Opening August 2009
Welcome to VON Oxford Sakura House
VON Canada/Ontario Branch - Oxford Site has been providing quality health care and support services in Oxford County since 1914. Sakura House is proud to be one of the newest VON Oxford programs.
Sakura House is an end-of-life care center that feels and functions like a home.
The focus of care at Sakura House is the patient and his/her family.
The goal at Sakura House is the provision of physical, psychological /emotional, social, spiritual and practical end-of-life care and support, which neither postpones nor hastens death.
The Sakura House Care Team continuously strives to employ the most current and highest standards of care and support available. Technology is utilized but kept hidden as much as possible to preserve the home-like feel of the facility.
Our private patient rooms include comfortable space for family members to stay day or night. In addition, the patients and visitors have the opportunity to experience the outdoors on their own private patio, or throughout the various gardens and pathways that encircle the property. Special family spaces, which provide the conveniences and comforts of home, are available to encourage and enable families to take time out while remaining in close proximity to their loved one.
Sakura House is a place where people can feel safe to grieve and know that a caring team of professionals and volunteers will provide support through this difficult time.
We aspire to provide all of our patients and families with a feeling of “home”. We ask you to read this information and please ask any member of our care team if you have any concerns or questions.
Patients can self refer or can be referred by family members, health and social agencies, medical professionals and clergy. The referrals will be coordinated through the CCAC (Community Care Access Centre) to help make the planning and transition as smooth as possible for everyone involved
Information for those who will be staying or visiting Sakura House:
Celebrations
At Sakura House, every day is a gift!
If there is a special day (birthday, wedding etc) your family would like to celebrate during your stay with us, please ask to speak to the Hospice Care Coordinator or Supportive Care Coordinator.
Common Areas
There are several areas throughout Sakura House where family members and visitors may gather.
* Sitting rooms (2)
* Family Lounge
* Living Room
* Dining Room / Kitchen
* Media room
Please be considerate of others - share the space.
Complimentary Therapies
Reiki, Therapeutic Touch, Music and other therapies are part of many individual’s symptom management regimen.
Several of our volunteers are skilled in these and other therapies so may be able to offer a session as part of patient care at no cost to the patient or family. If a volunteer is not available to offer a particular complimentary therapy, patients or families are welcome to make their own arrangements at their own cost.
NOTE: Aroma Therapy may only be offered under carefully controlled conditions due to fragrance sensitivities. Please speak to someone on the care team if you wish to implement aroma therapy.
Discharge from Sakura House
As with all things in life, sometimes circumstances change.
Sometimes the patient improves or stabilizes enough to consider leaving Sakura House for a while. This is cause for celebration! However we recognize that often this is also cause for concern; where and how will care be provided?
Discussions and planning will begin well in advance of the ministry’s mandated length-of-stay-limit of 3 months. The Sakura House care team will work closely with the patient, family, physician and community care team to develop a best-fit plan including re-admission when needed. Leave of Absence : Please speak to the RN on duty or the Hospice Care Coordinator to arrange for the patient to leave the Sakura House grounds for a few hours.
Fire Safety
Although we strive to keep the atmosphere of Sakura House very home-like, we also need to focus on safety at all times. We run fire and other emergency planning drills on a regular basis. We will inform all patients and visitors in advance and wiil try to keep the drills as unobtrusive as possible.
Flowers and/or Balloons
Due to allergies please choose flowers with little to no fragrance, and Latex-free balloons.
Fragrance Free
Sakura House is a fragrance free zone.
Due to allergies and/or breathing difficulties for many of our patients, please do not wear perfumes, fragranced hair sprays etc.
Family Comfort
The focus of care at Sakura House is the patient and his/her family.
Each patient’s room includes a recliner and sofa-bed for family use day or night. There are several quiet spaces inside and outside for family members or friends to relax or rest.
Overnight stays: One or two family members are welcome to stay overnight with the patient as needed. Please let care team member know before midnight if you plan to stay.
Gardens
All garden areas are barrier free as much as possible. There are some therapeutic garden spaces provided where patients can plant, weed or just dig in the soil as desired. These gardens are accessible from a wheelchair or stretcher. Please ask a care team member for assistance.
Kitchen
The kitchen / dining rooms are considered common rooms and are available for patient and family comfort and convenience. Meals brought from home may be warmed, but full meals may not be prepared in the kitchen.
There is usually a pot of coffee on and some snacks available. A volunteer is on duty in the kitchen from 8 am to 8 pm to assist you. Please ask a care team member for assistance if a volunteer is not present.
Library
The library is situated just inside the front door. Feel free to browse the books and sit and read in this quiet setting. If you would like to borrow a book please speak to a volunteer or care team member member.
This room is delegated as a “quiet space”. (See quiet spaces below)
Meals
Patient Meals: Familiar food made at home is often preferred by our patients, and can be warmed in the patient’s microwave or the kitchen microwave. We keep a selection of frozen Meals on Wheels on hand so they can be heated if a patient wishes. Soft and easy to eat snack-foods are kept available for patients or may be supplied by family members to meet special preferences.
Family Meals: Families are invited to use the kitchen for preparation of snacks only and are responsible for providing and preparing their on food. A kitchen volunteer will provide orientation to the kitchen including a basic overview of basic food preparation, clean up and disposal of food.
Media Room
The media room is considered a multifunctional/common space. Patients, families and friends may use this space as a small group to visit, watch movies, listen to music etc.
The media room also functions as our children’s area.
Dying is a normal part of living and children can experience this more positively when it is approached in a calm and non-threatening manner. The media room can provide a sound-proof, child friendly zone where children can be children as they cope with a stressful situation through play.
When visiting children need supervision, a volunteer may be arranged. Please ask the Supportive Care Coordinator in advance when possible, for a volunteer to be present for a specified time period.
