At Kiwanis Pavilion we understand where you are today, struggling with something you never wanted to happen. No one wants to have to leave the comfort and familiarity of their own home and move into long-term care. But, for most people, this transition is inevitable.
So, here you are; here we are.

Since all paths in life are easier to walk if someone has forged the way, we who have gone before, have put together the information below to help smooth your way and make you feel more comfortable.

Visiting hours are generally 9 am to 9 pm – however we are flexible depending upon individual situations.  If doors are locked please ring bell and wait for staff to let you in.

Do not bring any treasured valuables. It’s also recommended that residents do not keep cash.  Staff will set up a trust account to cover incidental needs such as; Foot Care, Hairdresser/barber, recreational activities etc.  The Kiwanis Pavilion is a cashless society.

The trust fund covers incidentals that increase their quality of life, such as; barber and hairdresser services, foot care services, recreation and special outings.

When a resident’s account dips below $50, you will be informed the account needs to be topped up. We ask the fund does not exceed $500 at any time.

When you arrive to visit your loved one, sign yourself in the guest book in the lobby.

If you come and go a lot, you may get tired of signing in/out each time, but please remember that signing in/out at the front desk is very important; it lets staff know how many visitors are in the building in case of an emergency.

Additionally, if a resident is taken off the premises, they must be signed out on the floor/wing where they live. When they are returned from an outing, don’t forget to sign them back in.

If you are taking your loved one out for a meal or social outing, remember to check with the nurse to see if there's any medication that they routinely get at that time. The staff will give the medication to them before you leave or you can take it with you.

When you get your welcome package, you will find two free meal tickets attached to the current menu; these can be used to join your loved one for meals at Kiwanis Pavilion.

Once your free tickets are used up, meal tickets are available for purchase.
The Library can also be reserved for family gatherings.  And, of course, you are always welcome to take your loved one out for a meal or to a family gathering. If a resident is taken off the premises, they must be signed out on the floor/wing where they live. When they are returned from an outing, don’t forget to sign them back in.

If you are taking your loved one out for a meal or social outing, remember to check with the nurse to see if there's any medication that they routinely get at that time. 

The staff will give the medication to them before you leave or you can take it with you.

When exiting the building, the outer door will not open you need to enter the security code (security code is on the number panel to your right when exiting). 

Please be aware that residents can look like visitors, so do not open the outer doors unless you are absolutely sure you are not being followed out by a resident. Stay inside with the resident until you can safely exit or a staff member comes to assist you.  Our interior garden codes are available to residents and families and our exterior garden gates are secure with access to staff only.

The Kiwanis Pavilion has a new bus which will allow for outings.  Some of the special outings and events mentioned below are funded through your loved one's trust fund.

Your loved one may be visually impaired or seem disinterested in outings, but you will be pleasantly surprised at how much enjoyment they will get from participating in as many outings and events as possible.

Scenic tours are not just about sight-seeing; there's lots of fun, jokes, music and camaraderie that everyone can enjoy. They are about laughter, socialization, excitement and stimulation. So, in your welcome package, when you are checking off what outings you think your loved one might enjoy, think outside the box and don't limit the choices!

• Scenic tours
• Pet shelter
• Bowling
• Golf
• Museum visits
• Ballet visits
• Butchart Gardens
• Fishing
• Restaurant/pub outings
• Birthday socials
• Holiday celebrations

Families who don't live near the Kiwanis Pavilion or are unable to visit their family member as often as they'd like, may opt for a private companion to supplement those visits. The companion may be contracted through a private health care service provider or by hiring a private individual. Whatever your choice, please be aware the service is not provided, nor arranged by Kiwanis Pavilion staff and you'd need to incur the costs associated with this service.

Private companions are visitors who are welcome at Kiwanis Pavilion.

All prescriptions will be filled by Kiwanis Pavilion through our contracted pharmacy. The pharmacy costs will be the same as when they were at home. You can set up convenient automatic payments using a form that comes with your welcome package.

