April 7, 2020

Thank you for your continued love and support of your loved ones living in Primrose Gardens, Terrace West and Pavilion. As you know, Cottage Worthington which is 1.6 kms from Menno Place has COVID-19 in their building. We are working with you through the Registered Visitor Program to reduce the risk of COVID-19 entering our apartments. Thank you for your commitment to the agreement that you signed when you joined this program – Click Here

There have been a number of questions since our previous email. Here are some answers:

1. Can we have a birthday party outside with our loved one if we are all 6ft away from each other? OR Can we visit in the lobby of the building but far away from each other? OR Can we visit on the patio if we are 6 ft away from each other?
No. Your loved one is safest in their apartment. Those over 80 have a 1/5 chance of dying (higher if they are diabetic, heart condition, cancer, etc.) from coronavirus. Do everything in your capcity to avoid unsafe interactions.
What about yourself? Most children who are supporting their loved ones are between 55 and 75. You are also at risk.
Over 55? 1/77 will not survive – Over 60? 1/28 will not survive – Over 70? 1/12 will not survive
*Source: https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus
The  BC Public Health Officer is telling us ALL to STAY IN. Now is NOT the time to have a birthday party in person. Put together a group phone call or recording to celebrate a special birthday.

2. Should I do my loved one’s laundry?
Yes. Every time your loved one leaves their apartment to run an errand such as taking out the garbage, getting the mail or doing their laundry, they are exposed to risk of touching a surface or meeting someone asymptomatic or breathing aerosolized coronavirus. Minimize the risk to those who you love who do not have the same chance of survival as you do.

3. Can I continue to have Rexall Pharmacy deliver medications?
Yes. Rexall’s storefront in the Pavilion building is not open to walk-ups, but their delivery of medications continues. We prefer that you use Rexall if you are just starting the medication delivery process. This limits the number of med deliveries into our buildings.

4. Does Menno Place supply masks for the Registered Visitor and the resident?
No. You will need to supply your own mask. Yesterday, Canada’s chief public health officer, Dr. Theresa Tam said that wearing a non-medical mask will help you to not transmit COVID-19 unknowingly if you have no symptoms. This is a good thing for residents and we ask you to comply. A non-medical mask can be a bandana, scarf or balaclava.

5. How many times can you come to see your loved one?
The only reason you will come more than once / week is for personal hygiene for the resident. It is an expectation that you will minimize your visits to the least frequency as possible in the least time as possible in order to protect your loved one and the others who live in the building. We are all counting on you to use proper hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette (cough and sneeze into your elbow) and a mask to reduce risk. Use your elbows to press elevator buttons. Use your body to open doors.

6. What if I don’t want to touch the pen to sign in when I visit?
Bring your own pen. The sign-in and sign-out is a commitment you made as a Registered Visitor. We analyze the trends of visits through the Sign-In Sheets. It is mandatory. You will have your visiting privileges revoked if you don’t participate.

7. What kind of Recreation programs are happening for my loved one to do?
You can download the PDF of the Recreation Calendar on www.MennoPlaceLife.com. All Recreation is taking place through Channel 10 on the television. CLICK HERE for TV Schedule

As we all know, the people who live in these Apartments are at greatest risk of dying from COVID-19. Our highest priority is the safety of your loved one and the seniors who live here.

Our Objectives during COVID-19:
1. Reduce people-traffic in and out of the apartment building.
2. Reduce entry-points for coronavirus to come into the building.
3. Reduce reasons for the seniors to leave their apartment suite.
4. Reduce loneliness and boredom through Channel 10 TV programming (Recreation and Spiritual Care).
5. Be immediately aware of any possible casese of COVID-19 by actively screening every resident every day for symptoms.
6. Provide support for residents through Menno Place services (meals, snacks, recreation, etc), Registered Visitor services (groceries, medications, hygiene) and Approved Home Health services (Fraser Health, Nurse Next Door, etc.)
7. Bring peace of mind to the families through vigilant attention to protocols and communication during this unprecedented time.

May God’s comfort and peace be yours this week,

Sharon Simpson
Director, Community Enrichment
Sharon.Simpson@MennoPlace.ca

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Aware of someone in need in The Apartments? You may become aware of a senior in need.
If you do, please call or email Cheryl Dawes
Manager, Community Enrichment
Cheryl.Dawes@MennoPlace.ca
604.851.4020