Chat News photo courtesy Colton Mckee

By Chantal Wagner

Visitation limits to continuing care and long-term care facilities to reduce COVID-19 spread

Mar 18, 2020 | 6:48 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB -It’s day three of reduced visitation hours at continuing care and long-term care facilities in Alberta.

The government says individuals over 60 years of age and those with preexisting health conditions are most at risk of severe symptoms from COVID-19.

Masterpiece Southland Meadows is just one retirement living and senior care facility in the city who are taking precautions to keep the older population safe.

Vice President of Care Paula Isfeld says they are limiting visiting hours so they know who is coming in the building. Kids are also not allowed in the building.

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Their main doors have been locked and are asking for essential visitors only.

And only one visitor is allowed to come to the building to see their loved one. So that would be someone who is really important to the senior’s health and participating in their care plan.

“And then when they’re coming in, they’re asked to sign in and do a questionnaire to make sure that they haven’t traveled, don’t have any symptoms, haven’t come in contact with anyone who has traveled. We’re taking their temperatures and then we’re advising them of some of the procedures that we have in place such as limiting visitors, staying away if you’re sick and connecting with us if there are any concerns.”

Isfeld says their residents have been on board with this plan and want to feel safe in their homes.

She adds the average age in Masterpiece is in the 70-80 mark, they also have quite a few residents who are in their 90’s and a couple in their 60’s.

So with the wide demographic, the building offers 7 different levels of care… from independent living to full care.

“Our populations are the most at risk. Therefore all of us as good stewards of care and it’s a big ask to ask people – for a lack of a better word – to give us their loved one to care for. We can’t fall asleep at the wheel, we can’t not be diligent in ensuring that we’re putting every measure that we possibly can to ensure our residents are being safe.”

Isfeld says they are getting information daily, updating their plans to meet government recommendations, and are constantly talking with staff, residents, and their families so everyone is part of the plan.

The province encourages families and friends of those in these facilities to think of other ways besides visiting that they can support their loved ones through this difficult time.