Long-Term Care Homes COVID-19 Update

December 2 update: One staff member has tested COVID-19 positive on a random rapid antigen test and is isolating at home awaiting confirmation through a PCR test.

While we are not in outbreak, we are taking precautionary measures to protect residents from the risk of COVID-19, under the advisement of Public Health. Ocean View residents are in precautionary isolation. Full droplet and contact precautions are required while on Ocean View and only one essential caregiver may visit a resident at a time. In addition, all residents on Ocean View will be swabbed. All residents are currently asymptomatic. There is no change to the current screening and surveillance testing for staff, essential caregivers, and service providers at this time.

The health and safety of our residents and staff remains our highest priority. We will keep you informed and communicate any updates. We appreciate your patience and understanding in remaining vigilant in protecting our residents and staff.

The new Ministry of Long-Term Care directive outlines the following for visitors (essential caregiver and/or general visitor):

• A maximum of four visitors are permitted at a time indoors when visiting a resident.
• Children under the age of two years old do not count towards the visitor maximum. Children over three years of age will need to be swabbed and those under the age of 14 will need to be accompanied by a parent/guardian, as a swabbing consent form will need to be completed.
• All visitors must be actively screened upon entry to the home and should not proceed beyond entry points/areas in homes until completed.
• All visitors will be asked for proof of vaccination status to gain entry into the home (each time). Those who are not fully vaccinated (14 days after second dose) will need to complete a RAPID test.
  • Proof of vaccination status can be shown to the screener via paper copy, email, or image.
  • General visitors will be asked to wait 15 minutes pending test results prior to unit entry.
• All visitors will need to follow the required screening and surveillance procedures outlined by the home.
• All visitors are required to maintain physical distance from other residents and visitors.
• All visitors must wear a home-provided surgical face mask that covers their mouth, nose, and chin at all times during the visit.
• All visitors who are fully vaccinated are able to eat and drink indoors (inside the resident’s room) or outdoors (designated tables). It is required that visitors will keep their mask on during the remainder of the visit.
• Currently, no pets are allowed inside or outside home property.

Hillsdale Terraces is happy to welcome the following visitors:

• Essential caregivers
• General visitors

Essential caregivers

Every resident can designate individuals as essential caregivers (no maximum). Essential caregivers are friends and family who visit in person in the resident room and/or outdoor property, 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 Reception at 905-579-3313, ext. 5000.
• During registration, the essential caregiver will receive: (a) information pertaining to home policies regarding COVID-19 (both visitor and screening/surveillance); (b) education on infection control procedures; (c) instructions regarding screening procedures; and (d) the ability to have any questions/comments/concerns acknowledged.
• Essential caregivers must receive monthly training. They will be provided with an updated policy (if applicable) and Public Health videos via email from the home’s Supervisor of Screening and Surveillance. Essential caregivers must attest to completing the required education on the screening sheet.
• Upon completion of the registration, essential caregivers will receive an identification lanyard that must be worn at all times while in the home.
• Proof of vaccination status will be asked and a copy will be obtained for statistical purposes.

Visiting procedures for essential caregivers/general visitors

• There is no limit to the number of visits or the time spent visiting. We ask that visitors arrive between the hours of 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Essential caregivers and general visitors must pass screening requirements at the screening desk. Screening consists of answering questions and passing the required surveillance testing.
• The home will provide a surgical mask that must be worn at all times.
• Visits for essential caregivers are permitted as follows and are subject to direction from the Durham Public Health Unit.

When the home is not in outbreak: 

• A maximum of four caregivers 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 essential caregiver at a time.

Any recent and relevant information pertaining to COVID-19 will be posted on the home’s communication whiteboard, located in the main lobby by the elevators.

