Long-Term Care Homes COVID-19 Update

May 21 update: Yesterday, the Provincial Government released it Roadmap to Reopen. To align with these changes, the Ministry of Long-Term Care is allowing the restarting of outdoor visits.

Starting May 22, general visitors can come to long-term care homes to see their loved ones for an outdoor visit. There are still processes that need to be followed to support outdoor visits. This includes booking a visit by calling the home at 905-579-3313 extension 5000 from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

The new Ministry of Long-Term Care directive outlines the following:

• A maximum of two general visitors at a time per resident in addition to essential caregiver(s).
• Children under the age of two years do not count towards the general visitor maximum.
• General visitors must be actively screened upon arrival and prior to the visit and should not proceed beyond entry points/areas in homes.
• General visitors do not need to undergo a rapid antigen test as their visit will be outdoors.
• General visitors need to maintain physical distancing at all times from the resident.
• General visitors must wear a face mask that covers mouth, nose and chin at all times during the visit
• Only registered essential caregivers are permitted inside the building, and that is capped at one at a time per resident. 

Reminder: outdoor visits are to be booked by calling 905-579-3313 ext. 5000.

Hillsdale Terraces is happy to welcome the following visitors:

• Essential Caregiver
• Virtual Visits via Zoom

Essential Caregiver

Every resident can designate a maximum of two individuals as essential caregivers. Essential caregivers are friends and family who visit in-person in the resident room, to provide direct care to the resident (e.g. supporting feeding, mobility, cognitive stimulation, communication and assistance in decision-making). Only one essential caregiver can visit at a time.

Registration Procedures for Essential Caregivers

• Every essential caregiver must be registered with the home. To book an appointment to register, please call Reception at 905-579-3313, ext. 5000.
• It is mandatory that the essential caregiver has obtained a COVID-19 negative test result within the last seven days prior to registering with the home. Proof of the negative test result must be shown to the screener.
• During registration, the essential caregiver will receive education on infection control procedures and will be given instructions as to screening procedures. Essential caregivers must receive this training monthly.
• During registration, the essential caregiver will receive a copy of the homes visiting policy and must verbally attest that they have read it. Essential caregivers must read and attest that they have read this monthly.
• During registration, the essential caregiver will receive an identification badge and lanyard that must be worn at all times while in the home.

Visiting Procedures for Essential Caregivers

• For registered essential caregivers, there is no limit to the number of visits or the time spent visiting.
• Essential caregivers must be 18 years of age or older.
• Essential caregivers must pass screening requirements at the screening desk. Screening consists of answering questions, having a temperature check and showing proof of your negative COVID-19 test result in the last seven days with no subsequent positive test.
• The home will provide surgical /procedure masks, gloves, gowns and eye protection (as applicable).
• Visits for essential caregivers are permitted as follows and are subject to direction from Durham Public Health Unit.

When the home is not in outbreak: 

• A maximum of one caregiver per resident visit, if the resident is not self-isolating or symptomatic.
• A maximum of one caregiver per resident per visit, if the resident is self-isolating or symptomatic.

When the home is in outbreak:

• A maximum of one visitor at a time.

Virtual Visits via Zoom

• Virtual visits are available using Zoom technology. 
• Zoom visits are scheduled through the Recreation Department.  Please call 905-579-3313 ext. 5010 to book a Zoom visit.

June 8 update: Public Health has declared the outbreak on Lavender Lane over today (June 8, 2021) and we no longer have any active staff or resident cases. The home is out of outbreak. Thank you everyone for all your work and support.

May 26 update: We have been notified by Public Health that we have one new COVID positive resident case on Lavender Lane. The resident will be moved to the COVID Isolation Unit on Honey Harbour. All residents on Lavender Lane will be placed on isolation. 

Essential caregivers may continue to visit in every home area, one at a time, and we ask that all visits on Lavender Lane occur in the resident room. The home continues to operate under COVID-19 outbreak protocols as directed by Public Health.

Please note that all residents in the building were swabbed on Friday, May 21. As we continue to receive these results, we will provide you with updates as needed. 

May 21 update: The Ministry of Long-Term Care has updated guidance for general visitors to our long-term care homes. Effective tomorrow, general visitors can book an outdoor visit at Hillsdale Estates to spend time with their loved ones.

