Effective March 14, all Regional homes were closed to non-essential visitors. On June 11, the Province of Ontario announced in its news release a gradual, staged resumption of visits at long-term care homes. The first phase is limited to outdoor visits only and is subject to several requirements as provided by the Ministry of Long-Term Care: Resuming Visits in Long-Term Care Homes. On July 15, an update to this document was released. Outdoor visits have been expanded to include a maximum of two visitors per visit and there is no longer a requirement for a COVID-19 negative test result. You are however, asked not to visit if you are ill or have been in contact with someone who is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
Effective July 22, indoor visits resumed. Indoor visits are subject to the same physical distancing requirements. Visitors will be provided with a surgical mask upon arrival and will be escorted to the visiting area. Physical distancing will still be required, and all indoor visitors must verbally confirm to the home that they have tested negative for COVID-19 within the previous two weeks and have not subsequently tested positive. We have developed processes to allow these visits to safely occur in our homes. Thank you for your ongoing support and patience as we continue to work together to ensure the safety of everyone.
Hillsdale Terraces, Oshawa
- 28 current residents of Hillsdale Terraces tested positive for COVID-19 (all cases are now resolved).
- Additionally, 14 residents have passed away who tested positive for COVID-19. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the residents’ families during this difficult time.
- 13 staff tested positive for COVID-19 (all cases are now resolved).
- On May 8, the outbreak at Hillsdale Terraces was declared over.
Process for visits (July 29)
Hillsdale Terraces is happy to provide four types of visiting options for families and friends:
- Zoom virtual visit
- Outdoor visits
- Indoor visit
- Essential Caregiver Visits
The following visits are available once for 30 minutes per week and cannot combine with any other visit:
- Zoom visits: A virtual visit is available to persons well-known to the resident.
- Outside visits: Are available to persons well-known to the resident in front of the building—face coverings and practising social distancing of six feet is required at all times. These visits do not require a negative COVID-19 test within 14 days of the visit.
- Indoor visits: Include persons who well-known to the resident in the lobby of the building —surgical masks and practising social distancing of six feet is required. These visits require a negative COVID-19 test within 14 days of the visit.
The following type of visit is available once for 60 minutes per week and is independent of the other types of visits during meal service and evening care:
- Essential caregiver visits: Include persons who are very close to the resident and are capable of providing caregiving support (i.e. assistance with eating, evening care, and bathing) before COVID-19. Caregivers require to register with the home to be a designated essential caregiver. These visits require a negative COVID-19 test within 14 days of the visit.
Booking your visit:
- Please schedule through reception any day between 8:30 am to 4:30 pm by calling (905)-579-3313.
- Visits limited to one time per week per resident to ensure equal visiting opportunities for all residents to visit with family and friends.
- Outdoor visits are weather dependent and may be cancelled due to inclement weather or a heat advisory. Reception will notify you as soon as possible if this occurs.
- Please call 24 hours in advance to reschedule your visit if you cannot make it. Rescheduling will be based on availability.
- Are scheduled only a week in advance with reception.
Zoom visits:
- Available once per week per resident.
- No limit on the number of people on the virtual visit.
- No testing required.
- Zoom visits are supported by Hillsdale Terraces staff, who will coordinate the technology and the appointment with the resident and visitors.
Outdoor visits:
- Available once per week per resident.
- Required to pass an active screening questionnaire including temperature checks administered by home staff.
- Must wear their own masks/face coverings at all times when entering and exiting the property; during screening and outside of their visit.
- Supply your own chair.
- A maximum of two visitors per resident per visit will be permitted.
- Outdoor visits are weather dependent and may be cancelled due to inclement weather or a heat advisory. The Recreation Department will notify you as soon as possible if this occurs.
- Arrive no more than five minutes before your reservation. Please come prepared for your reservation. Delays with the screening process will result in missed time. Unfortunately, we cannot extend your visiting time if delays occur.
