Can a resident remain in the care of his or her own physician?
Yes. However we recommend that you select one of the physicians appointed by Kensington Gardens because they visit Kensington Gardens on a weekly basis.
Can we bring our own furniture?
Rooms at Kensington Gardens come with standard furnishings, including a bed, night table, dresser and lounge chair. We encourage families to bring in items such as pictures, plants, an easy chair, a bedspread or comforter, a dresser, lamps, a mirror, a radio, a television, night table, and anything else that will help our residents feel at home.
Are pets allowed at Kensington Gardens?
While animals are not allowed to live in our residences, pets are welcome to come for a visit. Visiting animals must be healthy and up to date with regular immunizations.
Can a couple share a room?
Kensington Gardens has three couples’ rooms. Residents wishing to live together must apply separately and the residents, or their representatives, must indicate their wish at the time of their application. If a room is not available at the time of the resident’s admission, he or she will be placed on a waiting list. It may take up to three months or longer before a room becomes available to accommodate both partners.
Only regular laundry services are included in our rates, but we can make arrangements for dry cleaning services. The resident, or their representative, is responsible for the costs associated with dry cleaning, as well as the delivery and pick-up of clothes.
What type of clothes do residents wear?
Residents of Kensington Gardens wear clothes that are comfortable and machine washable, such as track suits, dresses, trousers, shirts and pajamas. It helps if clothes are easy to put on and remove.
We do not have set visiting hours; you may come in for a visit at any time. During the evening, there is an access code at the front of the building that rings the nurse manager to let you inside the building.
Each resident's diet is assessed during admission. We monitor each resident’s daily food intake and notify their physician if modifications to current diet are required.
Does the menu offer choice and variety?
Residents are offered two choices for each main entrée. Menus, including alternate meal choices, are displayed on easy-to-read menu boards in every dining room. Special consideration is given to reflect the cultural needs and wishes of our residents.
Are meals prepared and cooked in the facility?
We provide only home-cooked meals.
Kensington Gardens does not have access to the wait time information. If you want to know the status of your application, please contact your local Community Care Access Centre (CCAC).
Can family share meals at Kensington Gardens?
Yes. You can purchase meal tickets at reception. Advance notice is preferred.
Does Kensington Gardens offer 24-hour medical coverage?
Yes. The Medical Advisor, in collaboration with attending physicians and the Facility Administrator are responsible for coordinating 24-hour medical coverage.
Does Kensington Gardens provide physical aids such as wheelchairs, walkers, canes, etc.?
Kensington Gardens can only supply residents with physical aids on a temporary basis. The resident or their representative is responsible for purchasing any personal aids required for long-term use.
What type of staffing do you provide for nursing services?
The Registered Staff are on duty 24 hours a day. Personal care attendants are also available in each unit and are responsible for providing direct care to residents, including dressing, bathing, assistance with meal service, etc. The number of nurses and attendants in each unit is based on the assessment of required needs of care.
What activities and social programs do you offer?
All activities, both in-house and in the community, are scheduled based on our residents' preferences. Residents are asked for regular feedback, and they are encouraged to evaluate each activity. We determine the effectiveness of our programs by evaluating the number of residents attending and participating in scheduled activities. We also design one-to-one programs for cognitively impaired or bed-ridden residents. Special events, such as scenic drives, shopping, casino visits, boat cruises, picnics in the park, etc., are also scheduled at the request of our Residents Council.
Can we claim accommodation costs on our annual income tax returns?
Yes. The entire amount of a resident's co-payment for accommodation should be reported for tax purposes. A statement will be issued from our administrative office through regular billing no later than March 31 of each year.