Little Mountain Place
330 East 36th Avenue
Vancouver, BC   V5W 3Z4
Tel: (604) 325-2298
Fax: (604) 325-3655


Opened in 1987, Little Mountain Place is a licensed Intermediate Care facility. We provide specialized services to residents who are visually impaired, the frail elderly, and those suffering from Alzheimer's Disease or other related dementias.

This beautiful facility consists of 117 resident beds, including a 26 bed Special Care Unit called "The Garden Terrace." Each of the resident rooms is furnished with a bed, night table, dresser and wardrobe closet, has a memory display box and a washroom. Memory boxes are located just outside a resident's private room and are a great way for residents to recognize their room easily. All rooms are private, with an ensuite bathroom and nurse-call system. One of the beds at Little Mountain Place is maintained solely for respite service, which is a valuable resource for individuals and family caregivers who require support on a short term basis.

Using the philosophy of GentleCare we recognize each resident's abilities and seek to support their existing skills, functioning and independence.

At Little Mountain Place, we provide 24 hour care and supervision, full nutritional and food service, a leisure and volunteer program, medical services supervised by a Medical Coordinator, and consultative medical supervision (i.e. physician, podiatrist, psychiatrist and dentist).

Each resident's care is individualized to meet his/her needs. Primary Nurses, LPNs and Care Aides work with residents and their family to develop, review and evaluate each resident's plan of care. Through these care plans we acknowledge the rights and responsibilities of each resident, their family and the staff at Little Mountain Place. The staff are committed to ensuring the best quality of life for all residents.

There are many services available to residents including:

• Environmental - residents' rooms are cleaned regularly, clean linens and towels are provided as necessary
  
  
• Laundry - in house laundry service is limited to washable items only, however a dry clean service can be arranged if required
  
  
• Hairdressing - an on-site hairdresser is available by appointment
  
  
• Mail - a volunteer will deliver mail directly to a resident's private room.
  
  
• Chaplain - conveys the presence of God through compassionate listening, recognizing God at work in residents' lives and helping to interpret the meaning of their life experiences in relation to God
  
  
• "The Nook" - a shop operated by volunteers, where residents may purchase items such as toiletries, gifts, stamps, batteries, or candy.
  
  

Recognizing that medical and nursing care are only a part of providing quality care for residents, we provide a wide variety of programs such as: Tzu Chi Chinese Luncheons, Newsweek discussions, carpet bowling, bingo, video nights, bus trips/outings and pub nights. Residents are encouraged to participate in "Music Therapy" which encourages them to socialize and express themselves through music in group sessions. Programs and services are ongoing. The staff encourages residents and families to make suggestions for any new programs.

The Garden Terrace provides a home-like environment which supports, nurtures and enhances the potential of residents who suffer from dementia.

Although dementias such as Alzheimer's Disease can be debilitating, we believe that we can offer residents an outstretched hand, a caring heart and programs that maintain and enhance their abilities.

Specifically designed for individuals with Alzheimer's Disease or other types of dementia, the Garden Terrace has a home-like common living area with limited access and a secured patio and garden area. Families will feel comfortable visiting and participating in resident's lives. Having a feeling of their own personal space and their belongings close by, we believe residents will ultimately have higher functioning, increased self-esteem, control and independence.

Within the Garden Terrace there are three categories of leisure programs which occur; Therapeutic, Home Life, and Activities. These programs occur in a small group or individual settings and can be formal or spontaneous.

Therapeutic Recreation Programs are offered based upon residents' needs; they have a specific goal and purpose, they assist in bringing meaning and satisfaction to one's life and they help to maintain physical and emotional well being. Examples of such programs include: baking, reminiscing groups, gardening, socials and "discovery boxes".

Home Life Programs give the residents the opportunity to contribute to their new home by assisting with the various chores which need to be done to take care of the Garden Terrace. Chores are assigned according to what is most familiar to each resident. Through assisting with the various tasks, individuals maintain a sense of purpose to their life. Examples of chores include: sweeping, meal preparation, washing dishes, preparing vegetables and folding towels.

Activities are offered to residents and their friends and families. In the Garden Terrace there are supplies and a reference book full of activity suggestions and we encourage everyone to participate. This is a great way for everyone to socialize. Activities may include: polishing silver, watering the garden, reading the newspaper or enjoying a cup of tea.

The Family Council is a independent, self-determining group of family members and friends of residents living in a care facility.

At Little Mountain Place, our group is called "Families of LMP" and participants meet once a month. There are several benefits which stem directly from this council:

• orientation and information for families of new residents
  
• ongoing support
  
• volunteering and fundraising
  
• education and information
  
• forum to discuss concerns or problems

Family and friends are welcome to attend as many or as few meetings as they are comfortable with. We believe it is important to have a voice, especially if you can make a difference in residents' lives.

Family members that are willing to help with Family Council matters, please contact Betty Yagai by phone at (604) 224-0309, or by email at byagai@telus.net.

Three meals and three between meal nourishments are provided daily, utilizing a multi-cultural six week menu planned by our full time Nutrition Manager and Dietitian/Nutritionist. Due to a significant population of Asian residents, menus are written in Chinese as well as English. A Food Service Committee is in place to provide residents and family input into the menu planning and meal service process. A special alternate dining area meets the needs of residents who require assistance or supervision during meal times.

The Garden Terrace has it's own small home-like relaxed dining area. Residents are provided foods of appropriate texture and consistency with modified utensils to promote independent eating and ensure adequate nutritional intake. A 24 hour feeding program is set up so that extra foods and drinks are provided to The Garden Terrace residents. The purpose is to allow residents to have food at any time they desire and not be restricted to fixed meal hours.

Friends and family are welcome to bring gifts of food to their loved ones. The Nutrition Manager and Dietitian/Nutritionist would be pleased to help you select appropriate foods for the resident's diet as well as for storage. Family and friends are encouraged to join residents for meals - both in the facility and off-site.

A social worker is available to meet with you at your convenience. The social worker is available for assessment, information and consultation with residents, families and other professionals and can assist with social, emotional or financial concerns.

Application for admission is made by contacting the local Health Unit in your community. A Long Term Care Manager will assess the eligibility of your application and determine the level of care you or your family member requires. The level of care is determined by an assessment of each applicant's physical and mental capabilities. When it is determined an applicant is eligible for Long Term Care, a Long Term Care number is assigned. Once accepted, the date of application becomes the priority date on the Long Term Care waiting list. This list is sent to the Little Mountain Place Social Worker. The waiting list for the facility is controlled by the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority.

If there are problems regarding this procedure, the Social Worker or the Director of Resident Care Services at Little Mountain Place are available to both the applicant and the applicant's family for consultation and advice.



Little Mountain Place
330 East 36th Avenue
Vancouver, BC   V5W 3Z4
Tel: (604) 325-2298
Fax: (604) 325-3655