September 14, 2021 – MEMO for Independent Living Residents: Primrose Gardens, Terrace West, Pavilion

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This memo was distributed on September 12, 2021 to residents living in Primrose Gardens, Terrace West and Pavilion

There are 2 COVID positive residents in Terrace East. As a result, new Public Health Orders are in place for Terrace East that include droplet precautions for residents on the 5th and 6th floors (as well as COVID testing) and no social visits or outings for any residents in Terrace East.

One COVID positive resident was returned from Abbotsford Regional Hospital after receiving a COVID swab but BEFORE they received the results. They found out later that they are COVID positive. This created risk for others (residents and staff) to contract COVID.

As a result, we have created a poster that we will put on every apartment door that tells your loved ones who to call if you need to go to hospital or are discharged from hospital. This includes a short visit to the Emergency Room. We can only ensure COVID protocols are in place if we know that you are returning to your home at Menno Apartments.

The risk of getting COVID in the community has now increased as COVID is spreading in Abbotsford. We strongly recommend that you do not go out unless it is essential for you to do so – like seeing your doctor. This includes re-thinking whether or not you will attend church. If others aren’t wearing masks at church, the risk of contracting COVID increases.

If you do go out, wear a mask at all times. Cover your nose and mouth. Stay 6 feet away from others. Sanitize your hands frequently. The medical masks in the foyer are the best safeguard masks for you and are the best protection for those around you as well. Don’t come to the dining room for meals if you don’t feel well. Call Reception to arrange your meal.

It is also mandatory for you to wear a mask within your apartment building and in your apartment suite if you are with someone else. This is an added layer of protection for you from this very contagious Delta variant of COVID. Vaccine is not 100% protection, but it is the BEST protection against severe illness, hospitalization and death. There are still fully vaccinated individuals contracting COVID and going to intensive care. Of the fully vaccinated in ICU, the majority of them are over 70 years old. This is still a dangerous illness for the elderly, especially for those who have multiple health issues.

We are pleased to remind you that we have a very high percentage of fully vaccinated residents and staff. We are finding in the Menno Home outbreak that the severity of the symptoms is significantly less for those vaccinated than for the unvaccinated. This is very good news. It reminds us, however, that it is essential to report even the mildest of symptoms to the nursing team or to Reception. See below for list of symptoms.

If you are unvaccinated, your risk of contracting COVID is 11 times greater than the vaccinated. Menno Place residents and staff were vaccinated with Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine which is 88% effective against symptomatic disease and 96% effective against hospitalization. We did get our vaccine some time ago, so the efficacy of it has decreased. Use ALL your layers of protection! Get vaccinated if you are able to!

If you have any symptoms (below) that are new to you or getting worse, call 604.587.3936 and book a COVID swab test for yourself at 32470 Haida Drive, Abbotsford, BC.

If you are unsure if you should be tested, call the Fraser Health Virtual Care Team at 1-800-314-0999 between 10am and 10pm seven days a week to talk about your situation. Be sure to tell the Receptionist (604.851.4000) or myself if you are going for a COVID swab test.

If you have any questions, please call me,

Cheryl Dawes, Manager, Community Enrichment – 604.851.4020

 

Do you have any of these COVID symptoms – even mildly? Get tested!

 

Fever or chills? Cough? Unproductive cough?
Sore throat? Extreme fatigue or tiredness?
Body aches? Muscle aches? Diarrhea?
Difficulty breathing? Loss of sense of smell or taste?
Loss of appetite? Headache?
Nausea or vomiting?  

Poster:

MEMO: All Apartment Residents – How to stay cool and safe in extreme heat

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This memo was handed out to all Apartment residents (Independent & Assisted Living) on July 30, 2021

MEMO

Date:                July 30, 2021
To:                   All Apartment Residents: Independent & Assisted Living
Re:                   How to stay cool and safe in extreme heat
________________________________________________________________________

Dear Residents,

We recently went through a major heatwave in British Columbia, and some higher temperatures are beginning again. We wanted to take a moment and remind residents how to stay safe and cool during these hot days.

