Nursing Care
At Extendicare Parkside, we continue to enhance our skills and ability to meet the increasing care needs of our residents, families and our community. Quality care is our priority and we strive to ensure that all the resident needs are met and the care is consistent with professional standards of practice. Our nursing department's aim is to provide a therapeutic environment that facilitates mutual care planning and goal setting and provides holistic care, based on individual needs, for our residents.
We are pleased to offer the transition, and special needs programs, in addition to supportive long-term care services. The transition unit is a three-month short stay program specifically for clients who, with additional reactivation and assistance with activities of daily living, may be able to return to their home or a lighter care living arrangement. We work closely with the client, their family and support network, as well as community resources to facilitate the greatest opportunity for success.
The special needs program is for residents with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. The staffing model and activation programs are designed specifically to meet the needs of residents with cognitive impairment. In keeping with our quality resident-centred care, individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias have the opportunity to live life to its fullest in a safe, supportive and caring environment. Our staff continue to promote resident independence by providing them with the assistance that they require and recognizing successes in efforts.
At Extendicare Parkside, registered nursing professionals are onsite 24-hours a day. Personal care is provided by special care aides. We are proud to offer the primary caregiver model, with dedicated staff assigned to each unit. This provides each person with an opportunity to have consistent caregivers, increasing familiarity, trust and promoting positive, supportive relationships with the resident and families.
Our activity staff provides opportunity for socializing, physical exercise, meeting of spiritual needs and connecting with others, through planned programming seven days a week. The special needs unit is provided with dedicated activity staff, to develop programs and services that best meet the needs of residents with dementia. Residents and families are encouraged to participate in all activities.
We value knowledge and skills and promote continuous education for team members, residents and their families. Our staff development and risk management coordinators are focused on ensuring staff are knowledgeable and provide care and service in a safe and supportive manner. The knowledge and skills acquired by all are used to further develop our standards of practice as we continue to work towards continually improving how we meet resident needs.
Partners in Care
Extendicare Parkside maintains well-established partnerships with individuals and groups from our community who are versatile, responsive, compassionate and committed to providing superior customer service to our residents.
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- Physicians
Extendicare Parkside is proud to offer residents the services of the coordinated physician practice. The coordinated physician practice provides the resident a choice of physicians committed to providing quality care and service, including regularly scheduled facility visits, regular review of medication and treatment plans of care, on-call and emergency services and an extensive knowledge of the needs of long-term care residents. As committed members of our interdisciplinary team, our physicians play an integral role in contributing to our philosophy of care, service provision and commitment to residents.
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- Optometry
Residents may continue to visit their own optometrist. If you require services and do not have an optometrist, arrangements can be made for examination and treatment as required.
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- Dental Services
Residents may continue to visit their own dentist or denturist. If you have neither, arrangements can be made for examination and treatment as required. If in-facility services are required, special arrangements can be made to have dental services provided at the bedside.
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- Specialists
A resident may be referred to a specialist by their family physician, to best meet their medical care needs. The nursing staff is available to assist in setting up appointments, arranging transportation and providing a volunteer or staff member to attend with the resident, if family members are unable to assist. Information on transportation options and the referral process are provided on request.
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- Pharmaceutical Services
As well as providing prescription services, the pharmacist, and integral part of our interdisciplinary team, visits our facility several times weekly to review resident files, provide information for resident care conferences and work collaboratively with physicians and nursing staff on best practices in medication administration. The pharmacist also provides educational services to staff, families and residents.
If you would like to speak with the pharmacist directly about your family member’s medication needs, the pharmacist would be happy to speak with you when visiting the facility or at the pharmacy.
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- Foot Care Services
Routine foot and nail care is provided by facility nursing and care staff. For residents with specialized foot care needs, appointments can be arranged at designated foot care and chiropody clinics in Regina.
In addition, we are pleased to offer the services of several foot care nursing specialists, who will provide care onsite, at the request of the resident or family. The unit coordinator would be pleased to assist you in making appropriate arrangements and providing cost information.
