Moving In

This section will cover the following topics. Click on the topics to browse this page:

Your Room

We encourage residents to make their room feel like home. You are welcome to bring personal items such as photos, comforters, plants, radios, or other meaningful items that can be placed on shelves or hung on the walls.

Some rooms may have space for a small, easy-to-clean piece of new furniture, such as a chair. Because room sizes vary, we ask that families check with the Manager Health Services before bringing in any furniture.

To ensure there is enough space to safely provide care, DLHC may need to remove personal belongings or furnishings if necessary. Our goal is always to balance comfort, safety, and care needs.

Personal Hygiene Items

Residents are responsible for purchasing their own personal hygiene items. Below is a suggested list to help you get started:

Please remember to clearly label all personal hygiene items before leaving them in resident rooms or bathrooms.

Telephones

Residents may have a personal phone in their room at their own expense. Deer Lodge Health Centre does not provide personal phones or cover phone service costs. Arrangements can be made directly with Bell Canada by calling (204) 225-5687 or by visiting their website. Free public phones are also available for resident use in the lounges on each unit.

Televisions and Cable Services

Televisions with cable are provided in the lounge / common areas of units.  Residents who wish to have a television and cable service in their room may do so and are responsible for the monthly service fee.

Complex Continuing Care Residents

Individual televisions are provided in resident rooms. Residents can connect with the nursing station to activate the cable package.  A service fee applies, as set by the Centre. In shared rooms, the use of earphones or headsets is strongly recommended.

Personal Care Home Residents

Televisions brought in by residents or families must be flat-screen TVs, no larger than 32 inches, and must be safety-checked by Facility Management before use.  Residents can contact the nursing station for assistance to set up the cable service by an external provider (i.e. Bell, Shaw, etc.)

Wi-Fi and Internet Services

DLHC has free WiFi on Main Street (1^st and 2^nd Floor) called “DLC Café” which can be accessed without a password. Residents can contact the nursing station for assistance to set up WiFi / Internet service in their room by an external provider (i.e. Bell, Shaw, etc.).

Equipment for Personal Use

Some residents may need special equipment for personal use while living at DLHC. This equipment is recommended by a health care professional based on individual needs and may include items such as wheelchairs, walkers, transfer belts, slings, compression stockings, falls-prevention equipment, or other items used only by one resident.

The cost of this equipment is not covered by Manitoba Health and is the responsibility of the resident, patient, or their legal representative. Members of the health care team will help assess what equipment is needed, provide information on where and how to get it, and offer training on how to use it safely.

A copy of the Manitoba Health Resident/Patient Equipment Responsibility policy is available upon request.

Electrical Appliances

Some electrical appliance may be brought in and must be checked by the Deer Lodge Centre before they can be plugged in.  Unit Staff will arrange for an electrical check on each of your appliances and return it to you when approved. Deer Lodge Centre has the right to refuse any electrical appliance. Space heaters and small fridges are not permitted.

👉View the Electrical Appliance Policy

Food from Outside the Centre

Family and friends often enjoy bringing food for their loved ones, and this is welcome and encouraged as part of social connection. However, some foods may not be safe for all residents, especially those with special diet needs.

If you have questions about bringing food, please speak with your unit Dietitian.

Guidelines for Bringing Food Prepared Off-Site to Deer Lodge Centre: 

• Food may be brought in for a resident but must not be shared with other residents.
• Food must meet any special diet needs for the resident (such as minced food, thickened fluids, or low-sodium diets).
• All food must be clearly labeled with the resident’s name and the date.
• Perishable food that has not yet been in a client’s room (e.g. leftovers from a restaurant) will be kept in the fridge for no longer than two days, after which it will be thrown out, including the container.
• Once food has been brought into a resident’s room, it cannot be returned to the unit fridge or freezer.
• Families and friends cannot bring food prepared off-site to be shared with other residents.
• Residents with chewing or swallowing difficulties must be supervised while eating or drinking.

Tobacco Use

Smoking is both a health and fire risk. Visitors, volunteers, and staff are not permitted to smoke anywhere on Deer Lodge Health Centre property.

Residents and patients who smoke may do so only in the designated outdoor smoking area near the front doors and during approved times.

Quiet Hours and Visiting

At DLHC we believe visits from family and friends are vital to patients’ and residents’ well-being and we are pleased to welcome visitors to the Centre. Visitors are always welcome at DLHC however, there are Quiet Hours between 9:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. During quiet hours, Visitors may not be able to visit in a resident room, particularly in a shared space. The rest and relaxation of other patients / residents in the room and on the unit must be considered. Visits during this time may occur in public areas. All visitors entering the Centre during Quiet Hours must check-in with Security at the Portage Avenue entrance.

👉Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information

Pets

Pets are welcome at the Centre. Pets may visit providing they are kept on a leash or in a carrier.  The visitor bringing the pet is responsible for them during the visit.  Keep in mind that large dogs can be intimidating to some people – please be mindful of this when introducing your pet or sharing space with others.  Pets must be clean, well behaved and recently vaccinated.

In keeping with Public Health regulations, pets cannot be taken into any area where food or beverages are served.  This includes the cafeteria and dining rooms on the units.

