, so you can light the Friday night candles if you wish. Lighting regular wax candles are forbidden since it creates a serious fire hazard. A variety of traditional foods, programs, parties and other activities help to celebrate the Jewish holidays.
Orthodox Shabbat services are held Saturday mornings at 9:00 a.m. in the Wolinsky Orthodox Synagogue located on the second floor of the Posluns building. Alternative services are held Friday evenings at 6:30 p.m. in Loftus Hall. There are organized religious services for the High Holy Days and other holy days.
Are meals at set times? Can my family join me in the dining room?
Your meals will be served in the dining room in your neighbourhood at approximately 8:00 a.m. for breakfast, 12:00 p.m. for lunch and 5:00 p.m. for dinner. Family members are welcome to visit during meal times to assist with eating. If family members wish to order a meal for themselves as “guests” they must purchase a meal ticket from the unit clerk or from the Cashier’s Office (second floor, Baycrest Hospital) two business days in advance. Family dining areas for larger groups can be reserved for celebrations and special meals. Please call Baycrest Catering at 416-785-2500, extension 2871 to arrange a special meal.
Can I enjoy food and special treats from outside of Baycrest?
Baycrest adheres to the laws of kashruth. Any food brought in from the outside of Baycrest must be consumed in resident rooms. Please ensure that freshly prepared, perishable foods are kept in the refrigerator (if applicable) or at the nurse’s station for only 24 hours, and non-refrigerated foods be stored in air-tight, sealable containers. Please be aware that storing food in rooms and improper disposal puts Baycrest at high risk for infestations.
What do I do if a staff member has treated me inappropriately or made me feel uncomfortable?
Every resident has the right to be treated with courtesy and respect and be free from all forms of abuse. Baycrest has in place a zero tolerance policy which states that we will investigate all reported allegations. If you have any concerns, please contact your nurse manager or any other member of the care team.
What resources are available if my concerns go unresolved?
Baycrest has an Ombudsperson, who is available to assist with any problem that is not being resolved or for concerns in general. You can contact the Ombudsperson at 416-785-2500 extension 2919.
My family has arranged for a private companion to help with my care. What is the role of the companion and his/her relationship with the staff?
While we fully support these relationships, Baycrest is responsible for addressing issues of quality of care, health and safety for all residents. For that reason, we have developed a comprehensive registration and orientation process for Private Companions. We ask that you or your family immediately contact the Manager of our Private Companion Program at 416-785-2500 extension 3195 as soon as possible. You will receive a registration package and must arrange for the person to attend an orientation session. All Private Companions ARE REQUIRED to wear identification badges while they are on Baycrest property (not just on their Unit).
For more information, please visit www.baycrest.org and click on Family Information.