April 11, 2020
April 11, 2020
Update to H&TS Families:
Greetings families. I hope this message finds you well, that you are taking care and finding some moments of peace in your day today.
I am writing to share updates with you from Health and Transition Services…
We do not have any new protocols or news from the region to report since Thursday.All of the precautions and the safety practices we have put in place over the past 2 weeks remain in place.
We continue in our commitment to your loved one’s lifestyle routines with adjustments as needed to ensure safety in our new physical distancing protocols. As Joanne wrote on Thursday, despite the adjustments we are needing to make in how we work, staff at440 River Road are exercising creativity in their commitment to maintaining the most meaningful program experiences possible.
With each day that arrives, I see staff looking for new ways to excel in providing the best supports possible. From nurses and front line support professionals to behind the scenes programs and services teams; creativity, compassion and love are ever present. Though the form and delivery methods for your loved ones’ programs have needed to be adjusted, everyone is working hard to maintain the values that bring meaning into your loved ones’ days.
You can find updates for some of the opportunities we are offering here in this news section on the webpage. This includes new videos to celebrate the Easter weekend for those who will appreciate that.
I have heard from many staff members, “How are families doing?…this must be so hard for them.” The only response I can offer is, ‘I know it is hard for them’. And so please know that as we accompany your loved ones in their experiences each day, that they, and we, think of you often.
A reminder from this past week, that to date, individuals supported and any staff who have had respiratory symptoms and have been tested for COVID-19. These tests have each come back negative. If your family members are to develop any respiratory symptoms, regardless of severity, they will be tested for COVID-19. Anyone who has respiratory symptoms is isolated and put on precautions until their test results come back negative, and until they are symptom free.
And a reminder of the new directive for Long Term Care facilities, that we are no longer allowed to accept any items that cannot be wiped down and disinfected. This includes take-out food containers such as pizza boxes, fast food bags, take out coffee cups. This also includes plants or flowers, cards and magazines, soft toys. Food in tins or plastic containers (cleaned before they are brought in) and anything in a sealed, wipe-able packages is allowed. We thank you for your understanding and support of the precaution and preventative measure.
Once again, thank you for your kindnesses – the baking delivered, the messages of thanks shared with staff and the thoughts and prayers you have been sending. We understand how hard this time is for you too, and so we appreciate you making space for us in your hearts alongside of your loved ones. Your presence in our lives, though physically distant at this time, is felt, and as always, is so greatly appreciated.
Kind regards,
Andrew Terhoch
St.Amant Spiritual Health Practitioner