As an organization, we are working in partnership with the various health authorities and governments as we deal with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are following all Public Health Orders, including on visitation.
Alberta
On July 16, 2020, the Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) announced a new Public Health Order that changes the visitation requirements for continuing care homes. Please see below for some important information regarding visitation at our care/group homes in Alberta:
Fact Sheet – Family Support Visiting
Safe Visiting Practices
Please speak to the leadership team at your care/group home to receive the Visitation Guidance for Designated Family/Support Persons and Other Visitors applicable to your location.
A letter to families and residents/individuals can be found on this page: https://gss.org/preparations-for-covid-19/
British Columbia
On August 27, the Seniors Advocate of British Columbia put out a request for families and residents to complete a quick survey to better understand the experiences of visitors in long term care and assisted living throughout the pandemic and to help determine next steps. You can learn more by clicking on the link to the letter below, or you can visit www.carehomevisits.ca to take the survey.
Letter to Family Members with Loved Ones in Care in British Columbia – August 27, 2020
On June 30, 2020 the BC Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Provincial Medical Health Officer developed updated guidelines to support visits between family members and residents of long-term care homes and seniors’ assisted living facilities. Under these guidelines, residents will be able to visit with one family member or friend. Details can be found on the BC Centre for Disease Control website at: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-professionals/clinical-resources/covid-19-care/clinical-care/long-term-care-facilities-assisted-living.
We have worked with the respective health authorities to ensure that required safety plans and measures are in place and are now prepared to allow designated visitors at our care homes. Under the new visitation guidelines developed by the BC Ministry of Health and the provincial health officer, for the time being, residents will be able to visit with one designated family member or friend.
- All visits must be booked in advance for a set amount of time (30 minutes maximum) to allow them to be conducted safely and to ensure everyone has an opportunity to visit. Please keep in mind that there will be limited space for visits, so we ask for your patience and understanding as our employees try to accommodate everyone’s wishes.
- Visits are not allowed if there is an active COVID-19 outbreak at the care home.
- You will not be able to come and visit if you or the resident you are visiting are sick or have any COVID-19 symptoms.
- All visitors will be screened for signs and symptoms of illness, including COVID-19, before every visit.
- All visits will take place in specific “visiting areas,” which will be organized by each care home.
- When you visit, you will need to bring a clean mask and wear it for the duration of your visit and while in the care home or on the property.
Click on the link below for guidelines on what to do before, during and after your visit.
Stay Connected
We continue to encourage families and friends to stay in touch with residents virtually. If you would like more information, please reach out to the care home to learn more about the different ways you can connect. Our well wishes tool is also available to you on our website (http://www.gss.org/well-wishes) where loved ones can send a message and photos to those in our care.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
A letter to families and residents can be found on this page: https://gss.org/preparations-for-covid-19/
Essential Visitor Screening Tools
Alberta: Screening Questionnaire
British Columbia: Screening Questionnaire
Good Samaritan Christenson Village Screening Questionnaire