November 13, 2020
Hello,
Your loved ones remain active and engaged during the past few cold days. Andrew Terhoch, Spiritual Health Practitioner, developed a touching Remembrance Day video service focused on resilience that was enjoyed by many. It was a good reminder that even though times are hard, we are built to do hard things! As you know, the heightened Level Red restrictions for all of Manitoba began yesterday. Health & Transition Services (H&TS) has been operating at the elevated RED or Critical level for some time, and as a result, there are no significant changes for H&TS.
Next week, H&TS is holding two virtual town halls with staff and we have one planned for families later this month. I look forward to connecting with you all and discussing your experience so far during COVID-19. There is no formal agenda; this is an opportunity for us to discuss our current reality, how we can collectively ensure the ongoing safety of your loved ones, and how we can keep each other going during this incredibly challenging time. Please stay tuned for more information on dates and times.
Health & Transition Services will remain in an active outbreak until at least November 28. The final date will be determined by the Medical Officer of Health based on any additional positive cases of COVID-19. Visits remain suspended in Stabilization Services for now. So far we have had no additional cases related to the two positive staff cases announced on the weekend.
The staff and leadership team in H&TS, along with all of the other St.Amant programs and staff that support your loved ones are doing everything they can to ensure the people we support are as safe as possible. Continued safety enhancements include ongoing adjustments to shared spaces in our facility such as the cafeteria, chapel, and elevators.
Christmas is coming, and people supported in Health & Transition Services will be able to experience the “good old days” of thumbing through the Sears catalogue with the new St.Amant Wish Book! The Wish Book contains a variety of ‘wish basket’ themes to choose from which can be adjusted so that the basket perfectly suits everyone according to their age, interests, and budget. The baskets are filled with all of the items and accessories someone would need to enjoy an activity or experience, such as crafting, baking, or a game night. They also meet the COVID-19 safety guidelines. Recreation Instructors are working with your loved ones to help them choose the one they want. The baskets will be delivered in December, and we will ensure that all who want one gets one; cost will not be a barrier for those who may not be able to afford one. A huge thank you to Volunteer Services and the Recreation Team for their efforts and creativity.
Finally, I encourage you to continue following the most up to date recommendations from Public Health: stay home, only socialize with people currently living in your house, and only leave for essential reasons. If a member of your household becomes unwell, please support them to get tested and self-isolate, and stay home yourself.
As always, please do not come to visit if you feel unwell: stay home and call Health Links for further direction.
Stay safe, and thank you for your support.
Sarah Mankelow
Director, Health & Transition Services