Updates on the Novel Coronavirus COVID-19
A Message from the CEO
Update to Families - July 21st, 2020
On July 15, 2020 Premier Doug Ford announced an update to visits in Long Term Care Homes to indicate that up to 2 visitors are now permitted for outdoor visits and that indoor visits can begin effective July 22, 2020. The “possibility of spreading Covid-19 into Long Term Care is still a real threat.” As cited in Covid-19 Directive #3 “The aim for managing visitors is to balance the need to mitigate risks to residents, staff and visitors with the mental, physical and spiritual needs of residents for their quality of life.
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. Since the onset of the pandemic we have been providing the opportunity for Virtual Visits and proactively partitioned off a patio for safe visiting.
We must remain vigilant, careful and adhere to strict guidelines. With the new guidelines you will have a further option for visiting. This 4th option comes with an even greater responsibility on the part of our Home and the visitor. For indoor visits, a negative Covid-19 test, completed within the previous 2 weeks of your visit along with active screening at the door. Please note, outdoor visitors no longer require Covid-19 testing but must still adhere to safety procedures.
We have designated visiting areas both indoor and outdoor for you and your family member to visit safely. Enhanced cleaning will take place between visits following strict IPAC procedures.
Please read the Visiting Guidelines for important details and to help you make a choice in the best interest and safety of you and your loved one.
One option per week can be chosen per Resident and can be booked by contacting recreation@ioof.com
Please note that no items can be passed to the Resident during the visit. If you wish to leave a package, poster, gift etc. please drop it off at the front entrance vestibule, at the receiving table. Clearly mark who the item is for.
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.
The IOOF Homes recognizes that continued testing is an important part of the ongoing strategy in keeping our long-term care residents safe. Staff will continue to be tested twice per month and all results to date have been negative. All Resident testing to date has also been negative.
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.
Important Links:
Government of Ontario Website
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
Visiting Guidelines for the Odd Fellow & Rebekah Home
Long Term Care Visitors Brochure
Ontario Health Poster
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 (one visitor 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 link: http://www.ontarc.com