How to keep your body cool and comfortable:

  • Drink lots of fluids (Top #1 tip to keep cool)
  • Stay in a cool space (Top #2 tip to keep cool)
  • Wet a facecloth or hand towel with cold water and put it on the back of your neck.
  • Dress appropriately – loose fitting, light colored and breathable
  • Pay attention to how you feel and watch for symptoms of heat illness (see below)

 

How to keep your suite cool and comfortable:

 

  • Turn off the heat in your room on the thermostat
  • If you have air-conditioning, keep your doors and windows closed to keep the cold air in
  • Close your blinds or curtains in bedroom and living room
  • Do not go outside, or choose to take your walks early morning
  • Take a break if your suite is hot, and spend some time on the 1st floor of your building in the air-conditioned common areas. Bring a book, or some knitting and relax.

If you can’t get cool enough, call your family or support friends and check in. Let them know you could use some help. Try to plan a visit with your family who has air-conditioning.

Heat Exhaustion Symptoms

Anyone with one or more of these symptoms should move to a cool space immediately and let someone know they are not feeling well; skin rash, heavy sweating, headache, dizziness or fainting, nausea or vomiting, rapid heartbeat and breathing, muscle cramps, extreme thirst, and/or dark urine or decreased urination.

Heat Stroke Symptoms

Anyone with any of these symptoms should call 911 immediately; high body temperature, dizziness or fainting, confusion, lack of coordination, very hot and red skin.

Stay cool!

Sincerely,

Cheryl Dawes
Manager of Community Enrichment – 604 851 4020

 

JUNE 24, 2021 – INDEPENDENT LIVING: PRIMROSE GARDENS, PAVILION, TERRACE WEST – CHANGE TO SOCIAL VISITS

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JUNE 24, 2021 – INDEPENDENT LIVING: PRIMROSE GARDENS, PAVILION, TERRACE WEST – CHANGE TO SOCIAL VISITS

This memo was delivered to residents of Independent Living buildings on June 23, 2021

MEMO

Date:         June 18, 2021
To:              All Primrose Gardens, Terrace West and Pavilion Residents
Re:             New Guidelines and More Ways to Visit
________________________________________________________________________

Dear Residents of Primrose Gardens, Terrace West and Pavilion,

We are delighted to share that almost all residents have now received both of their COVID vaccines. In Pavilion and Terrace West 94% of residents have had both vaccines and in Primrose Gardens it’s 91%. This is great news and it means that we can open up some new guidelines and ways to visit.

  1. Masks for Residents – Residents in independent living are strongly recommended to wear their mask in common areas (hallways, elevators, lobbies, stairwell, laundry). Stay safe, the COVID variant can be fatal for the elderly, even to those who have double-dose vaccination.
  2. Masks for Visitors: Non-residents MUST wear masks in all common spaces in all apartment buildings. If you go out into the community you still need to follow the current Public Health Orders. Masks are required in all public buildings.
  3. Visiting other Residents – Starting today you can visit up to three residents in one suite. Keep your group consistent. Terrace East, Menno Home, Menno Hospital require pre-booked visits and all visitors to those buildings must wear a mask at all times.
  4. Booking a visit in Terrace East – Visitors to Terrace East are required to book their visit 48-hours in advance. You can book your visit online at MennoPlaceLife.com or by phone with Diana at (604) 853-2411 extension 2466.

Thank you for working with us to keep everyone safe!
Sincerely,

Cheryl Dawes
Manager of Community Enrichment

Fire Education Meeting Notes

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David Janzen, Building Services & Emergency Response Coordinator, has been educating residents in each independent and assisted living buildings about what to do in case of a fire in their suite, and what to do if they hear fire bells.
We wanted to share the full notes that David went over at each lunch meeting and provide some visual awareness of where their emergency placard is in each building suite type.

