Families and loved ones of Preeceville Long term care residents, the Saskatchewan Health Authority continues to ask for the everyone’s understanding, support and cooperation to contain the spread of COVID-19 illness by following the new visiting restrictions, stated Rhonda Durand, facility manager at the Preeceville and District Health Care Centre.
During this unprecedented time, visitors are not permitted in any Saskatchewan Health Authority operated hospitals, clinics, community and continuing care facilities, except for compassionate reasons.
All precautions and safeguards have been put in place to keep family members safe. The new visitor restrictions are temporary and are designed with one objective in mind, “to protect your loved ones. Residents of our homes are one of the populations that are most vulnerable and susceptible to this virus. If they are immuno-compromised, the danger of exposure increases,” said Durand.
During this time, residents should not leave long term care homes to visit family or friends or for any other reason unless discharged. This includes family visiting in outside courtyards or other areas that have been used in the past.
“Finding a balance between ensuring the safety of those in our care and helping maintain important connections with loved ones is our priority,” continued Durand. “With Mother’s Day just passed, we wanted to continue to protect our most vulnerable populations while allowing families to celebrate mothers. We apologize for the short notice but an ongoing review has determined that gifts of purchased floral arrangements and dry paper gifts such as cards, art, books, and photos are not considered an infection risk.”
Effective immediately, delivery of these items will be welcomed in long term care homes and acute care facilities. Deliveries will be received in a manner that reduces the risk of potential transmission by minimizing traffic in and out of long term care homes and by practicing appropriate hand hygiene before and after handling delivered gifts. Family members or delivery staff will not be allowed to enter the facility. Families are asked to contact the facility before placing any orders for the delivery of any purchased floral arrangements and are asked to follow existing scent-free policies. Additionally, everyone needs to continue to be careful with pollen and/or plant allergens. Other care package items or gifts other than flowers and dry paper items are still not allowed (including food, candy and so on). Consult with staff before sending.
"We continue to encourage the use of alternate ways to celebrate special occasions this year, staying connected through phone, video calls, or consider virtual visitation through electronic applications such as FaceTime, Skype, and WhatsApp. Window visits are also encouraged and provided opportunities to share an outdoor flower, window decoration or lawn ornament to celebrate.
“We do ask however, that you call the facility recreation staff (306-547-3112) to coordinate window visits, as we need to ensure we are having the public practice safe distancing while on our grounds,” said Durand.
“Thank you for your continued understanding, cooperation, and patience during these very uncertain times. Please use the Government of Saskatchewan website for the most up-to-date information about COVID-19, including any updates and resources. One of these resources is the Health Assessment Tool.”
This website is updated regularly with information regarding COVID-19 as well as how to protect oneself and others.
