BARRHEAD-The restrictions imposed by Alberta Health Services (AHS) on society have been particularly tough on the elderly living in long-term and seniors’ care facilities.
However, the staff at Barrhead’s extended care facilities have been doing what they can to brighten the lives of their residents.
That is what the recreation director’s of two of Barrhead’s senior housing residences told the Barrhead Leader. The Leader reached out to three seniors’ facilities to see what the staff is doing to ensure residents stay connected and engaged.
On April 7, Alberta’s chief medical officer Deena Hinshaw announced strict restrictions severely limiting visitors to long-term care centres, licensed group homes due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The restrictions essentially 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.
On April 29, Hinshaw announced the easing of the restrictions saying residents of long-term care facilities who are not in self-isolation are now allowed outdoor visits with a designated essential visitor and one other person.
Barrhead’s Shepherd’s Care program manager Maggie Stoby said the announcement was welcomed news by residents.
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 run 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.
“The residents were all very excited when they learned that they would be able to visit one of their loved ones,” she said, noting the visitations started May 5.
Stoby noted the visitations, which are about 30 minutes long, were done under strict safety measures. In addition to ensuring the chairs were placed a minimum of six-feet apart, visitors are screened and have their temperatures taken and residents are masked. If either the resident or the visitor is feeling unwell the visit is postponed.
“So far, fortunately, that hasn’t been the case,” she said, adding initially the outdoor visits will be held weekly, with hopes that they will be able to expand the number.
And although the visits are appreciated, Stoby noted they are just one of the things staff are doing to help residents stay connected and to reduce the feeling of isolation.
“It has made us think outside the box but we have a very creative recreation staff member and we are still able to do inside rec activities, five people or less, at least six feet apart,” Stoby said.
She added SCF has hired additional staff, including hospitality aides.
“This has allowed our staff to spend extra time with residents and do simple things like curling their hair, put rollers in, paint their finger and toenails,” she said.
SCF also has brought in extra electronic devices such as iPads and with the help of staff, they can talk to friends and loved-ones via apps such as FaceTime.
“If they are uncomfortable with that we can help them with a phone call,” Stoby said.
All that being said, she noted SCF’s priority is the well-being and health of its residents as well as staff safety.
“Shepherd’s Care has done everything in our power to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 and keep our residents and ourselves safe,” Stoby said.
Safety measures include multiple staff screenings, including a mid-shift temperature check, appropriate personal protective equipment including surgical masks and face shields along with stringent cleaning protocols. Shepherd’s Care staff are also permitted to work at only one site.
“We have applied what we learned at Kensington Village site into our site,” she said.
Kensington Village in Edmonton suffered a COVID-19 outbreak, recording 29 cases and three deaths.
Hillcrest Lodge
Hillcrest Lodge activities manager Shelley Oswald noted the assisted-living facility operated by the Barrhead and District Social Housing Association, has taken similar precautions to keep residents safe.
In an e-mail statement, she said staff is doing everything they can to create a positive atmosphere for residents.
“The health and welfare of our folks mean the world to us,” she said.
Because of physical distancing restrictions, unfortunately, they can’t offer any activities. But to keep residents active by providing self-directed pursuits such as colouring, word-finds and crossword puzzles.
Staff also connect with residents through hallway visits and door greetings. Local youth and church groups also correspond with residents through artwork and birthday telegrams. Family and friends are also encouraged to keep in touch through telephone calls and video-conferencing apps such as FaceTime.
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