FAQs
There are many questions to be asked when embarking upon a new phase of life. Residents at Three Links Care Centre and their families can feel more comfortable and confident in their decision making process if they have all the information they need.
Please take time to read through our list of frequently asked questions and don’t hesitate to email us at info@threelinks.com, or call us at 604-434-7211 if you have any additional questions or concerns.
If you have any questions regarding Seniors’ Supportive Housing at Three Links Manor or residency at the other Three Links properties (Three Links Houses, Odd Fellows Manor), please contact Housing Services at 604-568-6895.
What does it cost to live at Three Links Care Centre?
Monthly rent charges are set by the BC Ministry of Health. The rent you pay is determined by your taxable income and is calculated at the time of your assessment. Any costs not funded by the Ministry of Health are the responsibility of the resident and/or the resident’s family. Rents are due on the first of the month and payable by pre-authorized debit.
How do I access extra services?
It depends upon what types of services you wish to access. Contact the Nursing Team Leader on the resident unit for assistance.
How does the Peritoneal Dialysis Unit work?
Please read about the Peritoneal Dialysis Unit for more information.
May I have tray service?
Tray service is only provided when a resident becomes ill and is unable to come to the dining room or at the nurse’s discretion.
May I invite a guest for a meal?
Families and friends are welcome to join residents for meals in either the Main Floor Dining Area, Activity Room or the Private Dining Room (the Private Dining Room must be done by reservation only for a small fee - see Front Reception or call 604-434-7211, ext. 500). Meals for visitors are provided at a reasonable cost. Please contact the Administration Office at 604-434-7211, ext. 500 before 10:30 a.m. for lunch and before 2:00 p.m. for dinner. On weekends, tickets must be purchased ahead of time from the Front Desk, Monday through Friday between 9:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Where do I sit when having a meal?
Meals are served in the Main Floor Dining Area and also in the Rebekah Place and Kinney Place dining areas on the second and third floor. Meal times are posted on the Information White Board by the Dining Area on each floor. Dining room seating is assigned.
What do I wear to meals?
House coats and slippers are allowed at breakfast.
We ask that residents be fully dressed at all other meals.
May I keep food in my room?
Small quantities of non-perishable foods may be kept in your room in air tight containers. Refrigerated items must be stored in the resident kitchen in the unit dining area. Please make sure you have your name and date on these items. (Fridges are not permitted in resident rooms.)
Thermoses can be filled with hot water at meal times.
What kind of small appliances are allowed?
In the interest of safety, small appliances such as electric blankets, heating pads, irons and kettles are not allowed. Televisions, radios, and other electrical items must be approved for safety by the Director of Support Services prior to use.
How do I address my likes and dislikes?
Nursing concerns and unresolved issues should be directed to the Nursing Team Leader, and then to the Director of Care, (or designate), if unresolved. A Satisfaction Survey is sent out once a year to assist in identifying the resident’s and family’s view of the care and services provided at Three Links. Feedback from residents and families is greatly appreciated as it helps us to improve the quality of care and service.
What furnishings can I bring?
You may bring your own easy chair, TV and stand (TVs are not allowed to be mounted on the wall), radio, clock, pictures for the wall, a few knick-knacks, and other small pieces of furniture. When bringing items in, please take into consideration the size of the room. Storage is limited; therefore, we are unable to store any furniture.
Where do I smoke?
Due to safety and licensing regulations, NO SMOKING is allowed at Three Links Care Centre. If choosing to smoke outdoors, all visitors and staff must be off of all Society properties.
When is my laundry done?
Laundry is done on a regular schedule for each floor. We suggest a minimum wardrobe of four complete changes of clothing plus garments for special occasions. Shoes should be chosen with care to ensure that they are comfortable, provide proper support, and are safe.
Personal clothing is laundered at the Centre at no cost to the resident. If you wish, your family or friends may continue to do your laundry at home. Please inform the nursing staff. Clothing must be machine washable and of a no-iron fabric.
