Tuesday, June 9-2020– Beacon Hill Villa – Update

We are very pleased to see a reduction in new Covid-19 cases in British Columbia. It is, however, important to remember that there are still active confirmed cases in BC. Given the tragic effects that this virus can have on vulnerable seniors, we have to stay vigilant.

We are anticipating that visits will continue to be limited to “essential visits” only, but we are preparing for possible changes or increased guidance around what should be considered an “essential visit”. We hope to have more information in the coming weeks.

Doug Csima | General Manager

While we are happy to report again that no residents are presenting COVID-19 signs or symptoms, we are continuing to impose strict visitor restrictions as required by the Provincial Public Health Officer. We know this continues to be an anxious period for residents, families and loved-ones – but we ask that everyone be respectful of this measure, for resident and staff safety.

Should the status of this community change in any respect, please know that we will share this information.

Updates on Admissions and Transfers:

Admissions will be resumed following strict Ministry of Health guidelines and safety precautions (new admissions and residents returning from hospital will have isolation precautions with staff wearing PPE)

Any resident that shows symptoms will be tested for Covid without delay and put on isolation precautions. If the resident is positive, they will be assessed for transfer to a dedicated Covid unit for specialized treatment and to reduce risk of outbreak in the LTC home.

Protocols

We are continuing to follow the direction of our public health officials and have infection prevention and control precautions in place. Staff continue to monitor residents closely and are ensuring the following protocols are being implemented:

• Strict visitor restrictions are in place
• Ensuring no staff member is working in multiple healthcare facilities
• Staff are screened for symptoms and have temperature checked upon entrance to the building
• Physical distancing is being promoted and enforced among residents, including during mealtimes
• Appropriate application and removal of personal protective equipment (PPE) and disinfecting of equipment
• Ensuring ongoing, environmental cleaning and increased frequency of disinfecting high touch surfaces
• Staff and residents are committed to regular/proper hand hygiene by washing their hands with soap and water and/or applying hand sanitizer.

Recreation Program

We are pleased to share that in addition to facilitating virtual connections with families, we are also now offering:

– Virtual pet visits— Lynne & Teddy the Dog- Wednesdays at 2:30pm
– Virtual volunteer visits—Saturday afternoons with Karl
– Virtual music therapy—bi-weekly sessions on Tuesday mornings and Friday afternoons.

We are also maintaining our connection to our local school and will start a Pen Pal program with weekly mail exchanges.

Those who normally pick up the paper version of our newsletter will get an email copy for this month. If you wish to not receive the newsletter, please respond back and we will take you off the list.

Please contact our Recreation Manager Kassandra at kkeszthelyi@retirementconcepts.com if you would like to schedule a video chat or telephone call with your loved one. Please contact Cheryl, the Director of Care, cmoore@retirementconcepts.com  if you would like a general update on the health status of your loved one.

Dropping items off: Please coordinate all item drop-offs with the Recreation Manager, Kassandra kkeszthelyi@retirementconcepts.com

We would ask that families please follow these guidelines to ensure deliveries in a timely manner.

1. Please use plastic bags, no reusable bags
2. Make sure to label all bags with resident full name and room number
3. Try to limit drop offs to essential items.
4. Consider using Canada Post where precautions have been put in place
5. items may be quarantined for 48hrs

Reminders for your loved one to Stay Safe:

Please remember these important public health measures:

1. Practice physical distancing (6 feet apart)
2. Perform proper Hand Hygiene (Wash hands frequently for 20 seconds with the alcohol-based sanitizer or soap and hot water) 20 second or greater is so important.
3. Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
4. Cover your cough or sneeze with your arm or a face covering
5. If exhibiting any symptoms (fever, cough and difficulty breathing) please stay in your room and contact the front desk immediately

Thank You

The Beacon Hill Villa Team