We have many Pet Volunteers at DLHC. Please visit the Volunteers section of our website for more information on how you and your pet can become a volunteer at the Centre.

Parking

Free 1-hour street parking is available around the centre for both Staff and Visitors. Paid parking is available in the Visitor Parking Lot on the east side of the building and in the Staff Parking Lot on the south side of Portage Avenue. 

Visitor Parking Rates (all prices include GST)*:

*Rates above are subject to change. 

Family Gatherings

We welcome families to celebrate special moments with their loved ones at Deer Lodge Health Centre. Birthdays, anniversaries, holidays such as Christmas, and other meaningful occasions can be wonderful opportunities to gather and spend time together.  Informal, small family gatherings can often be arranged with the help of unit staff. For larger or more formal events, space can be booked by calling 204-831-2118.

Outings

Residents are welcome to go out of the Centre to spend time with family or friends or to enjoy community activities. When planning an outing, please let staff know and complete a Leave of Absence form so staff are aware of where you are going and when you expect to return.

Group outings may be organized by Recreation Services and family members or friends are welcome to join when able. Residents and their guests are responsible for transportation, admission fees, and meal costs during outings.

Temporary Absences, Hospital Leave, Social Leave

If you plan to be away from Deer Lodge Health Centre for an extended period, please let the nursing staff on your unit know when you will be leaving and when you expect to return. This helps us ensure your safety and plan your care.

During social leaves, the daily residential charge continues to apply. In keeping with Manitoba Health standards, social leaves may be up to 21 days in length.

If you are transferred to a hospital, your room at Deer Lodge Health Centre will be held for you. The daily residential charge will continue while your room is reserved during your hospital stay.

Privately Hired Caregivers and/ or Therapists

Residents may choose to supplement the care and services provided at Deer Lodge Health Centre by privately hiring caregivers or therapists from outside agencies or as independent individuals. These services are arranged and paid by the resident.

Before any privately hired caregiver or therapist begins providing services, both the contractor and the resident (or their legal representative) must complete and sign the Authorization and Release Form for Care and Treatment by Non–Deer Lodge Health Centre Personnel. This form must be approved prior to the start of services.

👉Checklist – Privately Hired Caregivers and Therapists

👉Authorization and Release Form for Care and Treatment by Non-Deer Lodge Centre Personnel

👉Policy: Privately Hired Caregivers and Therapists

Student Education

Deer Lodge Health Centre supports the education and training of students from a wide range of health care professions. Students are always supervised by qualified staff members while they are providing care.

From time to time, residents or patients may be asked if they are willing to have a student involved in their care. Participation in student learning experiences is completely voluntary, and choosing not to participate will not affect the care you receive.

Resident and Family Council

The Resident and Family Council brings together residents and their families to share ideas, provide feedback, and help shape life at DLHC. Council members work with staff and leadership to address concerns, solve problems, and support quality of life. Membership is open to all residents and families, and meetings are held regularly with staff support to guide discussions.

Please contact your unit Social Worker to learn more about the council and how to join.

Problem Solving Steps – Client Relations

There may be times when you or your family have questions or concerns about your care. As a resident, you have the right to ask questions, share concerns, and expect respectful, equitable, and safe care, as outlined in the DLHC Resident / Patient Bill of Rights.

Our goal is to ensure that all voices are heard and that care is provided without discrimination, bias, or barriers.

Speak with your Health Care Team

• Your doctor, nurse, social worker or other care provider is available to answer questions and address concerns.
• Members of the health care team will listen respectfully and consider your needs, background, culture, language or accessibility requirements.
• If they can’t address your concerns, they’ll be able to connect you with the person who can.

Connect with your Manager of Health Services

• If your concern isn’t resolved by your care team, you can meet with the Manager of Health Services.  They are trained to provide equitable support to ensure your concerns are treated fairly and respectfully.
• Everyone has the right to speak up about problems in a place where they are treated fairly, with respect for their culture and personal needs.

Contact DLHC Client Relations or DLHC Administration

• If your concern remains unresolved, you can contact the Client Relations Coordinator at Deer Lodge Health Centre.  They can review your concerns and help facilitate a resolution involving DLHC Administration / Senior Leadership.
• You have the right to have your complaint looked at by the right people without worrying about being punished or treated badly.

📞Client Relations Coordinator (204) 831-2963

Contact Winnipeg Health Region Client Relations

• If you are unsatisfied with DLHC’s response, you are welcome to contact the Winnipeg Health Region Client Relations Office.  They can also review your concern and facilitate a resolution.
• Our goal is to ensure this process remains fair, respectful and accessible to everyone, regardless of background, language or ability.

📞WRHA Client Relations Office (204) 926-7825

Deer Lodge Centre Foundation

The Deer Lodge Centre Foundation raises funds to support programs, services, and innovative healthcare at Deer Lodge Centre. Your generosity helps provide compassionate care, enhance patient comfort, and fund initiatives in rehabilitation, dementia care, complex continuing care, mental health, and Veterans’ services.

By supporting the Foundation, you help ensure residents and Veterans receive the expert, respectful care they deserve while contributing to a legacy of compassion and excellence in Manitoba.

📞(204) 272-8911

📧[email protected]

🌐www.deerlodgecentrefoundation.com