Shelmarie
Service provider: Island Health
Funder: Island Health
Overview:
The purpose of this housing program is to support individuals who have persistent mental health symptoms and are stabilizing. These clients are able to live semi-independently but require a higher level of support with activities of daily living, nursing and mental health. Shelmarie Rest Home can support clients who also have mild to moderate chronic medical issues, such as diabetes, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and chronic lung and kidney disease, as long as their care can be managed in a community setting and does not require frequent and 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 about access and referral information for Shelmarie Rest Home.
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.
• TB screening/testing.
Building features and description:
The building is a four-story heritage house in the Victoria/Oak Bay area. There is a front patio and yard, and a central common area for activities and watching TV. There are 14 rooms and 21 beds. Most bedrooms have two- piece bathrooms. There are stairs on the main level Residents may bring their own television, computer, or small items and use their own personal pillows and/or linens. There is one kitchen. A client phone line is provided for local calling.
Staffing:
• One mental health worker/resident rare attendant 7:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. everyday
• One mental health worker/resident care attendant 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• One mental health worker overnight 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
• One mental health worker/resident care attendant 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and one mental health worker/resident care attendant 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
• One nurse/ Director of Care Tuesday to Friday (hours will vary) and available on-call on 24/7
• Nursing care on-site in the day time and part-time in the evenings.
• One senior cook Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and one part-time cook weekends.
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 with a goal of moving toward independent living within 2 years. 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 24-hour staff support.
Clients must be able to manage stairs independently. Mobility aids are not permitted indoors.
Assistance is provided in obtaining a bus pass, and HandyDART services. The nurse supports transportation to medical appointments.
No overnight visitors. Clients can inform staff when a visitor is expected. Guests may stay for a meal when prearranged with staff.
Individual lifestyle choices such as social, cultural and spiritual beliefs will be respected and supported. Seasonal holidays are celebrated by decorating and having special meals.
No pets are permitted.
No smoking or vaping indoors. Smoking is permitted in the outdoor designated 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. No security cameras. The front door is locked overnight. Clients may exit and regain entry during these hours via a doorbell. Each floor has 3 fire exits that are alarmed overnight.
Staff are trained for the event of earthquake, fire, and disaster. On-site staff are responsible for necessary snow removal. The house is equipped with smoke detectors. Fire drills are held monthly.
Mental Health supports:
Mental status monitoring, PSR activity groups, goal setting, skill building, individualized care planning
Social supports:
Individuals must have access to a Psychiatrist, 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 referrals, appointments and transportation.
Recovery programming on site:
Psychosocial-Rehabilitation (PSR) Model of care. Assist clients in program goals and increasing independence. Program Activity and Rehabilitation Worker (ARC) attends site several times per week e.g. gym, cooking skills, community outings etc. Several group activities are run by Shelmarie staff and other program team members. Leaves such as Vacations and overnights away with family are arranged on an individual needs basis.
Nursing/medical supports:
RN/RPN/LPN Nursing on-site seven days per week, but time off may be replaced by RCA if alternate nurse not available. During these times, the DOC will be available for assistance and consultation.
Medication supports:
Medication support by onsite nurse and staff. Clients must be able to self-administer their own insulin.
Personal hygiene:
Education/prompts and reminders. Staff can provide some light personal care assistance for scheduled activities such as shower standby, hair wash, etc.
Meals:
On-site cook M-F provides three meals, and three snacks per day. The breakfast meal is self-serve. Menus are regulated and approved by a Community Care officer. Individual likes and dislikes are considered. Alternative choices will be provided for therapeutic/medical and culturally appropriate diets.
Housekeeping:
Education, prompts, support, and room checks are provided by onsite staff. Level of staff support is based on client need.
Laundry:
Education, prompts, and support is provided. There is no extra charge for laundry. Level of staff support is provided based on individual needs.
