Good Afternoon Everyone
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.
This weekend every mother, grandmother, aunt, and woman at Selkirk Seniors Village received a beautiful carnation in light of Mother’s Day. On Sunday assorted treats were served at tea time and there was a delicious roast dinner. A big thank you to our recreation team who made every effort to ensure each mom felt appreciated and special this weekend. This is usually a holiday spent with the women we cherish, so I also wanted to thank each of you who were respectful and understanding of the restrictions in place, I know none of this is easy.
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:
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.
Complex Care:
At this time we are asking that only essential items (such as incontinence products) be delivered. Please no grocery deliveries or take out at this time.
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:
Thank You
A heartfelt thank you to everyone for their continued cooperation and patience during this difficult period. I came across a poem the other day, and thought I would share it. It was written by a senior from Ontario who submitted it to her local paper.
A shout-out to the news crew
who tirelessly answer the call,
to keep us informed and make sense of it all!
Take comfort and know
better days lie ahead,
but first we must endeavour
to keep a cool head!
Stay home, stay safe, for the greater good…
When you must go out don that mask and safe distance two metres as you should!
Reach out, show you care,
give where you can,
with hope and a prayer
Lift up our front-line workers in the midst of despair,
who are selflessly giving our elderly care!
Cheer on and show love for the scared doctors, nurses, and hospital workers,
who show up and work doubles in sacrificial service!
Give thanks for those who drive the trucks and deliver,
stock the shelves and man the cash even though they may quiver!
These are the real-life heroes who deserve recognition,
while we stay at home in a lock-down safe position!
We will get through this,
and when we come out on the other side,
Canadians will look back and say: ‘We were all in this together’ and ‘our strength was shown through kindness’,
and in this we can take pride!
Words by S.D. Newport of Elliot Lake, Ontario