FAQs

Admission to a long term care home is met with a wide variety of emotions.

Feelings of excitement, anxiety, anticipation, sadness and relief are all normal parts of moving into a new home.

We have found it to be calming when we give people an idea of what to expect on the day of admission and beyond. This is meant to be a general guide to admissions into our Home.

  1. You will be notified by your local HCCSS caseworker that your application to the Home has been approved, and given either a date of admission or spot on a waiting list.
  2. Upon arrival to the Home, you will be greeted by the receptionist. Family and friends are encouraged to join in with you for a part or all of the day.
  3. You will be introduced to either the Admissions Coordinator or the Social Worker, who will be your personal guide through the admission process.
  4. You will be given help to bring in your belongings, shown your new room and introduced to your roommate if applicable.
  5. You will meet with your Nurse. This is a time for them to get to know you, and for you to ask any questions of them.
  6. You will meet with your Personal Support Worker (PSW) to discuss what activities of daily living that you would like assistance with.
  7. You will receive assistance with unpacking your clothes and having them labelled with your name.
  8. A visit of the Home and your Resident Area will be arranged with a team member to familiarize yourself with your new home.
  9. At a time during the day that is convenient for you and the team, you will be invited to complete and sign the Admission Agreement, and arrange the payment schedule. If you are applying for a subsidy, you will meet with the Business Manager.
  10. Over the course of the next few days, you will meet the Doctor, Programs team, Dietician and Social Worker, along with many other new team, residents and families.
  11. Within six weeks of admission, you and your loved ones will be invited to attend a Multidisciplinary Care Conference. At this meeting you will meet with the Home’s Health Care Team to discuss your care up to that point.

Heritage Green has a Zero Tolerance for Abuse policy. Abuse of any kind – physical or verbal – is NOT tolerated. We conduct investigations of ALL complaints, no matter how small or insignificant an incident may seem.

Smoking is not allowed inside at Heritage Green. Residents wishing to smoke outside of the building (30 feet from doors or windows by City by-law) must be supervised by a family member or friend. Visitors must not give cigarettes or lighters/matches to residents.

Anyone who is frequently exposed to latex is at risk for developing a latex allergy. If you have a latex allergy, your body mistakes the proteins found in natural rubber latex for a harmful substance. A severe latex allergy may cause anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening condition. To guard against allergic reactions we never use latex products.

Perfumes, colognes and body sprays contain fragrances that can cause health risks and allergic reactions when used in excess. For the comfort and health of everyone, we ask that our visitors reduce the use of scented products before or during their visit.

We’ll signify any outbreak of a respiratory or gastrointestinal illness on our on-line Outbreak Notification page or at 905-573-7177. Guidelines for visiting during an outbreak: See the Charge Nurse as soon as you arrive at the centre. He or she will give you special instructions for visiting during an outbreak. Pay a visit to one resident only and exit the centre right after your visit. Wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer before and after visiting the centre.

If you’re experiencing two or more of the symptoms listed below, please don’t visit Heritage Green until you are symptom-free.

  • Respiratory symptoms
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Sneezing
  • Sore throat
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Hoarseness
  • Dry cough
  • Congested cough
  • Chills
  • Muscle aches
  • Fever that's greater than 37.5 degrees Celsius or 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sputum production
  • Chest pain
  • Increased rate of breathing (> 25 breaths per minute)
  • Fatigue or loss of appetite
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Increased confusion
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach cramps

Infection prevention and control are vital in a long-term care environment. Heritage Green has an Infection Control Professional on staff. This person ensures that the highest standards of infection control are met and that employees, residents and visitors practice all of the recommended actions for preventing infection. Our home also work closely with Hamilton Public Health to educate staff about hand hygiene and the use of personal protective equipment to stop the spread of infection.  

At Heritage Green we make every effort to protect the health and safety of our residents, staff, and visitors. Our safety practices ensure medication safety, minimize risk and provide a secure environment for our residents. (For example, we have enclosed outdoor spaces where residents can safely enjoy horticultural activities or relax, weather permitting.

Financial assistance is available for residents who can’t afford basic accommodation. A resident must meet certain eligibility criteria to qualify for a subsidy. Contact the Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant Community Care Access Centres (CCACs) for more information about qualifying for financial assistance. Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant CCAC TOLL FREE: 1 800 810 0000 HAMILTON 905 523 8600 310 Limeridge Road West Hamilton ON L9C 2V2

The MOHLTC sets the cost of accommodation at all long-term care homes across Ontario. The rates are reviewed every year. The MOHLTC will notify residents and/or families directly about the new cost should the rates change. (Application and Fee Rate)

A long-term care centre is a place where an individual lives and receives care and other services provided by trained staff. The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) and residents all share the cost of long-term care.
  • The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) provides funding for all long-term care homes in Ontario.
  • The amount residents pay for their accommodation is called a co-payment.

Require 24-hour medical care and/or supervision. Meet the requirements for long-term care services set by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. Be 18 years of age or older and have a valid health card.

Need assistance to manage their day-to-day activities. Need to be supervised due to Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia. Have a stable chronic health condition that cannot be managed at home. A long-term care centre is a place where an individual lives and receives care and other services provided by trained staff.