Essential caregiver visits remain unchanged. Also, any home area that is in outbreak cannot participate in general visiting.

General visitors that book an appointment must:

• Book their visit in advance from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday to Saturday. Please use the booking app or call extension 6332. The booking app will be available as of 6 p.m. this evening to start booking.
• Answer active screening questions upon check-in at the screening table.
• Change into a home-issued surgical mask.
• Not pass beyond the screening area in the lobby.

As all general visits will be outdoors in designated areas, staff will bring residents to their booked visits. As well:

• Only two general visitors may visit at a time per resident, not including children under the age of two.
• No testing is required to make a visit.
• All visitors must maintain physical distancing and wear masks.

These rules may change over the coming weeks but are essential to keeping us on the path to normal. We look forward to your visit!

May 13 update: Public Health is declaring an outbreak on AB due to a high-risk staff exposure on AB. All residents on AB will be placed into isolation and will be swabbed today and in three to five-day intervals.

Essential caregivers may continue to visit in every home area, one at a time, and we ask that all visits occur in the resident room.

Please note that Public Health has advised the home that staff and essential caregivers who have previously tested positive for COVID-19 90 days ago or more are to resume surveillance testing, as per the current protocols in the home. This change is in response to the variants of concern.

The home continues to operate under COVID-19 outbreak protocols as directed by Public Health. We will continue to provide you with regular updates as needed. If you have any questions, please connect with a manager as soon as possible. 

April 29 update: Public Health has declared the outbreak on Willow Way over. The following home areas remain in outbreak: Apple Blossom, Blueberry Hill, and Moonlight Bay. Residents on these home areas will continue to be swabbed in three to five-day intervals.

Essential caregivers may continue to visit in every home area, one at a time, and we ask that all visits occur in the resident’s room. There are no further changes to the surveillance and testing protocols in place at this time. Public Health continues to request the home to provide PCR and Rapid Antigen Testing for essential caregivers. 

The home continues to operate under COVID-19 outbreak protocols as directed by Public Health. We will continue to provide you with regular updates as needed.

April 28 update: Public Health has advised us that the residents on the unaffected home areas no longer need to stay in their rooms; they do need to remain on their home areas. Resident swab results to date are negative.

The following home areas remain in outbreak: Apple Blossom, Blueberry Hill, Willow Way and Moonlight Bay. Residents on these home areas will continue to be swabbed in three to five-day intervals.  

Essential caregivers may continue to visit in every home area, one at a time, and we ask that all visits occur in the resident room.

There are no further changes to the surveillance and testing protocols in place at this time. Public Health continues to request the home to provide PCR and Rapid Antigen Testing for essential caregivers.

The home continues to operate under COVID-19 outbreak protocols, as directed by Public Health. We will continue to provide you with regular updates as needed.

April 27 update: Due to the facility-wide outbreak declared on April 23 at Hillsdale Estates, all residents in the home were tested immediately and testing continued in three to four-day intervals. Three staff and one resident in total – on Apple Blossom, Blueberry Hill, Willow Way and Moonlight Bay, and the short hall in Honey Harbour – have tested positive. The home continues to operate under COVID-19 outbreak protocols as directed by Public Health.

April 23 update: Public Health has declared a facility-wide outbreak. Public Health has notified us of one positive resident and one positive staff test result on Apple Blossom, both are currently asymptomatic. All other resident test results on Apple Blossom are negative. Residents on Apple Blossom will remain in isolation until further notice. Please note this may have also resulted in low risk exposure on Willow Way and Blueberry Hill. Out of an abundance of caution, residents on Willow Way and Blueberry Hill will be placed into isolation. 

All other residents in the home will be asked to remain in their rooms and we will be using the vacant short hall home area on Honey Harbour for isolation of positive residents. All residents in the home will be tested immediately. Testing will continue in three to four day intervals.

Essential caregivers may continue to visit in every home area one at a time and we ask that all visits occur in the resident room. There are changes to the surveillance and testing protocols in place for essential caregivers effective immediately. Public Health has requested the home to provide PCR testing for the essential caregivers. Clinic staff will advise you when a PCR is required. On other days, you will be required to provide a Rapid Antigen Test.

The home continues to operate under COVID-19 outbreak protocols as directed by Public Health. While we believe the risk of spread to be minimal, we will act with all caution to ensure the safety of the residents and staff.

