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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We are pleased that you are interested in our program of growth and recovery. The following are questions that have been asked by others who have considered coming to or who have come to our facility. Members of our staff have answered these questions. These staff members are happy to answer any further questions you may have.
What is the Beacon Unit?
There can be up to 10 people who have come to the Unit to work on gaining the skills and supports needed for a more independent and satisfying life in the community. The work you will do is called Growth and Recovery work. The information in these FAQ's will help to give you a better understanding of what to expect if you come to the Beacon Unit.
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What is Growth and Recovery Work?
Your co-coordinator has received special education that enables him or her to help you with your growth and recovery. You have come to the Unit because you have identified that there are certain areas in your life that you are dissatisfied with and that you want to begin to make some positive changes. These changes will allow you to have a more successful and satisfactory life experience once you move back to the community. Although your co-coordinator is here to help you through the process, you need to be the one who works on the growth. Together, you will talk about what you are satisfied and dissatisfied with in your life - looking at where you live, work, learn and/or socialize. Some of the other things you will be taking part in include learning more about yourself and what your choices are, a review of your current skills, learning of new skills and figuring out what support (help) you will need when you are discharged from the Unit. Other staff (such as the Beacon psychologist, occupational therapist) will help you and your co-coordinator in your Growth and Recovery work. This work does not happen quickly. Clients usually stay on the Beacon Unit 3 - 6 months before they move back to the community. Figuring out where you will move is all part of the Growth and Recovery work you will be doing.
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How old do I have to be to come to the Beacon Unit?
You must be 18 years of age and up.
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Will I receive money while I am at the Beacon Unit?
Clients on the Beacon Unit receive their money from different sources and in different amounts. If you were on social assistance while living in the community, you will receive a personal use allowance once you come to the Beacon Unit. If you receive Canada Pension, you will continue to receive your full pension cheque while on the Unit. Your co-coordinator or the Beacon Social Worker will assist you in redirecting your cheques to the Unit after your admission here. They can also help you figure out if you are entitled to any additional money such as GST rebates and clothing allowance. If you already have a bank account, you are encouraged to continue to use your bank account after coming to the Unit. If you do not already have a bank account but would like to begin to use one, your co-coordinator will assist you. There is a Credit Union within walking distance of this building, and other banks are in nearby towns. You may also choose to keep your money in a safely locked drawer in the staff office. You can withdraw your money from here at any time. Your co-coordinator can help you learn how to budget your money if this is an area that you have had trouble with in the past.
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What is Beacon Bargains?
Beacon Bargains is a used clothing store located in the town of Berwick. It is operated by the Beacon Program and is staffed by Beacon support staff. Clients interested in going to Beacon Bargains for part of their Growth and Recovery work need to talk to their co-coordinator. Together with your co-coordinator, you will arrange for a tour and a meeting with the support staff. The store is open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 p.m. and can be reached by traveling on the local bus.
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Will I be able to find work for money while I am at the Beacon Unit?
Opportunities to work may be available to a client in the center or in the community. The expectation is that work related activities do not interfere with the growth and recovery work.
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Can I continue my education at the Beacon Unit?
You will need to work with your coordinator to plan your educational needs. For example, you may attend the local school if you are within the appropriate age, pursue your GED at the Annapolis Valley Work Centre or do computer courses with the Human Resources Development Canada. There are various resources around the area, which can assist you in reaching your educational goals.
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What do I do in case of a fire?
In the case of a fire alarm, you will be asked to report to the dayroom and wait for instructions of what to do next. Staff will need to check your room to make sure that the windows is closed and that no one is in the room. They will then make sure that all doors on the unit, including your bedroom door, are closed. Due to fire regulations, you need to tell staff when you are leaving the unit and/or building.
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When do I take my medications?
Medications are usually supplied at 9AM, 1PM, 5PM and/or 9PM. Check with your coordinator to see when your medications are due. You will need to come to the medication room on the Unit when it is time to take your medications. If you would like to know more about your medications, ask your co-coordinator and/or psychiatrist. Many clients learn how to pour their own medications while they are on the Beacon Unit. If you would like to learn how to pour your own medication, ask your co-coordinator.