If you are taking your loved one out for a meal or social outing, remember to check with the nurse to see if there's any medication that they routinely get at that time. 

The staff will give the medication to them before you leave or you can take it with you.

A physician will be assigned to your loved one when they move in.  The physicians do pro-active visits with their residents once a week, or as needed. You can arrange to discuss medical care with their physician.

Yes, you can bring your friendly, well-behaved dog for a visit at Kiwanis Pavilion. You will find that many of the other residents will also be delighted to see your pooch! Keep your doggy on a leash, of course. There may be some residents who are afraid of dogs or don't like them.

Please keep your dog under control at all times so these people can feel comfortable in their home.

Kiwanis Pavilion has chick hatching that we get to enjoy for a few weeks a couple of times a year.  We also enjoy therapeutic pet visits.

Along with some clothing for the first few days, bring all personal hygiene effects as follows:

• Brush and/or comb
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Denture cleaner
• Shampoo
• Favourite bar soap
• Electric shaver - no razors, please
• Kleenex tissues
• Panty liners
• Any creams, lotions or other hygiene items your loved one is accustomed to using
• Please take scissors and nail clippers home with you when you leave. 

Kiwanis Pavilion staff will tend to fingernails.  If you require foot care service for your loved one, please let staff know and they will arrange to have a Foot Nurse provide this service (there is an additional cost of this service).

Whenever you bring new clothing items to the Kiwanis Pavilion, please asked to have them labelled.  

When personal items become misplaced — and they will! — this will help staff retrieve and return the item. 

Parking at the Kiwanis Pavilion is limited to a handful of spots.  A single parking stall is designated PHYSICIAN ONLY. As you might imagine, the handicapped parking spot gets frequent use - please leave it for those with the appropriate tag who need to transfer their loved one to and from their vehicle.

Visitors will find that street parking is usually available. Please do not park outside the main entrance as this area is for emergency vehicles only.

Feel free to make the room as homey as possible, but do remember that Kiwanis Pavilion cannot be responsible for damage to personal effects, their misplacement or loss. Don't feel obliged to bring everything the first day. Take the time to learn what works best for both Kiwanis Pavilion and your loved one.
When your loved one has settled into their room, you can arrange for staff to hang lightweight pictures on the wall.  It’s best to wait until that final move has been made before decorating the space, or bringing in that favourite chair and knick-knacks, such as:

• Glasses
• Medical alert bracelet
• Hearing aids
• Makeup
• Costume jewelry
• Inexpensive watch
• Clock - battery run or electric
• Photos
• Mementos

Kiwanis Pavilion residents have access to assessments and follow up by occupational therapist and rehab assistants.

Physicians will sometimes prescribe over the counter medications like pain killers, laxatives, antidiarrheals, minerals, vitamins, etc. These will get added to the regular medication regime at Kiwanis Pavilion, or given as needed. The pharmacy may charge you for these over the counter medications. 

Examples:

• Pain killers (Ibuprofen, Tylenol, Aspirin, etc.)
• Cough syrup
• Cold medicine
• Vitamins and minerals
• Laxatives
• Antidiarrheals

Kiwanis Pavilion will provide a basic wheelchair as needed.  For safety reasons we do not allow motorized wheelchairs.   

Please bring your loved one's walker. Upon arriving, a member of our rehab team will evaluate the resident’s mobility and suggest an appropriate mobility device, if necessary. Mobility can change over time and Kiwanis Pavilion will inform you when a different device is needed to meet your loved one's comfort and safety requirements. Purchasing specialized equipment is the responsibility of the resident. 

Luggage tags make excellent ID labels for walkers.  

Many of these devices look alike so it’s no surprise when residents end up with a neighbour’s mobility device. Labels and tags help ensure that everyone gets their wheels back!

Residents who are at risk of isolation, are bed-ridden or don’t like to socialize will receive one-on-one visits with recreation staff a number of times a week. Leisure visits provide specialized recreational activities tailored to the individual needs of these residents. One-on-one activities for these residents might also include sensory stimulation such as aromatherapy, light therapy or tactile therapy.