- Only bring what you need for a visit. All personal items (coats, purses, etc.) should stay in your vehicle. The fewer items you bring lowers the risk of infection.
- Wait in a marked area until the visit time.
- Please ensure you sanitize your hands before and after a visit with the hand sanitizer provided.
- Receive information on infection prevention and control.
- Practise physical distancing of at least 6 feet for the duration of the visit unless a physical barrier is in place.
- A Hillsdale Terraces staff member will escort the resident - they will remain with the resident during the visit for safety/assistance.
- No food or beverages are to be brought into the home.
- No pets allowed.
- Children under the age of 12 will not be permitted to visit.
- If you need to cancel your visit, please notify reception as soon as possible. Every attempt will be made to reschedule based on availability.
- Unfortunately, washroom facilities will not be available to outside visitors.
Indoor visits:
- Required to pass an active screening questionnaire, which will include temperature checks administered by home staff.
- Must be screened and attest to negative result for COVID-19 within the previous two weeks of the visit and subsequently not test positive. The home is not responsible for providing testing.
- Come prepared and arrive no earlier than five minutes before your reservation. Any delays with the screening process will result in missed time for the visit. Unfortunately, we cannot extend your visiting time if delays occur.
- Wear a surgical/procedure mask supplied by Hillsdale Terraces at all times while in the home. Only bring with you what you need for a visit. All personal items (coats, purses, etc.) should stay in your vehicle. The fewer items you bring lowers the risk of infection.
- A maximum of two visitors per resident per visit will be permitted.
- Wait in a marked area until their visit time.
- Please ensure you sanitize your hands before and after a visit with the hand sanitizer provided.
- You will receive information on infection prevention and control.
- A Hillsdale Terraces staff member will escort the resident - they will remain with the resident during the visit for safety/assistance.
- Visitors will practise physical distancing of at least six feet for the duration of the visit
- Visitors will not bring food or beverage to the resident.
- No pets allowed.
- Children under the age of 12 will not be permitted to visit.
- If you need to cancel your visit, please notify reception as soon as possible. Every attempt will be made to reschedule based on availability.
- Washroom facilities will be available in designated areas only. Staff will assist you.
Essential caregiver visits:
- When scheduling an essential caregiver visit, the caregiver must indicate which service they are assisting the resident with (breakfast, lunch, dinner or evening care) and their preferred day of the week.
- Essential caregivers will be required to pass an active screening questionnaire, which will include temperature checks administered by home staff.
- Cannot bring food or beverage to the resident. The home is not responsible for providing the testing.
- Please come prepared and arrive no more than five minutes before your reservation. Any delays with the screening process will result in missed time for the visit. Unfortunately, we cannot extend your visiting time if delays occur.
- Required to wear a surgical/procedure mask at all times while in the home. Hillsdale Terraces will supply the surgical/procedure mask for indoor visitors.
- Only one visitor will be permitted to visit at a time. Visits are 60 minutes once a week.
- Only bring with you what you need for a visit. All personal items (coats, purses, etc.) should stay in your vehicle. The fewer items you bring, lowers the risk infection.
- Required to wait in a marked area until their visit time.
- Please ensure you sanitize your hands before and after a visit with the hand sanitizer provided.
- Receive information on infection prevention and control.
- Practise physical distancing when they are able.
- Will not consume food or beverages during the visit to ensure mask is worn at all times.
- No pets allowed.
- Children under the age of 12 will not be permitted to visit.
- Must remain in the resident’s room for the duration of the visit.
- Will use the call bell system in the resident room if you require assistance or are ready to leave.
- If you need to cancel your visit, please notify reception as soon as possible. Every attempt will be made to reschedule based on availability.
- Washroom facilities will be available in designated areas only. Staff will assist you.
Any failure to adhere to the above guidelines will result in ending the visit.
Thank you for your support & cooperation as we continue to work together to ensure everyone’s safety.