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What are the sleeping arrangements?
There are 7 bedrooms on the unit. You may have a roommate, depending on the number of clients that are on the unit at the time. All of the rooms have room for 2 beds, 2 lockers and a large divider that gives each client some privacy if they need to share a room. Each divider has a desk and closet. Some people like to bring their own radio or CD player, clock, lamp etc. Some clients like to have their own small TV in their room. If this is the case with you, you need to know that there is no cable hook- up in the bedrooms. All electric appliances that are brought to the unit need to be checked by the maintenance staff before they can be used. This is a fire safety rule. This will be arranged as soon as possible after your arrival. Please keep in mind that you will need to be respectful of your roommate and his/her belongings and that space in the bedrooms is limited.
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Are there separate washrooms?
There are separate washrooms for men and women. Both are equipped with showers and bathtubs. In each washroom, you will find clean towels and face cloths, along with a hamper to put you dirty bedding and towels in.
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Are there laundry facilities?
Each client is responsible for doing his or her own laundry. The washer and dryer are located in the kitchen on the unit. Laundry soap and dryer sheets are provided. Everyone is scheduled a laundry day, once or twice a week. This schedule is posted in the kitchen. You will be taught how to do your own laundry if this is something that you do not know how to do when you first come to the unit. All clients are asked to change there bedding weekly. Housekeeping staff cleans bed mattresses once each month.
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Where do I eat meals?
The cafeteria is located on the first floor, on the other side of the gym. Breakfast is served at approximately 8:30AM; lunch is at 11:45 and supper at 4:45. An announcement is made when the cafeteria is ready to serve, along with what is being served for that meal. A meal plan is also posted on a bulletin board on the unit. When the announcement is made, clients meet at the staff office and go to the cafeteria together with a staff person. On weekdays and holidays, clients serve themselves their own breakfast on the unit. If you would like to prepare a meal for yourself and/or others on occasion, you can do so on the unit after arranging this with your co-coordinator. If you require special foods, there is a dietician who can meet with you.
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What about smoking?
If you smoke, you will buy cigarettes with your own money. You can keep your cigarettes with you, or you may choose to keep them in a drawer in the office. If you would like help making your supply of cigarettes last the entire month, ask your co-coordinator. The Unit is smoke-free. Smoking is permitted outside the building in designated areas. It is a safety rule in the building that only lighters are to be used to light cigarettes. If you would like to either reduce or stop your smoking, your coordinator will help you with this.
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Is there a kitchen that I can use?
The kitchen is for all clients to use. Clients are asked to clean up after themselves when they use the kitchen. There is also a monthly clean up schedule posted on the refrigerator door, which lists the client who is responsible for general kitchen tidy up (such as operating the dishwasher, wiping counters etc) each day. There is a large kitchen in the basement of the building that is used for cooking assessments and teaching. Through your Growth and Recovery work, you will determine if you need to take part in these activities.
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What if I need a coffee, tea or snacks?
Clients sometimes make snacks for themselves and others in the Beacon kitchen. Snacks and coffee/tea are available at 10AM, 2PM and 8:30PM. There are also vending machines in the building. Sometimes, clients like to purchase their own snack items and keep them on the Unit.
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Is there a place to be alone?
The Green Room is a small on the unit room that is equipped with a sofa and chair, small music system (CD player, tape deck and radio) and a computer with printer. The computer can be used to play some games and for word processing. It does not have Internet access. This room is available for all clients to use.
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Is there a T.V.?
The Day Room is a room on the unit that would be similar to a living room in your own home. There is a cable TV, Nintendo game, VCR, stereo system, pool table, dartboard, games, puzzles and reading material. You are welcome to watch TV, watch movies, play darts or pool or just sit and relax. Darts are available in the staff office. Meetings and groups are generally held in this room also.
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Are there any activities to do here at the Beacon Unit?
