Having favourite food or treats in the room is something most residents want. This is certainly understandable, and is generally acceptable. However, it is extremely important that the Nursing staff be consulted first as to what a resident may have, as certain foods are contra-indicated with some medical conditions and medications, or the resident may have an allergy.
It is also very important for maintaining sanitary conditions that all food is kept in sealed containers, and if the food is perishable that only an amount that can be consumed in a day or two be kept. Also, assuming space in the rooms allows, a small fridge in the room may be permissible.
Alcohol
Most of our residents do not drink alcoholic beverages, but for those who are accustomed to doing so as part of their routine, we must for safety reasons have an order from the resident's family physician permitting this. The order must also specify the amount that may be consumed, and the frequency. Also, for the safety of all residents, the resident's alcohol will be kept at the Nursing Station, and given to the resident by a Registered Nurse, as ordered by the physician.
We cannot allow the comfort and safety of other residents to be jeopardized by inappropriate behaviour due to alcohol consumption. If such behaviour does occur, the resident will be asked to stop drinking alcohol. If this request is refused, unfortunately the resident will be asked to give up residency at St. Michael's Centre.
Smoking
St. Michael’s Centre is a ‘no smoking’ facility. Visitors are also requested not to smoke while visiting the Centre.
Staff are limited to smoking in a designated area only.
Pets
St. Michael's Centre has two facility cats as well as several birds and fish which the residents are encouraged to assist in caring for. The Therapies Department also runs a regular program of volunteer pet visiting. Individual pets are not permitted to live with residents, however they may be in residents' rooms for short visits.
Quiet Times
After 9:00 p.m. and before 7:00 a.m., noise from residents' rooms must be at a level that does not disturb other residents. Residents who make a disturbing amount of noise will be asked to equip their radios, televisions and musical instruments with earphones, and to discontinue personal visiting and telephone conversations during these times. Residents who do not co-operate with this request will be asked to remove the items (including telephone) from their rooms.
Visitors
Visiting times are flexible, however consideration should be given to resident’s sleep and rest periods as well as the provision of care. Visitors are encouraged to visit with residents in the many indoor (e.g. lounges, dining room, Library) and outdoor (e.g. balconies, gardens, adjacent park) spaces available in and around the Centre. Visitors may also join residents for tea time and many other daily activities.
Visitors may purchase meal tickets to enable them to share meal times with a resident. Tickets can only be purchased from the Receptionist, Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. and Weekends from 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. We request that two hours prior notice be given to Food Services if a visitor is going to have a meal.
Residents' Council
The Residents' Council is an organization which gives a formal voice to residents' concerns and suggestions. It is the vehicle for bringing these concerns and suggestions to Administration and staff.
The Residents' Council has an Executive which is elected in yearly elections. All residents can vote and any resident can offer his/her name for election. It is the Executive of the Council who then act on behalf of all other residents. The Executive holds regular bi-monthly meetings and any resident may attend them. Meeting times are posted on the dining room bulletin board and announced on the speaker system on the day of the meeting.
A member of the Therapies Department attends all Residents' Council meetings to take minutes and provide information needed by the residents. Department Heads may be asked to address the Council on issues relating to their departments. Staff members from appropriate departments may also sit on a sub-committee.
Residents' Rights
Residents’ rights are an important part of the Residents’ Council meeting. At the meeting (or before), any resident, family member, staff or volunteer can bring up an issue pertaining to the preservation of dignity and respect for the residents of this facility. This may include, but is not limited to, the residents’ right to respect and dignity, physical environment issues, care and the manner in which this is carried out, assistance to find out which staff member or department head can assist with specific matters and giving input and positive suggestions of a general nature regarding resident care at St. Michael’s Centre.
The Residents' Council is an organization which gives a formal voice to residents' concerns and suggestions. It is the vehicle for bringing these concerns and suggestions to Administration and staff. 