Hillsdale Estates, Oshawa
- One employee has tested positive for COVID-19. This employee was asymptomatic and COVID-19 was detected as a result of surveillance testing. (Case is now resolved.)
- On May 26, the outbreak at Hillsdale Estates was declared over.
- Currently, all COVID-19 test results for residents of Hillsdale Estates are negative.
Process for visits (July 29)
There are three types of visiting options for families and friends:
- Essential caregiver visits
- Indoor visits
- Outdoor visits
Essential caregiver visits:
Includes persons capable of providing caregiving support (i.e. assistance with eating, management of behaviours, etc.) and have provided this type of support before COVID-19. Visitors will register with the home to be a designated essential caregiver (information coming soon). These visits require a negative COVID-19 test completed within 14 days of the visit. Essential caregiver visits are independent of other types of visits and available for 60 minutes once a week during meal service (breakfast, lunch and dinner). Hillsdale Estates will be initiating these visits for those requiring assistance for feeding starting July 29, 2020.
Indoor visits:
Include persons who are well-known to the resident. Require a negative COVID-19 test completed within 14 days of the visit. These visits are offered for 30 minutes once a week and cannot be combined with any others.
Outside visits:
Include persons who are well-known to the resident. Visitors do not require a completed COVID-19 test within 14 days of the visit. These visits are offered for 30 minutes once a week and cannot be combined with any other.
Booking your visit:
- Scheduling indoor and outdoor visits, zoom calls, and window visits are available by request only. To schedule your appointment go to https://estatesonlinevisitbooking.as.me.
- To become a registered essential caregiver or for a registered essential caregiver to book a visit please call ext. 6332 (please note you will not be able to book these visits through the online service).
- Schedule at your convenience between 9 am to 7 pm Monday to Sunday. Please keep in mind that the scheduling system blocks bookings for three days in advance - plan visits accordingly.
- Limited to one time per week per resident to ensure equitable and meaningful time for residents to visit their family and friends.
Essential caregiver visits (in the resident home area):
- Required to pass an active screening questionnaire, which will include temperature checks administered by home staff.
- Must be screened and attest to negative result for COVID-19 within the previous two weeks of the visit and subsequently not test positive. The home is not responsible for providing testing.
- Please come prepared and arrive no more than five minutes before your reservation. Any delays with the screening process will result in missed time for the visit. Unfortunately, we cannot extend your visiting time if delays occur.
- Wear a surgical/procedure mask at all times while in the home. Hillsdale Estate will supply the surgical/procedure mask for indoor visitors.
- Remain in the resident’s room for the duration of the visit.
- Use the call bell system in the resident’s room if they require assistance or if they are ready to leave.
- Only one visitor will be permitted to visit at a time. Visits are 60 minutes once per week.
- Only bring with you what you need for a visit. All personal items (coats, purses, etc.) should be left in your vehicle. The fewer items you bring, the lowers infection.
- Wait in a marked area until their visit time.
- Please ensure you sanitize your hands before and after a visit with the hand sanitizer provided.
- Provided with information on infection prevention and control.
- Maintain physical distancing when they are able.
- Will not consume food or beverages during the visit to ensure the mask is worn at all times.
- No pets allowed.
- Children under the age of 12 will not be permitted to visit.
- If you need to cancel your visit, please notify Recreation as soon as possible, every attempt will be made to reschedule book based on availability.
- Washroom facilities will be available in designated areas only. Staff can assist you in accessing them.
Indoor visits (auditorium):
- Required to pass an active screening questionnaire, which will include temperature checks administered by home staff.
- Must be screened and attest to negative result for COVID-19 within the previous two weeks of the visit and subsequently not test positive. The home is not responsible for providing testing.
- Please come prepared and arrive no more than five minutes before your reservation. Any delays with the screening process will result in missed time for the visit. Unfortunately, we cannot extend your visiting time if delays occur.