The new Ministry of Long-Term Care directive outlines the following for visitors (essential caregiver and/or general visitor):

• A maximum of four visitors are permitted at a time indoors when visiting a resident.
• Children under the age of two years old do not count towards the visitor maximum. Children over three years of age will need to be swabbed and those under the age of 14 will need to be accompanied by a parent/guardian, as a swabbing consent form will need to be completed.
• All visitors must be actively screened upon entry to the home and should not proceed beyond entry points/areas in homes until completed.
• All visitors will be asked for proof of vaccination status to gain entry into the home (each time). Those who are not fully vaccinated (14 days after second dose) will need to complete a RAPID test.
• Proof of vaccination status can be shown to the screener via paper copy, email, or image.
• General visitors will be asked to wait 15 minutes pending test results prior to unit entry.
• All visitors will need to follow the required screening and surveillance procedures outlined by the home.
• All visitors are required to maintain physical distance from other residents and visitors.
• All visitors must wear a home-provided surgical face mask that covers their mouth, nose, and chin at all times during the visit.
• All visitors who are fully vaccinated are able to eat and drink indoors (inside the resident’s room) or outdoors (designated tables). It is required that visitors will keep their mask on during the remainder of the visit.
• Currently, no pets are allowed inside or outside home property.

Hillsdale Estates is happy to welcome the following visitors:

• Essential caregivers
• General visitors

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.

October 29 update: Public Health has declared the COVID-19 outbreak at Fairview Lodge over. We will return to pre-outbreak guidelines in regard to visiting and social activities. This means indoor and outdoor visits can resume on all home areas and residents are permitted to leave the home on short term and temporary outings. Please remember to follow all Public Health guidelines on proper PPE usage while visiting your family member.

As always, we continue to work with Public Health and will keep everyone informed as we move forward. Thank you for your understanding as we move forward through this difficult time. The health and safety of our residents—and the team members who care for them—remains our highest priority.

October 18 update: Public Health has declared an outbreak affecting Trafalger Square, as we have received confirmation of positive PCR test results affecting one resident.

Out of an abundance of caution, residents in all other RHAs are on precautionary measures. Only one registered essential caregiver will be permitted to visit a resident at a time and the visit will take place in the resident’s room. General visits and outdoor visits are canceled.  

All absences are canceled, with the exception of urgent medical and compassionate/palliative absences.

All staff are being swabbed and PCR tested as are all residents on Trafalgar Square.  

All registered essential caregivers are to be RA tested prior to visiting their family member; this is to take place each time you visit. You will be asked to wait for the results of the test prior to going to the RHA.

If you have any concerns, please contact 905-668-5851 ext. 5902 and a registered staff will answer your questions.

We continue to work with Public Health and will keep everyone informed as we move forward. Thank you for your understanding as we move forward through this difficult time. The health and safety of our residents—and the team members who care for them—remains our highest priority.

October 13 update: We have had a high-risk staff exposure on Trafalgar Square. All residents on Trafalgar Square have been placed into isolation, and were swabbed on October 11 and will be swabbed again on Friday, October 15.

Registered essential caregivers may continue to visit on Trafalgar Square with a maximum of one at a time and must remain in the resident's room while visiting. General visitors are not permitted to visit on Trafalgar Square until further notice.

Until further notice, swabbing of all staff on Trafalgar Square has increased.

We will continue to provide you with regular updates as needed. If you have any questions, please connect with a manager.

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 two essential caregiver(s).
• Children under the age of two years do not count towards the general visitor maximum.
• All visitors must be actively screened upon arrival and prior to the visit and should not proceed beyond entry points/areas in homes.
• All visitors will need to follow the required screening and surveillance procedures outlined by the home.
• All visitors need to attempt to maintain physical distancing at all times from the resident if they are not fully immunized
• All visitors must wear a face mask that covers their mouth, nose and chin at all times during the visit, unless they are fully immunized and sharing snacks in the resident’s room, or distanced from other residents outside.

Fairview Lodge is happy to welcome the following visitors:

• Essential caregivers
• General visitors

Essential caregiver

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 Reception at 905-668-5851 ext. 5913.
• Essential caregivers must be 18 years of age or older.
• 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 home’s 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

• Essential caregivers must follow all of the above visiting guidelines.
• Visits for essential caregivers are permitted as follows and are subject to direction from the Durham Public Health Unit.

