Good Morning Everyone

Nurse’s week is May 11-17^th this year, and we are celebrating all of our dynamic nurses for their dedication, hard work, and compassionate care. Our staff enjoyed a slice of cake yesterday and very heartfelt thanks for all their hard work.  May 12^th marked Florence Nightingale’s 200^th birthday, the pioneer of modern nursing, and nurse’s week always falls during her birthday.  In 1854 she helped save lives in a cholera epidemic in London, and later that year she earned the nickname “Lady with the Lamp” during the Crimean war. She worked at a British base hospital and would use a lamp to allow her to round on her patients tirelessly through the night.  She was treated as a hero upon her return home, and was awarded $250 000 from the Queen who also bestowed her a jewelled broach which is now known as the Nightingale Jewel. Florence used this money to fund the St. Thomas Hospital and within it, he Nightingale Training School for Nurses.  Her history and achievements resonate with us even more now, with the world’s doctors and nurses fighting Covid-19. Florence was quoted once to say, “Nursing is one of the fine arts: I had almost said the finest of fine arts”, and we couldn’t agree more.

We are happy to report that we remain COVID-19 free.  Despite this, we continue to restrict visits at Selkirk Seniors Village out of an abundance of caution. We understand this is an anxious time 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 our community change in any respect, please know that we will immediately inform all resident’s and tenant’s families/most responsible person.

Selkirk Seniors Village is fortunate to have a COVID-19 Coach provided by the Island Health Authority. This coach is on site Monday- Friday providing us with ongoing education and support, as well as being a great resource for all things COVID-19 related.

Protocols

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

• restricting ALL visitors from the premises with the exception of active palliation visits
• ensuring no staff member is working in multiple facilities
• requesting staff not come dressed for work, but rather bring their clean work attire with them to change into at start of shift
• staff are screened for their temperature upon entrance to the building, and midway through their shift
• social distancing is occurring among residents and tenants, including during mealtimes
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) has been provided and education given around the appropriate application and removal of it
• If someone is transferred to hospital, upon return the resident/tenant will be under isolation precautions for 14 days
• ensuring ongoing, environmental cleaning and increased frequency of high touch surfaces in order to break the chain of infection
• staff and residents are committed to regular/proper hand hygiene to break the chain of infection, by washing their hands with soap and water and applying hand sanitizer.

Recreation Program

It has been amazing hearing from the recreation team regarding the FaceTime and Skype connections they are facilitating. We have facilitated calls from California, Delaware, all across Canada, and even Japan. Thank goodness for technology! Please do not hesitate to reach out to set up a time for a video call, we will do what we can to accommodate different time zones. See below for how to contact our Recreation Team.

The Recreation staff are conducting 1:1 visits and activities. This could look like time in the gym, walking outdoors (weather dependant), reading, discussing news, trivia, puzzles, tea/coffee social, crafts, card games etc.  They are also going room-to-room while using appropriate PPE to check on the residents and to drop off activities to keep resident minds sharp. Again, please remind and motivate your loved ones to participate in these different activities. The Recreation team are facilitating FaceTime and Skype to the best of their abilities, while also completing their other duties. Please note that these are the only two platforms we are able to use.  Please reach out to Brian DelRaye-Recreation manager and his team by e-mail at bdelraye@retirementconcepts.com or Selkirk-recreation@retirementconcepts.com, or call to set up a schedule (Brian- 250-940-1028 x1102; Rec Office- 250-940-1028 x1120).  They will be happy to confirm a date and time to connect you with your loved-one.

Dining Room- Assisted Living

The Assisted Living dining room is closed, and tray service is being delivered to each suites. There is still an alternate being offered at each meal time, should your loved one request it. The team has become very efficient in the delivery of the trays, and this system is working well.

Dining Room- Complex Care

Social distancing is occurring and we are limiting tables to 2 residents per table. Staff are assisting residents with proper hand hygiene before and after meal times.

Assisted Living:

All deliveries will be received at the front door. This includes groceries, medications, etc. All will be sanitized and delivered to the resident’s suites.

Dropping items off: We would ask that families please follow these guidelines to ensure your parent or loved one receives their deliveries.

1. Please use paper or plastic bags, no reusable bags
2. Make sure to label all bags with resident name and room number
3. Try to limit drop offs to essential items.

Complex Care:

At this time we are asking that only essential items (such as incontinence products) be delivered.

Reminders for your loved one to Stay Safe:

Again, the following four points are so critical to discuss with your loved ones. Please help us by reminding your loved one of the following:

1. Practice social distancing (6 feet apart)
2. Perform proper Hand Hygiene (Wash hands frequently for 20 seconds or greater with the alcohol-based sanitizer or soap and hot water). This is very important
3. Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
4. If exhibiting any symptoms (fever, cough and difficulty breathing) please inform staff immediately.

Thank You

Each of you have our continued appreciation for your patience and understanding during this time.

“Live life when you have it. Life is a splendid gift-there is nothing small about it.” – Florence Nightingale