We will continue to provide you with regular updates as needed.

Hillsdale Estates is happy to welcome the following visitors:

• Essential Caregiver
• Virtual Visits via Zoom

Essential Caregiver

Every resident can have one essential caregiver visit at a time. Essential caregivers are friends and family who visit in-person in the resident room, to provide direct care to the resident (e.g. supporting feeding, mobility, cognitive stimulation, communication and assistance in decision-making). 

Registration Procedures for Essential Caregivers

• Every essential caregiver must be registered with the home. To book an appointment to register, please call the visiting resource line at ext. 6332.
• It is mandatory that the essential caregiver has obtained a COVID-19 negative test result within the last seven days prior to registering with the home. Proof of the negative test result must be shown to the screener at each visit.
• During registration, essential caregivers will receive education on infection control procedures and will be given instructions as to screening procedures. Essential caregivers must receive this training monthly.
• During registration, the essential caregiver will receive a copy of the homes visiting policy and must verbally attest that they have read it. Essential caregivers must read and attest that they have read this monthly.

Visiting Procedures for Essential Caregivers

• For registered essential caregivers, there is no limit to the number of visits or the time spent visiting.
• Essential caregivers must be 18 years of age or older.
• Essential caregivers must pass screening requirements at the screening desk. Screening consists of answering questions, having a temperature check and showing proof of your negative COVID-19 test result in the last seven days with no subsequent positive test to the screener.
• The home will provide surgical/procedure masks, gloves, gowns and eye protection (as applicable).
• The essential caregiver will be provided with an identification badge at the time of check-in that must be worn at all times while in the home.
• Visits for essential caregivers are permitted as follows and are subject to direction from Durham Public Health Unit 

When the home is not in outbreak:

• A maximum of one caregiver per resident visit, if the resident is not self-isolating or symptomatic.
• A maximum of one caregiver per resident per visit, if the resident is self-isolating or symptomatic.

When the home is in outbreak:

• A maximum of one visitor at a time.

Virtual Visits via Zoom

• Virtual visits are available using Zoom technology. 
• Zoom visits are scheduled through the Recreation Department. Please go to our online booking site to book a Zoom visit.

May 21 update: Yesterday, the provincial government released its Roadmap to Reopen. To align with these changes, the Ministry of Long-Term Care updated Directive #3 to expedite the ability for family members and friends to visit their loved ones who live in long-term care (LTC) homes across the province.

This means that effective May 22, general visitors can come to LTC homes to see their loved ones for an outdoor visit. Only general visitors are required to book an appointment. To book a visit with your loved one, please call front reception at 905-668-5851 ext. 5913. Appointments are available between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.  General visitors will need to check in at the screening table upon arrival, answer active screening questions and follow all public health measures to keep everyone safe. The process for ECs remains the same.

A summary of the updates to Directive #3 are as follows:

• Two general visitors and two essential caregivers (for a maximum of four) are permitted to visit a resident outside by appointment only. Essential caregivers must wear an essential caregiver badge while visiting.
• Children under the age of two years do not count towards the general visitor maximum.
• General visitors cannot proceed beyond entry points/areas in the home. Access to washroom facilities is not available currently.
• General visitors do not need to undergo a rapid antigen test as visits will be outdoors.
• General visitors must always maintain physical distancing and wear masks.
• Physical distancing from other groups of visitors must be maintained.
• Pets are still not permitted to visit.

Thank you. Let’s all work together and follow these new directives to keep residents safe.

May 18 update: Public Health is declaring an outbreak on Heritage Harbour due to a high-risk staff exposure. All residents on HH will be placed into isolation and will be swabbed in three to five-day intervals.  

Essential caregivers may continue to visit in every home area, one at a time, and must remain in the resident’s rooms while visiting.

Please note that Public Health has advised the home that staff and essential caregivers who have previously tested positive for COVID-19 90 days ago or more are to resume surveillance testing as per the current protocols in the home. This change is in response to the variants of concern.

The home continues to operate under COVID-19 outbreak protocols as directed by Public Health. We will continue to provide you with regular updates as needed. If you have any questions, please connect with a manager.

Our best defense against COVID-19 is to have all staff and visitors vaccinated, please get your vaccination.

