As you are likely aware, the Nova Scotia Government is recommending further loosening of COVID management guidelines for long term care facilities. Before we can get into their recommendations, let’s have a look at what we learned during the latest COVID-19 outbreak:
- Residents: 38 residents were COVID positive – fortunately, they were all vaccinated and most had very mild symptoms
- Staff: 25 staff were required to isolate due to contracting COVID-19
- Significant staff stress due to the necessity to fully gown, glove, mask and shield in order to provide care to our residents
Based on our recent experience, we acknowledge the impact a COVID-19 outbreak has on our residents, families and staff. Our response to today’s Government recommendations reflect our ability to support the safeguards we will continue to implement to reduce the likelihood of future outbreaks.
Outbreak Update:
- Outbreaks have been declared over in Cobblestone, Thistledown, Tanglewood, Maple Ridge and Brambleberry
- Martha’s Place remains in a Suspected Outbreak situation – see visitation guidelines below.
Screening:
- Our Main Entrance screening practices are under review, however they will remain in place and include temperature checks and signing in
Visitation: Non Outbreak Care Area
- DCG’s, family and friends are all welcome to visit your loved ones here at the RK
- 3 visitors in a private living area, 2 visitors in a semi private resident room at one time
- There are no restrictions on where your visits can take place – indoors or outdoors – our gardens are in full bloom!
- Please do not bring food or drink for yourself as masks must remain on at all times for indoor visits
- Mask are encouraged for outdoor visits while maintaining 6’ social distancing
- Visitors no longer have to be vaccinated
- Visitation hours are from 11:00am to 7:00pm, seven days a week
- Masks are strongly encouraged for resident offsite outings
Visitation: Outbreak Care Area
- Only Designated Care Givers are welcome to visit – full Personal Protective Equipment will be available for DCG’s – please complete the DCG education session
- Please do not bring food or drink for yourself as masks must remain on at all times for indoor visits
- Residents must remain in their care area to reduce the risk of spread
DCG Education
This initiative will enable DCG’s to safely visit during a suspected or an outbreak situation. DCG’s can sign up by calling either 902-863-2578 ext. 222 or 902-863-3458.
Important reminder
Managing COVID will be an ongoing challenge and we fully anticipate experiencing future outbreaks. Our goal is to minimize the risk to our residents and staff. We ask that when out in public please consider wearing a mask …. COVID-19 is still very active, very invisible, very contagious and has a significant impact on our ability to safely staff the Home in order to continue providing quality care to your loved ones!”
Please forward this update to your family members and any friends that visit the RK.
Terry MacIntyre, CEO
RK MacDonald Senior Leadership Team