Family and Social Visits – Frequently Asked Questions for Long-Term Care and Assisted Living – July 10, 2020

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Frequently Asked Questions – Long Term Care Visits at Menno Home, Menno Hospital and Terrace East Assisted Living

What are the requirements for me to have social visits with my family member or friend who lives at Menno Home, Menno Hospital or Terrace East Assisted Living apartment?

Family/social visits are limited to a maximum of one family member or friend. In the initial phase of visiting, residents will be able to visit with one designated family member or friend. This guideline does not allow for alternate designated visitors at this time.

What will I be required to do in order to visit?

  1. Be verified as the one designated visitor for your loved one for the initial phase of visits. This will be a resident’s spouse/partner if applicable. Otherwise, it will be the primary contact identified in the resident’s medical record. A spouse/partner will be prioritized for the first visits when we open the safe visitation program.
  2. Book your visit in advance. Menno Place will have an online booking calendar that will allow you to choose a date and time that is suitable for you. If you are not able to go online, you will call our Reception desk to book your visit.
  3. Follow all infection control protocols and processes:
  • Do not visit if you are sick. This includes respiratory infection or gastrointestinal infection or symptoms of COVID-19.
  • Identify yourself as the one designated visitor for this resident. You may be asked for photo ID and may have your photo taken.
  • Participate in the active screening process. This involves a staff member asking you questions about COVID-19 symptoms and exposure. They may take your temperature. These are the Active Screening Questions:
    1. Do you have a fever?
    2. Do you have a new or worsening cough?
    3. New or worsening sneezing?
    4. New or worsening sore throat?
    5. New or worsening shortness of breath?
    6. New or worsening fatigue?
    7. New or worsening aches and pains?
    8. New or worsening headaches?
    9. New or worsening vomiting?
    10. New or worsening diarrhea?
    11. Have you travelled outside the Fraser Valley?
  • Bring your own mask for the visit.
  • Receive instruction on how to wear your mask and any other required personal protective equipment during your visit.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water prior to your visit.
  • Use respiratory etiquette for any coughing or sneezing (into your elbow).
  • Do not touch your face.
  • Enjoy your visit in the designated area only.
  • A staff member will supervise your visit from a respectful distance to ensure compliance takes place and that no objects are passed between resident and visitor.
  • Maintain a distance of at least 2 meters from your loved one and staff at all times. This is a no-touch visit.
  • Comply with the visit ending at the agreed upon duration (30 minutes).
  • Wash your hands after your visit.
  • Book your next visit!
  1. What details do you know about the visits?
    • Length: At this time, we are planning 45 minute blocks of time for visits. Visits will be 30 minutes long, allowing for the visiting location to be disinfected between visits.
    • Number of Visitors: One designated visitor only. There will not be an opportunity in this initial phase to alternate or have multiple visitors.
    • Frequency of Visits: This is to be determined based upon demand and staff capacity to facilitate visits. We are taking a cautious and phased approach in order to
    • Location: Visits will take place both indoors and outdoors.
    • Weekend/Evening Visits: This will be determined by the staff capacity to facilitate visits. We consider this important to enable visits for those visitors who are unable to visit during the week or daytime.
    • Items/Gifts/Objects: No items can be brought into the care homes or passed between resident and visitor. The essential deliveries only policy remains in place.
    • Mobility: If a resident has mobility challenges, the visit will be assessed individually and a visit will be accommodated.
    • Plexiglass/Barrier: This is still to be determined as we plan the visiting locations.
    • Cancelling a Visit: Through the online booking calendar, you may cancel a visit if you are not able to attend. You may also cancel by phoning the Receptionist. Menno Place may cancel visits due to poor weather, staffing needs or non-compliance with protocols.
  2. How does COVID-19 impact social visits?
    • COVID-19 Symptoms or Exposure: Visitors who have COVID-19 symptoms, are in social isolation or have recently travelled will not be permitted to visit.
    • COVID-19 Outbreak: Social visits will only be allowed if there is no COVID-19 outbreak at the care home.
    • COVID-19 Second Wave: If there is a second wave of COVID-19, it is possible that visits will, once again, be restricted.