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.
- Resident vaccinations update – this week, we are sharing new information on resident vaccinations as well as a vaccination FAQ and how to stay safe during visits.
- Alberta Health Survey – Alberta Health has provided a link to participate in a Government of Alberta survey to help identify opportunities for changing and improving designated supportive living and long-term care in Alberta.
- Staying safe during in-person visits – What to expect when you book to visit your loved one and how to stay safe.
- 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
2021 – A new year brings hope
A piece of good news as we said goodbye to 2020, on December 31st the first of our AgeCare communities began to receive their COVID-19 vaccinations. Since then, 2021 is off to a hopeful start with most of our communities having residents and staff receive or scheduled to receive their first COVID-19 vaccination by the end of January. A second dose of vaccine is required and will be administered in 3-4 weeks after the initial dose.
While this is a promising start to the year, we are not out of the woods yet. We will all need to continue to follow public health guidance to ensure the safety of those who are not yet able to receive the vaccine.
COVID-19 Vaccination FAQ
Q: Who is in charge of vaccinations?
A: Alberta Health Services (AHS) is working collaboratively with our AgeCare team on the delivery of immunization services. AgeCare will monitor residents closely after the vaccine is delivered.
Q: Does the vaccine provide immunity right away?
A: NO. All available vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) require a second booster dose 21 -28 days after the initial vaccination. You are not considered immune until at least seven days after your second dose. You can still contract COVID-19 if exposed in between your two doses. This is why we must continue to be vigilant and follow public health guidance.
Q: My loved one has received their first dose of vaccination. I want mine before I visit them. Can I receive the vaccine now?
A: NO. Alberta Health Services is working closely with Alberta Health to ensure high-risk populations and those most vulnerable to COVID-19 receive their vaccinations first. At this time, the general population can expect to begin receiving vaccinations in Fall 2021. More information about the phased vaccination rollout is available on the AHS website
Q: Does the COVID-19 vaccine have any side effects?
A: As with most immunizations/vaccines there are common but mild side effects including pain at the site of the injection, headache and feeling tired or slightly feverish. There is a possibility of an allergic reaction that can be treated by the healthcare worker administrating the vaccine. More information
Q: Can the vaccine give me COVID-19
A: NO. Both available vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) are mRNA vaccines. mRNA vaccines DO NOT contain the virus so it cannot give you COVID-19.
Alberta Health wants to hear from you!
Alberta Health is beginning a review of the facility-based continuing care system. AgeCare has been asked to share with our residents, resident family members and staff a preliminary survey to help identify opportunities to change and improve the lives of continuing care residents. While this survey will address how to better prevent and manage pandemics, please also consider the state of care prior to COVID-19 so that a fulsome picture can be created. You can access the survey until January 29th.
Staying safe during in-person visits
As vaccinations across facilities rollout, there may be a temptation to relax your behaviour when visiting a family member. Even with the initial vaccination immunity has not been reached. You and your loved ones are still at risk if proper visitation guidelines are not followed. We are on the right path and need to stay committed to following visitation rules for the next several months. Here is what you can continue to expect the day of your visit:
- On the day of your visit:
Assess your health to ensure you are feeling well and not experiencing any symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, runny nose, generally feeling unwell) - Review and understand the risk of unknown exposure to you and your loved ones.
Bring a NEW disposable medical/surgical mask. Do not bring a mask that you have used previously. Example: You wore your mask into the grocery store prior to your visit. If you plan on practicing safe physical touch, bring a SECOND MASK to wear while exiting the building. - Bring a pen to complete the required paperwork including the screening process.
When you arrive: - Complete hand hygiene.
- Put on your mask. Ensure full coverage over mouth and nose.
- Provide name and contact information to the reception team.
- Complete Health Assessment Screening.
- Have your temperature taken.
- Go DIRECTLY to the resident suite or designated visiting space as advised by the reception team.
- Avoid touching surfaces or areas in common spaces.
When you leave: - Continue to wear your mask. If you practiced safe physical touch during your visit, place a new mask on before leaving the resident room.
- Let the reception team know you are leaving.
- Remove and discard your mask in the designated area.
- Complete hand hygiene.
Remember: - Do NOT reuse masks or wear previously worn masks during your visit.
- Wearing gloves does NOT reduce your risk. Proper hand hygiene is the best way to stop the spread from touched surfaces.
- Practice social distancing during your visit.
- During each visit, there can be only 1 designated family/support person at one time
- Designated family/support persons must book each visit in advance.
Please Note: For communities in outbreak status, visits to particular neighbourhoods will not be possible. 
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.
Virtual Visits
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
AgeCare Sunrise Garden – Jan 2021
Weekly Shout-Out
This week's shout out is for the entire staff at AgeCare Orchard Manor!
Christmas this year was full of change, and every person in the building worked hard all through the month of December to keep the Christmas spirit alive. Our recreation department decorated beautiful trees throughout the building, and the staff social club held a 12 days of Christmas event with games, theme days and a door decorating contest that revealed the artists in our midst. Staff went above and beyond to spread cheer, kindness, and joy with residents and each other, and it really did make the season bright.
We all look forward to keeping this energy and spirit alive for 2021