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. This week we are sending our update a day early.
- Information and announcements – this week, we are sharing new information on resident vaccinations and a reminder on our indoor visitation restrictions at our AgeCare communities.
- Recreation calendars as the need to stay active, intellectually stimulated, and socially connected never ends.
- A weekly shout-out to 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
Happy New Year from all of us at AgeCare
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought so many changes that were impossible to foresee at the start of 2020. And, while incredibly challenging, it has also emphasized our need to truly connect with those who are most important in our lives, especially when we can't physically be together.
Now, with the New Year upon us and the COVID-19 vaccination underway across our province, there is hope of a brighter time ahead. As we work to regain a sense of normalcy, we hope that this new appreciation for connection and togetherness remains.
Remember, we are all in this together, and together we will bend the curve back down.
Be safe, be kind, and follow public health guidance, so we can reduce the spread of COVID-19 for a brighter, healthier 2021.
Resident Vaccinations
We are very pleased to share that we have received word from Alberta Health Services (AHS) that resident vaccination is forthcoming. This announcement is in addition to the staff vaccinations shared last week.
Once we receive notification from AHS of either staff or resident vaccinations, this will be shared with you by the site leadership.
For resident vaccinations, once announced, our team will contact either the resident or the resident's substitute decision maker on file to obtain verbal permission for these vaccinations. AHS will lead the delivery of the COVID-19 immunization program in continuing care settings. Our team will work collaboratively with AHS to organize the delivery of immunization services and monitor residents closely after the vaccine is delivered.
AHS has created a vaccine information sheet (PDF) covering the different types of COVID-19 vaccines, how well it works, and the potential side effects. This vaccine is free for all Canadians.
Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread and reduce the impact of COVID-19. Canada is recognized worldwide for its high standards for drug and vaccine review, approvals, and monitoring systems. If you would like to learn more about how the vaccines were developed, Health Canada has created a video.
We wish to thank all of you for your support and look forward to having both our staff and residents immunized for COVID-19. It is an essential step in ending this devastating pandemic.
Visitation Restrictions at AgeCare
As communicated previously, we have re-opened our communities for indoor visits with some limitations in place. We continue to monitor the situation closely and adjust if required. Please note that the Medical Officer of Health (MOH) has the discretion and can provide direction to sites to cease visits during an outbreak. These measures will remain in place until January 6, 2020.
- Residents/decision-makers can designate up to 2 adults over the age of 18 for indoor visits (family member, friend, companion, volunteer, support worker, power of attorney/ trustee, agent, legal guardian, or other).
- Designated family/support persons must book each visit in advance.
- During each visit, there can be only 1 designated support person at one time.
- There will be no temporary replacement of designated support persons at this time, except in extenuating circumstances.
- All visitors must understand the risk of unknown exposure to COVID-19 for themselves and residents and assess health before visits.
- When entering, visitors must be screened and follow ALL safe visiting practices and COVID-19 protocols. If visitors do not follow these, we will deem the visit unsafe, and the visitor will be asked to leave.
Please read our Indoor Visit Guide (PDF) for all the details to ensure a safe visit. This revised guide reflects our practices during high case numbers and state of public emergency.
As per the letters shared earlier this week, Dr. Hinshaw asks all designated family/support persons to limit their presence on site. Though you can be there to maintain resident mental and physical health and well-being. If there is any other way to meet those needs without coming to the site, please do so.
- Residents Letter from Dr. Hinshaw (PDF)
- Family Letter from Dr. Hinshaw (PDF)
- Alberta Health Restrictions Q&A (PDF)
To ensure residents and family can stay connected during this time, we continue to offer scheduled virtual visits. Residents and families can book one virtual technology session per week. All virtual visits will continue as long as the site is staffed appropriately and care needs are met.
To book a virtual visit, contact your AgeCare community:
Recreation Programming
Our recreation team is working hard to create engaging activities that enrich the mind, body and spirit. We are continuously looking for ways to reduce the risk of transmission while 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 January Recreation Calendar for your AgeCare Community:
AgeCare Orchard Manor – Jan 2021
Weekly Shout-Out
This week's shout out is again to the staff at our AgeCare communities.
For all the ways you are making this holiday season special for our residents.