Fairview Lodge is happy to welcome the following visitors: 

• 1.  Essential Caregiver
• 2.  Virtual Visits

1.  Essential Caregiver

Every resident can designate a maximum of two individuals as essential caregivers. Caregivers are friends and family who visit in-person in the resident room and within the home, to provide direct care to the resident (e.g. supporting feeding, mobility, cognitive stimulation, communication and assistance in decision-making).

Registration Procedures for Essential Caregivers

• Every essential caregiver must be registered with the home. To register, please call to book an appointment at ext. 5999.
• The caregiver must obtain a COVID-19 negative swab within the last seven days prior to registering with the home for your visit. 
• During registration, caregivers will receive education on infection control procedures and will be given instruction as to screening procedures. This will take place every month.
• During registration, the essential caregiver will receive a copy of the homes visiting policy and must read it.
• During registration, the essential caregiver will receive an identification badge and lanyard that must be worn at all times within the home.

Visiting Procedures for Essential Caregivers

• For registered caregivers, there is no limit to the number of visits or the time spent visiting.
• Essential caregivers must be 18 years of age or older.
• Essential caregivers must pass screening requirements at the screening desk. Screening consists of answering questions, having a temperature check and providing proof of a negative COVID-19 test in the last seven days with no subsequent positive test. 
• The home will provide surgical/procedure masks, gloves, gowns and eye protection (as applicable).
• Visits for essential caregivers are permitted as follows and are subject to direction from Durham Public Health Unit. 

When the home is not in outbreak:

• A maximum of one caregiver per resident visit, if the resident is not self-isolating or symptomatic.
• A maximum of one caregiver per resident per visit, if the resident is self-isolating or symptomatic.

     When the home is in outbreak:

• A maximum of one visitor at a time.

2.  Virtual Visits

Virtual visits are available via Skype or Facetime technology. Virtual visits are scheduled through the recreation department:

           Ashburn Way – Elizabeth.Carvalho@durham.ca

           Cullen Gardens – Lucia.Kalmeyer@durham.ca

           Whitby Juction – Jaeden.English@durham.ca

           Trafalgar Square – Stacey.Smith@durham.ca

           Yorkshire Place – Alanna.Rouette@durham.ca

           Heritage Harbour – Shannon.Cox@durham.ca

           Marigold Lane – Jessica.Murley@durham.ca

3.  Home Tours 

Please note that the home is currently not conducting tours. If you wish to view the home, please go to the virtual tour online.

May 21 update: Yesterday, the Provincial Government released its Roadmap to Reopen. To align with these changes, the Ministry of Long-Term Care updated Directive #3 to expedite the ability for family members and friends to visit their loved ones who live in long-term care homes across the province.

This means that effective Saturday, May 22, general visitors can come to Lakeview Manor to see their loved one for a scheduled outdoor visit. There are still processes that will need to be followed to support outdoor visits. This includes booking a scheduled visit by calling Recreation at ext. 5322.  The volume of calls may be high, so please leave a message and a recreation staff member will get back to you in a timely fashion. Please do not come to the home until you have a designated appointment time, unless you are already an essential caregiver. 

General visitors will need to check in at the gazebo at the back of the property and should not proceed beyond entry points in the home. Washrooms for general visitors remain closed. At the gazebo, general visitors will answer active screening questions and review public health measures that need to be followed to keep everyone safe. At that point, your loved one will be brought outside for your visit.

The updated Directive #3, as well the Ministry’s visitor policy and guidance document set out the following

• A maximum of two general visitors at a time per resident in addition to essential caregiver(s).
• Children under the age of two years do not count towards the general visitor maximum.
• General visitors do not need to undergo a rapid antigen test as their visit will be outdoors (essential caregivers are still required to follow the practices previously in place).
• General visitors need to maintain physical distancing and wear masks, and every effort should be made to ensure different groups of visitors are also physically distanced from one another.
• Essential caregivers should still continue with all practises previously set in place with one exception; face shields are not required outdoors, please continue to wear your face shield while indoors.
• Essential caregivers are required to continue wearing identification, including your fully vaccinated button if you have one. 
• As a general note, it is recommended that you bring a lawn chair for your visit as seating on the property is limited.

Thank you for your understanding during this difficult time.

