May 25, 2020
At the time of writing this update, we have no resident cases of COVID-19 in any Seasons Retirement Community. This is great news and a testament to the diligence we have shown in keeping the virus at bay; however, we know that this is merely a moment in time and the risk to our staff and residents remains high.
It will take the collective, continued cooperation of Seasons Team Members, residents, and family members to keep COVID-19 out of our homes.
Since the outset of the COVID-19 crisis in Canada, Seasons Retirement Communities has been following the advice and directives of both provincial governments, our sector regulators, and local public health units. I know the weather is getting nicer and families want to visit their loved ones. We know that the provinces are slowly opening up businesses, public spaces, etc. This simply is not the case for retirement communities.
The Essential Visitor policy is mandated by the Chief Medical Officer in both Alberta and Ontario, as is the policy that residents should not leave our premises unless is it for a medically necessary appointment. Further, residents must be isolated if they do leave our premises. All of these protocols remain in effect at all Seasons Retirement Communities.
The protection of our staff and residents is our highest priority. As tired as residents and families may be with these restrictions and as anxious as we all are to return to a more normal way of life, we must remain compliant.
A sincere thank you to the residents and families who have been patient and following our protocols and policies throughout this pandemic.
For those who continue to ignore our directives and frequent reminders, be advised that a secret visit to your loved one via patio door through their window one puts an entire community of vulnerable seniors at increased risk for exposure. Therefore, without exception, any resident found to have left our premises or to have come in contact with a non-essential visitor on our premises will be isolated for 14 days. Any family member found to ignore this order, will be at risk for not being able to visit the premises any longer. Additionally, in Ontario, violators will be reported to the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority (RHRA).
While visits with your loved one are restricted at the moment, please rest assured that your loved one is not alone in your absence. Seasons remains dedicated to keeping our residents entertained and connected during these unprecedented times, and we have found many creative yet safe ways to continue having fun. For examples of this, I encourage you to visit our Seasons Facebook page or other social media channels.
Once again, I want to thank you for the trust you have placed in Seasons Retirement Communities. We will get through this by working together.
Sincerely,
LeighAnne Voll,
Chief Operating Officer
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