Spring and my favourite month are here! We will soon see colours, which is something to which to look forward! We had a few really nice days in March and I hope we will have a warm and sunny Spring; we deserve good weather!
COVID-19 VACCINATIONS:
At the moment, we still do not know when residents will receive their second doses. We are waiting for the government to announce our next step, but the procedure will be the same as the first dose. They are aiming for May and we will only know a few days in advance when they will come on site. The delay between doses was increased to 112 days, sixteen weeks, and the second dose will be the same vaccine as the first. They finally started calling healthcare workers back for their second appointment, which is excellent news! Wales Home employees began receiving the Pfizer vaccine on December 23rd, 2020, so the clock is ticking.
For primary caregivers who received their first dose here on site - vaccination sites are refusing to schedule your second dose. Please know that we still have your names and will call you if ever we have leftover doses.
DINING ROOMS:
Were you as excited as me to return to the Dining Rooms? That was the best news ever, but I have even better information; Dining Rooms are unlikely to close again unless we have a potential outbreak and a unit under quarantine. The government allows RPA dining rooms to remain open, even in red zones, if seventy-five percent of residents were vaccinated in the last twenty-one days. Of course, strict measures still apply.
We are still limited to very small groups for activities. We must ensure we do not mix different units during activities and maintain a maximum of ten people per unit. Carol Ann is still doing doorway bingo to reach more people at once. Please understand that even if some activities are permitted, either the risk is too high or the group limit is inconvenient. For example, we are authorized to have Anne Caroline and Toutous Poilus onsite, but we must have dedicated people from our walls that do not travel to other facilities. Fortunately, we have more volunteers on site - we now have eight trained people on safety measures and they are coming on a regular basis. Thank you so much for your presence!
PRIMARY CAREGIVERS:
As you are now aware, two primary caregivers are authorized to visit their loved ones. You must be registered through Erica Vander Wal and only one person may visit per day, so communication amongst yourselves is important or you could be turned away by the Visit Coordinator upon arrival. The measures remain strict and nothing has changed. You must enter wearing your personal mask and will be asked to change to the procedural mask that you will have to wear for the entirety of your visit. Personal belongings must reamin at door number one or in your car, including your cell phone. You are authorized to bring goods to your loved ones; the Visit Coordinator will disinfect them while you change your mask, wash your hands, gown, and fill out the log. Fresh fruit must be washed in the resident's room. If you bring something that cannot be disinfected, it must be properly identified and left between the two doors for twenty-four hours.
Please remember that you are not authorized to circulate the building. You must walk straight to the resident's room and stay there. If you need to speak to the personnel, please call before or after your visit. Please remain two metres from anyone you meet. Just like for Wales employees, we have a zero tolerance policy for failure to comply to mask and hand hygiene regulations.
Finally, please remember that if your loved one is under preventative isolation, you must schedule a training with me prior to your visit. I must ensure that you wear and dispose of your personal protective equipment properly and safely. For an appointment, please contact Erica. I cannot offer last-minute trainings; they must be booked, but we are very flexible. Thank you for your cooperation!
MASKS:
Masks are now available in the hallways where they used to be. We are receiving sufficient stocks and can provide masks to whomever. Wales residents must remember to wear their masks whenever they are in hallways or common areas and can only remove them in their apartments or rooms when they are alone. This rule also applies to Norton 3 residents. In dining rooms, you can remove your mask when seated as long as you put it back on before leaving. If you are receiving care, you must wear your mask; this rule is mandated by the government and is not a Wales decision. The only residents who do not need to wear masks are Norton 1 and 2 residents because they do not have the cognitive capacities to keep it on and wear it properly. Again, please smile with your eyes!
VACATION:
Please remember that for quicker follow up, the best way to communicate with me is through my assistant, Erica, at extension 248. I remain available for emergencies but will be on vacation from April 9th until April 19th. I will not check my emails during my absence.
Thank you for your support!
Erica Vander Wal & Vicky Gingras
Health Services Assistant & Director of Health Services
evanderwal@waleshome.ca & vgingras@waleshome.ca
819-826-3266 extension 248 & 819-826-3266 extension 224