Updated for the week of March 18, 2022 |
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MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR |
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Hello Everyone,
As the province opens up we are getting many calls from individuals wanting to know what the changes are for JMPC. Please know, I will keep you informed as any changes occur here at the Home. This is the best location for up to date, comprehensive information as it impacts this Home.
On March 9, the province announced they would be revoking the Ministers Directive: Long-Term Care Home COVID-19 immunization policy effective March 14 2022. Within this announcement however, LTC Homes are to create a path forward for their own vaccination policies effective March 14 2022. These policies are to be in place for staff, essential caregivers, general visitors, support staff, contractors, volunteers and students. Individual Homes have been directed to establish a policy that works best for their Home based on their physical abilities, best practices, resident rights and human rights while being attentive to the important infection control practices/vaccination guidance that have proven to be effective against the negative impact COVID-19 has had on seniors living in congregate settings. This announcement was very unexpected and has left Homes scrambling yet again to get things into place.
You may find now, that Homes differ as to their handling of vaccination requirements, visiting policies, surveillance testing etc. At JMPC, we see between 60-80 additional people entering the Home on a daily basis while other Homes see that volume over an entire month. Additionally, LTC Homes differ in physical layout which also contributes to the decisions that are being made regarding Homes ability to maintain strong infection control practices, safe and secure housing all while also balancing quality of life for residents.
Status Quo: At JMPC, we are maintaining our policy for the safety of our residents and staff at a mandatory 3 doses for all staff, essential caregivers, students, support staff and volunteers. General visitors must provide proof of at least 2 doses of COVID 19 vaccination. For all outdoor visits, there will be no requirement or proof of vaccination required. Outdoor visits do no require swabbing however, all those visiting outside must go through the screening questions prior to their visit.
Masking remains required at all times while on the JMPC property. Staff continue to be required, as per the recommendation of KFLA Public Health, to wear eye protection in addition to the masking.
A special update newsletter was sent out this past Friday and there are a couple of things that need some clarification as a result:
- General Visiting Hours: 2:30 – 4:30pm and 6:00pm - 7:00pm seven days per week
- Surveillance Rapid Antigen Swabbing Schedule:
9:15-11am; 2:15 – 4:30pm; 5:45 – 7:00pm
General Visitors & Visiting Hours:
All General Visitors must have at least 2 doses of COVID-19 vaccine and provide proof to the screeners to gain entrance. General Visitors will need to comply with the screening questions. They will have a rapid antigen test on site. Once a negative test result has been obtained, the general visitor will head to MacDonald Hall where they can have a visit with the resident.
General Visitor visits are confined to MacDonald Hall and tea room only.
There is no eating or drinking at any time while on the premises. (this remains a Ministry Directive)
Visiting Hours are from 2:30 – 4:30pm and 6:00pm - 7:00pm seven days a week
Our Resident Support Aides will assist residents to / from the visit.
There is a maximum number of visiting times available each day in this area and the total number of visitors / essential caregiver per resident is 4.
Weekend General Visitors:
Essential Caregivers:
Residents can now appoint a maximum of 4 designated essential caregivers. (unless previously grand-fathered with more). There is a form that is required for this process.
If this is your first time reading our newsletter, I would encourage you to go to this link where you will find the previous newsletters should you wish to view them. Should you ever not want to receive these newsletters, please follow the prompts on the newsletter at the bottom to unsubscribe. Also, if you ever feel that you would prefer to not have a picture of your loved one included in our Family Newsletter, please reach out to Bobbie-Joe at bblackburn@lennox-addington.on.ca or by calling at ext 7224.
Chat with you in our next newsletter which will be in your inbox on April 1st 2022. If there are substantial changes prior to that, we will certainly send out a special update prior to our regular newsletter.
Have a great week,
Angela Malcolm
Director
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Designated Essential Caregivers Booster Dose |
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All Designated Essential Caregivers who are now eligible must provide proof of having their 3rd Booster Dose in order to maintain continuity of your visiting schedule at the Home.
For designated essential caregivers who are currently not eligible for their 3rd booster dose, you will have until May 23, 2022 to obtain and provide proof of your 3rd booster dose in order to maintain continuity of your visiting schedule at the Home.
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Designated Essential Caregivers |
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Designated Essential Caregivers not fully vaccinated (2 doses only):
- Your visit is confined to the resident's room for your visit.
- For those not yet eligible, you have until May 23 2022 to have your third dose in order to continue to be permitted into the Home with no disruption to your visiting schedule.
- Rapid antigen testing is required every day you enter inclusive of the 15 min wait time for the results. Screening questions must be answered each time as well.
- Medical grade masks must be worn at all times whether visiting indoors or outdoors.
- No consumption of food or drink on the premises. (ongoing Ministry Directive)
Fully Vaccinated (3 doses) Designated Essential Caregivers:
- There is a maximum of 4 essential caregivers that can be designated by the resident/POA, and a total of 4 per resident can visit at one time for indoor visits.
- There is no limit to the number of people per resident at one time for outdoor visits.
- A rapid antigen test is required for indoor visits only.