- Wear a surgical/procedure mask at all times while in the home. Hillsdale Estates will supply the surgical/procedure mask to indoor visitors.
- Only bring with you what you need for a visit. All personal items (coats, purses, etc.) should stay in your vehicle. The fewer items you bring lowers the risk of virus transfer.
- A maximum two visitors per resident per visit will be permitted.
- Wait in a marked area until their visit time.
- Please ensure you sanitize your hands before and after a visit with the hand sanitizer provided.
- You will be provided with information on infection prevention and control.
- A Hillsdale Estates staff member will bring down the resident for their visit and will remain with the resident during the visit for safety/assistance.
- Practise physical distancing of at least six feet for the duration of the visit.
- Will not bring food or beverage to the resident.
- No pets allowed.
- Children under the age of 12 will not be permitted to visit.
- If you need to cancel your visit, please notify Recreation as soon as possible. Every attempt will be made to reschedule based on availability.
- Washroom facilities will be available in designated areas only. Staff can assist you in accessing them.
Outdoor visits:
- Required to pass an active screening questionnaire that will include temperature checks administered by home staff.
- Wear your own masks/face coverings at all times when entering and exiting the property, during screening and the outside visit.
- Supply your own chair.
- A maximum two visitors per resident per visit will be permitted.
- Outdoor visits are weather dependent and may be cancelled due to inclement weather or a heat advisory. The Recreation Department will notify you as soon as possible if this occurs.
- Please come prepared and arrive no more than five minutes before your reservation. Any delays with the screening process will result in missed time for the visit. Unfortunately, we cannot extend your visiting time if delays occur.
- Only bring with you what you need for the visit. All personal items (coats, purses, etc.) should stay in your vehicle. The fewer items you bring lowers the risk of infection.
- Wait in a marked area until their visit time.
- Please ensure you sanitize your hands before and after a visit with the hand sanitizer provided.
- You will receive information on infection prevention and control.
- Practise physical distancing of at least six feet for the duration of the visit unless a physical barrier is in place.
- A Hillsdale Estates staff member will bring down the resident for their visit and will remain with the resident during the visit for safety/assistance.
- You wiill not bring food or beverage to the resident.
- No pets allowed.
- Children under the age of 12 will not be permitted to visit.
- If you need to cancel your visit, please notify Recreation as soon as possible. Every attempt will be made to reschedule based on availability.
- Unfortunately, washroom facilities will not be available to outside visitors.
Any failure to adhere to the above guidelines will result in ending the visit.
Thank you for your support & cooperation as we continue to work together to ensure the safety of everyone.
Fairview Lodge, Whitby
- Three employees have tested positive for COVID-19 (two cases are now resolved).
- The two latest employees to test positive was asymptomatic and COVID-19 was detected as a result of surveillance testing.
- The outbreak at Fairview Lodge has been declared over as of May 24.
- Currently, all COVID-19 test results for residents of Fairview Lodge are negative.
Process for visits
There are three types of visiting options for families and friends:
- Indoor visits
- Essential caregiver visits
- Outdoor visits
Before visiting you:
- Pass an active screening questionnaire, including temperature checks administered by home staff.
Booking your visit:
- Depending on the type of visit, a maximum of two visitors per week will allow equal visiting opportunities for all residents.
- Please email Recreation Staff with your request (refer to the email address below).
Indoor visits:
- Attest to a negative result for COVID-19 taken within the previous two weeks with no subsequent positive test result.
- No pets will be allowed.
- Appointments may be booked Monday to Sunday between 10 am and 7 pm.
- Washroom facilities will be available to visitors (refer to onsite signage).
- To cancel, call the Recreation Department as soon as possible; staff will reschedule based on availability.
- Please ensure you sanitize your hands before you visit with the sanitizer provided.
- Please arrive five minutes before your scheduled visit time.
- Children under 12 years are not permitted to visit at this time.
1. Indoor designated area visits (effective July 22):
- Up to two visitors allowed per resident per visit.
