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.
- Staying Safe in Summer – Tips for beating the heat while enjoying the outdoors.
- Resident and Family Survey – Our resident and family survey is launching next week
- Visitation Guidelines – All the information you need to ensure a safe visit.
- Recreation Calendars - Staying active, intellectually stimulated, and socially connected.
- Weekly Shout-Out – Celebrate the great work and activities happening at our AgeCare communities.
We hope these weekly updates helpful. Thank you all for your continued support.
Sincerely,
AgeCare Communications
Staying Safe in the SummerAfter a week of heat, it feels like summer is here to stay! Spending time outdoors is not only a great way to enjoy nature, but it’s also one of the safest ways to connect with loved ones during COVID-19. But it’s not all fun in the sun – hot temperatures can lead to sunburns, exhaustion and dehydration. Here are some tips for staying safe in the summer:
Stay Hydrated: Did you know by the time an older adult feels thirsty, they are likely already experiencing mild dehydration? Stay proactive with your water intake by:
- Set a timer on your phone to remember to rehydrate.
- Use a large dark-coloured glass – if you notice it, you’re more likely to remember to drink!
- Try foods that hydrate – berries, watermelon, tomatoes and cucumber are just a few to consider.
Dress for the elements: You wouldn’t go out without a toque or mittens in -20, so don’t forget to dress for the weather when it’s +20!
- Choose a sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection and minimum SPF 30: This will protect you from both UV and UVB rays – both of which damage skin. Remember to reapply frequently, especially if you are sweating.
- Sunglasses: Your eyes need protection from UV rays too. Look for sunglasses with UV protection.
- Clothing: Consider wearing loose and light clothing with good coverage to further protect yourself from the sun. And don’t forget a hat!
Plan your visit: Outdoor visits can occur in a variety of places and times. Make sure you are familiar with where you are going ahead of time so you can plan.
- Is there shade? Outdoor structures are not always available so consider bringing an umbrella or going elsewhere to get some shade.
- Are you near a water station? If you are going to be away from amenities, bring a large water bottle to help you stay hydrated.
- Try to avoid being outside between 10 am – 4 pm when the sun is the strongest.
Resident and Family Survey
The 2021 Resident & Family Survey is open! Don’t miss the opportunity to tell us about your experience at our AgeCare Communities.
On the survey, you’ll find questions about your experience with AgeCare. Your feedback will be completely anonymous and will help us improve the life of someone who truly matters - you or your loved one. If you are a resident or designated person for a resident, check your inbox for your link to the survey.
Visitation Guidelines
Thank you to everyone who has booked a visit and followed all of the guidelines – your dedication to keeping our communities safe and COVID-free is very appreciated.
Remember,
- Continuous masking is required for ALL visitors while inside the community. Masks are not required for children under 2 years of age.
- All visitors must understand the risk of unknown exposure for themselves and residents and assess health before visits.
- All visits must be booked in advance and during reception hours to ensure staff can provide a health screening.
- Visitors must be screened if the visit is inside or you need to enter the building to reach the outdoor visit space.
- Rapid Antigen Screening is available for visitors at all sites. All visitors are encouraged to be screened for COVID-19 when possible. View RAS Clinic hours.
- Visitors must follow all safe visiting practices and COVID-19 protocols. Visits may be refused if a visitor is not abiding by their responsibilities.
- Consider the weather. As we move to warmer days, don’t forget sunscreen for you and your loved ones. Covered outdoor spaces are not possible at many of our communities, so consider bringing an umbrella or hat for visits.
Download our NEW Guides
- Designated Family Support Visits Guide (pdf)
- Indoor Social Visits Guide (pdf)
- Outdoor Visits Guide (pdf)
Virtual Visits
As we return to our pre-pandemic lives, we are encouraging in-person visitation when possible. Virtual Visits will still be available but we ask that they be reserved for those who cannot visit in person. Contact your AgeCare community for more information.
Recreation Programming
Our recreation team is working hard to create engaging activities that enrich the mind, body and spirit while reducing the risk of transmission and having the least impact on resident well-being.
At this time, recreation activities will be held in individual neighbourhoods where possible and in larger spaces. This is to ensure that all participants can maintain physical distancing.
View the June Recreation Calendar for your AgeCare Community:
- AgeCare Columbia
- AgeCare Glenmore
- AgeCare Midnapore
- AgeCare Orchard Manor
- AgeCare Sagewood
- AgeCare Seton
- AgeCare Skypointe
- AgeCare Sunrise Gardens
- AgeCare Valleyview
- AgeCare Walden Heights
Weekly Shout Out
This week we’re shouting out White Barn Fun Farms and our furry animal friends!
Recently residents at AgeCare Valleyview had a very special visit from some four-legged friends. Residents and staff enjoyed the day petting, feeding, taking photos and enjoying the antics of these sweet and funny barnyard buddies.
Animals are a great way to connect with nature and help to reduce stress and anxiety… plus, they are so cute!