• Adult diapers
• Toilet paper
• Paper towels
• Antibiotic liquid soap
• Washcloths and towels

The hair salon is located on the first floor. Haircuts are funded out of your loved one’s trust fund. You can schedule appointments, as needed, or set up appointments on a regular schedule. Residents with regularly scheduled hair appointments at Kiwanis Pavilion will be accompanied to the appointment by a staff member.

Please take the time to choose a funeral home for your loved one and fill out the form that comes in your welcome package from Kiwanis Pavilion. You must make these arrangements as Kiwanis Pavilion is not able to do this for you. No financial arrangements or other plans need to be made at this time.

Everyone visiting Kiwanis Pavilion is required to have a yearly flu shot or to wear a mask. Regular hand washing and the use of antibiotic hand sanitizers help reduce the spread of flu viruses.

Please stay home if you are ill.

Fingernail care is provided by Kiwanis Pavilion staff.  Speak with staff to arrange for a foot care nurse (this is an additional cost).

All electronics can be brought to Kiwanis Pavilion. All electronics must be CSA approved, inspected and labelled by the Kiwanis maintenance staff prior to being placed in your loved one’s room.
 Examples of electronics:

• TV
• Radio
• CD player
• DVD player
• IPad
• Cellphone
• Phone
• Fan

Please note that cable, internet and phone services are not supplied by Kiwanis Pavilion; these will be your responsibility to arrange and pay for.

Kiwanis Pavilion provides hygienist onsite for assessment, cleaning and referrals for dental work. If you prefer you may continue to take your loved one to their personal dentist.  Please note you will need to arrange appointments and transportation.

Good dental care is extremely important for seniors. 

Gingivitis and periodontitis can cause tooth loss and other health problems, especially in the elderly who may have compromised immune functions

Forms for Concerns, Comments and Compliments

Concerns/Complaints/Disputes

Expressing Appreciation to Staff

Contact us directly

Contact us at the Pavilion

When arriving at the Kiwanis Pavilion for the first time, bring a few days' worth of clothing, including undergarments, socks and nightwear. You can bring more clothing in the days to follow.

Give the clothing to the health care team for labeling. It will be returned to your loved one's room once labelled. You probably want to hold back a few items for the next day or so until the labelled clothing arrives back to the room. All clothing you bring needs to get labelled; that includes coats, jackets, sweaters, pyjamas, socks and undergarments.

Kiwanis Pavilion is kept fairly warm so it's best to provide layers of clothing for your loved one. A t-shirt layered with a shirt and a sweater or zippered hoodie is preferable to a single heavy garment. Elastic-waist or drawstring pants allow for comfort while sitting and exercising. Athletic wear works well, if your loved one is used to wearing that type of clothing.

Clothing should be wash-and-wear. Kiwanis Pavilion’s laundry services use heavy-duty washers and dryers which can be a little hard on clothes, so no wool, linen, silk or fine garments, please. Polyester, cotton, corduroy and other hard-wearing materials are your best choices.

You can ask that clothing be labelled "Not to be laundered," but everyday clothing should generally be wash-and-wear.  We cannot guarantee these items will not be sent to the laundry accidentally.

Coats and suits should be taken out for dry cleaning periodically. Special occasion clothing that requires fine laundering or dry cleaning should be taken home right away after it is worn.

Wire coat hangers are provided by Kiwanis Pavilion. There's no point in bringing fancy hangers as they will not end up being used.

There will be times when someone else’s article of clothing ends up in the wrong closet or dresser. Simply take it to the health care team who will ensure it finds its way to its rightful owner. 

Don't forget to bring sturdy, but comfortable footwear, if your loved one is mobile. Even sandals and slippers should be of the supportive variety to prevent accidental falls.

Your loved one will be given a bath and hair wash once a week and as deemed required for health and safety. Daily hygiene routines will be assisted as needed. Additionally, hair dressing and barbering are available through the hair salon on the first floor.