Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is supportive living?
Supportive living offers seniors the privacy and dignity we all desire, combined with a sense of community and personal security. Supportive living helps seniors remain active members of society while ensuring their basic needs are met. Independent living in private suites is combined with two meals a day, light housekeeping service and twenty-four hour a day emergency response.

2. Can I still do the hobbies and activities I like to do?
At Dawson Heights we offer many opportunities to remain active, including:
- The Crafters group meets weekly
-Numerous volunteer opportunities
- An ongoing jigsaw puzzle in the library

3. What are light housekeeping services?
Light housekeeping consists of the following services on a weekly basis:
- Changing bedding and replacing towels
- Cleaning toilet, shower, counter, mirror
- Wash bathroom & kitchenette floors
- Vacuum all carpets (easily accessible areas)
- Wipe kitchenette counters and sink
- Dust window ledges, heat registers and patio door tracks
- Wipe any marks on walls
- Wipe door knobs with an antibacterial disinfectant

4. Once a month the following duties are performed in each suite:
- Dust Lights, blinds and ceiling fans
- Baseboards and door frame wipes
- Vacuum under beds and couches
- Clean sliding glass doors (inside & out)

5. Is any medical care provided at the Cedars?
We do not provide medical care; however, the assistance of a Community Health Worker can be requested through your medical doctor. Your doctor will refer you to a
Vancouver Island Health Authority case manager and together they will set up a care plan designed to meet your individual needs. Community Health Workers are an important part of the Dawson Heights team.

6. Are there transportation services available?
A variety of transportation options are available to seniors in greater Victoria.
Transportation services include:
- City buses stop right outside the door
- BC Transit's Handy DART services
- BC Transit's Taxi Saver program
- Regular taxi service is readily available.
- Volunteer drivers through Saanich Volunteers

7. Can I have guests over for meals or to spend the night?
- A cot can be borrowed free of charge for an overnight guest in your suite.

Overnight Guests
- A cot can be borrowed free of charge for an overnight guest in your suite.

Guest Meals
- You can reserve space in our dining room for your family and friends
- Alternatively, you can book our family dining room for parties of five or more

8.What are the security measures at Dawson Heights?
The Cedars and The Dawson have secure entrances with camera monitoring which can be viewed on your television. The Cottages have security ‘peep holes’ in the front doors. 
- There are staff available 24 hours a day
- All staff undergo a thorough reference and criminal record check

9. What services are available?
-A hair salon is on site at the Cedars and open two days a week.
- A blood pressure clinic is held once monthly
- A foot care clinic is also held once monthly
- Other services are available from time to time

10. Does Dawson Heights have environmentally practices in place?
- Composting, Beyond the Blue Box, Red Dot campaign, organic gardening practices, etc.

Some Questions to ask yourself as you make this decision are:

• Will I enjoy the social and community opportunities available? Or do I prefer to live alone?
• Will I feel safer living is supported housing?
• Will I lose my independence? Or will my independence be enhanced with a little support?

Talk over your options with someone you trust, a friend as well as a family member. Visit a number of seniors residences, talk with people living there, book a meal and while you are considering this, it might be a good idea to put your name on the waiting list.