Coronavirus COVID-19 Updates

At AgeCare, we strive to be leaders in seniors care and approach things differently in our commitment to our residents, families, staff, and volunteers. A willingness to explore new and creative approaches in the delivery of care and services is a cornerstone of who we are from our inception. We believe as strongly in responsiveness and innovation as we do in our history, foundation, and experience.

• AgeCare plans extensively for these scenarios as part of our outbreak and pandemic preparedness protocols. When the cases in Canada were confirmed, and the outbreak began to spread, an AgeCare COVID-19 Operations Centre was formed. This cross-disciplinary leadership team meets daily to discuss COVID-19 updates and actions required.
• AgeCare has a robust pandemic plan in place – outlining how we will continue to provide quality care and services during a COVID-19 outbreak.
• AgeCare has put the necessary steps in place to ensure our communities have enough equipment, supplies, and staff to continue to provide safe, quality care for our residents.
• AgeCare communities are continually enhancing their care and services procedures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and support the safety and well-being of residents and staff.
• AgeCare's approach and procedures relating to COVID-19 align directly with Alberta Health Services (AHS). We stay current with all updates from the Chief Medical Officer of Health and AHS, taking action on any new developments urgently.

For our resident's and family's awareness, we have created an overview of our outbreak protocols. AgeCare Outbreak Protocols Overview (PDF)

At AgeCare, we fully understand the critical role communication plays during a pandemic, and are committed to providing you with up-to-date information as it becomes available. Currently, weekly updates are sent by email to our families and shared with our staff and residents on-site.

If a community has one or more positive COVID-19 cases:

• Daily updates are sent by email to our families and shared with our staff and residents on-site.
• A dedicated 1-800 number is set up for families to call to speak to a member of the leadership team at their AgeCare Community.

There are no daily updates or phone lines set up for AgeCare Communities as we have had NO (zero) COVID-19 positive staff or residents at these locations at this time.

NEW dedicated phone line set up for Millrise Seniors Village families:
1-800-872-9692 (as of May 5, 2020: AgeCare Assisting AHS with Management of Millrise Seniors Village)

Visitor Restrictions at AgeCare Communities
In response to the continued spread of the virus, AgeCare has strict visitor restrictions in place in our communities. Only one visitor, who is attending to a resident who is dying, is allowed into our AgeCare communities. For this exception, sign-in & completion of an exposure checklist is still required. Review our most up-to-date visitor alert (PDF).

Virtual Visits with Loved Ones

We recognize that this is a difficult time for many of our family members who have not been able to visit their loved ones in person for some time – and that you are concerned about the safety and security of your loved ones. There are still ways to stay connected with your loved one during this time, including technology like Skype, Apple FaceTime, email, or social media, phone calls, and written letters. Contact your AgeCare Community directly to sign up for one of these sessions with your loved one. 

Outdoor Visits with Loved Ones April 30, 2020

As many of you are aware, the Chief Medical Officer of Health addressed visitor restrictions within her recent order on April 29, 2020. AgeCare has reviewed this order and will support and facilitate resident visitation in designated outdoor spaces with prescheduled 30-minute sessions. Residents who are currently in isolation will not be permitted to visit outside. You can continue to meet with them through one of our virtual technology visits. read more > 

All Staff Wearing Masks April, 10 2020
All staff are required to wear a surgical mask at all times when providing direct resident care or working in resident care areas within 2 meters of others. These changes are being made to protect residents from inadvertent exposure from a health care worker who may be without symptoms but still be infectious. read more >

To protect against respiratory illnesses, including the flu and Coronavirus (COVID-19), you should:

1. Wash your hands often and thoroughly.
2. Avoid touching your face, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
3. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
4. Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched.
5. When sick, cover your cough and sneezes and then wash your hands.
6. Stay at home and away from others if you are feeling ill. Self-isolate when required. Residents are at higher risk of serious illness from exposure to COVID-19 and other illnesses. Please review our most up-to-date visitor alert (PDF).