Long-Term Care Homes COVID-19 Update

April 8 update: On April 7, the Ministry changed the definition of an outbreak. Public Health has declared the outbreak at Hilldale Terraces void, as it no longer meets case definition. The outbreak was contained to the one staff member and no residents were infected. As a result, the residents of Vineyard View and Rose Garden are now out of isolation.

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.

April 1 update: Public Health has declared that Hillsdale Terraces is in a COVID-19 outbreak. The outbreak is currently affecting one staff member who worked on Rose Garden/Vineyard View home area. The infected staff member is isolating at home. Residents in Vineyard View and Rose Garden are now in isolation. Full droplet and contact PPE precautions are required while on these home areas. 

Based on new guidelines, all residents and staff in the entire home will be swabbed twice within the next five days.

Rapid COVID testing will still be available for the registered essential caregivers at the front door. 

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.

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.

April 16 update: We have been directed by Public Health to place Apple Blossom and Pineridge Place in isolation out of an abundance of caution related to positive test results affecting staff. The exposure occurred in the community. The positive tests are not linked. Both home areas will begin isolation today for 14 days or until Public Health advises otherwise. Moonlight Bay remains in isolation until approximately April 21, 2021.

Residents on Apple Blossom and Pineridge Place will be swabbed today, with a second round of testing next week. Residents on Moonlight Bay will also be swabbed today for their second round of testing.

Registered essential caregivers continue to be permitted to visit; this is limited to one at a time per resident, and visitations are limited to the resident’s room only. There is no change to the current Rapid Antigen test protocol for essential caregivers at this time. 

The home continues to operate under COVID-19 protocols as directed by Public Health. We will continue to provide you with regular updates and will promptly notify you if we identify any staff or resident with a confirmed COVID-19 case.

April 13 update: We have received further direction from Public Health regarding the exposure on Moonlight Bay that now includes a Variant of Concern (VOC). Public Health has asked that residents continue to be isolated to their rooms on Moonlight Bay until approximately April 21 and all residents in Moonlight Bay will be re-tested on Friday, April 16. Thus far, all resident tests completed have had negative results.

Essential caregivers may continue to visit on Moonlight Bay (one at a time) and we ask the visit take place in the resident room.

The home continues to operate under COVID-19 protocols as directed by Public Health. We will provide you with an update once all results are in.

April 9 update: After a further assessment completed by Public Health, Public Health has directed the home to further isolate the residents on Moonlight Bay to their rooms until all results are received within the next few days. The exposure remains from one staff and no residents are affected at this time. 

Essential caregivers may continue to visit on Moonlight Bay (one at a time) and the visit will take place in the resident room. The home continues to operate under COVID-19 protocols as directed by Public Health.

We will provide you with an update once all results are in. Thank you for your patience.

April 8 update: We have been notified by Public Health that one staff member who worked on Moonlight Bay has tested positive. Public Health has not declared an outbreak, as the outbreak definition has recently been changed by the Ministry. However, out of an abundance of caution, residents will be swabbed tomorrow, Friday, April 9. Although residents will not be isolated to their rooms, we are asking that they remain on Moonlight Bay pending tests results.

Essential caregivers may continue to visit on Moonlight Bay (one at a time) and we ask the visit take place in the resident’s room.

The home continues to operate under COVID-19 protocols as directed by Public Health. We will provide you with an update once all results are in.

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.

February 24 update: Public Health has declared the COVID-19 outbreak at Fairview Lodge over.

As per the Ministry Directive, essential caregivers can visit. This means one registered essential caregiver per resident at a time may visit. As an essential caregiver, you are required to show a COVID-19 PCR test performed in the last seven days with a negative test result; or undergo Rapid Antigen testing on non-consecutive days, up to three times in a seven day period, before you are granted entry to visit your resident. You must still wear a surgical mask and shield for your visit and stay in the resident’s room.

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.

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.

March 15 update: Durham Region Public Health has declared the COVID-19 outbreak affecting one staff member over. Durham Region continues to be Red Zone - Control phase. This means only registered essential caregivers are permitted to visit the home at this time. Only one essential caregiver per resident at a time may visit. To register as an essential caregiver, please call the Recreation department at extension 5322.

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.