Discussions

The time is coming for a placement move from the Assiniboine for my father. He needs doctors care, oxygen, nebulizer and cleaning. Right now they are doing re hab with him and he is still mentally sharp and still strong in his hands and arms. The aim is to get him going again on his walker. Are there any places that are better than others or ones to avoid? This is a totality new experience for the family.

I will say is please be diligent on checking all crooks and crannies at the locations you are thinking of once you narrow it down. Go in person to view the facility, see how the staff is seeming when you’re passing through the areas. Good and bad like with anything but caution is always best for your loved one. Worked in the care field before and got out because of seeing things I couldn’t change.

You can choose to put whatever places you want on your top choices list, but with the shortage of doctors that are able to take on new residents at the care homes the placement could be anywhere within prairie mountain health that has the first available spot, this includes small towns surrounding Brandon.  
I’ve known several people in the last few years that did not get any of their top choices and most ended up in a small town. That being said though, a lot of people we know have ended up preferring the small town care homes as the care is much better in the smaller facilities. The staff really get to know the residents and care for them well.  
Go and view multiple facilities and see what fits your needs best.

I have heard that Rideau Park had some favourable reviews but have never been there. I will go and look. Everywhere in small towns including Rivers where he is from is full.

Rideau Park has got a great reputation! It is a lot of people’s number 1 pick.

All 5 LTC homes in Brandon are full and the waitlists are lengthy. You will likely get into a rural care home much quicker than Brandon.

Both were very caring, smaller so family member wasn't a number but treated as a person. Any concerns and I was quickly called.  
Nice controlled outside activity area at both

I know of several people who have had loved ones in the Wawanesa PCH and were extremely pleased with the care received. However, as mentioned above, care homes are currently full, staffing is an issue, wait lists are long. Ultimately you may not have a choice as to where your father is placed, assuming the panelling process indicates he requires placement. Good luck in your search for a suitable PCH for your father, it’s not an easy journey.

I agree that rural towns might offer more quality care but there’s also the travelling time and gas costs to deal with the further away you are from your home area. Pretty sure there’s no assistance wit that. I guess it’s wherever there is space. Just another part of the ongoing health crisis. Makes me wonder what’s down the road for me eventually. Scary.

Talk to the social worker for the floor and ask them if they can help you facilitate taking a tour of the buildings. All LTC facilities have pluses and minuses. What works for one person won’t work for another. Does your dad do well with roommates or is he a person who likes his own space? Did he have family doctors before going into hospital?

In response to RainaRo my dad is good with people and had a family doctor before he went into BGH . Has heart and lung issues but very sharp minded still. It would be nice to get into Rivers where he and mom have lived all their lives but we will see what happens.

You might actually have better luck than with having a doctor. I know some LTC especially private care want you to have a doctor before you go in. Where ever he ends up I hope it’s close to home though as care homes are supplying less and less. Oral care and hygiene products are limited. The panelling process should be started and they ask for top 4 choices. Smaller places are generally nicer and better staffing levels but also every where is short staffed.

In Brandon been told by many ValleyView is best . have a love one in Souris, it is a learning process for all but no one place is perfect not even home., it is clean being smaller. It is a homey feeling place., nice area . I do not recommend any Private Care Homes, unqualified workers.  
Got panelled and love one was there less than 2 months.

How are costs determined? Are all personal care homes the same price to stay at?

Unless it has changed in past two years, cost is based on the family income level. Example, our family income level required us to pay approximately 100 dollars a day at Fairview.

Does anyone have any reviews for the out of town places like Minnedosa  
or Souris?