- Rapid antigen testing is required every day you enter inclusive of the 15 min wait time for the results.
- The screening questions must be answered each time you enter including taking your temperature.
- Medical Grade Masks must be worn at all times whether visiting indoors or outdoors.
- No consumption of food /drink on the premises. (ongoing Ministry Directive)
Changes for those Not Yet a Designated Essential Caregiver:
- All requests to be a designated essential caregiver must already be fully vaccinated (3 doses) and provide proof before they will be approved.
- All residents/POA may select a maximum of four designated essential caregivers. (For residents who already have more than 4 designated essential caregivers prior to Dec 15 2021, they can remain in place)
Changing Designated Essential Caregivers:
- These changes in essential caregivers will be considered by the Home in very limited circumstances.
Window /Outdoor Visits: We will once again support window/outdoor visits for those not wanting to enter the Home. These window/outdoor visits will occur in one of the MacDonald Hall non-opening front windows or under the covered patio at the front of the building only. The RSA staff will be available during visiting hours (from 2:30pm-4:30pm and 6:00-7:00pm) to assist residents in getting to/from the window or outside. This visit will need to be pre-booked using our online booking platform that you can find here. https://www.picktime.com/JMPC
Please note that there is a maximum of 4 individuals that can visit indoors with a resident at a time and all persons must have a mask on for the entire duration of their visit. No eating, drinking, smoking by non-residents at any time while on the JMPC property.
NOTE: Individuals coming for an outdoor visit must still go through the screening process (not rapid antigen test) prior to the visit.
There are many icy patches, and dips no longer visible due to snow coverage etc around the building, so please keep your visits to the designated windows at the front of the building.
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General Visitors:
All General Visitors must have at least 2 doses of COVID-19 vaccine and provide proof to the screeners to gain entrance.
General Visitors will be required to take their temperature using the wall mount facial recognition system in JMPC vestibule and answer the screening questions.
General Visitors will then be required to put the provided mask on and have a rapid antigen test. The test requires individuals to wait 15 min before they can proceed further.
Once a negative test result has been obtained, the general visitor will head to MacDonald Hall where they can have a visit with the resident.
General Visitor visits are confined to MacDonald Hall and tea room only on our main floor.
There is no eating or drinking at any time while on the premises.
Visiting Hours are from 2:30-4:30pm and 6:00pm - 7:00pm seven seven days a week but do require pre-booking using our online booking platform accessible here.
Saturday, Sunday and statutory holidays must be pre-booked prior to 2pm on Friday’s before the weekend visit.
Our Resident Support Aides will assist resident to / from the visit.
There is a maximum number of visiting times available each day and the total number of visitors / essential caregiver per resident is 4.
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Here are 2 links that you can use to book your booster dose:
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Designated Essential Caregivers
Rapid Antigen Testing
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Rapid Antigen test every day that you enter the building AND must wait the 15 min in the testing area prior to going to see your person.
Available times for this testing are as follows:
Seven Days a Week
9:15am – 12pm
1:15 – 4:30pm
5:45-7:00pm
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Menu
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Here is the week’s menu for March 21- March 27.
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Program
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Here is the week’s program schedule from March 20 - March 26 for across the Home.
Please note: This link to the program calendar is updated each week and will take you to the current weeks calendar so you will have access to the two weeks of program calendars.
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Need to do some Adaptive / Accessible Clothes Shopping? |
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Here are some Canadian Options for your shopping enjoyment:
Where Dragons Fly
Perth, Ontario
(613) 466-0215
Geri Fashions
1-800-361-4374
EasyWear Adaptive Clothing Inc.
Cambridge, ON
1-888-908-7177
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This includes in the residents room, and in the tea room area.
This is a Ministry Directive that we must enforce.
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JMPC Fundraiser
for our Outdoor Community Garden
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Memory Boxes in Long Term Care
We’ve all had that moment where we are driving and suddenly realize nothing looks familiar. Very quickly, a feeling of confusion and slight panic sets in. Luckily for us, we eventually come upon a landmark in the form of a sign or intersection that we have seen before and the panic quickly subsides. For Residents living with different cognitive impairments, this feeling of unfamiliarity and panic can occur daily. Residents living in Long Term Care facilities often get lost in their own home and have difficulties locating their rooms. A memory box can help a resident identify which room is theirs as well as help recall events and people from the past.
Whether a family photo, newspaper clipping or other prop; memory boxes can hold items that will bring the resident back to happy moments in life. Fond memories of their past, personal interests and youth can be explored. The use of memory boxes can also inspire conversation with caregivers, children, grandchildren, other residents or staff.
When creating memory boxes, families often gain more insight into their loved one and their past. Special items families did not realize the resident still had or was interested in are discovered. Items such as these are key to making memory boxes personal, reflecting the resident’s interests or a moment in history that was incredibly meaningful to them.
Not only do memory boxes assist residents, they help staff see another side of the person they care for, some of whom were accomplished artists, professionals and community leaders.
Life is a collection of moments, those moments become memories that are timeless treasures of the heart. Memory boxes can help residents recall those happy moments and more importantly, remember how each moment made them feel.