We remind you that if you are a registered essential caregiver, we will be requiring you to have a rapid antigen test up to three times per week in the ADP wing of Lakeview Manor, prior to visiting your loved one. The test will take 15 minutes to complete. The clinic hours are 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., seven days per week. Please continue to screen in at the front door prior to going to the ADP.

If you need to visit between the hours of 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., the screener at the front door will contact a Registered Nurse to administer the test for you. If you are visiting after 8 p.m., please call the RN in charge at ext. 5366 to arrange to meet you at the front door, let you in, screen and swab you.  Please continue to screen in at the front door prior to going to the ADP.

All essential caregivers will be given a monthly rapid antigen test passport that will be initialed when you receive your test. Please ensure you bring your passport to each visit.

All essential caregivers are required to wear a face mask and eye protection during your visit, both of which are provided at the screening desk. 

We appreciate your understanding and support during this difficult time.

Satellite COVID-19 assessment clinics have been set up to better help serve the residents of north Durham. 

The clinics are being held on Mondays at the Sunderland Town Hall, 120 River Street; Wednesdays at the Beaverton Fire Hall, 360 Bay Street; and Fridays at the Manilla Community Hall, 16990 Simcoe Street.  All three areas will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on their respective days and closed for lunch from noon until 12:30 p.m. 

All sites are by appointment only. No walk-ins will be taken.

To book an appointment and access the online assessment form, please visit covidswab.lh.ca.

Lakeview Manor is happy to welcome the following visitors:

• Essential Caregiver
• Window Visits
• Virtual Visits

1.  Essential Caregiver

Every resident can designate a maximum of two individuals as essential caregivers. Caregivers are friends and family who visit in-person in the resident room and within the home, to provide direct care to the resident (e.g. supporting feeding, mobility, cognitive stimulation, communication and assistance in decision-making).

Registration Procedures for Essential Caregivers

• Every essential caregiver must be registered with the home. To register, please contact Rob Clayton at 705-426-7388 ext. 5320.
• We ask the caregiver to obtain and provide proof of a COVID-19 negative swab within the last seven days of the visit.
• During registration, caregivers will receive education on infection control procedures and will be given instruction as to screening procedures.
• During registration, the essential caregiver will receive a copy of the homes visiting policy and must verbally attest that they have read it.
• During registration, the essential caregiver will receive an identification badge that must be worn at all times within the home.

Visiting Procedures for Essential Caregivers

• For registered caregivers, there is no limit to the number of visits or the time spent visiting.
• Essential caregivers must be 18 years of age or older.
• Essential caregivers must pass screening requirements at the screening desk. Screening consists of answering questions, having a temperature check and providing proof of a negative COVID-19 test in the last seven days with no subsequent positive test. 
• The home will provide surgical /procedure masks, gloves, gowns and eye protection (as applicable).
• Visits for essential caregivers are permitted as follows and are subject to direction from Durham Public Health Unit.

When the home is not in outbreak:

• A maximum of one caregiver per resident visit, if the resident is not self-isolating or symptomatic.
• A maximum of one caregiver per resident per visit, if the resident is self-isolating or symptomatic.

When the home is in outbreak:

• A maximum of one visitor at a time.

2.  Virtual Visits

Virtual visits are available via Zoom, Facetime, and Messenger and are booked through the Recreation team at ext. 5322.

3.  Home Tours 

The home is currently not conducting tours. If you wish to view the home, please go to the virtual tour online. 

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

Last updated: January 7, 2021

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

My loved one is currently a resident in a Regional long-term care home, am I able to visit them?

As the status changes frequently, please click on the home tab to see the most recent visiting guidelines.

Can my loved one leave the property for any reason?

Residents can leave the property for scheduled medical appointments only. Please review the Absence policy.

Are all residents screened for COVID-19?

We are conducting active screening of all residents, at least twice daily (at the beginning and end of the day) to identify if any resident has fever, cough or other symptoms of COVID-19. Residents with symptoms (including mild respiratory and/or atypical symptoms) will be isolated and tested for COVID-19.

What preventative measures are being taken to keep my loved one safe?

All Regional Long-Term Care homes are actively screening anyone coming into their homes. We continue to monitor the situation closely. This screening includes asking for verification of a negative COVID-19 test in the last seven days.

