We are receiving a lot of phone calls and emails since it was announced that our Home is going into the Orange Zone. Further, with today’s announcement, from Premier Ford announcing a full lockdown across the province.
This is going to be a very difficult Christmas for all of us who will not be able to spend time with our extended families outside of our own households. We will do our very best to support residents and all of you, during the Holiday time and support virtual methods of contact as well as window / phone visits.
We are following the Provinces Directive # 3 regarding COVID restrictions and essential caregivers.
Important Considerations
Residents are not permitted to go out of the building for outings (except for medical appointments or compassionate reasons)
Residents can delegate ONE essential caregiver who must be 18 yrs and older. The caregiver can come into the Home and visit in the resident’s room only. (You are required to complete an essential caregiver form in advance to be approved as an essential caregiver – if you have already submitted this form, you do not need to re-submit this form)
In rare cases, where the delegated essential caregiver is ill/hospitalized, an alternate essential caregiver can be delegated in their place.
All essential caregivers MUST wear a mask (provided by the Home) for the ENTIRE duration of their visit with no exceptions.
Essential caregivers are not to eat or drink while they are in the Home. (as this would require the mask to be removed)
Essential caregivers must have a negative COVID test within 1 week of each visit. This result must be shown to the screener each time you enter the building. (all staff are required to have a weekly COVID test as well)
Residents cannot be taken outside of the Home with caregivers.
Ways we are trying to help:
We have added further time slots for zoom sessions where possible
We have added further time slots for window visits where possible
Christmas Gifts: If you are wanting to bring in Christmas Gift(s) for a resident, please ensure you allow for the 24 hour holding time of your item.
Please ensure you book your virtual / window visits very soon due to the limited spots that remain.
If you have not yet made contact with the Manager connected to your Home Area as to who the
delegated essential caregiver will be, please do so ASAP.
I know that this is not the news that anyone wanted to hear just days before Christmas, but this is the direction of the Province of Ontario and we are required to adhere to these Directives. Ultimately, these decisions are being made with the primary focus on the health of LTC residents who are at profound risk should COVID enter a LTC Home.
Essential Caregivers must submit this formto be approved as an essential caregiver prior to their visit in order to be permitted into the Home.