It’s always nice to go away on a holiday. A change of scenery makes us feel so much better, whether it is for a short period of time or for a long trip. Now that summer is here wouldn’t it be nice to take your mother or father away to the lake for a day or two.

At Algonquin the residents are welcome to go on outings with family or friends. Day trips only require the resident signing in and out at the nursing station.

Leave of absence for a longer period of time is governed by provincial legislation. Casual leave of up to 48 hours per week is permitted. The resident just needs to let the staff know two days in advance that they are leaving. The person accompanying the resident must sign a release form.

Vacations for up to three weeks a year can also be arranged depending on how long the resident has been at the home. This can be taken without risking the Ministry of Health subsidy or losing your bed.

Residents, like all of us, look forward to getting away from daily routine. The staff encourage this and know it means a lot to the person. The activity staff often take residents on shopping trips or out to local restaurants. It’s always nice to get away, but it’s also nice to come back to Algonquin “A Place Called Home”.