Updates on the Novel Coronavirus COVID-19
A Message from the CEO
Update to Families - September 9th, 2020
On Sept 2, 2020 The Ministry of Long-Term Care announced an update to visits in Long Term Care Homes to clarify essential visitor definitions to include caregivers whether private or family designated by the Resident or POA within the defined parameters of Directive #3.
"Bringing comfort and care, caregivers make a vital contribution to the overall well-being of long-term care residents," said Dr. Merrilee Fullerton, Minister of Long-Term Care. Direction on safety in long-term care homes will continue to be updated as Ontario's experience with COVID-19 evolves.
The updated visitor policy takes effect Sept 9, 2020 and outlines that:
· Each resident and/or their substitute decision maker may designate a maximum of two caregivers for direct care.
· Caregivers can visit, without time limits.
· If a home is not in outbreak, and the resident is not self-isolating or symptomatic, caregivers can visit together. If a home is in outbreak, or the resident is self-isolating or symptomatic, they must visit one at a time to limit risk of transmission and follow direction from the local public health unit.
Quick Facts
· Examples of caregivers include family members who provide direct care, privately hired caregivers, paid companions or translators over 18 years of age.
· A caregiver is a type of essential visitor who is designated by the resident and/or their substitute decision-maker and is visiting to provide direct care to the resident (e.g., supporting feeding, mobility, personal hygiene, cognitive stimulation, communication, meaningful connection, relational continuity and assistance in decision-making).
· All visitors should pass active screening before entering a home. This includes a temperature check, questions on symptoms and exposures to COVID-19. All essential caregivers, as well as any general visitor who is visiting indoors, shall verbally attest to the home that they have tested negative for COVID-19 within the previous two weeks and not subsequently tested positive.
· All visitors must wear surgical/procedure masks inside the home. Essential visitors/Caregivers are also required to wear additional personal protective equipment for interactions with residents who are self-isolating, suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19.
· For general visitors, the scheduling of visits will continue as per the previous options available, allowing one visit per week per Resident, lasting 30 minutes.
Both General Visitors and Essential Caregiver Visitors should consider their personal health and susceptibility to the virus in determining whether visiting a long-term care home is appropriate.
At the IOOF Seniors Homes we recognize the importance of family/friends visiting and value maintaining connectivity amongst family members/significant others and our Residents.
Additionally, changes to Directive #3 for Long Term Care, effective August 28, 2020 now permit Short Stay Absences and Temporary Absences.
· Short stay absences are for health care-related, social or other reasons and do not include an overnight stay, with the exception of single-night emergency room visits.
· Temporary absences are for personal reasons and for one or more nights. Homes must review and approve all temporary absences based on a case-by-case risk assessment as outlined in Directive #3.
Please note that Resident’s overall well-being and current local community risk as well as the applicable travel location community risk must be taken into consideration when determining the appropriateness of a short stay or temporary absence.
You must read the Visiting Guidelines, Essential Visitor/Caregiver Guidelines and Short Stay Temporary Absence guidelines and attest to reading this revised material prior to your next visit.
Additional Infection Prevention and Control training materials in print and online are required as well.
One visiting option per week can be chosen per Resident and can be booked by contacting recreation@ioof.com
For Essential Visitors/Caregivers, an Essential Visitor/Caregiver Designation Form must be completed and approved by the Resident Care Management Team and Medical Director or Nurse Practitioner.
The IOOF continues to be vigilant in this fight against COVID–19. This means we will continue our efforts to adhere to all measures and directives that are issued by public health. We want to assure you that the care and well being of your family member remains our top priority. We are learning through this together. Thank you for your immense patience during these very challenging days and for entrusting the care of your loved ones to the staff of our Home. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Warmest regards,
Garry C. Hopkins, CEO
Important Links:
Government of Ontario Website
Please review the following before your next visit:
https://www.publichealthontario.ca/-/media/documents/ncov/ipac/ppe-recommended-steps
https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/videos/ipac-fullppe-on
https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/videos/ipac-fullppe-off
https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/videos/ipac-handwash
VISITORS AT THE HOME:
Please contact recreation@ioof.com to arrange your visit.
Your 4 Options for Visiting at the HOME are as follows:
Option 1 – Safe Virtual Visits – No Risk
Option 2 – Safe Partitioned Patio Visits – Low Risk to Resident – Please read our guidelines. - No COVID test required.
Option 3 – Outdoor Visiting - Heightened Risk (Maximum 2 visitors at one time - No COVID test required)
Option 4 - Indoor Visit - High Risk (Must have a current negative COVID-19 Test)
Effective July 22nd, 2020
PLEASE READ:
Visiting Summary at the Odd Fellow & Rebekah Home
Essential Visitor & Caregiver Guidelines
Visiting Guidelines for the Odd Fellow & Rebekah Home
Short Stay & Temporary Absence Guidelines
Short Stay & Temporary Absence Request FORM
(Please note that request forms are reviewed, processed, and approved Monday to Friday,
9 am to 5pm)
Essential Visitor & Caregiver Designation FORM
(Please note that designation forms are reviewed, processed, and approved Monday to Friday,
9 am to 5pm)
Long Term Care Visitors Brochure
Ontario Health Poster
Ontario Ministry of Long-Term Care FAQ's Absences
VISITORS AT HERITAGE PLACE:
Please contact kritchie@ioof.com to arrange your visit.
Your 3 options for visiting Heritage Place are as follows:
Option 1 – Safe Virtual Visits – No Risk
Option 2 – Outdoor Patio Visits – Moderate Risk
Option 3 – Indoor Visiting (two visitors only) – Heightened Risk
PLEASE READ:
Visiting Guidelines for Heritage Place
Heritage Place Visitors Brochure
VIRTUAL VISITS:
We are offering virtual visits and encouraging email communications with your loved ones.
For e-mail communication send an e-mail to: inquiries@ioof.com and our support staff will print and deliver your message to your loved one.
Please note that there are dedicated days and times. Send us an email to book an appointment for a 10-15 minute virtual visit.
We look forward to connecting you with your loved one.
Having difficulties getting set up on a virtual visiting app? Visit the link below for some help:
https://fco.ngo/covid-19/virtual-visits-toolkit
RESIDENT & FAMILY COUNCIL:
Please note that we are sharing important updates with our Resident and Family Council. For the most up to date COVID-19 Resident & Family Communications please visit the following links:
http://www.ontarc.com
https://fco.ngo/covid-19