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 April 1, 2021, new visitation restrictions have come into effect for our B.C. care homes. You can read the latest guide from the B.C. Ministry of Health and BC Centre for Disease Control, here. You can also find a question and answer document regarding the visitation changes here.
Click on the link below for guidelines on what to do before, during and after your visit:
BC Visitor Guidelines for Essential and Social Visits
Guidelines for Essential and Social Visits
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