When you come to the unit, you will be given a tour of Kings Regional Rehabilitation Centre, which is the name of the building the Beacon Unit is located in. In this building, off the Beacon Unit, there is a gym with equipment for activities such as basketball, ping-pong and floor hockey. There is a computer lab in the Technical Resource Centre. These computers are equipped with more programs than the computer in the Green Room. You will need to work with your co-coordinator to arrange an appointment in the computer lab if you wish to use this service. There are also activities planned for all clients in the building, including clients on the Beacon Unit. These are activities such as dances, movies and bingo. There are many activities that take place on the Beacon Unit. There is a weekly planning meeting to schedule activities for the week. At this meeting, clients may decide to plan activities such as bowling, swimming, renting a movie or go to a movie theatre, hockey games, and going to the gym. Other groups include Coffee Talk and educational sessions. Participation in activities and groups is voluntary. However, these activities are all important in helping you move forward with your growth and recovery. After participating in an activity, you will meet with a staff person (either individually or as a group) to talk about the activity and what it meant to you.
Fund Raising: Some of the activities that are planned cost money. Fundraising activities to raise money for these activities are planned. Hot dog sales and car washes are some examples of fund raising activities. Everyone is encouraged to help out.
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Can I have visitors while I am at the Beacon Unit?
Family and friends are encouraged to visit. These visits should take place so as not to conflict with the growth and recovery meetings planned with your co-coordinator or related appointments and activities. It is recommended that visitors call before coming, to make sure you are available to see them. You may have your visit on the Unit, elsewhere in the building, or you may choose to visit in the community. Remember to let staff know that you are leaving the Unit/building, and when you expect to return.
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Can I go home for the weekends?
If you want to go away from the Unit to spend time overnight with friends or family, you will need to discuss your plans with your co-coordinator. Usually, clients go on their first pass after being on the unit for 4 weeks, and every 4 weeks thereafter if desired. Your co-coordinator will help you make your arrangements for things like transportation and medications.
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Is there a telephone available on the Beacon Unit?
Beacon clients are permitted one 10 minute long distance phone call per week, using the Beacon phone, to call family or friends. There is also a pay telephone available to clients, on which you can make and receive phone calls. Family and friends are encouraged to call you on the pay telephone. The phone number is 538-9034.
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Is there a store nearby?
There is a store is at the end of the lane. At the store you can buy pop, chips, newspapers, cigarettes and rent movies, etc. Other stores are found in nearby towns.
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Is there a bus system near Beacon Unit?
This Kings Transit Bus goes by the corner store from Monday to Saturday. The bus route runs from Bridgetown to Wolfville, with various stops in between. For further distances, the Acadian Lines can be taken, with its bus stop being in Berwick, Kentville or Wolfville. You and your co-coordinator will discuss the bus fare as part of your Growth and Recovery work. There are also other transportation options available to you, which you and your co-coordinator can explore.
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How can I keep track of my schedule?
On the Unit is a large wipe-off board that has all of the clients' names on it. You are encouraged to write any appointments or activities that you have scheduled for the week on this board. This helps you to follow the schedule you have arranged for yourself, and helps staff know what you have planned for each day.
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What happens when I am ready to move away from the Beacon Unit?
Your Growth and Recovery work will lead you to making plans for your discharge. Before you move back to the community, the Beacon team members will meet with you to ensure that everything is organized, and that you feel supported and ready for discharge. If you are going to be supported by the Beacon Community Integration Team, your new co-coordinator from the community will also attend the meeting. After your discharge from the Unit, this co-coordinator will visit you and continue with the Growth and Recovery work that you started while you were on the unit.
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When I am discharged from Beacon Unit will I be on my own?
The Community Integration Team is a group of staff members who visit clients when they leave the Beacon Unit and move out in to the community. They will work with you to continue the Growth and Recovery work that you started while on the unit. You will have the opportunity to meet your new community coordinator before you are discharged from the unit. After you leave the Beacon Unit you will likely meet with your new coordinator about once a week. However, this can be flexible based on your needs. Your coordinator will call you to arrange the date, time and location of your meetings. You can arrange to have the meetings in your home, or elsewhere if that is more suitable. You will be able to contact a member of the Beacon Team at any time of day, any day of the week, by calling the Beacon Unit. You will be given a toll free number to call if you live outside of the local calling area.
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