BARRHEAD-For the most part, the family and residents of Barrhead's Shepherd's Care are ecstatic that public health restrictions have eased slightly so that people to visit their friends and loved ones at Alberta long-term care homes.
"It has been a long haul," said Shepherd's Care program manager Maggie Stoby. "People just want to be able to see their loved ones."
Which is why Shepherd's Care program manager Maggie Stoby said the vast majority of residents and their families were happy to learn that the province was yet again easing some of its visitation restrictions.
The facility is designated an SL4 in that it provides 24-hour on-site scheduled and unscheduled professional and personal care and support by licenced practical nurses and healthcare aides. It is operated by the Shepherd’s Care Foundation (SCF) a faith-based, not-for-profit organization that provides accommodations and care for 1,800 in six facilities mostly in the Edmonton region. The Barrhead facility is home to 39 residents.
Like other long-term facilities, since April 7, Shepherd's Care has been subject to to stringent visitation restrictions.
Essentially the restrictions banned all visitors except in instances where patients were dying or if the visitor is essential in delivering care that can’t be handled by staff. Three weeks later chief health officer Deena Hinshaw slightly relaxed restrictions when she allowed seniors who were not in self-isolation, outdoor visits with a designated essential visitor and one other person.
In late July, Hinshaw once again loosened restrictions allowing up to two designated people for indoor visits and four people for outdoor visits.
Although Hinshaw opened the door, to allow additional visitation, its up to the individual facility after consulting with residents and their families, to decide what form they would take.
In the case of Shepherd's Care, indoor visits must take place in the resident's room and are limited to 30 minutes. Outdoor visits are limited to four people, not including the resident, at one of four designated areas.
Outdoor visits can also be arranged for the resident's individual outdoor patio. Medical grade masks must be worn during indoor visits, while non-medical disposable or cloth masks for outdoor visits will suffice.
All visits must be prearranged.
Stoby noted all visitors before being allowed to visit their loved one will be required to go through a screening process, which consists of answering several questions as well as a temperature check.
"It is a lot like the process our staff have to go through," she said, noting before they start their shift Shepherd's Care workers must answer a series of questions and have their temperatures taken.
Stoby added as an extra precaution staff also conduct a mid-shift self-health assessment that includes a temperature check. Of course, she said this is in addition to ensuring staff have the appropriate personal protective equipment such as medical-grade masks, face shields and stringent cleaning protocols are maintained.
For the most part, so far the system is working well, she said, noting both residents and visitors understand the need for caution.
"It is a work in progress and it is something we will be continually reviewing," Stoby said.
When asked if they received feedback from either residents or their families who were concerned about easing the restrictions given how vulnerable seniors and long-term residents are to severe reactions to the virus.
Out of the 205 deaths (as of Aug. 4) in Alberta over 70 per cent have been to seniors living in long-term care facilities, including people from two Shepherd's Care's facilities in Edmonton. More recently a COVID-19 at Good Samaritan Southgate (operated by the Good Samaritan Society) care centre in Edmonton claimed (as of Aug. 6) 25 residents.
"People's comments ran the spectrum, but the vast majority were happy visitation restrictions, although still stringent, were eased a little bit so they could see their loved ones," she said.
Barry Kerton, TownandCountryToday.com
TOWNandCOUNTRY
COVID-19 UPDATE: Follow our COVID-19 special section for the latest local and national news on the coronavirus pandemic, as well as resources, FAQs and more.