Patient Rooms
• Beds
Our beds and mattresses are specifically designed for added comfort for patients who spend long periods in bed. Your nurse will demonstrate all the various functions and comfort features of the bed.
• Bathrooms
Just like home, family and friends may use the patient’s private, fully accessible bathroom and shower.
• Call Bell System
Patients are connected to the care team 24/7 via a silent paging system which can be activated from a button the patient is wearing or from the phone set.
• Fridge and Microwave
Each room has a fridge and microwave for patient or family use.
• Phones
Every room has a phone for patients to use to connect with family, friends or the care team at Sakura House. Due to limited lines to the house, there may be times during increased phone usage when no outside line is available. Cell phone use is acceptable in all areas of the house.
Patient Laundry
Family is requested to take home their family member’s personal laundry. If family members are unable to do this due to distance or other factors, please speak to a member of the care team to make alternate arrangements.
Personal Supplies
Patients or family members are asked please bring personal hygiene items and toiletries from home as needed.
Quiet Spaces
There are several designated “quiet spaces” throughout the house. (Library, 2 Sitting- rooms & and the Family Lounge & Solarium). These areas are prioritized for confidential conversations, supportive meetings or a place to rest and regroup.
Please feel free to sue these areas, but be considerate of other’s needs for privacy.
Smoking
Sakura house is a smoke free home.
Outdoor smoking can be arranged for patients who smoke. Visitors are asked to smoke in designated outdoor spaces only, and may not smoke near any doorways or areas that may affect a patient’s ability to breathe.
Spas
There are two spas in Sakura House
• Ambulatory Spa
This spa is located on the south end of the house, providing a large shower and a whirlpool bath. Patients who are able to walk with no or minimal assistance may use the ambulatory spa. A family member or care team member may assist if needed. Please ask.
• Stretcher Spa
This spa is located near the patient bedrooms and can only be used with the assistance of a care team member. Patients can be transported to the spa by stretcher to enjoy a soothing whirlpool bath in a relaxing setting.
Visiting
• Hours
Visitors are welcome between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm daily. Please just ring the doorbell.
• After hours
Access to Sakura House after 8 pm may be arranged. Please speak to a care team member.
• Children
Children are welcome at Sakura House. Please consider other patients needs for quiet at all times.
Young children (under 10) may not be left unattended in any area of Sakura House or the grounds. Please see “Media Room” in this booklet and/or speak to a care team member regarding keeping visiting children occupied and reducing their fear and stress.
Pets
Pets are family members to many people but special visiting privileges must be pre-arranged. Proof of current vaccinations will be required prior to approval for a pet visit.
All pets must be:
• quiet and well behaved,
• clean, free of fleas and odor free,
• accompanied by a responsible family member/friend
• on a leash no longer than 6 feet or in a carrier at all times while on the hospice property
• escorted into the patients’ room via the deck to avoid exposure to other patients and visitors who may be allergic to or fearful of animals.
NOTE: Pet escorts are responsible to “stoop and scoop” - clean up behind the pet.
If you have questions or concerns regarding services or care at Sakura House, please ask any member of the care team or contact the Hospice Care Coordinator.
519-539-1231 ext 269 or email Marlene.Fewster@von.ca
SAKURA HOUSE CARE TEAM
Hospice Care Coordinator
Registered nurse with years of Hospice Palliative Care expertise. Responsible for coordinating the care of the patients and the overall functions of the house.
In house Mon - Fri and as needed
Personal Support Workers
PSWs with special education in Hospice Palliative care and clinical experience in the field.
Responsible for hands-on care and support of patients
In house 24/7
Physician(s)
A specialized Hospice Palliative Care Physician is available 24/7
Responsible for expert management of pain and symptoms and end-of-life issues.
In house daily as needed and on-call
Registered Nurses
RNs with relevant clinical experience and advanced education in Hospice Palliative Care.
Responsible for hands-on care and support of patients
In house 24/7
Supportive Care Coordinator
Experienced health practitioner with volunteer management expertise and special Hospice Palliative Care education
Responsible day-to-day operation of all volunteer services and supportive care programs
In house 8:30 am - 1:00 pm Mon-Fri (Flexible)
Volunteers: An essential part of our team:
Patient and family support
Experienced volunteers with basic Hospice Palliative Care education and additional education in patient care and comfort.
Responsible for working along side RN & PSW as an “extra pair of hands”
In house daily for 4 hour shifts between 8:00 am & 8:00 pm as needed
Respite
Basic Hospice Palliative Care trained volunteers with additional experience and education in patient care and comfort.
Responsible for providing bedside support of patients during periods of family absence as requested.
On-call
Other Volunteer Roles (Spiritual Support, Greeters, Housekeeping, Kitchen, Grounds-keeping etc)
ALL our volunteers are carefully screened and receive a baseline training relevant to their role. Every area and function at Sakura House depends upon our compassionate and dedicated volunteers. Responsibilities vary depending upon the role the volunteer is filling.
In order to preserve the home-like feel of Sakura House no care team members wear uniforms.
If you wish to speak to a specific person or you are not sure if you need to speak to an RN or volunteer, just ask anyone on the team. We are a small and closely knit team …we’ll redirect you or find the person you need.
Our volunteers are appreciated every moment of every day for what they bring into the lives of our patients, families and staff!
Please speak to our Supportive Care Coordinator or any member of the team if you would like to give a gift of your time by becoming one of our valued volunteers.
519-539-1231 ext 232 or Melissa.Connor@von.ca
Click on the "Donate Now" button to make a safe and secure on-line donation to support ongoing operations so we can provide 24-hour care at Sakura House at no cost to families or patients.
Last Updated: Apr 23, 2009