MAY 27, 2021 – INDEPENDENT LIVING APARTMENTS: PAVILION, TERRACE WEST, PRIMROSE GARDENS

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COVID UPDATE – INDEPENDENT LIVING – PAVILION, TERRACE WEST, PRIMROSE GARDENS – MAY 27, 2021

Effective immediately, we have ended the Registered Visitor program at Pavilion, Terrace West and Primrose Gardens.

Since March 2020, the Registered Visitor program has successfully provided support to the 250 residents of these apartments during a global pandemic. There have been NO instances of COVID exposure by visitors through this program. This effective program has kept our residents safe from this deadly virus that is most dangerous for those over 80 years old, particularly those with multiple health issues. It is with incredible gratitude that we retire this effective safety support program.

The Independent Living Apartments residents and their visitors will now be expected to follow the BC Restart Plan:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/info/restartRecreation, spiritual and social activities for Independent Living residents will follow this plan as well. As you know, the plan will move forward in four steps under the direction of BC’s public health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry. These steps are dependent on: the percentage of vaccinated individuals over 18 years of age, number of COVID cases, number of hospitalizations.

Residents in these three apartment buildings will be receiving a memo today notifying them of this change.

  • The primary change today is that up to 5 people from different households can visit their loved one in their apartment.
  • Also, one household at a time (up to 7 people living at the same address) can come to celebrate a birthday.

We expect visitors to continue their vigilance in Infection Control Protocols, including mask-wearing in the building, hand-hygiene and social distancing. Please go directly to and from your loved one’s apartment suite and do not move around the apartment building. At this time, we have not opened the guest suites or guests to join in meals.

We anticipate that the 2nd dose vaccination clinic for Primrose Gardens and Pavilion residents will take place the last week of June. We will keep you posted on this. Terrace West has already had the 2nd dose vaccination clinic as they are in physical proximity to our Assisted Living apartment, Terrace East. If you wish to register your loved one through the BC Vaccination Registration, you may do that as well: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/register

It is with gratitude that we thank the individuals who are responsible for the effective Registered Visitor program – thank you to Nik Van Egdom, Brenda Mertke and Leonard Klassen for implementing this plan to keep our residents safe. Thank you to Cheryl Dawes and Sharon Simpson for creating and implementing this program early into the pandemic. We know that there have been many sleepless nights, particularly at the beginning of the pandemic and recently as community prevalence / variants became a concern. We have prayed that COVID would not enter nor spread in our apartment buildings. With the layers of protection, including social distancing, mask-wearing and vaccination practiced throughout our community, we are grateful that we can end this program.

Thank you to God for His protection, to the residents for their endurance and vigilance during this time, to the families for your care and diligence, to the staff for your faithful practices of infection prevention and to the team who made this amazing safety program possible.

We have been waiting for a change that moves us back to “normal” and this is the first step in that direction. It’s a good day for us all! Please continue to be safe!

Please send any words of encouragement or gratitude to the Menno Place team to Sharon.Simpson@Mennoplace.ca. They will be passed along to these amazing staff!

 

What about Terrace East Assisted Living Apartments? We have not, yet, heard any update in protocols from Fraser Health. We will post them when we are made aware. Until then, we continue with social visits for families. Book your social visit: www.MennoPlaceLife.com

COVID VACCINE UPDATE – TERRACE WEST TO RECEIVE 2ND DOSE MAY 7

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COVID VACCINE TOMORROW – TERRACE WEST – MAY 6, 2021

Dear Residents of Terrace West,
Fraser Health will be on campus FRIDAY MAY 7th to provide the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to all residents who have consented to receive it. If you refused the first dose of the vaccine there’s nothing you need to do this time around.
All vaccinations will take place in the bistro. Staff will let you know when it is time for you to come down for your vaccine. Please do not come down early. Staff have the consent forms and will bring them to the dining room for you to sign.
What do I need to bring?
  • Photo ID and Health Care Card (PHN)
  • Wear a short sleeved top, or something that can be rolled up.
Remember to:
  • Wear your mask, over your nose and under your chin.
  • Clean your hands before and after using the elevator.
  • Keep your social distance on your way to the dining room, when sitting at the tables and when you make you way to your suite.
We are very blessed to be receiving the second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine ahead of schedule. Residents of the Pavilion and Primrose Gardens will receive their dose at a later date.
With Excitement, Cheryl Dawes
—
What about the Terrace East residents who need a second dose? They will also be vaccinated.

Why are the Terrace West residents receiving this 2nd dose early? This is because they are prioritized due to their proximity to Assisted Living and their dining together. It is important that they are all protected equally in those 2 buildings when there is cross-movement.

 

What about the other Independent Living Apartments residents? They will be receiving their vaccination around the 4 month timeline (early July).
Why don’t you give us more notice about getting vaccinated? We learn about the vaccination date the day prior. We are telling you as we find out.

