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.
With the significant increase in the number of COVID-19 cases across the provinces, there is an increased risk to those we care for, which is why we have made some changes to our current visitation protocols. Please read below for more information for Alberta and British Columbia.
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
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.
Based on a risk assessment that our Emergency Operations Centre completed, we have decided to put a hold on all indoor social visits at this time. While this does not include the two designated family/support persons, we would kindly ask them to please refrain from coming to the homes unless for essential reasons.
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 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.
Due to the rising case numbers in the province, we kindly ask any designated social visitors to please refrain from visiting the care home at this time. This does not apply to essential visitors who provide the support that is vital to the resident’s care and wellbeing.
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