Coronavirus COVID-19 Alberta

Updates by Region

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Alberta Updates

What AgeCare is Doing

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)

Family Communication

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.
- 1-800-889-2238 | Open
  Mon-Sun 10 AM to 6 PM

What You Need to Know

Visitation

Visits no longer need to be booked ahead of time. All visitors will continue to be screened upon entry to the building. If your visit occurs outside of reception hours, please submit your screening documents to the nursing station.

While we are pleased to lift these remaining restrictions, all visitors are strongly encouraged to be fully vaccinated with two doses (the second dose received a minimum of two weeks prior).

During your visit, visitors are required to:

Wear a medical mask when in common areas or while travelling around the building.
Maintain physical distancing while in groups.
Practice proper hand hygiene frequently.
Whenever possible, residents residing in shared suites-(semi-private), visits should occur in a designated area or outside. If the visit occurs in a shared suite, the number of visitors may be limited to maintain physical distance from the other residents.
Continue to self-screen for COVID-19 after your visit. Notify AgeCare if any symptoms arise within 14 days of the visit.

Resident Outings, Overnight Stays and Screening

Residents can engage in any activity off-site as they would pre-pandemic. This includes public outings, overnight stays and more. Residents are also no longer required to be screened upon re-entry to the building or required to quarantine if they have gone off-site.

We encourage everyone to continue to follow all public health guidance while off-site.

Rapid Screening

Rapid Antigen Screening (RAS) will continue to be offered to all visitors in our communities. RAS is the best way to prevent COVID-19 from entering our communities.

Click here to view RAS clinic hours

What You Can Do

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

Wash your hands often and thoroughly.
Avoid touching your face, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched.
When sick, cover your cough and sneezes and then wash your hands.
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.

Resources for Safe Visits

5-Minutes of Education

Physical Distancing

Source: Alberta Health Services

Hand Hygiene

Washing Hands with Soap & Water (WHO Technique)

Washing Hands with Sanitizer (WHO Technique)

Masks: Donning and Doffing

General COVID-19 Resources

How to Wear a Non-Medical Masks

COVID-19 Vaccine and After Care

Alberta Health Services has created an informative video around what to expect when booking and receiving your vaccine as well as aftercare. Check it out!