Read more

Fire Safety Education Week for The Apartments

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Read more

MEMO: INDEPENDENT LIVING: PRIMROSE GARDENS – PAVING NOTICE

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Special Note to Family and Friends of Primrose Gardens:

Please plan ahead if you plan to visit or pick up your loved one at Primrose Gardens as parking availability will be limited to street parking on Primrose St and the small bit on Brundige Ave. You may find parking takes a bit longer to find or a further walk to and from the building for your loved one when picking them up. Please take care when walking in the Primrose area.

UPDATE JUNE 21, 2021: The driveway around Primrose Gardens will likely be blocked off for Wednesday, June 23 as well. Please plan accordingly.

 

MEMO was handed out to Primrose Gardens residents on Friday, June 18th.


Date: June 18, 2021
To:              Primrose Gardens Residents
Re:             RE-PAVING OF PRIMROSE DRIVEWAY

 

Dear Primrose Gardens Residents,

On Tuesday, June 22nd we will have a work crew here to re-pave the Primrose Gardens front driveway from the east entrance on Primrose St, down and around to the north exit on Brundige Ave. This is to fix the pot holes and uneven areas in the asphalt. Your safety is our top priority and we want to make this area safe to walk on.

The plan at this time is to have the main entrance still in use, using the sidewalk portion to get to and from Brundige Ave. No Vehicles will have access to the driveway for the whole day but can do quick pick-ups and drop-offs along Brundige Ave (north side of Primrose Gardens).

Please use caution when walking in this work area.

If you have any concerns or questions, please call the Primrose Reception Desk – 604 851 4000

 

Bas Kervel

Manager of Environmental Services & Material Management

MEMO: INDEPENDENT LIVING: PAVILION – CHANGE IN RECEPTION CONTACT

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MEMO was handed out to Pavilion (Independent Living) Residents on Thursday, June 17th

MEMO

Date:             June 17, 2021
To:                 All Pavilion Residents
Re:                 New Receptionist for the Pavilion
________________________________________________________________________

Dear Residents of the Pavilion,

We wanted to let you know that we have changed the Menno Staff person that will be your point of contact. Brenda Mertke, the receptionist in Primrose Gardens, will now also be taking care of the residents in the Pavilion.

You can reach Brenda at 604 851-4000 or by email Brenda.Mertke@MennoPlace.ca
Call Brenda for maintenance requests, to book recreation bus trips, or for any questions or concerns you may have.

Leonard Klassen, Life Enrichment Coordinator, has moved offices from Terrace West over to Primrose Gardens. He can be reached at 604 851-4006 or by email Leonard.Klassen@MennoPlace.ca .

Brenda and Leonard are your main contacts for any questions, needs or concerns.
Claire is not leaving and will still be available in Terrace East and Terrace West.

 

Sincerely,

Cheryl Dawes
Manager of Community Enrichment

JUNE 7, 2021 – INDEPENDENT LIVING: PRIMROSE GARDENS & PAVILION – VACCINATION CLINIC RESCHEDULED

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JUNE 7, 2021 – INDEPENDENT LIVING: PRIMROSE GARDENS & PAVILION – VACCINATION CLINIC RESCHEDULED

This memo was brought door to door to residents of Primrose Gardens and Pavilion on June 7th morning.

MEMO

Date:   June 7, 2021
To:       Primrose Gardens & Pavilion
Re:       Vaccination Clinic Rescheduled
________________________________________________________________________

Dear Residents of Primrose Gardens and Pavilion,

Fraser Health has rescheduled the vaccination clinics in Primrose Gardens AND Pavilion to TOMORROW, TUESDAY, JUNE 8TH.

The Dining Rooms will be open for lunch today, MONDAY. Please join us.

YOU WILL BE SERVED LUNCH IN YOUR SUITE, TUESDAY, JUNE 8TH DURING THE VACCINATION CLINIC.

All the same details in the former memo apply for Tuesday’s vaccination clinic.

