Our resident population is diverse, with a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and conditions. To provide person-centered care in this complex environment, we have implemented various systems that have contributed to our culture today.

Mornings

Most residents wake between 6 am and 11 am, but there is no wake-up time! Residents require various levels of assistance. Some people require minimal physical assistance, while others require mechanical lifts or other equipment to move between surfaces.

There is a flexible bathing schedule individualized to special requests. Some people bathe or shower in the mornings, some in the afternoon, and others every night before bed. We encourage a minimum of two baths or showers per week. Also, we do bubbles!

Once morning rituals are completed, how our residents like to spend their day is one of our top priorities. Starting with breakfast, residents decide if they would like breakfast before dressing, or dressing before breakfast. They can choose whether to take breakfast in their room, or in the dining room.  Choose eggs any style, home made baking, pancakes, French toast, sausage, bacon, oatmeal, smoothies, and often a good traditional Benny with homemade hollandaise. Some people require no, or minimal assistance, with breakfast, while others require physical assistance for all meals.

Between breakfast and lunch, some residents volunteer for the thrift shop or help with chores, others join exercise or walking classes, or go for a drive.  Others prefer to be tucked into bed resting or relaxing in a recliner watching TV.

Monday to Thursdays many residents enjoy spending time with Judy tending to the chickens, rabbits and budgies, then spend the day in the solarium listening to music, crafting, reading and singing.

Lunch is served around noon, from an ever-changing menu. Soup is home-made using homemade stock, and sandwiches on home- made bread. In fact, everything is home-made! There is always muffins, cookies, and other delights on hand. Friday fish n’ chips is a big hit . . . homemade chips!

Afternoons

The afternoons are filled with resting, visiting, engaging in various activities, volunteering for the thrift shop, or helping with other chores like peeling carrots for supper. We even had a resident bake her mother’s butter tarts, which make a great afternoon snack.

The team assists residents with regular washroom use throughout the day. Unless contraindicated, all residents are supported to use the washroom regularly.

Some residents receive assistance with some extra walking at this time. Some residents do puzzles, play crib, or have tea together.

We strive to set our own standards at Evergreen, The Evergreen Standard. One of our standards is that if a resident is spending the day in bed, they receive a bed bath and fresh linen change approximately every 4-8 hours.

There are no set visiting hours at Evergreen. Visitors are always welcome.

Dinner

Dinner is served between 4-6pm following a posted menu with a variety of alternative options. All meals are home cooked using quality ingredients. You are welcome to eat in your room, a quiet dining spot, or the main dining room with others. A glass of wine is also available on request.

There are always desserts and baking available. We always have ice cream, and not just Vanilla! Coffee and tea are always on, and someone will regularly replenish your water or other drinks of choice.

Nice dinner music is always playing, and the team tries to keep the noise level down so that residents can enjoy their meals without being overly distracted or over stimulated. Except if someone is having a birthday. Then we get a little noisy and sing out of tune.

We really enjoy when guests have a meal with the residents. Spouses are always complimentary, and other family and visitors are by a minimum donation of $10 per meal. Coffee, tea, and baked goodies are always available by donation.

Evening

There are activities and movies offered in the evenings for residents if they choose. Sometimes it’s movies in front of the fireplace, and sometimes it’s a concert in the solarium. Don’t be surprised if you see team members dancing and singing! The care team offers evening snacks and refreshments – cheese, crackers, fruit, popcorn. Residents go to bed when they feel ready.

Nights

The care team at night is a combination of nurses and care aides. Some residents sleep all night while others require supports through the night, such as symptom management, something to eat, repositioning in bed, or assistance to the washroom. Team members can often be seen having a snack with a resident, or walking with a resident who can’t sleep.

Nights is also the time when laundry is done, floors are swept, rooms are stocked, paperwork is completed, charts are checked, and the night team sets up the day team for a successful day. We are in business 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Click here for more information Resident Handbook