- You will be required to wear a surgical mask at all times.
- You will be provided with information on infection prevention and control.
- Staff will bring residents to the designated visiting area, and remain with them for safety and any needed assistance.
- Maintain physical distancing of at least six feet at all times.
- Visits will be 30 minutes in length.
- Please ensure you sanitize your hands after you visit with the sanitizer provided.
2. Essential caregiver visits (effective July 29):
Essential caregivers are persons capable of providing caregiving support and have provided this type of support before COVID-19.
- One essential caregiver per visit to ensure proper social distancing measures in the resident room.
- The essential caregiver must call or email the Recreation Department to schedule an appointment.
- Visits will be 60 minutes once a week, taking place between 10:00 am to 6:30 pm.
- Screening will occur upon entering the building. It will include answering questions, temperature check, and providing attest to a negative result for COVID-19 taken within the previous two weeks with no subsequent positive test result.
- Will be provided with a surgical mask that must be worn during the entire visit.
- Wash/sanitize their hands before and after the appointment.
- Will be escorted to and from the resident room.
- Visitor must stay in the resident room. A call bell can used if anything is required outside the room.
- Please arrive five minutes before your scheduled visit time.
- Can access designated washrooms at the beginning or end of each visit.
Outdoor visits:
- Up to two visitors allowed per resident per visit.
- Please bring your own mask or face covering.
- Please bring your own chair.
- Visitors will not bring food or beverage to the resident.
- No pets allowed.
- Unfortunately, washroom facilities will not be available to outdoor visitors.
- Ensure you sanitize your hands before you visit with the sanitizer provided.
- Arrive no more than five minutes before your scheduled visit time.
- Leave all personal belongings in your vehicle.
During your scheduled visit:
- Wear your own mask and face covering at all times on the property.
- Wait in line in the marked area until your scheduled visit time.
- You will be provided with information on infection prevention and control.
- Staff will bring residents out for a visit and remain with them for safety and any needed assistance.
- Practise physical distancing of at least six feet at all times.
- Visits will be 30 minutes in length.
- Please ensure you sanitize your hands after you visit with the sanitizer provided.
To cancel your visit, call the Recreation Department as soon as possible; staff will be rescheduled based on availability.
All visits will be cancelled if the home experiences an outbreak.
Any failure to adhere to the above guidelines will result in ending the visit.
Please email your visit request to:
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
Thank you for your support & cooperation as we continue to work together to ensure everyone's safety.
Lakeview Manor, Beaverton
- There are currently no active cases of COVID-19 at Lakeview Manor.
- One employee had tested positive for COVID-19. This case is now resolved and the outbreak has been declared over.
- Currently, all COVID-19 test results for residents of Lakeview Manor are negative.
Process for visits (effective July 29)
There are three types of visiting options for families and friends:
- Essential caregiver visits
- Indoor visits
- Outdoor visits
Before visiting, you must:
- Pass an active screening questionnaire that will include temperature checks administered by home staff.
- Attest to a negative result for COVID-19 taken within the previous two weeks with no subsequent positive test result.
- You will be provided with a surgical mask and must wear this at all times while in the home.
Booking your visits:
- Scheduled from Monday to Sunday between 9:30 am to 7:00 pm.
- Limited to one time per week per resident to ensure equal visiting opportunities for all residents to visit with family and friends.
- Please call the Recreation office at 705-426-7388 ext. 5322. If no-one answers the phone, please leave a message and include your name, the resident's name, and your desired visiting date/time.
Essential caregiver
Becoming an essential caregiver:
- Please call the Recreation office at 705-426-7388 ext. 5322.
- You will be contacted between Monday through Friday during business hours (excluding holidays) to discuss your visit structure.
Booking you essential caregiver visit:
- Please call the Recreation office at least 24 hours before your visit. Your visiting date/time is not guaranteed until you have received confirmation.
