Dear Residents and Families,

We remain committed to providing updates to our residents, families, and staff at AgeCare. As such, we are providing weekly updates to keep you all informed on what is happening at our communities and organization-wide.

1. Visitation Update – What you need to know before your visit.
2. Visitation, Outings, Overnight Stays, and Screening – Our new guidelines are now in effect.
3. Recreation Calendars - Staying active, intellectually stimulated, and socially connected.
4. Weekly Shout-Out – Celebrate the great work and activities happening at our AgeCare communities.

We hope these weekly updates are helpful. Thank you all for your continued support.

Sincerely,

AgeCare Communications

Visitation Update

As announced Wednesday by the Government of Alberta, new rules and restrictions are coming into effect. As of today, we strongly recommend that all visitors wear a mask when visiting, including in a resident’s suite. We are waiting for additional information on how the announcement may impact visitation at our communities.

In the meantime, we encourage ALL visitors, regardless of their vaccination status, to participate in RAS testing. Fully vaccinated people with no symptoms can test positive for COVID-19. A rapid test means protecting your family, friends, co-workers and community from the asymptomatic spread.

Rapid Antigen Screening (RAS) can be done before your visit during RAS clinic hours.

You MUST be asymptomatic to receive a RAS test.

If you have ANY symptoms, you CANNOT visit or come on-site. You must book a lab test through AHS. Learn more

While vaccinations have proven effective at reducing serious illness and death in people with COVID-19, the virus remains a threat that can enter our communities. The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is to get a rapid test before you begin your visit.

What is the difference between a rapid test and a PCR lab test?

Less Uncomfortable – A RAS test only needs to go 2 to 2.5 cms into your nostril compared to a lab test that is inserted roughly 4 cms.

Results in as quickly as 15 minutes - PCR lab results take about 24-48 hours

Only for Asymptomatic – If you have ANY symptoms, please stay home and book a PCR lab test. RAS testing is only for those who have no COVID-19 symptoms.

Click here to view RAS clinic hours

Visitation, Outings, Overnight Stays, and Screening

Visitation

Please note – communities on outbreak may have different visitation restrictions in effect. Contact your community or sign up for email updates to stay informed on the latest information.

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.

During your visit, it is STRONGLY recommended that visitors:

• Wear a mask when visiting, including in a resident’s suite.
• 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.

Recreation Programming

Shout out to the incredible AgeCare Valleyview team! Last week they time-travelled back to the 1950s for an afternoon of fun – nifty!

Residents watched a matinee movie featuring Elvis Presley and enjoyed treats from the ice cream cart.

Continuing with the time-travelling theme, the recreation team has planned retro-themed days and activities all month long!