Hello Everyone:

We hope you are all staying safe and healthy!

NO RESIDENTS are presenting COVID-19 signs or symptoms at Monterey Seniors Village. However, we recognize that this is an anxious time for you and your families, and we hope that by continuing to send out updates, we can provide some reassurance to you on the care of your loved-one.

New Updates from the Latest Chief Medical Officer Order

There are some changes to current protocols that took effect Sept 17^th, 2020:

1. Volunteers are now permitted to assist at Monterey. Full screening protocols are in place to ensure the health and wellbeing of all residents and staff.
2. Site Tours are permitted if they cannot be done virtually or if a request is made to tour in person. These tours are typically organized when a potential new resident would like to move into one of our vacant suites.
3. No restrictions on the number of residents in group activities or gatherings. Previously, up to 15 were permitted. All other protocols remain in effect such as social distancing, hand hygiene, etc.
4. Up to 6 residents can sit at a dining table together depending on the table size, tables must still remain 2 meters apart.
5. All other previous protocols remain in place.

Laundry Service

During the pandemic Monterey staff began doing personal laundry for residents whose families had been doing it previously. Now that our indoor visitation protocols have changed, we would request family members resume doing their loved ones’ personal laundry in the laundry room located on the 1^st floor.  At this time, laundry is still not permitted to be brought home and cleaned due to pandemic protocols in place.  Should families choose not to assist with personal laundry, we will continue with laundry fees for this service.

Resident Health Screening

As per previous orders from the CMOH, our residents were to be screened twice a day for symptoms, including taking their temperature.  Residents will now be screened once per day.  This screening is documented in the resident health record.  If the resident is suspected of having new or worsening symptoms, they are put on precautionary contact and droplet isolation, a swab is taken, and the resident’s family is notified.  Residents remain on contact and droplet isolation while they have symptoms.  Residents on contact and droplet isolation will be served meals and continue to be provided all the care and support they need in their rooms.

Resident Outings

We are very pleased to announce that we will be resuming resident outings.  Starting in October, sightseeing tours and country rides will be scheduled for all residents to enjoy.  At this time, no outings that include disembarking from the bus will be scheduled due to ensuring the health and safety of our residents.

Designated Family Visitors List

Visitations have been going very well and we have been very busy scheduling everyone in.  We thank you for your patience and cooperation during this time.

We have had some challenges in terms of who is a designated visitor for each resident.  A memo will be emailed out to all decision makers outlining a request to please provide us with a list of visitors that may visit and/or take a resident offsite.

This will ensure all visitors have been documented prior to a visit and we continue to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents.

Just a friendly reminder, visiting hours at Monterey Seniors Village are between 8:00 am–8:00 pm daily, seven (7) days per week.

All visits can be reserved by calling Monterey reception at least 24-hours before your visit, at 403-207-2929 to book your visit.  Unfortunately we cannot accept walk-ins unless it is of an urgent nature.

A reservation is not required if you would like to take your loved one offsite for an appointment, outing or family visit.  Please be aware that all protocols are still in effect when offsite such as full screening, social distancing, continuous masking, not touching your face and hand hygiene.  If a visit is longer than 24 hours, your loved one will be required to self-isolate for two weeks for precautionary reasons.

The following protocols are currently in effect for indoor and outdoor visits:

• Up to two people can visit in a resident room, not including the resident, if physical distancing can be maintained. In end of life circumstances, up to three people at one time, not including the resident, is permitted.
• Only one designated family/support person is permitted a time in shared care areas such as a dining room or bathing room.
• Where permitted, groupings in designated indoor spaces should be limited to three, including the resident. These designated spaces will be marked throughout the site.
• Up to five people, including the resident, per grouping is permitted for outdoor visits, if physical distancing can be maintained.
• Gifts: Family/support persons and visitors are permitted to bring gifts, which now include homemade or purchased food and flowers/plants.

All items are required to be cleaned and disinfected by the individual and left on the designated table outside the main entrance.

• Gifts for Staff:

Residents and families may wish to show their appreciation to staff and we truly appreciate the kind gesture, however it is Monterey Senior’s Village policy that staff are not permitted to accept gifts of any kind.

Health Quality Council of Alberta Residents and Family COVID-19 Survey

In partnership with Alberta Health and Alberta Health Services, the Health Quality Council of Alberta (HQCA) conducted a new study – the COVID-19 Continuing Care Family and Resident Experience Study.  This study is now closed and we thank you for your support!  A large response of nearly 9,000 from family members provincially, across over 300 designated supportive living and long-term care sites completed the study.

About the study – This study uses in-depth interviews and surveys to gather information from residents in congregate care (including designated supportive living and long-term care) and their family members’  about their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. The information gathered will assist further understanding about what has worked well and not so well during Alberta’s pandemic response, and identify opportunities to improve the delivery of congregate care and pandemic response in the months ahead. A provincial report will be publicly shared winter of 2020.

Protocols

We continue to ensure ongoing deep cleaning and sanitization of the entire community, with additional housekeeping staff in all areas of the building, and enhanced cleaning in high touch areas. We will continue to act upon the latest advice of public health officials and adapt our operations as necessary and recommended, to reduce the risk of infection and transmission as much as possible.

Communication

Please know that should the condition of any resident change, their family will be notified immediately.

If you wish to be removed from these emails, please let me know.