Arriving for your scheduled visit:
- Please arrive no more than five minutes before your visit time.
- One visitor per resident per visit.
- You will be required to line up in the marked area and await screening.
- Practise physical distancing of a least six feet whenever possible.
- Wear a provided surgical mask upon screening.
- Visits will be 60 minutes in length.
- Visitors should store their personal belongings (purse, etc.) in their vehicles.
- Please ensure you sanitize your hands before and after the visit with the sanitizer provided.
- You will be provided with information on infection prevention and control.
- You will be escorted to the resident's room after passing screening. Visitors will remain in the resident room at all times during the visit.
- If you require anything outside of the resident room, you can ring the call bell and wait for assistance.
- You will not bring food or beverage to the resident.
- No pets allowed.
- Visitors should refrain from using the resident's washroom and use the designated washrooms on the main floor before or after the visit.
- Resident rooms will be cleaned and disinfected as per the Environmental Services cleaning protocols.
- If you need to cancel or rebook your appointment, please call Recreation as early as possible. Rescheduling will be based on availability.
Indoor Visits:
Preparing for your indoor visit
- Up to two visitors allowed per resident visit.
- Attest to a negative result for a test for COVID-19 taken within the previous two weeks with no subsequent test result.
- No pets allowed.
- No food or beverages are to be brought into the home and please keep personal belongings to a minimum.
- Washroom facilities will be available to visitors by the back entrance.
- To cancel or change your visit, please call the Recreation team as soon as possible.
- Please sanitize your hands upon entry to the home.
- Please arrive no earlier than five minutes before the scheduled visit time.
- Children under 12 years are not permitted to visit at this time.
During your scheduled visit:
- You will be required to wear a mask at all times.
- You will be provided with information on infection prevention and control.
- Staff will bring residents to the designated visiting area and remain with them as needed for safety and assistance.
- Maintain physical distancing of at least six feet at all times.
- Visits will be 30 minutes in length.
- Please ensure you sanitize your hands after your visit.
Outdoor Visits:
Preparing for your outdoor visit:
- Up to two visitors allowed per resident per visit.
- Please bring your mask or face covering.
- Please bring your own chair for your visit.
- No food or beverage will be delivered to the resident.
- No pets allowed.
- Unfortunately, washroom facilities will not be available to outdoor visitors.
- To cancel or change your visit, please call the Recreation team as soon as possible.
- Please ensure you sanitize your hands before your visit.
- Please arrive no earlier than five minutes before your scheduled visit time.
- Please leave all personal belongings in your vehicle.
During your scheduled visit:
- You will be required to wear your mask or face covering at all times on the property.
- You will be provided with information on infection prevention and control.
- Staff will bring residents out for a visit and remain with them for safety and any needed assistance.
- Maintain physical distancing of at least 6 feet at all times.
- Appointments will be 30 minutes in length.
- Please ensure you sanitize your hands after your visit.
Any failure to adhere to the above guidelines will result in ending the visit.
Thank you for your support & cooperation as we continue to work together to ensure everyone's safety.
Note: There are currently no COVID-19 outbreaks at our Regional long-term care homes. Should there be any changes to this information, details will be posted to this page.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 homes.
Visiting our long-term care homes in the time of COVID-19
April 2020 COVID-19 Newsletter for Family Members
For the most up-to-date information about COVID-19 in Durham Region visit Health Department’s COVID-19 Update web page. durham.ca/NovelCoronavirus.
The Region of Durham is taking every precaution to mitigate this situation.
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 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.
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.
We know that this is an uncertain and challenging time. Please be assured that the Region of Durham remains vigilant in its efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to care for your loved ones.
