Stanford Seniors Village Community Update, July 10 2020

To Our Extended Family,

As the Province begins the process of starting to relax some of the COVID-19 restrictions, we want to express our thanks for the patience and understanding that you have shown during a very difficult period.

We received some exciting news on June 30^th 2020, BC Health Minister Adrian Dix and BC Medical Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry announced changes to Assisted Living and Long Term Care Guidelines related to COVID-19.

We have been asked to prepare written safety plans to facilitate one designated family member or friend to visit in a single designated area. We have been working hard to address their requirements as quick as possible and we are happy to say that the safety plans have been submitted and now awaiting approval. Here is a link to the June 30, 2020 BC Government announcement: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020HLTH0211-001207

We know that residents and families are eagerly awaiting for updates on when Social Visitation will be available. And as soon as we can start to receive visitors we will share that information with you directly through email.

In Advance of the new visitation process beginning, please note some of the key requirements:

• Family/social visits are limited to a maximum of one family member or friend at a time as space permits.
• Our priority is protecting residents, so we are taking a cautious and phased approach. Initially, residents will be able to visit with one designated family member or friend once a visitation plan has been approved. We hope to expand this process over time, but that decision will be guided by the Provincial Health Officers.
• Once our Visitor Plan is approved and communicated to families, all visits must be booked in advance to allow us to safely proceed and accommodate scheduled visitors.
• Visitors must bring a mask and wear the mask for the duration of the visit.
• All visitors will be screened for signs and symptoms of illness, including COVID-19, prior to every visit. If you have any signs or symptoms of illness we will reschedule your visit.
• Visitors will be required to wash their hands with soap and water and asked to practice safe physical distancing.
• Visits will be booked for 30 minutes segments.
• Social visits will only be allowed if there are no active COVID-19 outbreak at our community.

In spite of the fact that no residents or staff are presenting COVID-19 signs or symptoms, we are continuing to restrict all visitors out of an abundance of caution until our safely plan is in place.

We appreciate that these restrictions can lead to increased loneliness and anxiety, and while we will continue to maintain social distancing, please know we are preparing activities to ensure residents can have fun, exercise, and socialize with each other in our community. Smaller group activities have started and some of the categories are arts and crafts, exercises, active games, brain games, table games and music programs. Please remind and motivate your loved ones to participate in these smaller group activities.

Window Visits:

We are very happy to announce that we can safely provide window visits for residents and families. Visiting hours are from 9:00am – 12:00pm and from 1:00pm – 5:00pm Monday to Friday. For families that do not carry a mobile phone we can provide a portable phone for you. Anyone wishing to book a window visit with their loved one please contact the Recreation desk between 9:00am – 5:00pm, Monday – Friday at 250-951-0811 x 0.

We continue to encourage family members and other loved ones to connect with residents via telephone, FACETIME or SKYPE. To inquire about facetime/skype or phone calls, please contact stanford-reception@retirementconcepts.com.

For Independent Living and Assisted Living please email your facetime and skype call requests to rtranberg@retirementconcepts.com and we will be happy to confirm a date and time to connect you with your loved one.

Exercise class in Independent Living/ Assisted Living has been well received. We are excited to say more small group social distancing programs have started. Residents will be required to sign up for these activities in advance. Bingo, brain games, crafts and small walking groups are some of the activities residents have been enjoying. Physical distancing and sanitization will be in place during all programs.

Of course, with the weather getting warmer, we are also ensuring residents are getting outside in the courtyards for some fresh air and exercise.

If Required

All deliveries will be received at the front desk between 7:00am – 5:00pm. This includes groceries, medications, gifts. All will be sanitized and delivered directly to the resident’s suites.

Dropping items off: We would ask that families please follow these guidelines to ensure your parent or loved one to get their 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. There are days when staff are overwhelmed trying to keep up
4. Please sanitize, if possible, the items before dropping off. We will re-sanitize as well to be safe

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 each resident daily of the following four items:

1. Practice social 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. If exhibiting any symptoms (fever, cough and difficulty breathing) please alert staff immediately.

A big thank you to everyone for working so hard to keep Stanford safe and healthy, as well as for the kindness, understanding and support you share. We are very excited to be able to welcome you back.

With Love

The Stanford Seniors Village Team