Planning for the Transition
What’s on this page?
Overview
Transitioning to long-term care is a significant decision, but with careful planning, you can ensure a comfortable and well-prepared move.
How to Apply
To start your admission process, you’ll need to get in touch with Ontario Health atHome. If you are in the hospital, speak with the Discharge Planner.
These groups ensure all criteria have been met before referring you to the John M. Parrott Centre for admission. You cannot apply to the John M. Parrott Centre direcly.
To get started, call 310-2222 (no area code required) to connect with the nearest Ontario Health atHome branch from your calling location. For more information on long-term care placement including eligibility, please visit https://ontariohealthathome.ca/long-term-care.
Experience the warmth and care at Parrot Centre.
Our Staff
Our team is here to support you in every aspect of daily living. RNs, RPNs, and PSWs provide compassionate, personalized care, while our Environmental Services team helps keep your space comfortable. Dietary staff prepare nourishing meals, and Recreation Facilitators offer a variety of activities to match your interests.
You will also be supported by our Resident and Family Liaison – Social Service Worker, Physiotherapist, Physiotherapy Aide, Medical Director, and Nurse Practitioner, all working together to ensure your well-being.
On admission day, you’ll meet several team members who will help you settle in and learn about your health, routines, and what matters most to you, so we can provide care and support centered on your needs.
What Required Documents You’ll Need When You Arrive
Preparing for your move into long-term care involves several key steps, including organizing important legal documents, setting up financial arrangements, and ensuring you have support during the transition.
Power of Attorney documents (both for Property and Care);
Prior year’s Notice of Assessment (for residents applying for a rate reduction in basic accommodation). The Notice of Assessment is the only acceptable document once a person is admitted to a long-term care facility;
A void cheque will be required to set up Direct Debit;
A cheque to pay for the current month’s accommodation fee;
Cash or cheque to deposit money into the resident comfort account;
You’ll need someone to come with you when you move in.
Key Takeaway
If you’re part of a couple, consider applying for “Statement-Spouses or Common-Law partners living apart for reasons beyond their control” through Service Canada so you can maximize your government benefits to help pay for your residence here.
What to Do When You Arrive
Check In
Upon arrival, please check in at Reception, where a staff member will warmly greet you and escort you to your room. You will then meet with members of our interdisciplinary team who will take time to learn about your health history, personal information, preferences, routines, and goals. Together, we will complete the necessary documentation and consents to ensure your experience and support are centred around what matters most to you.
Go to the Receiving Entrance
You’ll move all your furnishings, fixtures and electrical devices through the Receiving entrance with the help of staff so it can be documented by the Environmental Services Staff. Then your items will go to your room. Your clothes will go to the laundry for cleaning and labeling so you don’t lose anything. We are generally able to accommodate a request to bring your belongings the day before you move in so that everything can be set up in the room upon your arrival.
Key Takeaway
You’re encouraged to make your room a home, just be aware of the limited space that may be available.
How to Ensure Your New Home Is a Safe and Functional Living and Working Environment
Your Room
- Your room is furnished with a bed, bedside table, chest of drawers, wardrobe and a chair.
- Personal chairs may be brought in, however, all chairs must be sturdy and stable. Sit-to-stand lazy boy chairs are acceptable.
- Residents may replace the bedside table and small dresser with their own, however, all furnishings must be fully intact and able to be cleaned with our facility disinfectant.
- Televisions must sit comfortably on the provided built-in shelf (27”) or on a sturdy table 2” from all edges of the table. Televisions with wall-hanging capabilities are permitted up to 42”, however, it is the responsibility of the resident or family to purchase the appropriate wall-hanging device. Our maintenance staff must install the device and hang the television. Cable and telephone vendor hook-up is the responsibility of the resident/family.
- Computers are welcome, however, Internet hook-up and service are the responsibility of the resident/family.
- Photographs or pictures may be displayed on the walls. The John M. Parrott Staff will install the appropriate picture hangers, etc.
- Telephone and cable (if required) are the responsibility of the resident; arrangements are to be made through Bell and/or Cogeco directly.
- Bedside table lamp (inspected and approved for safety by our maintenance staff).
Not Permitted
- Swivel chairs and rocking chairs are not permitted (unless the rocking mechanism can be locked out).
- Lazy boy chairs with heating mechanisms are not permitted for safety and resident health.
- Nothing is to hang from the ceiling or near any fire detection or suppression device. Display areas will be limited to the shelving areas provided.
- Doors to all resident rooms must close freely and tightly in keeping with fire regulations, so door-hanging devices for wreaths or other display items are not recommended.
- Furnishings cannot be placed in any areas which will hinder egress for the resident or staff evacuation.
- Footstools are not recommended.
- Floor mats are not permitted. As an alternative, we encourage residents to bring in rubber-soled slippers, which can be kept by the bedside.
- All small appliances such as refrigerators, microwaves, toasters, space heaters, portable air conditioners, humidifiers, heating pads/blankets or any other heating devices are not permitted for safety reasons.
- Personal beds, mattresses or mattress pads are not permitted.
Additional Information
- All electrical devices must be inspected and approved for safety by our maintenance staff.
- Combustible articles and furnishings must be monitored through
- Environmental Services, and all upholstered furnishings must be steam-cleaned upon admission and treated with a fire-retardant product.
- Flame- and fire-retardant, colour coordinated window coverings are provided and cannot be replaced with personal draperies.
- Bedding and linen are provided.
- To ensure the safety of the resident and staff providing care, other furnishings may not be practical and will not be permitted.
- Don’t keep valuables and large amounts of cash in your room. The John M. Parrott Centre does not assume responsibility for loss or damage to residents’ personal belongings. You can start a Comfort Account system and withdraw small amounts as needed.
Clothing Suggestions
Closet space is limited, so we recommend families bring in seasonally appropriate clothing and then switch these items out as necessary.
- Clothing Guide:
- 5 outfits
- 2 housecoats
- 5 nightwear
- 5 sets of underclothing (bra, panties, undershirts, socks)
- 2 pair of slippers
- 2 pairs of shoes and seasonal outerwear
Key Takeaway
If you’d like a phone in your room, contact Bell Canada directly at 310-2355 or 1-866-310-2355 or Cogeco 1-800-267-9000 to arrange for the connection. You can have cable in your room through Cogeco. Contact Cogeco directly at 1-800-267-9000 and arrange for the connection and to discuss cable package and payment options.
Our Focus to Care for Your Loved One
- Person-centered in all of our services
- Make the move from home to long-term care a success. Alzheimer’s Society Tip Sheet
