Updates for you on the visiting process at Oakwood Terrace.
FAMILY VISITS
Family Visits started again yesterday once they were allowed under the Public Health Order. The indoor visits follow the same process we used earlier in the year. All visits are appointment based and take place in the Emerald Room. We have a modified appointment process in place over the holidays but we will revert to our normal pattern of Family Visits running from Tuesday to Saturday inclusive from 5th January 2021.
We have been working hard to make sure all families that wanted a Family Visit appointment over the holiday period received one. We are now starting to schedule appointments for the new year. Family members who wish to book an appointment in the new year can either book one in person when they next visit or call reception and speak to Tracy.
The Family Appointments in the Emerald Room continue to be managed by a combination of Administrative and Recreation Staff. We expanded our Recreation staffing numbers at the beginning of the pandemic to meet resident and family needs. Without the increased numbers of skilled Recreational Staff, we would be unable to comprehensive visitor programs and maintain staffing levels on the units. All staff have been working very hard for many months and everyone is doing their best to meet everyone’s needs but all staff have to ensure that we all comply with the Provincial Health Orders that are in place. The process can be frustrating for all at times but we ask everyone to be respectful to one another.
VIRTUAL VISITS
Virtual Visits continue to work well for family members who cannot travel to the home. If you want to schedule a Virtual Visit please contact the Recreation Department on 902 469 3550 to schedule an appointment. We use Zoom on an iPad to connect residents with family members. You can sign up for Zoom free at https://zoom.us/.
DESIGNATED CAREGIVERS
Designated Caregiver visits have resumed in-line with the amendments to the Public Health Order. For all Designated Caregivers that have received the appropriate training, these appointments are running 7-days per week. We will be in contact with the remaining Substitute Decision Makers (SDM’s) and family members of new admissions to coordinate the required Personal Protective Training (PPE) before a family member can be Designated Caregiver. SDM’s can also select another family member to be a Designated Caregiver, we will then ensure they receive the appropriate training.
From the 5th January 2020, the Designated Caregiver process will be amended so we can safely manage the demand and the volume of people in the facility at any one time. Appointments will continue to run 7-days per week with the first appointment at 8 am and the last appointment at 4 pm. Each appointment slot will continue to be 2-hours in total. Designated Caregiver appointments will take place in the resident’s room. Every Designated Caregiver appointment needs to be booked in advance and one Designated Caregiver appointment can be booked with a resident on any given day.
2020 has been a challenging year for all of us and we thank everyone for their ongoing cooperation and understanding as we continue to manage the healthcare of all residents under difficult conditions.