Resident Rights, Safety & Feedback

Learn about residents’ rights, how we ensure safety and quality, and the many ways you can provide feedback to LACGH’s Long-Term Care team.

Your Rights and Your Voice Matter

Lennox and Addington County General Hospital’s Long-Term Care Home is committed to supporting a safe, respectful, and resident-centred environment. This page provides important information about your rights as a resident, the safety measures in place, emergency preparedness, and how residents and families can raise concerns or offer feedback.

Residents’ Bill of Rights

Our LTC Home, and all other long-term care homes in Ontario, are governed by the Fixing Long-Term Care Act. The requirements in the LTCHA ensure that residents of these homes receive safe, consistent, and high-quality resident-centered care in settings where residents feel at home, are treated with respect, and have the supports and services they need for their health and well-being.

  • Home: the fundamental principle
    • The fundamental principle to be applied in the interpretation of this Act and anything required or permitted under this Act is that a long-term care home is primarily the home of its residents and is to be operated so that it is a place where they may live with dignity and in security, safety and comfort and have their physical, psychological, social, spiritual and cultural needs adequately met. (Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2021)

The formation of residents’ rights afforded to all persons living in long-term care homes, began in the early 1950’s. The Ontario Residents’ Bill of Rights is embedded in our provincial legislation, Fixing Long-Term Care Act (FLTCA), 2021, and accompanying Regulations (O. Reg. 246/22). The Ontario Association of Residents’ Councils (OARC) has compiled a listing of translations of the new Residents’ Bill of Rights which can be found through the links below:

Safety and Security

We follow rigorous safety and emergency procedures to ensure the well-being of all who live and work in our Home.

Valuables

Please do not bring valuables with you to the Home. The Home cannot be responsible for money or valuables not placed in safekeeping. If you need to keep valuables with you during your stay, there is a safe available in your room, and you can be set up with access on admission.

Building Security

All exterior doors to our Home are locked to prevent unauthorized entry or exit for the security of residents. Screening measures are in effect for COVID-19.

Please use the main entrance of the Hospital upon entering or exiting the facility.

Generator

We have a generator in place in the event of a power failure. The generator maintains the operation of, lighting, refrigeration and selected power outlets on the unit.

Air Conditioning

The Home is fully air conditioned and is monitored for temperature variations so that any deficiencies can be addressed in a timely fashion by on-site support staff.

Fire & Safety Regulations

Electrical appliances/items such as fridges, electric fireplaces, toasters, or coffee makers are not allowed in residents’ rooms. For your convenience, appliances such as these are available in the dining room located on the unit. As a fire safety precaution, electrical items such as fans must be cleared by the Maintenance Department. LACGH does not allow the use of extension cords and octopus electrical cords. Power bars are an acceptable alternative. For resident and staff safety, scatter mats and rugs are prohibited for use in the Home.

Fire drills are conducted monthly on each shift for the safety of residents and staff. The night drill is conducted as a silent drill to avoid unnecessary sleep disruptions. Fire exits are clearly identified and are located at all stairwells. The Emergency Plan is completely reviewed on an annual basis.

View our Emergency Preparedness Policies

Minimal Use of Restraints/Personal Assistive Safety Devices (PASDs)

Safety devices, including posture pals and seat belts, are used in support of resident safety following a comprehensive assessment of need. LACGH is a least-restraint Home. Consent from the family will be obtained if staff feel restraints are needed. Restraints are only utilized as a last resort and are constantly monitored and evaluated to ensure their safety and necessity.

Abuse Prevention & Mandatory Reporting

We are committed to a safe and respectful environment for all residents. LACGH has a strict zero-tolerance policy for abuse. All allegations are thoroughly investigated and reported to the Ministry of Long-Term Care.

 

We are also required to make mandatory reports in situations that pose actual or potential harm to a resident. These include:

  • Improper or incompetent care or treatment
  • Abuse by anyone, or neglect by the licensee or staff
  • Unlawful conduct
  • Misuse or misappropriation of a resident’s money
  • Misuse or misappropriation of funding provided to the licensee

For more information, please refer to our information board posted on the unit. Instructions are provided if you wish to obtain a copy of our Abuse Policy or the full list of mandatory reporting criteria.

Whistle-blowing Protection

Residents, families and staff are protected in regards to disclosure to the Ministry of Health. No person shall retaliate against another person for disclosure of information to an inspector, the Director or other Ministry of Health official. The same whistle-blowing protection also states that the home cannot discourage anyone from disclosing. For further information regarding Whistle Blowing protection, see our information board posted on the unit. If you require a copy of this information, please refer to the instructions posted on the board.

Concerns, Suggestions and Complaint Process

At LACGH, we strongly value customer feedback. Communication is the key to ensuring that we continue to meet the diverse needs of our residents and their respective families. There are a number of ways to share concerns or feedback. We encourage you to complete our semi-annual resident satisfaction and food satisfaction surveys.

We encourage residents and families to share their experiences and concerns. Here’s how:

  • Comments, concerns or suggestions should be brought forth to any staff member on the Unit. If there is no resolution to your issue, please bring the matter forward to the Director of Care.
  • In the event that a resident or family feels the issue is not resolved, the resident or family member should follow the process recommended below.  If a resident or family member wishes to submit a formal complaint, Formal Complaint Forms are available upon request.  All written complaints will be forwarded to the Administrator or designee to ensure appropriate and timely follow-up.
  • Participate in semi-annual satisfaction and food service surveys

A copy of our Complaint Policy is available on the unit’s information board.

 

Ministry of Health Reviews

LACGH is fully licensed by the Ministry of Health. Residents, families and staff may be involved in annual Ministry of Health interviews to determine ongoing adherence to relevant legislation governing long-term care. More information can be obtained from the Home’s Administrator.

 

Continuous Quality Improvement 

The CVC Quality Improvement Plan is incorporated in the corporate QIP and submitted annually to Ontario Health Quality.

Have Questions or Concerns?

  • Lennox and Addington County General Hospital LTC Unit:
    • 613-354-3301 extension 240
    • Switchboard, extension 0
    • Unit Coordinator, extension 220
    • Recreation Services Manager, extension 422
  • Long-Term Care Facility Support and Action Line: (866) 434-0144
  • Director Long-Term Care Inspections Branch, Long-Term Care Operations Division, 119 King St. W, 11th Floor, Hamilton, ON L8P 4Y7
  • The Patient Ombudsman for Ontario: 888-321-0339 or TTY: 416-597-5371

Chief Nursing Officer/LTC Administrator:

Christine Wilkinson
613-354-3301 ext. 423
christine.wilkinson@lacgh.napanee.on.ca

Infection Control:

Shelby Lloyd
613-354-3301 ext. 432
slloyd@lacgh.napanee.on.ca

VP Diagnostic Services & Quality:

Erin Brown
613-354-3301 ext. 406
ebrown@lacgh.napanee.on.ca

President & CEO:

Mike Bell
613-354-3301 ext. 202
anussberger@lacgh.napanee.on.ca

LTC Unit Main Line:

613-354-3301 ext. 240

Long-Term Care Action Line:

1-866-434-0144

Patient Ombudsman of Ontario:

1-888-321-0339 or TTY: 416-597-5371

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