FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Celebrating 55 Years of Service 1967 - 2022
A Commitment to Recovery. A Commitment to Quality.
A Commitment to Recovery. A Commitment to Quality.
Where is the house located?
Wayside House of Hamilton is located at 15 Charlton Avenue West in Hamilton, Ontario.
We are within walking distance of St. Joseph's Hospital, several local self-help groups, the YMCA, coffee shops, Jackson Square, and the Hamilton Public Library.
We are within walking distance of St. Joseph's Hospital, several local self-help groups, the YMCA, coffee shops, Jackson Square, and the Hamilton Public Library.
What is the focus of the program?
Our goal is to provide a safe and secure environment where men can gain information to maintain a self-identified goal of abstinence. Wayside utilizes a client-centered approach with aspects of motivational counselling and a goal-oriented approach that allow clients to address any issues they identify. The program is based on the cognitive behavioural model, which can be summarized as: "change how you think, change how you feel, change how you behave."
Do I need any identification?
Yes -- all clients must have a current, valid Ontario Health Card
Do I need a referral to get in?
As detailed on our admissions page, all referrals must include a:
We advise all potential residents to contact us once they know their referral has been completed and to stay in contact with us as the assessment process progresses.
- Global Appraisal of Needs Assessment (GAIN) and/or Ministry of Health Admission and Discharge Tools (ADAT) completed by a healthcare professional or a similarly-authorized social services professional;
- Catalyst Client Information and Admission Information form or our Standardized Residential Services Referral Form;
- Medical Evaluation Form completed by a family doctor or other physician.
We advise all potential residents to contact us once they know their referral has been completed and to stay in contact with us as the assessment process progresses.
Can I keep my medications while in program?
Most prescribed medications are approved upon admission to Wayside House and reviewed on an ongoing basis. We ask all clients to have their prescriptions, including Opioid Agonist therapies, transferred to our local pharmacy before entering our program. In lieu of this transfer, we ask all clients to bring in newly-written prescriptions with enough refills to last the duration of the program (approximately 3 months).
All medications are made available to clients by staff and then self-administered.
All medications are made available to clients by staff and then self-administered.
Are vitamins allowed at Wayside Houe?
.Vitamins are allowed and will be reviewed on an individual basis. Protein powders and bars are not allowed
Do you accept clients who take methadone or Suboxone?
We accept referrals for clients who are currently on methadone or Suboxone and each are reviewed for their suitability on a case-by-case basis.
What is the wait time for entering treatment?
Admission times fluctuate depending on referral rates and current occupancy.
Proper assessment can sometimes require additional support documents, and the sooner we receive them the sooner your assessment will be completed. These documents can include active legal paperwork, medical or psychiatric records, treatment histories and/or discharge summaries from previous treatment programs.
Proper assessment can sometimes require additional support documents, and the sooner we receive them the sooner your assessment will be completed. These documents can include active legal paperwork, medical or psychiatric records, treatment histories and/or discharge summaries from previous treatment programs.
Is smoking permitted in residence?
Yes. Outdoor smoke breaks are provided according to a daily schedule.
For those interested in quitting, Wayside House is registered to provide Nicotine Replacement Therapy through CAMH's TEACH Program at no additional cost to residents.
For those interested in quitting, Wayside House is registered to provide Nicotine Replacement Therapy through CAMH's TEACH Program at no additional cost to residents.
Do Wayside clients attend AA, NA, or CA meetings during treatment?
Unfortunately, due to current COVID-19 restrictions we cannot allow clients to attend outside AA/NA meetings; however, we do hold regular AA and NA meetings in-house.
What can I expect during a typical day in treatment?
Wayside residents attend two to three treatment groups a day, each led by a qualified Addictions Counselor. Residents will also have regular meetings with their designated counselor to set and work towards their treatment goals. In addition, every resident has house-related responsibilities which include cooking, cleaning and maintenance.
What should I bring with me to start the program?
Clients are encouraged to bring the following:
In addition to closet and wardrobe space, a small locker is provided to each resident.
- seasonally-appropriate clothing
- toiletries
- a clear water bottle
- slippers and/or shower shoes
- pens, pencils and a notebook
- change for laundry
- books, instruments, art supplies and other materials that will keep you engaged during free time
In addition to closet and wardrobe space, a small locker is provided to each resident.
What belongings are prohibited?
All personal electronic devices including cell phones, laptops and mp3 players will be kept secure in our offices and unavailable to residents during their stay.
Non-prescribed medications, weapons and other personal property deemed inappropriate for Wayside House will be similarly inaccessible.
Non-prescribed medications, weapons and other personal property deemed inappropriate for Wayside House will be similarly inaccessible.
Does Wayside accommodate special diets?
Where possible, we make every effort to accommodate individuals with unique dietary needs. All meals are prepared in-house by residents and volunteers.
Can I see family/friends while I am staying at Wayside?
We do not accept visitors; however, clients are allowed personal phone calls on a daily basis from 6pm-10pm.
Is Wayside coed?
No. Wayside House only provides residential treatment to men over the age of 18.
Still have questions? Feel free to call us at (905) 528-8969.