Portable Air Conditioners in Menno Apartments

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Important Notice regarding new air conditioning units purchased for Menno apartment suites.

Read more

MEMO TO INDEPENDENT LIVING RESIDENTS – COVID PROTOCOL UPDATE

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MEMO HANDED TO ALL INDEPENDENT LIVING RESIDENTS APRIL 1, 2021

(Primrose Gardens, Terrace West, Pavilion)

**EDIT: Dining Room Times

Lunch :  11:30 – 12:00 – Coffee & Tea Service

12:00: Meal Service Begins

MEMO

Date:              April 1, 2021
To:                   Independent Living
Re:                  Dining Together, Visits, Leonard & Scott

________________________________________________________________________

Dining Together Once Again

Effective today, residents of Pavilion, Terrace West and Primrose Gardens will be dining together once again in the dining room. ** See meal time edit at top of page

Please wear your mask when you are in the hallways, elevator or seated (not yet eating) in the dining room. This will reduce the risk of spreading COVID should it be present.

We acknowledge that this change will increase the risk of a COVID outbreak in Independent Living. However, the consensus is that the benefits of being together will outweigh these risks.

The majority of residents living in the Independent Living Apartments have had one dose of the Pfizer-BionTech vaccine, providing more than 80% protection from COVID.

Should there be a COVID outbreak (one staff or one resident who is COVID positive and has impacted the facility), we will immediately stop dining together and return to delivery of meals to your apartment.

If you have not been vaccinated and wish to continue to have your meals delivered to your apartment, please phone Reception and we will make this provision for you.

What about visits in my apartment – are there changes taking place?

Dr. Bonnie Henry announced that visitors are once again allowed in Assisted Living apartments and Long-term Care Homes. As Independent Living Apartment residents, you have been allowed at least one Registered Visitor since March of 2020. This is a program that has proven to provide a great deal of support and protection for you. There has not been a confirmed instance of COVID transmission in Pavilion, Terrace West or Primrose Gardens from a Registered Visitor during this entire pandemic lockdown! This is a GREAT SUCCESS!

With this in mind, we will continue the Registered Visitor program until residents in these apartments have had an opportunity to receive a 2nd dose of vaccine. Following that, we will re-visit this decision to evaluate the next steps for visitors in these apartments.

We continue to caution you about going out into the community. The COVID rates are at an all-time high in our communities. Fraser Health is now offering COVID vaccine to people ages 55-65 years old  – please inform your loved ones in this age group, especially your Registered Visitors that they may get vaccinated immediately.

If you have not been vaccinated and wish to be, please book your vaccination appointment online. If you need assistance, please call your loved one or Brenda at Primrose Gardens Reception @ 604 851 4000

Do you need more support?

Are you thinking that you may want more support in your day-to-day life? We have apartment suites available at Terrace East Assisted Living that no longer require a 14-day isolation if you move where you receive additional nursing care and a 24/7 call bell. Call Cheryl Dawes, Manager, Community Enrichment if you are interested: 604.851.4020

Have you met Leonard Klassen, our new Life Enrichment Coordinator?

Leonard has been with Menno Place for two months and is working with seniors as they choose to move to Menno Apartments. Leonard was previously a pastor at King Road Mennonite Brethren Church. He is full of life and energy. If you see him, say ‘hi’.

Do you have friends who are thinking of moving to a place like this? Now is the time! Leonard has phoned through our waitlist and apartment suites are still available in every one of the apartment buildings. There used to be a 2 year waitlist, but at this time, it is possible to move in within several weeks.

Leonard’s Phone: 604 851 4006   /  Email: Leonard.Klassen@mennoplace.ca

Our “new” chaplain – Scott McKenzie

Scott McKenzie will be our chaplain in The Apartments while John Dyck is off for surgery. Scott pastored at the Vineyard Church and is a finishing carpenter. He loves to play his guitar and will be ministering in The Apartments for the next six weeks until John returns.

Need to arrange a chaplain visit: 604 851 7392

Recreation – Good News!

We are excited that the Recreation team will be bringing you additional activities – in small groups in the next few weeks. More details to come!

