Friday, August 14, 2020– Beacon Hill Villa – Update

Dear Dedicated Families,

Visits have been going great! Thank you so much for your support and understanding as recreation transitions into this new role. Residents and families are so excited to see each other after their time apart. The recreation team truly appreciates everyone’s’ patience and support as we resume visits with loved ones.

As BHV moves forward with in person visits, we are offering scheduled alternating week visits at a time & date that works for you (once every two weeks)   OR   weekly visits which fit into our pre-set schedule calling out free spots about 3 days prior to availability. Recreation has gotten in contact with most of the designated visitors, please email kkeszthelyi@retirementconcepts.com or call 250-419-6826 if you have not been contacted.

Visitation Tip: For families with multiple loved ones wanting to connect, you can bring in your iPad/smart devices to call their loved ones to have more family members present during the visit. This can be arranged with recreation during your visits. If a BHV iPad is needed then please contact Kassandra a minimum of 2 days prior to the scheduled visit to arrange.

Welcome back Lori! It has been lovely having Lori the hair dresser back in action (modified of course) here at BHV! She has done an excellent job of transforming the residents back into their beautiful selves! Please email lorileibaker@gmail.com if you would like to schedule a haircut for your loved one. Keep your eye out for the September BHV newsletter to see some of the transformations.

We want to thank everyone for their patience as we start our visiting program. If you have submitted an application but have not heard from us, please follow up with an email to the new email address: familyvisits@beaconhillvilla.com

As things will look a bit different, here is a summary of what to expect when you visit:

• There will be designated parking: ambulance parking is in front
• Please arrive no earlier than 5 minutes before your scheduled appointment
• Staff will greet you outside the front door
• Come down to rec/kitchen stairs, and be screened before you enter
• Visits will be in the recreation area. Outdoor patio visits are encouraged. There is an indoor space if required.
• Sanitize hands and wear a surgical grade masks. Required personal protective equipment will be provided by BHV.
• Visits will be approx. 40 minutes in duration.

The anticipated schedule allows 1 visit every 2 weeks. We hope to expand this as restrictions ease. This will ensure all residents have a visit with their loved ones. The recreation team will be able to provide programs for residents who do not have family visits.

In order to maximize our time so all families can benefit from booking a visit quickly:

• We will be reaching out to families for the first few weeks, which will help us create an efficient schedule.
• Virtual visits will still be offered. However, we are sure they will decrease.
• In person visits will take the place of fence visits.
• We have a 48-hour cancellation policy, and can easily reschedule you.
• We will provide a feedback sheet at the end of visits, and will appreciate your thoughts and communication.
• Please contact familyvisits@beaconhillvilla.com with any booking inquiries or questions.

Take care and stay safe,

Beacon Hill Villa Team

Updates on Admissions and Transfers:

Admissions have resumed and are following Ministry of Health and Vancouver Island Health Authority guidelines and safety precautions

Covid Response Protocol

Any resident who shows symptoms will be tested for COVID-19 without delay and put in isolation as a precaution. If the resident is positive, they will be assessed for transfer to a dedicated COVID-19 unit for specialized treatment. This also reduces the risk of outbreak in the LTC home. Island Health Communicable Disease will guide.

Prevention Protocols

We are continuing to follow the direction of our public health officials and have infection prevention and control precautions in place:

• Visitor restrictions are in place.
• Single site restrictions ensure no staff member works in multiple designated healthcare facilities.
• Staff are screened for symptoms and have their temperature checked upon entrance to the building.
• Residents are regularly checked for symptoms.
• Physical distancing is being promoted and re-enforced among residents, including during mealtimes.
• Appropriate application and removal of personal protective equipment (PPE) and disinfecting of equipment
• Enhanced environmental cleaning and increased frequency of disinfecting high touch surfaces
• Regular hand hygiene with increased audits

Public Health Measures

Please remember these important public health measures to keep yourself and others safe:

1. Stay at home and keep a safe distance from family when you have cold or flu symptoms, including: Coughing, Sneezing, Runny nose, Sore throat and Fatigue
2. No handshaking or hugs outside of your family
3. Practice good hygiene, including: Regular hand washing, Avoiding touching your face, covering coughs and sneezes, Disinfect frequently touched surfaces
4.  Keep physical distancing, as much as possible when in the community and where not possible, consider using a non-medical mask or face covering

Thank you

The Beacon Hill Villa Team