As can be expected as COVID-19 cases continue to rise, we have received further Directives from the province regarding visiting in LTC Homes as well as short term and temporary absences. The province is now requiring that all absences are arranged in advance and require approval from the Home. We will be requiring this process commencing Monday Oct 19 2020. More information on this later in the newsletter.
As a result of revised visiting policy from the Ministry of Long Term Care, we are now required to have written documentation for those selected to be Essential Caregivers (each resident/POA can appoint 2). We have created a form here to facilitate this process. Please ensure this form has been returned to us by Monday October 19 2020.
We have had a couple of requests from family asking not to have their loved ones picture included in the family newsletter/social media platforms. We are wanting to support connections as best as we can during this pandemic but certainly do not wish to disrespect anyone’s wishes. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Candice at cmcmullen@lennox-addington.on.va should you wish this as well.
If this is your first time reading our newsletter, I would encourage you to go to this link where you will find the previous newsletters should you wish to view them. Should you ever not want to receive these newsletters, please follow the prompts on the newsletter at the bottom to unsubscribe.
Stay safe,
Angela Malcolm
Director
COVID-19 Testing for Visitors & Caregivers
The Napanee Assessment Centre is no longer accepting drop-ins for testing. Everyone must book an appointment.
You will need to identify yourself as an essential caregiver/visitor coming into LTC in order to be tested.
Due to the increase in demand for this service it will be very important for you to plan to allow yourself at least 6 days to ensure you maintain a current COVID test. This will be the minimum time required to allow for a return call to book your appointment, attend your appointment and then wait for the results.
Who must have a negative COVID test every 2 weeks?
All caregivers and visitors coming inside the Home
All visitors visiting outside who are not physically distanced
The link to access your results for this testing is here.
IMPORTANT
If you, or anyone in your household, (or anyone who would be
interacting with the resident while they are out), feel unwell at all,
please postpone your outing with the resident.
Perishable Items: Food being brought in for a resident must be in a container that can be wiped down with our wipes and they will then be delivered to your resident right away. All other items will be kept for 24 hours prior to being taken to the resident.
Cedar Grove and Maple Lane are having Breakfast Club on the 22nd
Program Schedule - Here is the week’s program schedule commencing Oct. 11
New Essential Caregiver Designation Form – to be completed by Oct 19 2020.
Directive 3 Updated from the Chief Medical Officer of Health. See below for the changes that will impact resident’s short term or temporary absences from the Home. Absence Request form is here.
Absences from the Home
Short Term Absences – Non over-night and off the property. Absence can be for social or other reason. Resident will only be screened upon return.
Temporary Absence – Overnight for one or nights. Resident must isolate for 14 days upon return.
Both of these types of absences (short term and temporary) need to be pre-approved by the Home.
NOTE: In the event of an outbreak in the home, or where there is evidence of widespread community transmission as per provincial direction, absences are not permitted except for medical or compassionate reasons.
Medical Absence – for medical reasons including outpatient visits or single night emergency room visits. Homes will not deny a request to leave for medical visit.
For every short term absences you will be required to have the form completed and approved prior to the absence.
As is the case for booking the window, outdoor and zoom visits, you will need to do this at least 24 hours in advance. All weekend absences will need to be submitted no later than Friday at 2pm.
In an effort to streamline this process for you, we have attached a form that you can email to a specific manager based on the residents Home area.
Alternatively, if you would prefer, you can phone the appropriate manager and they will assist you.
Mandatory Training Videos
These training videos are mandatory for you to watch prior to entering the building
A component of the Directives that the Ministry released that took effect on Sept 9 includes a mandatory requirement for Homes to ensure that Essential Caregivers coming into the Home receives training on putting on and taking off PPE as well as training on effective hand washing. Below are the 2 video clips for you to view. You will be asked to confirm at the screening table that you have watched these 2 videos prior to entering.
Here are short video clips to resources that will help you to understand how to use PPE properly and how to effectively hand wash.
This training needs to be completed prior to your first visit and then monthly thereafter.
Partnership with GIS Through the County
Has anyone checked out some of the low risk ideas suggested by our GIS Team?
“COVID–19 Friendly Ideas for Senior Community Members in L&A”
Click here and you will find low risk activities that you could do with your loved one. From walking to vehicle tours and historical interest to scenic interest…Take your pick!
Essential Caregiver Designation
The Ministry of Long Term Care updated visiting policy was released Oct 5 2020 for LTC that took effect on October 7, 2020. With that comes a requirement of written documentation that supports the essential caregiver designation. As a result, we have created a PDF form here that you can open electronically and fill in the blanks. There are a couple of options to return the form to us via email or fax. Alternatively, we will have hard copies of this document available with the screeners at JMPC where you can complete and drop off to them.
We will require this form to be completed and returned to us by Oct 19. Following that date, essential caregivers who have not completed this document will need to do so prior to their visit in order to be permitted into the Home.
Should the resident/POA wish to change an essential caregiver, a new form will need to be submitted in advance.
Zoom, Window, Indoor & Garden Visits
Book yourZoom, Window, Indoor and Garden Visit online using Picktime!
We ask that visits be scheduled a day ahead and that weekend requests are completed by Friday at 2pm. For zoom visits, you will receive a confirmation email first. Then, 1 day prior to your zoom visit you will receive the zoom link emailed to you from the Home.
If you have any questions or unable to access this online tool, please call 613-354-3306 and someone will help you Mon-Fri during business hours. Please note that you can continue to enjoy your zoom visit along with an inside, Garden or window visit. You certainly can have more than one form of connection with your loved one.
Need to Cancel your Booked Visit?
The booking site doesn’t have that feature to cancel yourself online unfortunately. So to cancel an appointment you can:
Please be very cautious regarding multigenerational gatherings.
These type of gatherings increase the risk substantially for vulnerable individuals.
Get Your Flu Shot…..
The most effective way to decrease complications and reduce the impact of the flu is to get a preventative vaccine shot. The North American vaccine is developed each year to work against different strains of influenza virus, based on trends seen in the Southern Hemisphere. The best time for vaccination is early October to mid-November.
Message from the Chair of Family Council
If you haven't had time please take a min or two to send a picture of you making a heart or holding a message of thanks to be included in a staff video as soon as possible. It is a surprise and with all the stresses the staff has been under a great way to show our appreciation.
If you are feeling that you would like some additional support or have some questions that you would like to work through we would like to encourage you to access this amazing local resource. Lisa would be happy to chat with you!!