How to Become a Resident

How to Become a Resident | Room Rates

The potential resident's care level must be assessed by a Long Term Care Case Manager in the community, or in an acute care hospital by a Discharge Planner, to determine their eligibility for admission. 

To arrange for a Case Manager to perform an assessment in community, one may call Vancouver Coastal Health Intake on the North Shore 604-986-7111, or visit http://www.vch.ca/seniors/ for further information on subsidized services within the community as well as residential care options.

Frequently Asked Questions related to admissions:

How long is the Waitlist?
Waiting times vary greatly depending upon the circumstance of the particular individual.  Inglewood is a Home that is often the first choice of many, which means that waitlists are quite lengthy.  Placement is based on priority of need - individuals in community who are considered "emergency" and those in hospital receive first access to available beds.  Waitlists are controlled by Vancouver Coastal Health Authority's Priority Access department.  Wait times for individuals from community or transferring from other facilities can be six months to one year.    

My mom is on the Waitlist, how much notice will I get when a room comes up?
We give as much notice as we are able to, however due to the unpredictable nature of health care, it is often only 24 hours notice.  When a room becomes available, you receive a call from Inglewood's Social Worker letting you know when the admission day and time will be.  Be advised that when a name is on our waitlist, a room could come up any day.  The urgency of the situation will determine how quickly the room comes up. You can prepare yourself by reading through the information given to you on the tour and provided on our website.   

What happens if I decline an available bed because my mom is not ready?
It is not advisable because if you decline a bed, your name is removed from the waitlist entirely.  When you decide you are ready, the process of assessment begins again.

What is all this about "First Available Appropriate Bed"?
When someone is listed for the First Available Appropriate Bed they are prioritized to receive placement in the next available bed that comes up on the North Shore at any of the seven facilities.  A list of these facilities can be provided by the Case Manager, Discharge Planner or hospital Social Worker.  

What if the "First Available Bed" that comes up is not my first choice?
Although the first bed available may not be your first choice, try it out - get to know the staff, the philosophy of the home and more importantly, watch to see how your family member adjusts.  If they are happy and settled in, it is likely not worth moving them again.  Every move an older person makes can be difficult and a lot of change while their health is unstable can make things worse.  A month or two after your loved one moves to first available bed, the Facility Liaison from Vancouver Coastal Health will contact you to find out if you still wish your loved one to remain on the list for their first choice.  You will at that point be advised of the likely wait time. 

Some Suggestions to prepare yourself for the Admission:

Begin to prepare personal items and belongings, such as the following:

  • Contact the physician to ensure that he or she will continue to provide care to your family member upon admission
  • Clothes (we recommend the resident have at least seven changes of underwear and five to seven changes of outerwear available at all times and that all clothing is washable)
  • Agreed upon room furnishings and decorations - because of limited space, we ask that limited furniture pieces be moved into residents' rooms, perhaps a chair, a small side table and pictures
  • Some families opt to bring in a small patio fridge so that there can be snacks available for the resident
  • Aids for mobility (walkers, wheelchairs, canes,etc) should be labeled
  • Any prostheses, hearing aids, dentures, or eyeglasses should be labeled
  • Toiletries
  • Decide what to do with household items that will not be moving
  • Be aware that the living and eating environment will be communal and, thus, quite different from what he or she is used to at home

    How to make things easier emotionally:

  • Talk about the change with your family member - the more prepared seniors are and the more involved in the decision they are, the easier they tend to adjust.  It can be difficult to bring this topic up, however even with individuals with dementia, it is recommended to discuss that a change is coming.  Speak with the Social Worker or the Case Manager about various techniques that can be used to bring up this difficult subject.
  • Consider bringing your family member for a tour of Inglewood - this will allow them an opportunity to see their new environment and be part of the decision making process.  You can also arrange for them to attend a program or special event at the home, which allows them to meet some of the other residents and staff.  This will also provide you with some reassurance as you will be able to see their reaction first hand to the home (you may be surprised!)
  • Talk with friends and family who have had experience with having someone in a care home.  Those who have been through the process can be a great asset and offer suggestions and support to you.
  • Consider a caregiver support program.  A family caregiver is anyone who provides unpaid care and support at home, in the community or in a care facility to an adult friend or family member who is living with a disability, chronically ill, elderly or palliative.  The North Shore Caregiver Support Program offers support groups as well as regular education sessions - http://www.nscr.bc.ca/NSCR.html; 604-982-3320 for details on current programs.  Also, the Alzheimer Society of BC offers wonderful support groups and education sessions - http://www.alzheimerbc.org/; 604-984-8348.
  • This process can be extremely stressful and emotionally overwhelming for the entire family.  Remember it is important to remember your own needs and to take time to do the things that you enjoy.  To best care for others we have to first care for ourselves. 

     

    Note: Also, be aware that the admission process and day of admission can be very emotional and difficult for many people.  Please feel free to bring a support person to support either the resident or responsible family members/caregivers.

    Admissions at Inglewood are usually done at 10 a.m., and those individuals assisting with the move can expect to spend approximately three to four hours with the new resident.  We offer a complimentary lunch to those family members assisting with the move to help the new resident settle in and feel comfortable in the dining room.