1. Introduction

Lynn Valley Care Center (LVCC) is aware of the effects of COVID-19 on its residents, families and staff. When developing the policy for visitation, the effect of COVID-19 on the social and emotional well-being of the residents and their families, while keeping our residents and others safe from the virus, has been carefully considered.

Lynn Valley Care Center (LVCC) is committed to ensuring a safe, healthy and home-like environment for all. The purpose of this policy is to:

• Minimize the detrimental impacts on social and emotional well-being and protect residents, staff, volunteers and visitors from COVID-19.

• Ensure the proper use of masks, physical distancing, and hand hygiene before, during and after visitation.

• Provide residents, families and staff resources with regard to the latest directions from Public Health on visitation to care homes.

Scope

This visitation policy applies to all visitors coming to Lynn Valley Care Center and does not apply to health professionals or any other outside providers (e.g allied health-care providers) coming to our home to provide services to our residents.

2. Policy

This policy is developed based on the recommendations set out by the Provincial Health Officer orders under section 32(2) (b) (ii) of the Public Health Act.

Due to factors such as vulnerability of residents or space constraints, LVCC may continue to impose access limits. However, the management team will work with visitors to see how their requests can be accommodated.

2.1 Responsibilities

Responsibility for this policy is shared between visitors, staff and management. This shared responsibility for adherence will help ensure we can keep COVID-19 out of our home.

2.1.1 Information for Visitors

How to book your visits.

We are launching new booking software and instructions on how to use this software will be sent to all families on file. Please monitor your email for instructions from reception on starting day and guide how to book online. The booking link will be provided and can be also found here on our website. If you are not able to book online, other alternatives will be available upon request, by e-mailing the staff at reception@nsph.ca or calling reception at (604) 982 3719.

Who can come to visit?

Social visits:

Fully vaccinated individuals including children who have been identified by residents as their designated visitors. Children under the age of 6 months are exempted from vaccination.

For end-of-life visits:

Anyone, including unvaccinated individuals, will be allowed to visit upon approval by the family.

How long can I stay for each visit?

We recommend the visit to be between 30-60 min. This is to ensure that the visit does not interfere with care. If you want to visit longer to celebrate birthdays or anniversaries, please inform the care team.

Where can I visit?

Visits must take place in the resident’s room or a designated area pre-determined by the management team. This is to ensure safety for everyone. There will be no visits in the common areas of the home.

How many visitors can come at one time?

The number of visitors allowed per visit will be determined by the size of the resident’s room. This is to ensure that proper social distancing can be observed.

Two visitors are allowed if visiting residents in the manor and one visitor is allowed for residents in the lodge.

Please contact the Director of Care at bettywills@nsph.ca if you plan to have more visitors. This needs approval to ensure safety for everyone.

Do visitors need to be tested for each visit?

All visitors are still required to be screened and attain a negative Rapid Antigen Test before they can proceed.

Visitors who have attended training offered by LVCC can test themselves 24 hours before the booked visit. Visitors are required to show the result of the test and be screened before beginning their visits.

When should visitors not visit?

Visitors should not visit our home if they:

• Have signs and symptoms of COVID-19 or are not feeling well

• Have recently been in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19.

What is expected of the visitors during their visits?

Visitors, regardless of vaccination status, must wear masks and wash their hands before entering and leaving the resident’s room. Visitors are expected to wear their masks for the entire duration of their visits. If the use of mask hinders the quality of the visit, visitors can choose to speak louder or to remove the mask and observe the 2 meters social distancing rule, to decrease the chance of droplet contamination during interaction.

Can visits occur in a resident’s room if they have a roommate?

Yes, ideally an in-room visit would be conducted when the roommate is not present. If this is not an option and physical distancing can be maintained, then a visit may be conducted in the resident’s room with the roommate present. If social distancing cannot be maintained, then the visit should occur in a different area of the home or the visit should occur at a time when the roommate is not in.

Can a visitor share a meal with the resident?

Visitors may eat with the resident and they must adhere to the directions from the care team. Eating in a separate area (such as the resident’s room) is preferred. Eating in the common area is possible if the visitor is physically distanced from other residents and wears a mask, except while eating and drinking. Visitors must wear a mask and physically distance from other residents and staff when in a communal area in our home.

Note:

At LVCC, we try to accommodate all visits and to ensure that all residents are able to visit with their loved ones. If you have special requests or wish to increase the frequency of your visits, please contact the Director of Care. She will work with the residents, family members and the care team to determine the number of visits you can make based on the condition and needs of your loved ones and to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all residents and staff. If you are not satisfied with the decision, then you have the option to contact Vancouver Coastal Health Patient Care Quality Office and file a complaint. You can get more information from their website http://www.vch.ca/about-us/contact-us/compliments-complaints/patient-care-quality-office

Please note this policy and process has been developed based on guidelines provided by BCCDC and BC public Health. This document will be updated according to evolving guidelines from these two agencies.

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