Christmas decorating is in full swing here at the Home. Residents are involved in all of the decorating while Christmas music is playing and the hot chocolate is flowing!
An updated Directive from the Ministry was sent out to LTC homes on Sunday Nov 22 along with an updated visiting policy. It is interesting to note that JMPC Residents Council was ahead of the curve on the visiting policy in terms of requesting essential caregivers/visitors show proof of current COVID test. This is now also a requirement of the Ministry. All essential caregivers and visitors must show proof of current negative COVID result. The proof of current COVID test now also includes those coming for an outdoor visit.
For those picking residents up and not entering the Home, I would strongly encourage you to obtain a COVID test every 2 weeks. Being in a car (confined area), places the resident at great risk given your interactions within the community and the increasing number of cases in our area. Additionally, with the regional approach of lockdown, our area has the potential to see an influx in individuals visiting from these lockdown areas which could put you at risk, and in turn the resident that you are taking out for a drive. COVID is silent and invisible and none of us know when we could have been potentially exposed, so we need to take every precaution we can to protect residents from exposure. Wearing a mask when in a vehicle with a resident is a great practice.
As Christmas approaches, we are beginning to receive phone calls asking about joining us here for Christmas Day dinner as has occurred in previous years. This is unfortunately not something that we will be permitted to do this year. Essential Caregivers and visitors must wear a mask during their entire time here at the Home and may not consume food/drink as this would require the removal of their mask. We continue to follow the direction of Public Health on this topic as we grapple with the reality of the season that is approaching in the midst of this pandemic.
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 Greater Napanee COVID-19 Assessment Centre is located at the Westdale Complex at 12 Richmond Park Drive, Napanee.
All swabbing tests at The Napanee Assessment Centre require an appointment. You can pre-book your appointment online here.
Hours have been extended to 8:30-3:30 seven days a week.
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 1 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.
For LTC Homes in the Orange, Red and Lockdown zones essential caregivers coming into the Home are reduced to 1 person.
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 visit or 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.
Rose Garden is having their Champagne Breakfast on December 4th
Program Schedule - Here is the week’s program schedule commencing November 29th
Absences from the Home
Short Term and Temporary absences require a form to be completed (see link at bottom of the newsletter) and need to be pre-approved by the Home.
As is the case for booking the window, indoor 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.
NOTE: In the event of an outbreak in the home, or where the community is listed to be in a Orange or Red Zone indicating that there is evidence of widespread community transmission as per provincial direction, absences are not permitted except for medical or compassionate reasons.
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 includes a mandatory requirement for Homes to ensure that Essential Caregivers coming into the Home receive 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!
Be sure to wear your mask when in the car to protect each other
We would love to hear how you have enjoyed these driving tours. Send us an email here to give us some feedback. We would love to hear from you!
Essential Caregiver Designation
The Ministry of Long Term Care updated visiting policy requires written documentation that supports the essential caregiver designation. As a result, we have created a PDF form 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.
Essential Caregivers must submit this formto be approved as an essential caregiver 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. To cancel an appointment, please contact Colleen at cyork@lennox-addington.on.ca or Earline (main line)
Annual Family Satisfaction Survey
This family satisfaction survey is open and we would encourage you to participate in this short survey here. Survey closes on Monday November 30!
Infection Control from the desk of Emily Sarley
Keep your bubble small to protect yourself and everyone around you!
Message from the Chair of Family Council
Please join us on Wed. Dec. 2nd at 1:30 for a Zoom Family Council Meeting.
Since we haven't met since June it would be really nice to get together. If you can attend please let Candice cmcmullen@lennox-addington.on.ca or Gwen gbabcock@mycando.ca know as soon as possible and we will set up the meeting. If you have any issues or concerns you would like to addressed forward them to Gwen to be added to the Agenda.
Family Council is composed of family and friends of the residents of the John Parrot Centre and dedicated to the promotion and improvement of the health, welfare and happiness of all residents at the John M. Parrot Centre.
The main purposes are:
to work together to improve the quality of life of all residents
to give families a forum for sharing their experiences, learning and exchanging information.
to help to identify and resolve issues that affect residents’ quality of life
to provide mutual support for each other in this new journey with our loved ones
to be up to date on issues and information related to the providing an environment that is warm, caring and supportive
to facilitate communication and promote positive partnerships through open dialogue with staff and administration
to advocate regarding collective concerns.
Please consider joining us on Wed. Dec. 2nd at 1:30 for a Zoom Family Council Meeting.
If you can attend please let Candice cmcmullen@lennox-addington.on.ca or Gwen gbabcock@mycando.ca know and we set up the meeting. If you have any issues or concerns you would like to address forward them to Gwen to be added to the Agenda.
Family Council, a time for sharing, caring and supporting.
Looking for some ideas for someone special on your list?
Weighted Blankets
Sensory Dolls
Personalized Calendars
Photo Album including labels saying who is who
Talking Clock
Alzheimer's Society
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!!
Around the Home
Spring Meadow Christmas Decorating
Lilac Knoll Christmas Decorating
Champagne Breakfast on Orchard Trail
Forms You May Require
Paper Copies of the Weekly Newsletter – Available at the Resource Centre right behind the screeners.