We are doing everything we can to protect the health and safety of those within our homes and the community at large.
| 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? To ensure the safety of vulnerable residents in Durham Region’s Long-Term Care Homes (Hillsdale Estates, Hillsdale Terraces, Fairview Lodge and Lakeview Manor), visiting is now restricted to essential visitors only. Essential visitors are those who have a loved one who is dying or very ill. No other visitors are permitted to enter the premises, including volunteers, entertainers and church groups. Residents are encouraged to keep in touch with loved ones by phone or other technologies wherever possible. Essential visitors will be actively screened as they enter the premises, for the safety of facility staff and residents. The visit will also be limited to the one resident and must not visit anyone else in the home. The essential visitor must wear a mask while visiting a resident that does not have COVID-19. For any essential visitor in contact with a resident who has COVID-19, you will be provided with appropriate PPE. Effective June 18, there will be a gradual reopening of long-term care homes to visitors provided the home is not in an outbreak. Initially, visits will be limited to outdoor visits only. One individual per visit, per resident, per week will be allowed. These visits must be pre-arranged, and there are specific visitor restrictions in place. For further information, please contact the Recreation Coordinator at the home. The health and well-being of all Ontarians, including long-term care residents, their families, and staff, is our government’s number one priority. 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. 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. All Regional homes were also closed to non-essential visitors, effective March 14. This practice will continue until further notice. 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, residents living in adjacent rooms to that person will also be tested. 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. Plus, 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. Surveillance testing took place in May for all staff. This surveillance testing is being repeated twice in June. Information on subsequent rounds of surveillance testing has not yet been provided by Ontario Health. What criteria is used to determine if a resident is showing symptoms of COVID-19? Residents are being monitored for symptoms fever, 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 staff are required to wear surgical masks at all times for the duration of their shift whether the home is in outbreak or not. Are families permitted to drop off cards, treats, or other items for their loved ones or caregivers during this current lockdown? Send a greeting card to your loved one in long-term care 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. Note: Residents are not permitted to leave the home for short-stay absences to visit family and friends. If my loved one passes away, what is the procedure for funeral home arrangements? To reduce the risk of transmitting COVID-19 to the funeral home staff and the resident’s family members, when a resident dies, funeral home staff will now wait outside the home, while registered staff conduct all the preparations of the deceased and take the stretcher to the funeral home staff. Family members are not to be in attendance in the area. The family will be required to identify the funeral home. Assistance in making a choice will be available to families if funeral arrangements have not been pre-planned. This new protocol will be in place for the duration of the COVID-19 outbreak in Ontario. 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. Have all staff and residents been tested for COVID-19? As of May 15, 2020, all staff and residents were swabbed as part of the province’s surveillance testing for long-term care homes. All residents were negative. There were two staff members at Fairview Lodge and one staff member at Hillsdale Estates who tested positive. All three staff members were asymptomatic and removed from the workplace until they tested negative. |
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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. |
| 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. 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 in adjacent rooms to someone who has tested positive will also be tested. Further testing will be assessed, in collaboration with 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 two negative swabs before you will be allowed to return to work. 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 two negative swabs before allowed to return to work. You will be given further instructions from your manager. I returned from a trip outside of Ontario, 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. 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. Will all employees and residents in the home be tested? All employees working in affected units will be tested. In addition, as of May 15, 2020, all staff and residents were swabbed as part of the province’s surveillance testing for long-term care homes. All residents were negative. There were two staff members at Fairview Lodge and one staff member at Hillsdale Estates who tested positive. All three staff members were asymptomatic and removed from the workplace until they tested negative. All employees are being swabbed in June 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. Additionally, as of April 9, we will be cohorting staff to one Resident Home Area to the extent possible, to help prevent the potential spread of COVID-19. |
Ontario Enhancing COVID-19 Protections for Long-Term Care Residents, Families and Staff - Q&As
Send a greeting card to your loved one in long-term care
Credible online resources
- Government of Canada
- Province of Ontario
- Public Health Agency of Canada
- Public Health Ontario
- World Health Organization
To become a registered essential caregiver or for a registered essential caregiver to book a visit please call ext. 6332 (please note you will not be able to book these visits through the online service).
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