April 12th, 2021
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We thank you for your cooperation and understanding. For current updates please visit our news page and be sure to follow us on facebook and Twitter.
New: Province-wide lockdown State of Emergency April 8 means all visiting for our Homes now returns to following the grey lock down restrictions. Only essential caregivers may visit the homes , no general visitors are allowed. Hairdressers and footcare are not permitted.
The province has also re-defined outbreaks. As of April 7th, the definition will be as follows:
- A suspect outbreak in a LTCH is defined as one single lab-confirmed COVID-19 case in a resident.
- A confirmed outbreak in a LTCH is defined as two or more lab-confirmed COVID-19 cases in residents and/or staff (or other visitors) in a home with an epidemiological link, within a 14- day period, where at least one case could have reasonably acquired their infection in the home. Examples of reasonably having acquired infection in a home include:
o No obvious source of infection outside of the LTCH setting; OR
o Known exposure in the LTCH setting.
With this update, local public health units will also have the discretion to specify an outbreak area and to apply outbreak measures, including testing for active case finding, to the affected area within the home (as opposed to the entire home) based on their investigation. Homes currently in a declared outbreak will be reassessed using the updated definition.
Updated Visiting Policy March 2021.
COVID Fatigue – we are listening
Just over a year into the global pandemic and we understand the frustration and fatigue everyone is feeling.
We know how difficult it has been to not be able to be with loved ones as you once were able to. We get it that glimpses through glass windows or on flickering screens is not the best way to connect with those you love and miss dearly.
We are listening and are doing everything we can to keep them safe. That is why we are continuing to restrict visits in our homes or allowing residents in both retirement and long-term care homes visits outside of the home with family and friends. Such leaves are granted on compassionate grounds or in case of essential visits for medical reasons.
We are being vigilant because we know how quickly an outbreak can happen. And, sadly, we know how deadly outbreaks can be.
Vaccines are crucial and we are glad to report that a vast majority of our residents and staff have been vaccinated. But we cannot let our guard down. As the weather warms up, we hope to have outdoor visiting once again. But until then, we continue to thank you for your patience, understanding and your cooperation.
We are stronger together. And together we will get through this.
Stay safe!
New - Rapid Testing Update - An antigen test at a frequency set out in the Ministry of Health COVID-19 Guidance: Considerations for Antigen Point-of-Care Testing, at a minimum (i.e., currently antigen testing 2-3 times per week for yellow/orange/red/grey zones and 1-2 times per week in the green zone); or 1 PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and 1 antigen test per week (i.e., other homes, for example those experiencing significant staffing challenges or with fast turn-around times for PCR testing, may use this alternate model that was previously reserved for rural, remote and northern communities).
Support workers and general visitors (where permitted) are still required to undergo a “day of” antigen test unless they were tested the previous day (i.e., a negative antigen test result is valid for 2 days). For those support workers and general visitors being tested, the result must be obtained before gaining entry to the home unless the support worker is a Regulated Health Professional.
Ontario's framework keeping Ontario Safe and Open - Colour codes
As the pandemic situation evolves in Ontario, direction regarding visits to our Homes will be adjusted as necessary, keeping the safety and emotional wellbeing of residents, staff and families at the forefront.
Visiting and Caregiving Program
Visits to our LTC Homes are dependent on each Public Health Unit’s colour designation. Absences for medical or compassionate reasons are permitted. Rules for LTC Home visits continue to be in place to protect the health and safety of residents, staff and visitors, while supporting residents in receiving the care they need and maintain their emotional well-being. These rules are in addition to the requirements established in the LTCA and Ontario Regulation 79/10.
- Where it is not possible or in-person visits, the Homes will continue to provide virtual and window visits as visiting options where possible.
Visitor Responsibilities:
Visitor should consider their personal health and susceptibility to the virus in determining whether visiting a Home is appropriate.
Rapid Antigen Testing FAQ
COVID-19 Surveillance and Access to
Caressant Care LTC Homes
Vaccine information for LTC Read
Myths about COVID-19 vaccines Read
Previous announcements:
COVID-19 Social Distancing Guidelines
Welcome to Caressant Care
We have the privilege of taking care of nearly 1300 residents in our 15 Long Term Care Homes and over 700 residents in our 10 Retirement Homes. Our corporate office is located in Woodstock, Ontario and all of our Homes can be found in small cities and towns across Ontario. It is important to note that all of our Retirement Homes are attached to one of our Nursing Homes which gives our residents a true continuum of care. We have a number of spouses in our Homes living on either side of the continuum.
We sincerely hope you enjoy our new site and find it informative and entertaining. If you are looking for a career in health care please navigate to the Join Our Team section where you will find job postings for Management, Registered Staff, Personal Support Workers and more.
