Saanich House
Service provider: Dawn Davies Health Care Ltd.
Funder: Island Health
Overview:
The purpose of this housing resource is to support individuals who have persistent mental health symptoms that are somewhat stable. These clients are able to live semi-independently but require a higher level of activities of daily living, nursing and mental health supports. Saanich House can support clients who also have mild-moderate chronic medical issues, such as diabetes, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and chronic lung and kidney diseases, as long as their care can be managed in a community setting and does not require frequent or unscheduled nursing care.
This facility is licensed under the Community Care and Assisted Living Act. See inspection reports about this facility.
Access and Referral Information:
Visit this webpage to learn more about access and referral information for Saanich House.
Program Criteria:
• The individual must be 19 years or older and require 24-hour care.
• Primary care need is related to a diagnosis of severe and persistent mental health illness.
• Alcohol or recreational drug use is discouraged and substances are not permitted on site.
• Residents must be willing to actively participate in Rehabilitation and Recovery plans.
Building features and description:
The building is a house with six bedrooms and is characterized as a group home in Saanich. All bedrooms are private and each floor has a shared bathroom. The second floor has a dining area and living room which are combined and act as common areas for residents. The laundry room is on the second floor and the outdoor area is all one level. There is a garden and a small yard for residents.
Staffing:
• One mental health worker 24/7 every day
• One Registered Nurse on 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. every day
Financial Support:
Many individuals 64 years and under receive Persons with Disability (PWD) income from the BC Ministry of Social Development. The program per diem (daily fee) will be arranged to be paid directly by The Ministry. Eligible clients 65 years or older are in receipt of federal benefits e.g. Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplements (GIS) and are responsible to make the per diem payments.
Clients are assisted to manage and administer their finances at the request of the client or their legal representative e.g. POA, PGT. Financial support for medical equipment and supplies is guided by Disability benefits, Pharmacare coverage, and Island Health policies.
Length of stay:
Length of stay is dependent on resident needs. If care needs or individual behavior exceed what one staff member can manage safely, a referral to a higher level of care may be necessary. Likewise, residents may be referred to a lower level of care if they no longer need intensive 24-hour staff support.
The main floor is accessible except the bathroom. To access the main living areas of the home (i.e. kitchen, dining, living room), the resident must be able walk up 15 stairs with no assistance.
Assistance is provided to obtain a bus pass or HandyDART services.
The nurse supports transportation to medical appointments
No overnight visitors. Residents can inform staff when a visitor is expected. Visitors must remain in common areas with the exception of family who may visit in resident rooms. Guests may stay for a meal when prearranged with staff.
There is no religious service provided in the home. Seasonal holidays are celebrated by decorating and having special meals. Individual lifestyle choices such as social, cultural and spiritual beliefs will be respected and supported. Staff support residents to engage in offsite spiritual activities by assisting to organize transportation and scheduling.
Pets are not permitted.
No smoking or vaping indoors. Smoking is permitted outside, in the designated open air area only. Recreational cannabis use is not permitted. Medical cannabis use will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, but must be smoked off-site only.
Monitored entry, staff office is near the front door and doors are locked at night. No security cameras. Staff are trained for the event of an earthquake, fire, or disaster. On-site staff are responsible for organizing snow removal via contracted maintenance provider. The house is equipped with smoke detectors and sprinklers. Fire drills are held monthly. Clients, family members and visitors are oriented to fire safety procedures.
Mental Health supports:
Mental health status monitoring, PSR activity groups, goal setting, skill building, individualized care planning.
Social supports:
Individuals must have access to a general practitioner GP or Nurse Practitioner (NP), and will be referred to medical services in the community. This includes optometry, physiotherapy, dental care, podiatry. Staff assist with making referrals, appointments and transportation needed
Recovery programming on site:
Psychosocial-Rehabilitation model. Independent living skill-building, goal setting. Clients are encouraged to find volunteer and/or gainful employment.
Nursing/medical supports:
RN/RPN on-site 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Sunday.
Medication supports:
Medication support by onsite nurse and staff. Clients must be able to self-administer their own insulin.
Personal hygiene:
Residents must be able to transfer and toilet themselves independently. Staff can provide some light personal care assistance for scheduled activities such as shower standby, hair wash, etc.
Meals:
Three meals a day are provided. Resident participation is required to prepare their individual breakfast while lunch is provided and participation is encouraged.
Housekeeping:
Education, prompting, support, and daily room checks are provided by onsite staff. Residents are expected to participate in household chores.
Laundry:
Education, prompting, support, and daily checks are provided by onsite staff. There is no extra charge for laundry.
