December 14, 2021
Hello everyone,
I want to thank all of our residents, families and team members who have supported our infection prevention and control protocols, including participating in the COVID-19 vaccination program. We share your concern regarding the increasing number of COVID-19 cases within the general public and the new variant, Omicron, which likely will introduce restrictions during our traditional holiday season.
In light of this surge, the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility (MSAA) has requested all retirement residences implement the following changes effective today:
14 Days Prior to Visit
If the individual has travelled to Egypt, Nigeria, Malawi, South Africa, Eswatini, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Nambia:
Access to the retirement residence is strictly prohibited as they must be in quarantine.
This requirement also applies to anyone residing in the same household as someone in quarantine because of recent travel to these countries.
This includes individuals intending to visit palliative residents and staff, essential caregivers, support workers, visitors, students, volunteers, and contractors.
The individual has travelled outside of Canada but is NOT under federal quarantine:
Will be required to undergo rapid antigen testing when entering a retirement home, regardless of vaccination status. Rapid antigen testing results are valid for 48 hours.
We would ask residents to review which two people they have identified to act as their Designated Family/Support Person/Caregiver (DEV) in case restrictions are put in place again. A reminder that a DEV may be a family member, friend, companion (privately paid or volunteer), support worker (privately paid or volunteer), power of attorney/trustee, agent, legal guardian, or any other person identified. This type of “visitor” would be deemed essential and, as such, provides direct care which may include:
Essential Visitor – Designated Family/Support Person/Caregiver
The Designated Family/Support Person/Caregiver Must:
Please speak with your General Manager should you have any questions about assigning and/or reassigning someone as a Designated Family/Support Person/Caregiver. We hope that together, we can continue to ensure that our residents and team members remain safe while maintaining access to those in greatest need.
Visits with Residents
We are empathetic to our residents and families who we know would like to gather in our communities or loved ones’ homes for the holidays. We ask for your continued patience and understanding as we navigate rapid testing and screening of visitors due to the holidays. We also ask residents, families and team members to limit their social interactions, wear a mask, physically distance and practice good hand hygiene.
Visits with Residents
We want to remind residents to alert team members if they feel unwell immediately. We cannot stress enough that family and visitors should not visit if there is any doubt that you are experiencing even mild COVID-19 symptoms. Seasons’ Health Questionnaire is quite exhaustive for potential symptoms and is specific about your own risk of exposure: Please be honest in your responses and rebook your visit if you are feeling unwell.
For further details, here are links to helpful resources that we use for guidance and compliance:
Thank you, Seasons Team Members, for your unwavering commitment to the health and safety of our residents and your fellow team members. We see the work you are doing each day, and it matters; you are truly making an impact on the lives of others, and we appreciate all of your efforts.
Seasons remains committed to the health, safety and well-being of our staff and residents. Whether you live or work with us, thank you all for the trust you continue to place in our company.
Sincerely,
LeighAnne Voll
Chief Operating Officer,
Seasons Retirement Communities
For additional online resources for COVID-19 you can visit the following sites:
Canada Health
Alberta Health
Alberta Health Services
Public Health Ontario
Retirement Home Regulatory Authority