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 will take effect Sept 17^th, 2020:

1. Volunteers are now permitted to assist at Monterey. Full screening protocols will be in place to ensure the health and wellbeing of all residents and staff.
2. Site Tours are now 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. There are no longer any restrictions on the number of residents in group activities or gatherings. Previously, up to 15 were permitted. All other protocols will 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.

Grandparents Day this Sunday, September 13

This Grandparents Day  we celebrated by offering a wonderful strawberry dessert for lunch and hosting an afternoon tea in the main dining room.

Housekeeping Appreciation Week

September 7^th to 11^th  we celebrated our wonderful hardworking housekeeping team! For all of their hard work and dedication to ensuring our residents’ home is clean and safe!  Thank you Housekeeping Team!!

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) will be conducting a new study – the COVID-19 Continuing Care Family and Resident Experience Study.  This study will use 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 in the months ahead.

Monterey residents and family members will be contacted soon by Alberta Health Services (AHS) to participate in the study.

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.

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