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. As an organization, and through the dedication of our frontline employees, we are doing all that we can to prevent COVID-19 from entering our care homes.
Thank you for your assistance in keeping our residents and clients safe.
Alberta
A survey was conducted in October among our residents/individuals/legal representatives regarding visitation and vaccination requirements for visitors. EOC has completed the analysis of the survey results and our residents/individuals/legal representatives are largely supportive of the requirement for visitors to be fully immunized. EOC has also taken into consideration feedback that has been received to date concerning both continuing with the proof of vaccination requirement and not.
Furthermore, the CMOH order 49-2021 states that operators may choose to implement additional site-based policies and processes for COVID-19 prevention:
- Policies and processes must be appropriate to the local context.
- Policies and processes must be based on resident and family member preferences.
As such, effective December 1, 2021, the following visitation requirements have been implemented at the majority of our care/group homes. If you are unsure of the protocols for the care/group home you are visiting, please call ahead of arriving on site.
Social Visits
- All social visitors (12 and over) to the care home will be asked to provide proof of being fully immunized against COVID-19 (2 doses of an approved vaccine of 1 dose of Janssen vaccine).
- Visitors will continue to be screened for COVID-19 symptoms upon entry.
- Visitors must continuously wear a mask for the duration of their visit.
- Children 5 to 11 can continue to visit provided they are continually masked for the duration of their visit.
Designated Support Persons (DSP)
- All DSPs will be asked to provide proof of vaccination. However, if a DSP is unvaccinated they can continue to visit provided they:
- Must be continually masked for the duration of their visit; and
- Visit within the resident/individuals room only or a private area close to the room where there are no other residents/individuals/families.
- In the case of semi-private rooms, visits can take place in the resident/individuals room provided consent has been received by the roommate.
- Physical distancing requirements are to be followed.
- If the roommate does not consent to having the visit take place in their room, an alternative location will be facilitated.
Day Programs
There is no requirement for clients attending a day program to be immunized. However, visitors to the day program will be treated in the same manner as indicated above.
End of Life/Palliative Care
Visits for compassionate care, including critical illness, palliative care, end of life and medical assistance in dying will continue to be accommodated.
British Columbia
Effective January 1, 2022, The Provincial Health Officer has directed all long term care homes in B.C. to restrict visits to essential visitors only to protect residents, staff and loved ones from COVID-19. These restrictions are a temporary measure to prevent care home outbreaks throughout the province.
- Essential visits include visits for compassionate reasons, such as end-of-life care or those essential to a resident’s care and mental well-being.
- All visitors are allowed at seniors’ assisted living facilities.
We understand the importance of social visits for the wellbeing of those in long-term care and their families – this measure will be put in place for as short a period of time as possible. This new measure will remain in place until January 18, 2022, at the earliest, at which time health officials will re-evaluate visitor restrictions. We continue to support essential visits to meet the needs of individuals in long-term care homes.
Effective October 26, 2021: Visitors must demonstrate they are fully vaccinated to enter the care home (excluding children under 12 years or those with an approved medical exemption).
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/
Visitor Screening Tools
Alberta: COVID-19 Continuing Care Daily Checklist – Visitors and Volunteers
British Columbia: Screening Questionnaire
Good Samaritan Christenson Village Screening Questionnaire