We have enhanced sanitation measures and continue to encourage those in our homes to practise good hygiene. We are limiting close interactions among those within our homes. Plus, we are isolating residents who show symptoms, to help prevent the spread of this virus; and employees are wearing personal protective equipment (includes a surgical mask with a shield, a gown and gloves) when caring for symptomatic residents.

As of March 19, staff employed at a Regional long-term care home are not permitted to work at more than one facility, as a further precaution to help reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.

We have been following direction from the Ministry of Health since the pandemic began. This includes actively screening all employees and visitors, social distancing, reinforcing hand hygiene and ensuring staff do not report to work if ill.

These practices have been put into place to help ensure the continued health and safety of our residents, and the individuals who provide a high level of care in our homes.

My loved one lives in a unit where someone tested positive. What are you doing to limit the spread?

When a resident tests positive for COVID-19, all residents on that unit will be tested again. Further testing will be assessed, in collaboration with Public Health, using a risk-based approach based on exposures.  

Regional long-term care homes are committed to providing exceptional care, following all Ministry regulations. The health, safety and well-being of those within our care are the highest priority.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be changed between residents so if the employee gives care to the resident who tested positive, the employee will need to change their PPE before caring for your loved one.

Should your loved one test positive for COVID-19, in addition to maintaining our regular high level of care, employees are required to wear personal protective equipment (includes a surgical mask with a shield, a gown and gloves) when entering the rooms of any symptomatic residents. This gear is changed before and after any interaction with symptomatic residents.

Employees are diligent in the monitoring of these patients.

Also, employees who work in a unit where someone tested positive will be asked to work isolate. This means that staff working in the impacted unit work only on that unit and then are required to self-isolate at home. They are also required to take their temperature twice daily and continue to self-monitor.

How are staff screened for COVID-19?

All staff are to self-screen at home and not to report to work if they are ill. Upon entering the building, they are actively screened using a screening tool developed by the Ministry of Health. This includes having their temperature taken at the start and end of every shift.

In addition, all employees who have worked in units where residents have tested positive, will also be tested, regardless of if they are showing symptoms.

As of November 23, all staff are required to be surveillance tested weekly, following Ministry of Long-Term Care guidance.

What criteria is used to determine if a resident is showing symptoms of COVID-19?

Residents are being monitored for symptoms including fever and unusual respiratory symptoms such as cough, runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat. If symptoms develop, they are immediately placed in isolation and monitored closely. 

How are staff members managing social distancing for the residents? 

Group activities have been suspended throughout the homes since the COVID-19 measures were put in place. While the layouts of long-term care homes vary, staff are encouraging social distancing in group areas such as dining rooms. If residents are symptomatic, they are isolated in their room. For residents in isolation who are not compliant, staff monitor closely and redirect.

Are activities for residents ongoing in all the units?

In place of group activities, more one-on-one activities are taking place with social distancing in mind.

During an outbreak, are residents in the infected unit free to visit common areas of the home, such as the dining room?

When there is an outbreak of any sort in the home, whether it is rhino, influenza or COVID-19, affected residents are isolated to their room, including for meals, and the home area is closed.  Residents who are not affected are able to move freely through the home area, but are restricted from leaving.

Are staff wearing personal protective equipment in all areas of the homes?

We are following infection control protocols; staff are wearing personal protective equipment, including a surgical mask with a shield, a gown and gloves when providing care to residents in isolation.

In addition, all direct care are required to wear surgical masks and face shields at all times for the duration of their shift, whether the home is in outbreak or not.

Based on guidance from public health experts, we ask that you not drop off homemade food, gifts or other non-essential items. Cut flowers and plants are being accepted at the homes for residents.

Items are to be dropped off at the front entrance and will be held for 72 hours and/or wiped down with disinfectant wipes prior to being given to the resident.

Can I discharge my loved one from one of the Regions’ long-term care homes, due to concerns about COVID-19?

On March 26, the Region of Durham received notification that the Long-Term Care Homes Act had been amended, specifically the section pertaining to Admissions and Discharges. The amendments allow residents to leave a long-term care home if they wish to do so due to COVID-19; and expedite their return to the long-term care home when they need to come back.

Before the resident leaves the home, we are required to provide specific information, including information on care requirements and that the resident (or their substitute decision maker) assumes full responsibility for the care, safety and wellbeing of the resident. This would be done via phone.