When the home is not in outbreak: 

• A maximum of two caregivers and two general visitors per resident visit, if the resident is not self-isolating or symptomatic.
• A maximum of two caregivers 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.

As we continue to follow all directives as issued by the Ministry of Long-Term Care and guidance from our Public Health Department, we are pleased to share with you the following changes within in our home.

Lakeview Manor is happy to welcome the following visitors for both indoor and outdoor visits:

• Essential caregivers
• General visitors
• Scheduled virtual/outdoor visits (no longer available through the home)

Essential caregivers

• An essential caregiver is defined as someone who is designated by the resident and/or their SDM and is visiting to provide direct care to the resident (e.g., supporting feeding, mobility, cognitive stimulation, communication, and assistance in decision-making).
• Essential caregivers must be 18 years of age or older.
• There is no longer a limit of two essential caregivers per resident.
• All essential caregivers must be registered with the home.
  • To register, please contact Kailey Graham at 705-426-7388 ext. 5323.
  • During the essential caregiver registration process, caregivers will:
    • receive education on infection control procedures and will be given instruction on appropriate screening procedures.
    • receive a copy of the homes visiting policy and verbally attest that they have read it.
    • receive an identification badge that must be worn at all times within the home.

Visiting procedures for essential caregivers

• Essential caregivers must meet all screening and surveillance requirements prior to entry into the home. If you are visiting your family member outdoors, you must also ensure to screen in at the screening table located in the main entrance.
• All visitors are reminded to always wear your mask both indoors and outdoors, with the exception of fully immunized individual(s) sharing a meal/drink with a fully immunized resident.
• Up to two essential caregivers are allowed in the resident’s room at one time, regardless of immunization status.
• The home will provide surgical/procedure masks, gloves, gowns, and eye protection (as applicable).
• If the home is in outbreak or the resident is in isolation, only one essential caregiver can visit the resident at one time. Further direction will be provided by Public Health.

Fully immunized essential caregivers

Essential caregivers who are fully immunized will:

• No longer be subject to surveillance testing requirements when attending the long-term care home.
• May have physical contact, including for non-care related reasons, with fully immunized residents.
• May support in the dining room and join in activities
• May eat/drink with the resident, if the resident is fully vaccinated, in the resident’s room, family dining room (must be booked with reception) or outdoors.

Partially/unimmunized essential caregivers

Essential caregivers who are partially/unimmunized will:

• Remain subject to testing protocols, which is two Rapid Antigen tests per week on non-consecutive days.
• Physical distancing (two metres) is required when not providing direct care, however physical contact (hugs) are permitted.
• Unable to join the resident in the dining room or any activities within the home.
• Is not allowed to eat/drink with the resident, both indoors and outdoors.

*Note: If you choose not to disclose your vaccination status, then you would be treated as a partially/unimmunized individual.

General visitors

• A general visitor is a person who is not an essential visitor and is visiting:
  • To provide nonessential services;
  • For social reasons, including care related to cognitive simulation and meaningful connection.

Visiting procedures for general visitors

• No general visitors are permitted to visit in any of the following situations:
  • The entire home is in outbreak
  • The resident is self-isolating or symptomatic
  • The local Public Health Unit is in lockdown.
  • Up to two general visitors are allowed to visit in the resident’s room at one time, regardless of vaccination status.
  • Please note that if the home is in outbreak and/or the resident is in isolation, general visitors are not permitted unless the resident is in an area unaffected by the outbreak.
• All visitors are reminded to wear your mask at all times, with the exception of eating and drinking for fully immunized visitors.
• General visitors must meet all screening and surveillance requirements prior to entry into the home. If you are visiting your family member outdoors, you must also ensure to screen in at the screening table located in the main entrance.
• Children (three years of age or older) who are unimmunized will follow the surveillance schedule of a partially/unimmunized individual as listed below.
• The home will provide surgical /procedure masks, gloves, gowns, and eye protection (as applicable).

