Long-Term Care Homes COVID-19 Update
As of October 14, 2022, Long-Term Care homes will be making some changes as outlined in the Ministry of Long-Term Care COVID-19 guidance document. These changes aim to balance the need to keep residents safe, while ensuring isolation and other public health guidance are suitable for this point in the pandemic, where there is a high degree of community immunity and availability of vaccine boosters.
Some important changes include:
Covid-19 screening – Active screening and daily rapid antigen testing will continue for visitors and caregivers.
Masking – Masking remains a requirement for long-term care staff, as well as for visitors and others entering the Region's long-term care homes.
Visitors – The Region of Durham will continue with a limit of 4 visitors (including caregivers) per resident at a time for indoor visits.
Physical distancing – Residents, staff, and visitors are encouraged to continue to practice physical distancing and urged to avoid situations like crowded places in which COVID-19 may spread more easily.
Residents - Active screening of residents upon return from an absence will continue. Upon guidance from the MLTC with consultation from the Chief Medical Officer of Health, requirements for testing or isolation of residents after an absence will be removed unless they are symptomatic or have tested positive for COVID-19. Please note that residents who are close contacts of a person with COVID-19 are no longer required to isolate, unless they have symptoms, or they are a roommate of the person with COVID-19. Testing of asymptomatic residents being admitted or transferred from the community or a facility that is not in outbreak is no longer recommended.
Note that every situation is unique and as always, the homes will continue to work closely with Public Health to complete risk assessments to plan accordingly and implement interventions as deemed necessary as we continue to prioritize the health and safety of our residents, staff and all others who attend our homes. Please find additional information from the Ministry on what residents can expect in a long-term care home in the document below:
Vaccination remains a key defense against COVID-19 and all Ontarians who are eligible are encouraged to get vaccinated, including receiving a booster dose. Everyone is reminded of the importance of remaining vigilant with public health measures, such as screening and testing, masking and using appropriate personal protective equipment.
We will continue to share updates through our website. Home-specific information can be found on the tabs below.
Visitor Policy
Prior to visiting any resident for the first time and at least once every month thereafter, the home will ask caregivers to verbally attest to the home that they have read/re-read the home's visitor policy.
Visitor Training
Prior to visiting any resident for the first time, the home is providing access to training for caregivers that addresses how to safely provide direct care, including putting on and taking off required PPE, and hand hygiene. Please take time to review. You will be asked to verbally attest to the training when you visit.
- Putting on Full Personal Protective Equipment
- Taking off Full Personal Protective Equipment
- How to Hand Wash
November 25, 2022 - Letter to all Families from Laura MacDermaid
November 21, 2022 - Letter to all Families from Laura MacDermaid
November 14, 2022 - Letter to all Families from Laura MacDermaid
October 13, 2022 - Letter to all Families from Laura MacDermaid
September 13, 2022 - Letter to all Families from John Rankin
May 16, 2022 - Letter to all Families from Laura MacDermaid
Please find home-specific information below:
Hillsdale Terraces, Oshawa | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Current as of March 22, 2023 at 12:04 p.m. Please refer to the chart below for up-to-date information on active cases and areas in isolation and outbreak:
*RHA Status refers to classifications affecting the entire RHA **Resolved is an indication that residents have met the criteria for symptom improvement and are no longer considered infectious. It is not an indication that they have recovered or of their overall clinical/medical state due to the impacts of COVID-19. The residents remain in isolation and the appropriate PPE must still be used until the outbreak is declared over. The following information pertains to Rose Garden, Vineyard View and Garden Gate units only:
Please note that if you are the emergency contact or Power of Attorney (POA) for a resident who tests positive, you will be contacted directly by the home. For additional details on COVID-19, please visit the Durham Region COVID-19 Data Tracker. We continue to follow all IPAC, Public Health and Ministry requirements and will update this site as required. 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. |
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Hillsdale Estates, Oshawa | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Current as of March 22, 2023 at 12:04 p.m. Please refer to the chart below for up-to-date information on active cases and areas in isolation and outbreak:
*RHA Status refers to classifications affecting the entire RHA **Resolved is an indication that residents have met the criteria for symptom improvement and are no longer considered infectious. It is not an indication that they have recovered or of their overall clinical/medical state due to the impacts of COVID-19. The residents remain in isolation and the appropriate PPE must still be used until the outbreak is declared over. Information for Willow Way only: - all residents are to remain on the Home area, unless isolating in their room - general visitors are not permitted during this time - residents may have one Essential Caregiver visit at a time - Home area activities will continue for residents not isolating Please note that if you are the emergency contact or Power of Attorney (POA) for a resident who tests positive, you will be contacted directly by the home. For additional details on COVID-19, please visit the Durham Region COVID-19 Data Tracker. We continue to follow all IPAC, Public Health and Ministry requirements and will update this site as required. 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. Contact Us: For questions/concerns related to visiting guidelines, Essential Caregivers (including to be registered as an EC) and testing requirements, please call our receptionist at (905) 579-1777 Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and reception can direct your call accordingly. For questions/concerns related to resident care, status, absences, and other resident matters, please contact the nursing station directly. |
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Fairview Lodge, Whitby | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Currently, there are no active cases at the home. Should this change, families will be notified and the information below will be updated. Please refer to the chart below for up-to-date information on active cases and areas in isolation and outbreak:
*RHA Status refers to classifications affecting the entire RHA. Please note that if you are the emergency contact or Power of Attorney (POA) for a resident who tests positive, you will be contacted directly by the home. For additional details on COVID-19, please visit the Durham Region COVID-19 Data Tracker. We continue to follow all IPAC, Public Health and Ministry requirements and will update this site as required. 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. |
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Lakeview Manor, Beaverton | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Currently, there are no active cases at the home. Should this change, families will be notified and the information below will be updated. Please refer to the chart below for up-to-date information on active cases and areas in isolation and outbreak:
*RHA Status refers to classifications affecting the entire RHA Please note that if you are the emergency contact or Power of Attorney (POA) for a resident who tests positive, you will be contacted directly by the home. For additional details on COVID-19, please visit the Durham Region COVID-19 Data Tracker. We continue to follow all IPAC, Public Health and Ministry requirements and will update this site as required. 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.
