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

Dear Families,

In Phase 1 our safety practices for staff and Designated Care Givers were assessed and I am pleased to say increased visitation was well received.

I sense that our community is still stressed with COVID’s lingering presence and that the path forward remains uncertain. We are all likely experiencing a bit of anxiety and within this environment, we have to move forward with confidence and in a calculated manner.

Our COVID safety practices have been challenged and they have proven effective. Our residents have received their booster, our staff is doubly vaccinated and many have received a booster and our collective attention to the importance of proper mask wearing is commendable.

Today we announce Phase 2 of our visitation program.

DCG Visitation: Phase 2 – effective Monday, Feb. 21, 2002

• Visitation is now available to two (2) doubly vaccinated Designated Care Givers [DCG’s]
• Visitation is open seven (7) days a week from 11:00am to 5:00pm
• 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. Feel welcome to bring treats for your family member
• On arrival, 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
• No switching DCG’s
• Visits to take place in the residents room with the door open to support proper mask wearing
• New resident DCG’s 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 2 will be re-evaluated in 2 weeks

On behalf of our Residents, Senior Leadership team and all our staff, we continue to welcome families back onto our community!

Thank you for your ongoing support!

Terry MacIntyre, CEO