In keeping with our Gentlecare Philosophy, individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias have the opportunity to live life to its fullest in a safe and caring environment.  Our specially trained staff continue to promote resident independence by providing them  with the assistance that they require.  We value knowledge and skills and promote continuous education for team members, residents and their families.  The knowledge and skills acquired by all are used to improve our standards of practice so we can have Hands to Care, Hearts to Warm.

Partners in Care 
In an effort to provide Hands to Care, Hearts to Warm,  Extendicare St. Catharines maintains well-established partnerships with individuals and groups from within our community.  Together, we are committed to offering programs tailored to the individual needs of our residents. 

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- Physicians

As committed members of our interdisciplinary team, our physicians play an integral role in contributing to our philosophy of care and ensuring that residents' needs are being met. 

While our in-house physicians and specialists are available to all residents, we recognize the importance of the physician/client relationship, and will respect your decision to have your family physician continue to provide for your health care needs while living at Extendicare St. Catharines.

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- Optometry

A valuable component of our interdisciplinary approach to resident care is optometry services. Minor repairs to glasses is done monthly on-site, in the comfort of the resident's home.

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- Denturist

An in-house denturist conducts individual assessments.  Recommendations from the denturist are discussed with the resident and family, and together they decide the best course of action.

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- Specialists

In partnership with the Niagara Health System as well as with private practitioners throughout our community, residents of Extendicare St. Catharines have access to specialized services such as cardiologists, urologists, and ophthalmologists.

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- Pharmaceutical Services

Our consultant pharmacist is an excellent complement to Extendicare St. Catharines' professional health services. As a member of the interdisciplinary team, our pharmacist works with the nursing staff and the physicians to ensure that each resident's pharmaceutical needs are met.

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- Foot Care Services

If desired, our in-house foot care nurse provides each resident with personal nail and foot care monthly, in the comfort of his or her own room.  

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- Respiratory Care

Registered respiratory therapists are available in conjunction with our home oxygen suppliers and Extendicare St. Catharines ensure that residents' needs are being met.  Support and education is provided to our team members on an ongoing basis.

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- Physiotherapy

In partnership with a registered physiotherapist, residents and their family members are able to develop a therapeutic plan of care that best suits the needs of the resident.  Continuing therapeutic care is provided in the comfort of Extendicare St. Catharines via our rehabilitation/restorative care programs.

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- Community Care Access Centre (CCAC)

Extendicare St. Catharines and Community Care Access Centre Niagara (CCAC) work together to assist individuals in the community to access long-term care services in a timely manner.  The CCAC is the first point of entry for an individual requiring long-term care services. 

Our partnership with CCAC includes referrals to physiotherapy, occupational therapy, homecare services, speech language pathology and placement services. 

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- Educational Centres

As leaders in our community, we have developed ongoing and supportive working partnerships with local and distant educational facilities.  These partnerships allow us to provide educational opportunities for students as well as future career opportunities.  These partnerships also give our team members the opportunity to act as mentors and further develop their leadership skills. 

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Other Community Partnerships
Extendicare St. Catharines has developed partnerships with an extensive group of resources, both community and province-wide.  Although we cannot list them all, we acknowledge our partnership with such agencies as the Geriatric Mental Health Outreach Centre and the Alzheimer’s Society.

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Resident Programs

- Rehabilitation/Restorative Care

Through the natural aging process, we find some residents may experience such conditions as general weakness, gait problems, de-condition from recent hospitalization, contractures, decreased range of motion, fractures, depression due to decrease in independence, and social isolation.  At Extendicare St. Catharines,  we believe that physical conditioning increases residents' feelings of independence and self-worth as they work “hand in hand” with our rehabilitation team.

Working with the rehabilitation team, a staff kinesiologist conducts assessments and together with residents and family members, develops a suitable rehabilitation or restorative care program.  In the comfort of Extendicare St. Catharines, residents actively participate in  walking programs, strengthening exercises, and speech language therapy.

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- Social/Therapeutic Programs

Extendicare St. Catharines recognizes the importance of providing our residents with social, as well as therapeutic programs. Certified activity aides are busy ensuring that residents' physical, emotional, intellectual, social and spiritual needs are being met. Extendicare St. Catharines values your choice and lifestyle, which play a major role in program planning.

Activity programs are offered seven days a week and include: dances, social dinners, shopping excursions, movie nights, bingo, discussion groups, cards and games, theme parties, bowling league, art classes and much more. Special occasions, holidays and seasonal events also contribute to the diversity of our programs. 

We also offer programs that include family involvement. We believe that these types of programs help create wonderful memories that will last a lifetime.  All in all, our aim is to enhance the quality of life for our residents as we provide  Hands that Care, Hearts that Warm.

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