Long-Term Care Homes Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC)
Thank you for visiting the Durham Region Long-Term Care website for updates pertaining to infection prevention and control (IPAC). Below you will find information on current outbreaks, our visitor policy, visitor training videos, masking, and immunization.
Outbreaks
Please ensure that you follow all posted outbreak guidelines in the home. For a list of current outbreaks in intuitional settings, please visit: Durham Region Outbreak Status Report. The Durham Region Health Department updates this outbreak report daily on weekdays, excluding statutory holidays.
Visitor Policy
If you are unsure whether you should visit based on your symptoms, please review the screening questions. The screening criteria is also posted at the entrance of our homes for review before entering. Visitors can reschedule their visit once their symptoms have improved for 24 hours.
Visitor Training
Prior to visiting any resident for the first time, you should take time to address how to safely put on and take off personal protective equipment (PPE) and perform hand hygiene. Please take the time to review the following videos prior to visiting.
- Putting on Full Personal Protective Equipment
- Removing Full Personal Protective Equipment
- How to Hand Wash
- How to Hand Rub
Masking
Our homes are a mask-friendly environment. Masks will continue to be readily available throughout the home. Please ensure you follow masking rules posted outside of home areas during an outbreak. Please note: Masking rules are subject to change based on direction from the Durham Region Health Department. Please ensure to read all signage listed prior to entering a unit based on PPE requirements when in outbreak or a precautionary watch.
Immunizations
Getting vaccinated and staying up to date with your immunizations is the best way to protect yourself and others. For more information on immunizations and what vaccines you may be eligible for, please visit: Immunizations and Vaccines - Region of Durham
Thank you for your understanding. The health and safety of our residents, staff, and visitors is of the utmost importance. For additional information pertaining to COVID-19, please visit the Region of Durham COVID-19 Page. We continue to follow all Durham Region Health Department and Ministry requirements and will update this site as required.
| FAQ's - I'm a family member and would like more information |
What are the current requirements to visit? All general visitors, including children under the age of 5, can visit homes. Indoor and outdoor visits can be any size, space permitting. How many people can visit? While there is no set limit on visitors, indoor visits depend on space availability and capacity. To book or rent space, please reach out to reception. 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. Should a resident or home area be placed in isolation or outbreak, please refer to the direction provided by IPAC and Public Health for visiting. 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. Please use the Visitor Sign In/Out logs at each visit as it is important to know who is in the building in the event of an emergency. Can I take my loved one home or on a day outing? Yes. Please contact the RN on unit to arrange. Can a resident leave for a medical appointment? Yes, medical appointments are permitted. If the unit is in outbreak, please speak with IPAC and RN if a resident needs to leave the building for a medical appointment. What happens if I become sick or test positive with COVID-19 and I have recently visited or spent time with a resident? Please notify the home immediately. The IPAC Practitioner will determine the risk of the exposure and advise of any next steps. |
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