In order to avoid the possibility of loss, all items will be marked by the Centre when the resident arrives. Please remember to give all new clothing to the nursing staff so that they can be sent to laundry for labeling.
What do I do if my clothing is misplaced?
If you have “lost” an article of clothing, please check with the Director of Support Services by calling 778-452-6510.
Is alcohol allowed?
Alcoholic beverages are allowed (with the doctor’s permission) under staff supervision. Alcohol is not permitted in individual rooms; however, it may be kept at the Nursing Station and obtained upon request.
May I bring a pet?
We regret that residents are not allowed to bring their pets to live with them.
However, we do encourage visitors to bring their pets when dropping by. The following rules apply when a pet is visiting:
- the pet is well behaved and healthy
- the pet has its own dish for water/food if needed
- the pet has up to date vaccinations
- the pet is on a leash
- the pet is accompanied by an adult
- residents who are allergic to animals are alerted
- visitors are responsible for “cleaning up” after their pets
What are the visiting hours?
We welcome visitors between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Three Links Care Centre. Family and friends are invited and encouraged to visit the residents and to participate in our programs. Children who are accompanied by an adult are always welcome.
Frequent visitors may obtain a key card for the main entrance at Front Reception. Families are provided with two key cards at no charge. There will be a charge of $10.00 for each additional key card requested to a limit of 6 cards (which includes the 2 free key cards).
Where do visitors park?
There is street parking in front of the care facility and on side streets.
Is there a phone I can use? Can I make long distance calls?
Jacks for private telephone lines and basic cable vision are available in all rooms. There is a flat rate charged to all residents for cablevision. Residents are responsible for arranging and paying for telephone service and additional cable service packages. If you do not have a phone in your room, you may use the guest phones located at the Main Lobby and on the 3rd floor by the Professional Services Room. Long distance calls are restricted on guest phones.
Where is the Resident and Family Information Board?
There are information boards in the Main Hallway by the West Elevator and in the elevators where notices regarding activities and special events are posted.
May staff witness legal documents?
Staff members are not permitted to witness any legal document.
Am I allowed to give gifts to staff or volunteers?
Staff and volunteers are not permitted to accept gifts or money from residents; however, donations may be made to the general staff fund. The CEO will accept these donations on their behalf, which are used for staff celebrations and recognition events.
May staff purchase or sell goods or services to Residents?
Staff members are not permitted to purchase or sell goods or services to residents with the exception of internal raffle tickets.
Where do I drop off or pick up mail?
Residents are encouraged to pick up their mail at Front Reception. Mail for residents living in Rebekah Unit (Special Care) will be kept at Front Reception for family to pick up. You may purchase postage and leave mail to be sent out at Front Reception.
Can I access email?
There is a resident computer located in the Main Floor Activity Room and internet for residents in the facility.
What happens if I take a vacation?
With the approval of the Chief Executive Officer/designate, residents are allowed a maximum of 30 days vacation per year. This excludes social leaves of less than four days. Since the room will be reserved for the resident during his or her absence, the daily user fee will continue even though the resident is on “leave”.
When a resident is planning to be absent for any length of time, we ask that the nursing staff be notified a minimum of seven working days in advance in order for medications to be prepared. There is a Resident In/Out Register sheet at Front Reception for residents to sign each time they leave and return to the Centre.
What happens if I go to the hospital?
When residents are in hospital, the monthly rent continues to be charged as the room is reserved for the resident.
I would like to give a gift to the staff. Is this appropriate?
We are always glad to know that our residents and families appreciate our care! However, Three Links Care Society maintains a strict no-gift policy. We do so to ensure there is no perception that a resident who gives gifts will be treated differently than one who does not give gifts, or may not be able to afford to give gifts.
Family and/or residents may wish to show their appreciation by making a contribution to our staff fund. Also, a letter of appreciation forwarded to the staff member and the administrative staff is always appreciated.
