Effective December 26, 2020, Ontario is in a province-wide shutdown that will last 28 days before a re-evaluation. This shutdown includes all eight municipalities in Durham Region. The new restrictions have impacted our four homes and were communicated to families and residents.
The restrictions include:
• An immediate stop to all indoor visits for general visitors into our four homes.
• Limiting registered essential caregivers to one person at a time during visits to the home.
• Continued hold on all temporary and short stay absences except those for medical reasons.
Following provincial direction from the Chief Medical Officer of Health, all homes require that all staff be COVID-19 tested weekly and that no visitor enter the home without a negative COVID-19 test in the past seven days. All visitors must provide electronic or hard copy proof of test results, which include the date the test was taken, the results of the test and the name of the person tested. Visitors will be refused entry without proof of current testing.
For those homes where an outbreak has been declared, all recreation activities and indoor visits are cancelled. Essential caregivers are permitted to attend homes in outbreak but are limited to one visitor at a time with all visits to take place in resident rooms. Essential caregiver visits may be suspended for short periods of time if deemed necessary for resident safety. Shared areas of the home will be locked down and residents are expected to remain on their home areas unless leaving the building for pre-approved medical appointments. Exemptions for very sick or dying residents can be discussed with your individual home.
The COVID-19 Visitor Policy issued by the Ministry of Long-Term Care defines a caregiver as a type of essential visitor who is designated by the resident and/or their substitute decision-maker and is visiting to provide direct care to the resident (e.g. supporting feeding, mobility, personal hygiene, cognitive stimulation, communication, meaningful connection, relational continuity and assistance in decision-making). A maximum of two caregivers may be designated per resident at a time. The designation must be made in writing to the home.
The decision to designate an individual as a caregiver is entirely the responsibility of the resident and/or their substitute decision-maker and not the home. A resident and/or their substitute decision-maker may only change a designation in response to a change in the resident’s care needs that is reflected in the plan of care or as a result of change in availability of a designated caregiver, either temporary (e.g. illness) or permanent.
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
January 4, 2021 - Letter to All Families from Laura MacDermaid
Please review visiting requirements under the specific home section.
| Hillsdale Terraces, Oshawa |
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January 6, 2021 update: Hillsdale Terraces has received notice of a COVID-19 positive employee. They are out of the workplace awaiting clearance to return to work. As of today, the active cases include three positive staff members and no positive resident cases. All other previous cases have now been resolved. The entire facility remains in outbreak status. As a precaution, the residents in the following areas are now in full isolation: Garden Gate, Rose Garden and Forest Hill. The residents in these home areas are being tested for COVID-19, and all residents in the building are being screened twice daily by the nursing team.
Hillsdale Terraces is happy to welcome the following visitors:
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
Visiting Procedures for Essential Caregivers
When the home is not in outbreak:
When the home is in outbreak:
Virtual Visits via Zoom
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| Hillsdale Estates, Oshawa |
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January 7, 2021 update: As of today, Public Health has advised the home of an exposure on Golden Pond. Out of an abundance of caution, all residents on Golden Pond will need to be placed back into isolation and will be COVID-19 tested. We currently have a total of two active COVID-19 positive cases amongst staff and one active positive case amongst an essential caregiver, all of whom are awaiting clearance. We have no positive resident cases at this time. Please note that residents on Apple Blossom and Blueberry Hill remain in isolation. Registered essential caregivers continue to be permitted to visit (limited to one at a time per resident) and visitations are limited to the resident’s room only. The home continues to operate under COVID-19 outbreak protocols as directed by Public Health.
Hillsdale Estates is happy to welcome the following 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
Visiting Procedures for Essential Caregivers
When the home is not in outbreak:
When the home is in outbreak:
Virtual Visits via Zoom
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| Fairview Lodge, Whitby |
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January 11, 2021 update: Public Health has confirmed positive COVID-19 test results for two non-direct care staff members, discovered through our weekly surveillance testing. The staff members immediately went into self-isolation and have not returned to work. As a result, Fairview Lodge is in COVID-19 outbreak, which means residents on affected home areas will be tested. Staff testing will continue as part of our weekly surveillance. The risk of exposure to residents and staff is minimal, as all staff members are wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment while at work. As per the Ministry Directive, essential caregivers are still able to visit; this means one registered essential caregiver per resident at a time may visit. Essential caregivers are required to wear a face shield and surgical mask to visit a resident’s room (these will be provided). Thank you for your understanding as we move forward during 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 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
Visiting Procedures for Essential Caregivers
When the home is not in outbreak:
When the home is in outbreak:
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. |
| Lakeview Manor, Beaverton |
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January 2, 2021 update: Yesterday, January 1, we received confirmation from Public Health that one essential caregiver from Beaver River has tested positive for COVID-19. Today, January 2, it has been confirmed that one staff member has also tested positive for COVID-19. The staff member is out of the workplace. The outbreak is affecting The Harbour, Blue Heron Lane and Beaver River home areas. All residents on these home areas remain asymptomatic but are now being isolated. All residents in the home are now being swabbed. If your loved one begins to show symptoms nursing staff will contact you directly. All staff will continue with weekly surveillance screening as well as twice daily active screening. Residents will also continue to be monitored, including temperature checks, twice daily. One essential caregiver per resident is still permitted during this outbreak. We continue to work with Public Health and will keep everyone informed as we move forward. We know that this is an uncertain and challenging time. Please be assured that we remain vigilant in our efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to care for your loved ones.
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:
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
Visiting Procedures for Essential Caregivers
When the home is not in outbreak:
When the home is in outbreak:
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. |
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 |
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 |
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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. |
FAQs - I'm an employee and would like more information |
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. |
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