Reminder: What do you need to bring?

  • Photo ID AND Health Care Card/BC Services Card (whatever card has your Personal Health Number on it)
  • Please wear your mask the whole time.
  • Wear a short sleeve shirt

 

Thank you for your patience and understanding,

Cheryl Dawes,

Manager of Community Enrichment

JUNE 4, 2021 – INDEPENDENT LIVING: PRIMROSE GARDENS & PAVILION – DETAILS FOR VACCINATION CLINIC

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JUNE 4, 2021 – INDEPENDENT LIVING: PRIMROSE GARDENS & PAVILION – DETAILS FOR VACCINATION CLINIC

This memo was delivered to residents Friday, June 4th afternoon giving details on the following Monday Vaccination Clinic for 2nd COVID-19 vaccine doses.

Date:   June 4, 2021
To:       Primrose Gardens & Pavilion
Re:       COVID -19 2nd Dose Vaccination Clinic
________________________________________________________________________

Dear Residents of Primrose Gardens and Pavilion,

Fraser Health will be on campus Monday, June 7th in Primrose Gardens and Pavilion Dining Rooms giving vaccinations.

Staff will come to your door and let you know when it is time for you to come down for your vaccine. Please be patient and do not come down early. We will not miss anyone. We expect to get started between 9:30/10am and will move through each building floor by floor. This clinic will last until mid-afternoon in Primrose due to the quantity of residents.

PRIMROSE & PAVILION RESIDENTS: YOU WILL BE SERVED LUNCH IN YOUR SUITE FOR MONDAY ONLY so the clinic can continue to operate with no interruptions.

We have your completed consent forms and your vaccination cards and will give them to you just before you get your vaccine.

What do you need to bring?

  • Photo ID AND Health Care Card/BC Services Card (whatever card has your Personal Health Number on it)
  • Please wear your mask the whole time.
  • Wear a short sleeve shirt

You will be asked to wait for 15 minutes after you get your vaccine to monitor for any adverse reactions. You will be told when you can go back to your suite.

We will hold on to the small vaccination cards and laminate them for you. Staff will hand them back to you in the coming week after the clinic.

At this time, Fraser Health has told us that they will be bringing the Pfizer vaccine.

With Excitement,

Cheryl Dawes, Manager of Community Enrichment

 

MEMO: INDEPENDENT LIVING: PRIMROSE GARDENS, TERRACE WEST, PAVILION – SPRING REMINDERS

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MAY 31, 2021: INDEPENDENT LIVING: PRIMROSE GARDENS, TERRACE WEST, PAVILION – SPRING NOTES & REMINDERS

This memo was handed out to Independent Living residents on June 1, 2021.

MEMO

Date:        May 31, 2021
To:            All Tenants of Terrace West, Pavilion, Primrose Gardens and Their Families and Friends
Re:            Spring Reminders
________________________________________________________________________

Dear Residents & Families of Terrace West, Pavilion and Primrose Gardens,

As we head into the warmer weather we wanted to give you a couple of reminders:

  1. Spring Cleaning – It’s a great time of year to take a look around the suite and see if there is any winter clothing to be packed away or any clutter that can be cleared. Family and friends can come in and assist residents in getting ready for spring and summer.
  2. Food items – During your visit ensure expired food from fridge, cupboards and counters are disposed of in garbage. Clean fridge as necessary.

 

  1. No More Grocery Deliveries – Families will deliver groceries and other items when they visit or residents can come and get them from the door.
  2. Air conditioners – All air conditioners must be installed by Menno Place staff. Call Brenda 604 851-4000 (Primrose Gardens & Pavilion) or Claire 604 851-4004 (Terrace West) to request installation.
  3. Wear Sunscreen – Enjoy these sunny days but remember to wear sunscreen to protect your skin. Add a hat for even better protection and don’t forget to drink lots of water if you’re out in the heat.

Cheryl Dawes
Manager of Community Enrichment