The most important members of your care team are you and your family. We rely on you to let us know how you like to do things, and what your normal routine is, so that we can plan your care together. Where appropriate, training is available for family members who would like to take a more active role in providing your personal care. Please speak with your Resident Care Manager about your suggestions and requests.

 

You have been admitted under the care of a physician who has privileges at the Edmonton General. If you would prefer your family doctor to look after you, you can ask them to arrange that with us. Doctors are required to visit at least once a month, but may come more often.

 

The Edmonton General nursing team provides 24-hour care to residents and serves as a resource to families regarding questions about care.

 

Your nursing team includes:

 

Your Resident Care Manager is a registered nurse who oversees all of the activities and staff on your unit. Your RCM will plan your care with you, your family and other members of your team and is the primary contact for you and your family.

 

Administrative Resident Care Manager (ARCM)

An Administrative Resident Care Manager is a registered nurse who assumes the role of the RCM on evenings, nights and weekends, overseeing the care of residents on a number of units.

 

A Licensed Practical Nurse carries out several nursing care duties, including dispensing medications, caring for wounds and providing treatments.

 

Your Nursing Attendant will assist you with basic personal care, including bathing, dressing, feeding and toileting.

 

Pharmacists are responsible for your medications. They keep track of your medications and assess how well they are working. They monitor allergic reactions, dosage levels, drug combinations and the length of time you are on each medication. Consultations with your pharmacist can be arranged through your RCM or ARCM.

 

Social Workers are available to assist you in meeting your social and emotional needs. These professionals can help you and your family adjust to your new lifestyle in a continuing care centre, access financial, legal, mental health and other community resources or plan a return home or transfer to another facility.

 

Rehabilitation therapy staff provide physical, occupational and recreational activities with the goal of maximizing your independence. Staff include therapists and assistants who will assess your needs and work with you to achieve your goals.

 

Physical Therapy staff may invite you to participate in individual or group activities such as an exercise class or a walking program. They can also help to assess your comfort level and the need for pain relief through treatments such as heat and ice.

 

Occupational Therapy staff focus on improving your physical independence through determining your needs for equipment such as walkers and canes.

 

Recreational Therapy staff plan a variety of enjoyable activities on the unit (teas, crafts, sing-a-longs and bowling) and off-unit (pub nights, entertainment nights and bingos). Off-site activities may also be planned to include your family and friends. Watch your unit bulletin board for notices about group activities.

 

Soon after your arrival, a dietitian will assess your food interests, needs and cultural considerations in order to ensure you are receiving meals that will provide you with optimum nutrition. Please ask your Resident Care Manager for meal times on your unit. And, if you plan to be away from the unit at a specific mealtime, please notify unit staff.

 

Professionally trained chaplains are available to provide spiritual care and emotional support to you and your family. To contact a chaplain, call Spiritual Care at 482-8029 or the switchboard at 482-8111. Please note that your own spiritual leader is welcome to visit you at any time.

 

Other team members who contribute to ensuring a safe and healthy environment for you include unit clerks, porters and housekeeping, security, physical plant/maintenance and laundry staff.

 

Registered volunteers are people who give of their time to add a special touch to your life. Volunteers are involved in a variety of activities including doing crafts, providing entertainment, helping at meal times, visiting and sharing in your joys, sorrows and experiences and accompanying you on off-site activities. If you would like a volunteer to visit you, or wish to learn more about our volunteer programs, please contact Volunteer Services at 482-8442.