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- Physiotherapy/Occupational Therapy
Extendicare Parkside provides the services of a part-time physiotherapist. The physiotherapist is primarily responsible for completion of mobility assessments, recommendations for the implementation of walking and exercise programs, proper fitting of wheelchairs, walkers and canes. The physiotherapist can also assist in obtaining the required equipment through Saskatchewan Abilities, or assist family members in purchasing through other options.
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- Other Privately Contracted Services
Residents or their family members may choose to access additional services on a private basis, such as massage therapy, chiropractic or homeopathic services, in consultation with their physician. These services are provided by private practitioners and individual arrangements may be made regarding how the service will be provided and costs associated with provision of the service. The nursing staff will assist in planning and scheduling requested services. These services may be accessed externally or provided on-site.
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Resident Programs
- Transition Program
Extendicare Parkside provides re-activation services to clients in the transition program. This re-activation program is approximately three months long and is designed for people who have been approved as long-term care, but with the right supports and therapy, may be able to return to their home or a lighter care living arrangement. Services include physiotherapy, medication reviews, community occupational therapy assessments, developing independence in activities of daily living and working with the community support staff in providing a positive transition from long term care to a more independent living environment.
- Physiotherapy Services
Extendicare also provides physiotherapy supports to all residents residing in our home. The physiotherapist provides mobility equipment assessments and fittings, as well as recommendations on exercise and walking programs that can be carried out by the resident with the assistance of the care staff.
- Special Needs Dementia Unit
Extendicare Parkside is pleased to offer an accepting, safe, secure and supportive living environment for residents with dementia. It is our goal to maximize physical, social and cognitive potential, through access to specialized services such as therapeutic recreation services, social work, behaviour management supports, physical therapy and a consistent, caring approach.
Our 34-bed unit has dedicated nursing and recreation staff, with consistent caregivers for each resident. Continuity and familiarity are of vital importance in maintaining a positive, supportive living environment for people with dementia or other cognitive impairment. Recreation staff are on the unit from 8:00am to 9:00pm daily and are responsible for implementing all therapeutic programming. Residents have access to programming on the unit, as well as all events scheduled throughout the facility. Family education, support and involvement are key to a successful transition for residents into a living environment that is supportive of their individual needs.
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- Social/Therapeutic Programs
Extendicare Parkside offers a variety of recreational, social and spiritual programming for residents to attend, participate and enjoy. Program development is focused on resident’s needs, including intellectual, social, emotional, spiritual, and physically based programs, providing opportunities for participation based on personal likes and interests. We encourage independence and choice by our residents in selecting daily programs.
Outings to community special events, attractions and shopping expeditions are regularly organized particularly from early spring until late fall. Winter months offer other opportunities, such as Family Nights, as our weather often encourages more indoor activity! Increased special in-house events and entertainment provide comfort during the winter.
Recreational programming is offered seven days a week and families are encouraged to participate. Regular exercise programs, music entertainment, weekly pub nights, birthday parties, bingo, cards and games, offer ample opportunity to socialize and meet other people. Weekly spiritual services are held for residents of Protestant and Catholic faiths. Special arrangements can be made to accommodate other spiritual needs of residents, such as Jewish, First Nations, Chinese Alliance and Orthodox, on an individual or small group basis.
Evening programs are offered four times a week and often involve special entertainment. Families are encouraged to participate in programs with their loved one if desired, and family gatherings are welcome. The recreation staff would be happy to assist you to book space for a special event. A barbeque is also available for private family events to create another treasured memory.
Detailed daily record-keeping ensures current information is always available at family members' request regarding residents' likes, interests and participation in programs.
Our programs ensure that residents’ unique needs and interests are acknowledged. We offer opportunities to participate in art classes, pet therapy, shopping, church services, music programs, bingo, board games, cooking and baking, barbeques, outdoor walks, and discussion groups. This is only a small sample of our varied programs.
Innovation, variety, quality and support are the cornerstones of our programs. Suggestions and new ideas are always welcome as we strive to grow and meet the continually changing needs of our residents.
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