Fully immunized general visitors

General visitors who are fully immunized will:

• No longer be subject to surveillance testing requirements when attending the long-term care home.
• May have physical contact, including for non-care related reasons with fully immunized residents.
• May eat/drink with the resident, if the resident is fully vaccinated, in the resident’s room, family dining room (must be booked with reception) or outdoors.

Partially/unimmunized general visitors

General visitors who are partially/unimmunized will:

• Remain subject to testing protocols, which is to undergo a Rapid Antigen Test on the “day of,” unless they have been tested the previous day, as soon as they come into the home. They cannot proceed into the home until a negative result is received.
• Physical distancing (two metres) is required when not providing direct care, however physical contact (hugs) are permitted.
• Unable to join the resident in the dining room or any activities within the home.
• Is not allowed to eat/drink with the resident, both indoors and outdoors.

*Note: If you choose not to disclose your vaccination status, then you would be treated as a partially/unimmunized individual.

Scheduled virtual/outdoor visits

With the changes to the guidelines around visiting, the LTC homes need to return to offering group programs and activities. As such, a decision has been made to discontinue the scheduling of outdoor visits and Skype/Zoom/Facetime calls for families and friends given that they are able to have in person visits. Families and friends are welcome to still bring in their own devices and arrange these types of visits on their own.

Pet visits

Pets are currently not permitted to accompany visitors inside or outside the home. Exceptions will be made for residents who have been deemed palliative.

Home tours

With the updated changes, we are now also able to offer tours of our facility. If you wish to book at tour with our home, please call 705-426-7388. You may also view our home virtually online. 

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

Last updated: August 27, 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, as per Ministry of Long-Term Care Directives, 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. 

We have enhanced sanitation measures and continue to encourage those in our homes to practice 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 (including a surgical mask with a shield, a gown and gloves) when caring for symptomatic residents.

We continue to encourage all staff, residents and visitor to be vaccinated

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 an individual 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 (including 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. 

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? 

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?

Activities have resumed and staff are ensuring that proper physical distancing and infection control precautions are in place.

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 as per Ministry of Long-Term Care and Public Health guidance, including a surgical mask, a gown and gloves when providing care to residents in isolation.

In addition, all direct care are required to wear surgical masks 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 unvaccinated new residents must remain in isolation for 14 days from arrival, even if asymptomatic. Vaccinated residents must isolate until a negative COVID test result is received.  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: August 27, 2021
Should you have any further questions, please reach out to your manager.

What is the notification process if an individual in the home 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. 

Employees are required to wear personal protective equipment (includes a surgical mask with a shield, a gown and gloves) when entering the room of a resident on droplet and contact precautions, or when they deem necessary based on their risk assessment at the point of care. This PPE must be donned before entering a room on additional precautions and removed after leaving that room or after any interaction with a symptomatic resident. Hand hygiene must be performed before donning and after doffing.

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

Directions for swabbing provided by the Durham Region Health Department will be followed, and will be based on risk assessments of the reported exposures. Employees working in the unit may be required to submit to testing. Residents living on the unit will most likely be tested. 

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

You may or may not be required to self-isolate at home outside of work hours, depending on the assessment from the public health unit. 

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. Staff should report their symptoms on their screening app, or upon entering the home and not report to work if they fail screening.

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

You will be required to monitor yourself for symptoms. 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. Let your employer know immediately if you have been identified as a high risk contact and are required to self-isolate. Continue to monitor yourself for symptoms and do not report to work if symptoms are present. If symptomatic, make arrangements to get a PCR swab. 

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

The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones to be fully vaccinated. Additionally, please follow the advice of Durham Region Health Department and home infection control practitioners 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.

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

Fully vaccinated staff may work at multiple locations, as long as neither location is currently in outbreak. If an outbreak is declared, staff must commit to working at only one facility.