Hillsdale Estates

Long-Term Care Homes COVID-19 Update

Home Regional GovernmentLong-Term Care Homes COVID-19 Update

Our homes will continue to have masks readily available throughout the home. IPAC practices, such as hand-hygiene, should continue to be followed to promote safety and well-being. Please note that in the event of an outbreak, the home will follow the guidance of the Public Health Department as related to specific protocols that may be required.

Visiting:

Visitors should continue to avoid visiting the home for 10 days after symptom onset or a positive COVID-19 test result.

COVID-19 vaccination:

Getting vaccinated and staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines is the best way to remain protected from the most serious effects of COVID-19.

Visitor Policy

Prior to visiting any resident for the first time and at least once every month thereafter, the home will ask caregivers to verbally attest to the home that they have read/re-read the home's visitor policy.

Visitor Training

Prior to visiting any resident for the first time, the home is providing access to training for caregivers that addresses how to safely provide direct care, including putting on and taking off required PPE, and hand hygiene. Please take time to review. You will be asked to verbally attest to the training when you visit.

Thank you for your understanding. The health and safety of our residents—and the team members who care for them—remains our highest priority.

Please note that if you are the emergency contact or Power of Attorney (POA) for a resident who tests positive, you will be contacted directly by the home.

For additional details on COVID-19, please visit the Durham Region Respiratory Virus Data Tracker.

We continue to follow all IPAC, Public Health and Ministry requirements and will update this site as required.

For the most up-to-date information about COVID-19 in Durham Region, visit durham.ca/NovelCoronavirus.

FAQ's - I'm a family member and would like more information

Last updated: September 24, 2024

Should you have any questions, please reach out to a member of the management team at the home.

What are the current requirements to visit?

All general visitors, including children under the age of 5, can visit homes.
Indoor and outdoor visits can be any size, space permitting.

Do I need to be tested prior to arriving at the long-term care home?

No, testing is no longer required upon entry to a long-term care home.

How many people can visit?

Indoor and outdoor visits can be any size, space permitting.

Can children visit?

Yes, all general visitors, including children under the age of 5, can visit homes.

What proof of vaccination is needed at the screening desk?

Proof of vaccination is no longer required to enter a Regional Long-Term Care home.

Where can I go while visiting?

Visiting can occur in resident rooms, in the hallways of the home area, home area lounges, and TV rooms. Visiting in common areas off the home areas is permitted.

Should the home be placed into an isolation, precaution situation or outbreak, the home will then determine the visiting area locations, and provide direction to visitors and caregivers.

Are visitors allowed to eat and drink in the home and remove their mask while in the resident’s room?

Yes, however it is strongly recommended that visitors and caregivers wear masks in resident areas indoors except when with the resident in the resident’s room or when eating or drinking with the resident in communal spaces.

Are activities permitted?

To support the mental health and well-being of residents, activities within the home – such as communal dining, social activities and exercise classes are permitted.

Are there specific visiting hours?

We encourage regular visits from family and friends. Family and friends are welcome to participate in our social programs, Family Council and resident care conferences. There are no restricted visiting hours. However, we ask visitors to check with staff if they want to visit between 8 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Please use the Visitor Sign In/Out logs at each visit as it is important to know who is in the building in the event of an emergency.

Can I take my loved one home or on a day outing?

Yes.

What happens when the resident returns home from the outing?

As of March 31, 2023, daily temperature checks or screening of residents returning from an absence are no longer required, however, staff will continue to monitor residents daily to detect for the presence of infection.

Do individuals taking a resident on a day absence require testing?

No, testing is no longer required upon entry to a long-term care home

Can a resident leave for a medical appointment?

Yes, medical appointments are permitted.

What happens if I test positive with COVID-19 and I have recently visited or spent time with a resident?

Please call and advise the home immediately. The home will consult with Public Health to determine risk and timing of the exposure, and advise if any isolation and testing is required of the resident and/or the home area.

FAQ - I’m a community member and would like to thank staff

Your support and encouragement means the world to our team. A simple thank you goes a long way. You can send us a note electronically, and we will share it with the team. For the health and safety of our residents and staff, we are not accepting donations of homemade food or other gifts.

If you have other items you would like to donate, please check with our home administration first.

Send a greeting card to your loved one in long-term care

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