 

Cheryl Dawes

Manager of Community Enrichment

604 851 4020

Update – Independent Living Visits – March 27, 2021

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Update – Independent Living Visits – March 27, 2021 – Primrose Gardens, Terrace West, Pavilion

The Registered Visitor program will continue for residents living in Primrose Gardens, Terrace West and Pavilion. This decision will be re-visited after residents receive their 2nd dose of vaccine.
Dining together in the dining room will begin again on April 1st, 2021.
The Public Health Officer orders for all British Columbians apply to the residents of these apartments – you may visit with your bubble (up to 10, socially distanced) outdoors, you may attend church services that are following the PHO guidelines, you may walk outside and go to stores and medical appointments that are essential.
You may not have social visits in your own home. This is by order of the Public Health Officer for all British Columbians. You do have the privilege of having the support of two registered visitors and that program has been extremely successful – thank you to all of you for keeping yourselves and the residents safe! In contrast, Terrace East Assisted Living has been without visitors for a year. The new visit rules are bringing them more inline with what Independent Living visitors have been experiencing throughout this pandemic.
Dr. Bonnie Henry, Public Health Officer has expressed great concern at the increased numbers of COVID cases in British Columbia. She continues to remind us to use all the layers of protection including frequent hand hygiene, social distancing and mask-wearing.
Please be safe. We know that you are eager to return to life as it was pre-COVID. We are closer every day as the vaccine is given to more and more British Columbians.
)
If you did not receive a COVID vaccination, please contact Cheryl Ann Dawes (604.851.4020) for information on how to get your vaccine.

COVID UPDATE – MARCH 7, 2021 – PAVILION

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COVID Update – Pavilion 3rd floor isolation lifted tonight – March 7, 2021

Effective midnight March 7, 2021, quarantine is lifted. Residents may return to COVID precautions:
  • Registered Visitors may resume visits
  • Continue to practice hand hygiene, social distancing, wearing masks
  • Essential outings only

Vaccination Update – Menno Home and Independent Living Apartments

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Vaccination Updates – Menno Place – February 23, 2021

Menno Home – We have been informed that the 2nd doses of Pfizer-BioNTech will take place for Menno Home residents TOMORROW, February 24th!
Independent Living – Primrose Gardens, Terrace West, Pavilion
Menno Place has been contacted for preparation for upcoming vaccinations for Independent Living residents. There is a new consent form that will need to be filled out. We will provide more information this week on this. The date for vaccination is not confirmed, but we have been required to supply Fraser Health with the number of residents who will require their 1st dose of vaccine.

COVID UPDATE – JANUARY 18 – PAVILION

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PAVILION UPDATE – OFF ISOLATION AT MIDNIGHT, JANUARY 17!
Dear Residents of the Pavilion,
Great news! Isolation is over effective Midnight January 17, 2021. I know it has been a difficult 2 weeks. Please remember to wear your mask and keep 6 feet apart of each other. It is important to keep your hands clean and use the hand sanitizer that is at the Elevators and front door. If you must go to the hospital, I am asking that you or your family contact us before you are discharged. Reminder that the Dr. Henry has said that we are to stay within our own home until February the 5th, at which time we will let you know when it’s safe to resume visiting with Family, we are in this together.
Thank you so much for praying for Menno Place. We deeply appreciate it and we covet your continued prayers as we deal with this pandemic together.
Sincerely,
Cheryl Dawes,
Manager of Community Enrichment

COVID UPDATE – JANUARY 8 – MENNO HOME, APARTMENT ISOLATION AND COVID-19 VACCINATIONS

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COVID UPDATE – JANUARY 8, 2021

There is not a lot to report – and that is a GOOD thing! We are grateful for the quiet. Praying that we will be able to take other units off of droplet protection soon.

MENNO HOME E2 – COVID OUTBREAK

No news COVID cases – See Previous Report

MENNO HOME W1

Safe visits will begin again. We need to re-organize staff and the Visitation Center. Bookings for the designated visitor will be re-opened early next week.

MENNO HOME W2

NEW COVID POSITIVE CASES = 0
TOTAL COVID POSITIVE CASES = 1 (1 staff )
PASSED AWAY = 0
COVID testing was done on January 2, 2021 for residents and any staff who were exposed.
ALL residents swabs returned negative. We are waiting for staff swab results to be returned.

APARTMENTS ISOLATION

All of Pavilion is on isolation due to a COVID exposure by a resident. 3rd floor residents were swabbed for Covid today.

COVID-19 VACCINATIONS

MENNO HOME – We are prepared for vaccinations when we hear that it is our turn!

INDEPENDENT LIVING – PRIMROSE GARDENS, TERRACE WEST, PAVILION – We are preparing for vaccinations – please follow the steps on this page – CLICK HERE

CLICK HERE for answers to Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccines.

COVID Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine Efficacy – How effective is the vaccine after one dose? After two doses?

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS – We know that these protocols continue even after vaccination.

Thinking of you today as you celebrate Christmas

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Merry Christmas to all the Family, Friends and Residents of Menno Place!

Thank you for your love, dedication and advocacy for your loved one who calls Menno Place their home.

We are privileged to partner with you in the care and support of your loved one.

We think, especially today of your separation from your loved one at Menno Place and how difficult this is on you and on your loved one.

A we care and love your family member today, may you experience the blessings of hope, peace, joy and love this Christmas Day.

Warmly,

The Team at Menno Place