The silent infectious period of COVID-19 is our central risk factor in managing COVID. However, another risk needs to be considered; the balance between protecting the physical health of our residents from and supporting the overall well-being versus becoming COVID +ve. The key word here is “balance”.
We know the value of having visitors in the Home; you bring a vibrant energy that is shared not only with your family member, with others residents and staff you meet along the way. Furthermore, our safety practices requiring us to screen you, check your temperature, support proper mask wearing and hand washing helps to keep our safety measures front and center.
Please note, in the event COVID does make its presence known in the Home, we are all vaccinated, we have an excellent staff and we have immediate access to our Government partners. Trusting our safety measures, it’s time to take the next step.
DCG Visitation: Phase 3 – effective Monday, March 14, 2002
- Long-term care residents can have up to 3 visitors at a time in a private resident room and two (2) visitors at a time in a semi-private resident room (doesn’t need to be the same visitors each time).
- Visitation is open seven (7) days a week from 11:00am to 7:00pm.
- Visitors at long-term care facilities need to wear a maskand be fully vaccinated (exceptions for vaccinations for end-of-life visits). Visitors need to follow social distancing guidelines (except for a quick, close contact, like a hug).
- Residents can leave the facility to visit with family in their homes (overnight stays are not permitted). Residents can also leave the facility to visit indoor and outdoor public places (like parks, stores and restaurants). Residents and visitors need to follow public health measures: social distancingand masks are required – a brief risk assessment is completed on return to the Home
Outings should be pre booked with the front screener by calling ext. 222 or cell 902 870-3458 and resident needs to return by 6:30pm to complete the Outing Risk Assessment.
- In event we experience a COVID +ve case, pending circumstances, our goal will be to only restrict access to the care area involved.
- Wash your hands regularly when visiting.
- Keep your mask over your nose and mouth at all times – this is the most important component of our safety practices – no gaps in masking!
- Please do not bring food or drinks to the Home as it creates a “gap in masking” opportunity for you. Feel welcome to bring treats for your family member.
- On arrival, Visitors [including DCG’s] will be provided with a mask for themselves and second mask for their family member resident – we strongly recommend residents wear a mask during the visit
- New resident DCG’s and volunteers will be provided with the Infection Prevention and Control in-service prior to their initial visit.
- Please do not visit the Home if you are feeling unwell or are a close contact of a COVID +ve individual. If you become unwell and test positive for COVID-19 after visiting, please let us know immediately by calling 902-714-5656.
- Phase 4 will be re-evaluated in 4 weeks.
Please share this visitation update with friends and family members!
Senior Leadership Team at the R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home