Resident Rights + Responsibilities

It’s important that you know your rights and responsibilities while living here.

Communication

In order for us to care for you, it is important that we understand each other. If we use words or phrases that you do not understand or if we give you forms or other written materials that are not clear, please ask us to explain. If you do not speak or understand English well enough to have conversations about your health, we can book an interpreter (at no cost). For daily communication we use various tools, such as pictures and translated cards.

Questions or Concerns

We are always working hard to improve our care and services. Please let us know right away if you have any concerns so we can address them as quickly as possible. If you have concerns about your daily care, we ask that you speak with the team member or the team leader (clinical nurse leader). Please refer to our Feedback section for more information.

Non-Smoking Policy

St. Vincent’s: Langara has a non-smoking policy and offers a smoke-free environment. Smoking is prohibited both inside the building and on the grounds. Smokers are required to go to the street level to smoke.

Your Belongings

Even though this is your home, it has many people coming and going. It is best that you have your family keep your valuables, jewellery or valuable keepsakes. Items do go missing from time to time. We suggest you obtain insurance for the valuable belongings that you do have with you, to insure against loss and damage. Your insurance should include coverage for glasses, hearing aids, dentures, watches, as well as your own wheelchair or walker. If you wear glasses, hearing aids, or dentures, it is a good idea to have them engraved with your name. Our insurance only covers items that we have damaged or lost.

Vacations

With the approval of their physician, residents are welcome to “take a vacation” from the hospital for up to 30 days. Residents continue to pay room charges while away on vacation. If you are away from here for more than 30 days, in accordance with Ministry of Health policy, we must assign your space to someone else. If that happens, we will assign you a new space when you return. Co-insurance charges continue during the vacation. If you are going to be out overnight, let our nursing staff know at least 48 hours in advance so that we can be sure to have your medication ready to go with you. You need to sign out before leaving so staff know where you will be. Sign-out books are either at your nursing station or at the main reception desk.

Taking on Small Jobs

Enjoy caring for plants or animals, like making or fixing things? Any help you or your family can give is gratefully accepted. When you are actively involved in your neighbourhood and the larger community here, you make this a better place. If you or anyone you know would like to share a talent with us, please talk to one of us so we can arrange an event or performance.

Community Meetings

We have opportunities for groups of residents, family members and friends to come together to talk about activities and issues that affect the whole neighbourhood or community. The groups can be formal or informal, meet regularly or meet when needed. These are great places to bring your ideas and voice your concerns as long as they pertain to the whole community. These groups give everyone an opportunity to influence life in our community and plan activities that will improve the quality of life here. Types of groups may include neighbourhood meetings, resident councils, and family councils. Ask staff in your neighbourhood about the kinds of groups we have here.