During the time the person is away, the bed will be available for occupancy by another person.

The process for returning to the home differs according to the time the resident was away. For absences that are three months or less, the resident would be deemed eligible and accepted for admission by the home, and simply placed into the “re-admission” category (this category is the highest-ranking category for vacant beds; it ranks higher than the “crisis” category). For absences greater than three months, an assessment by the placement coordinator is required and the home can refuse the admission if the circumstances for refusing an admission in the LTCHA exist. If accepted, the person would be placed into the “re-admission” category for that long-term care home.

This amendment is intended to free up valuable resources and bed space as the health care system continues to respond to COVID-19. 

Please speak to your Resident Care Co-ordinator, the Director of Care or the Administrator should you have any questions on this matter. 

Are new admissions and re-admissions to the home tested for COVID-19?

All new residents will be isolated and tested for COVID-19.  All new residents must remain in isolation for 14 days from arrival, even if asymptomatic. Patients transferred from hospital to a long-term care home must be tested prior to the transfer.

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.

FAQs - I'm an employee and would like more information

Last updated: January 7, 2021
Should you have any further questions, please reach out to your manager.

What is the notification process if a resident tests positive for COVID-19?

Following confirmation from Durham Region Health Department of a positive test result, home staff will immediately notify family members and employees.

When are employees required to wear personal protective equipment (includes a surgical mask with a shield, a gown and masks)?

All staff are required to wear surgical masks at all times for the duration of their shift, whether the home is in outbreak or not. Staff working on the Resident Home Areas are required to wear a surgical mask and face shield for the duration of their shift, whether the home is in outbreak or not.

Employees are required to wear personal protective equipment (includes a surgical mask with a shield, a gown and gloves) when entering the rooms of any symptomatic resident. This PPE must be changed before and after any interaction with symptomatic resident. Hand hygiene must be performed before donning and after doffing.

If a resident tests positive on a unit, will everyone be tested?

All employees working in the unit will be tested. Residents living on the unit will also be tested. Further testing will be assessed, in collaboration with Public Health, using a risk-based approach based on exposures.     

If a resident tests positive on my unit, how long will I be in work isolation?

Employees who work in a unit where someone tested positive will be asked to work isolate. This means that staff working in the impacted unit would only work on that unit and cannot leave the unit to provide care in another home area. You will be required to self-isolate at home outside of work hours. This includes taking your temperature twice daily. All employees working in the unit will be tested. If you become ill outside of work, you will need to call Durham Region Health Department to coordinate assessment and testing. If you test positive, you will need to contact your manager and the return to work coordinator and follow the return to work process. Work isolation timelines will be determined in coordination with the home Infection Control Practitioner and Public Health. 

I am displaying symptoms, should I return to work?

Please follow the advice of Durham Region Health Department. If you show symptoms at work, you will be swabbed before you go home. If you become ill outside of work, you will need to call Durham Region Health Department to coordinate assessment and testing. If you test positive, you will need to contact your manager, the return to work coordinator and follow the return to work process.

I returned from a trip outside of Canada, should I come back to work?

You will be required to monitor yourself for symptoms and self isolate at home for 14 days. Please follow the advice of Durham Region Health Department regarding non essential travel.

What procedures should I follow if I have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19?

Please follow the advice of Durham Region Health Department. Employees who work in a unit where someone tested positive will be tested. Staff working in the impacted unit would only work on that unit and cannot leave the unit to provide care in another home area. You will be required to self-isolate at home outside of work hours. This includes taking your temperature twice daily. If you show symptoms at work, you will be swabbed before you go home. If you become ill outside of work, you will need to call Durham Region Health Department to coordinate assessment and testing. If you test positive, you will need two negative swabs before you will be allowed to return to work.

I live with someone who is high risk, how do I protect them?

To help reduce the spread of this illness within our homes and the community, please follow the advice of Durham Region Health Department and home officials about preventative measures and proper precautions. You may also consider bringing a clean change of clothes with you to work and changing into them once your shift is complete.

All employees are being swabbed weekly as part of the province’s surveillance testing. 

Are employees who work at Regional long-term care homes allowed to work at other facilities in the community?

As of March 19, staff employed at a Regional long-term care home are not permitted to work at more than one facility, as a further precaution to help reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.