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The health and safety of our residents—and the team members who care for them—remains our highest priority. We continue to monitor the situation closely. Please see below for measures we are taking to help prevent outbreak in our home
For the most up-to-date information about COVID-19 in Durham Region, visit durham.ca/NovelCoronavirus.
FAQ's - I'm a family member and would like more information |
What are the current requirements to visit?
Do I need to be tested prior to arriving at the long-term care home? No, you will be tested upon entry into the home. Upon arrival, caregivers and visitors will be asked to change into a home-issued surgical mask, be actively screened, and then immediately proceed to rapid antigen testing. You will be asked to remain in the swabbing area until the test can be read (approximately 15 minutes). How many people can visit? A maximum of four people (caregivers and visitors) per resident at a time for indoor visits. Outdoor visits can be any size, space permitting. Can children visit? Yes, All general visitors, including children under the age of 5, can visit homes. Visitors, (including caregivers), with the exception of children under the age of 5, need to follow the vaccination policy of the individual long-term care home. What proof of vaccination is needed at the screening desk? Proof of vaccination is no longer required to enter a Regional Long-Term Care home. Where can I go while visiting? Visiting can occur in resident rooms, in the hallways of the home area, home area lounges, and TV rooms. Visiting in common areas off the home areas is permitted, however must social distance from all other residents and visitors. Residents are recommended to wear a mask (if tolerated) while in the common areas. Should the home be placed into an isolation, precaution situation or outbreak, the home will then determine the visiting area locations, and provide direction to visitors and caregivers. Are visitors allowed to eat and drink in the home and remove their mask while in the resident’s room? As of November 14th, 2022, masking remains a requirement for long-term care staff, as well as for visitors and others entering the Region's long-term care homes. Fully vaccinated caregivers and general visitors may accompany a resident for meals to assist with eating, however the visitor should always remain masked and not eat with the resident. Are activities are still permitted? To support the mental health and well-being of residents, activities within the home – such as communal dining, social activities and exercise classes – continue to be permitted, but large group activities are discouraged and residents will be cohorted on their home areas for any high-risk activities, such as dining, singing and dancing. Are there specific visiting hours? We encourage regular visits from family and friends. Family and friends are welcome to participate in our social programs, Family Council and resident care conferences. There are no restricted visiting hours. However, we ask visitors to check with staff if they want to visit between 8 p.m. and 7 a.m. Can I take my loved one home or on a day outing? Yes, and residents who leave the home on day and overnight absences do not need to test or isolate upon return unless they are symptomatic or have tested positive for COVID-19. What happens when the resident returns home from the outing? Upon return from a day social absence, the resident will be actively screened. Upon guidance from the MLTC with consultation from the Chief Medical Officer of Health, requirements for testing or isolation of residents after an absence will be removed unless they are symptomatic or have tested positive for COVID-19. Do Individuals taking a resident on a day absence require testing? No, individuals only require testing if they are entering the home or taking part in an outdoor visit. Can a resident leave for a medical appointment? Yes, medical appointments are permitted. What happens if I test positive with COVID-19 and I have recently visited or spent time with a resident? Please call and advise the home immediately. The home will consult with Public Health to determine risk and timing of the exposure, and be advised if any isolation and testing is required of the resident and/or the home area. |
FAQ - I’m a community member and would like to thank staff |
Your support and encouragement means the world to our team. A simple thank you goes a long way. You can send us a note electronically, and we will share it with the team. For the health and safety of our residents and staff, we are not accepting donations of homemade food or other gifts. |
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