|
|
October 1, 2004
Five new options at Weinberg
Multi-level care residence now offers short- and long-term programs.
KYLE BERGER SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH BULLETIN
It has been a year and a half since the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg
Residence opened next to the Louis Brier Home and Hospital on the
Dr. Irving and Phyllis Snider Campus. But on Oct. 14, the facility
will be hosting an open house in order to re-announce the unique
programs and services it has to offer.
Vanessa Trester, director of resident care services of the Weinberg
Residence, said she doesn't think the community is aware of the
range of services the privately funded facility offers.
"The message needs to get out there that there is this opportunity
for private care," she said, talking specifically about the
20-room multi-level care unit. "It's a much smaller unit [than
most publicly funded facilities like the Louis Brier Home and Hospital]
so it's more intimate and there may be more opportunity for one-to-one
or direct supervision between the staff and resident."
Trester described the five residency options at the Weinberg Residence.
While the long-term stay program is the most evident, Trester said
there are many other situations in which someone may find the facilities
and care programs useful.
The respite care option gives caregivers the chance to take a much-needed
break from their responsibilities. In this case, the staff of the
Weinberg residence will assume the role of primary caregivers for
a period of time determined by the family.
"It might only be for a week or two, but it's very important
for the caregivers to look after themselves as well," Trester
said.
The palliative support option involves allowing a resident's own
physician to continue to manage his or her care, in the case of
a terminal illness. The services in this program include pain assessment
and comfort relief for the family, grief and bereavement counselling
and spiritual and religious support.
Another option is convalescent care, which allows a patient to spend
time regaining strength and basic functioning after being discharged
from the hospital.
"A lot of hospitals discharge people very quickly today and
people aren't always really ready to go home," Trester said.
"That person could come to Weinberg for a month or so, we would
assess that person on an individual basis and we would help them
regain their strength so that they can go home."
The final option is for out-of-town visitors who may need a high
form of care while they are away from home.
"Perhaps someone's relative or friend can travel but their
family home has stairs and that's not conducive," Trester explained.
"Coming to the multi-care unit at Weinberg can allow them to
be involved in programs and meals and they can receive the special
care they need while they're in town."
With each option comes full use of the Weinberg Residence facilities,
programming and social activities.
The Weinberg Residence also has an assisted living section which
hosts residents who may only require occasional help with daily
functions and who otherwise live independently.
The multi-level care unit has 20 private rooms, 17 of which are
currently occupied. In total, the residence can hold up to 64 occupants.
The open house will run from 3 to 7 p.m. However, anyone interested
in taking a tour at any other time should call 604-261-9622 between
the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. More information can also be found
online at www.weinbergresidence.com.
Kyle Berger is a freelance journalist and graphic designer
living in Richmond.
^TOP
|
|