We welcome and encourage you to put special items into a residents memory box located just outside their bedroom door. This not only helps to support recognition of where their bedroom is, but it also is a great communication starter! Please see the staff for a key to these memory boxes.
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Some people living with dementia can have challenging behaviours which can be difficult on their family or caregivers. These behaviours can include wandering, restlessness, agitation, aggression and are the result of changes in the brain. A behaviour such as wandering can put the person with dementia at risk of getting lost. As well, people with dementia often don’t recognize their own rooms or belongings and will enter rooms that do not belong to them. This can be bothersome to others living in the same facility or home, especially when the person with dementia becomes frustrated with being redirected away from that particular space.
Many Long Term Care Homes have secure units that provide safe spaces for those with dementia. At JMPC, our secure unit is Lilac Knoll. The staff working on Lilac have and continue to receive training on how to interact with residents with dementia as well as how to respond to different responsive behaviours. The activities provided on Lilac Knoll are specifically geared to residents with moderate to severe dementia. Lilac is a unique RHA, providing our residents with dementia a community of fellowship, shared experiences, belonging and safety.
While we understand the importance of safety for those with dementia, we should also recognize the benefit of providing a change in their environment. At times Lilac Knoll can become quite busy, loud and congested causing some residents to feel overwhelmed. A short time away from the familiarity of Lilac can help relieve feelings of being overwhelmed, leaving the resident feeling calm and relaxed. We can provide this opportunity for a change in environment by periodically opening the doors of Lilac Knoll. We have begun this process by opening the doors of Lilac for a couple of hours each morning and afternoon and what we have seen is really quite amazing. Residents are exploring areas such as MacDonald Hall and are visiting other RHA’s. They are finding new spots to stop and rest and new people to chat with. It really is incredible to watch and reminds us that those living with dementia remain capable of connecting with others, are full of purpose and continue to contribute to their community. You can also visit with your loved one outside of Lilac Knoll. Explore new areas around the home, you may find a new favourite spot to sit and visit!
Stay tuned for our next newsletter which will include tips on how to interact with our residents with dementia that you may meet along the way.
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Recreation Therapy
Part 2
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As Recreation Therapists we also look for ways to make daily life easier for residents in order to maintain their autonomy. When residents experience a sense of autonomy they develop a stronger sense of self and control over their environment and decision making skills. This is essential to maintaining quality of life with in a long term care environment. Here are few suggestions that can be found from the Alzstore website to increase autonomy.
Memory Picture Phone - Amplified w/Speaker Button
Price: $149.95
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Simple TV Remote for Seniors
Price: $69.95
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Day and Night Clock
Price: $139.95
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Day of the Week Clock
Price: $79.95
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All residents, regardless of their vaccination status can now go on social, day and overnight absences. Residents are strongly encouraged to wear a mask while they are out, use hand sanitizer, limit the number of people they interact with and try to interact with only fully vaccinated individuals.
No isolation is required unless a positive result is received. Rapid antigen test will be done on residents who participate in these absences on Day 2 and a PCR test on day 5 following the absence.
Residents that go on absences on a daily or frequent basis will have a PCR test and rapid antigen test, on the same day, two times per week (for example, PCR and rapid test on Tuesday; and PCR and rapid antigen test on Friday).
If a resident has a known exposure to a case while on their absence, please inform the Home ASAP. This timely notification will help us ensure the safety of all residents that may be affected (ie tablemates, roommates, etc)
Social Absence Consideration:
For those who may consider taking a resident out on an absence, please be very aware of your own health symptoms and if you are feeling at all unwell, or were not feeling well the day before, please postpone your outing.
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Resident Home Areas -
Who to call when you have Questions?
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These Resident Home area extensions below will take you to the Charge Nurse who is the RPN on your persons floor.
The RPN is a great person to connect with if you have questions related to medications, health status updates, or general resident centered information.
This is the best person to start with.
If they are unable to answer your question, they will be able to direct you as to
where to go next.
The RN Team Leader extension is an option if you are having difficulty accessing your respective home area or have further concerns.
If following speaking with the RN Team Leader, you continue to have questions or concerns, please reach out to
Emily Sarley RN who is the Assistant Manager of Nursing (ext 7227) or Carol Corcoran RN who is the Manager of Nursing (ext 7226).
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Manager Point of Contact
For general inquiries related to COVID restrictions, overnight absences or to send your vaccination information:
(For absences please contact the charge nurse as outlined above)
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External Healthcare Services |
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We have had a number of enquiries from families regarding trying to access various external services for their loved one.
Dental Hygiene Services:
Roving Dental Hygiene – Karen De Luca RDH – 613-770-3801
Hearing Services:
Miracle Ear - Scott Laidman, Reg AHIP – 613-354-7223
Foot Care Services:
Donna Chandu-Lall – 613-329-4914
Jennifer Morris – 613-329-0271
Gerrie Plaizier – 613-329-3182
These are privately based on a fee for service .
Feel free to reach out to them if this is something of interest to you.
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Mandatory Training Videos |
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Training videos are mandatory for you to watch prior to entering the building |
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This training needs to be completed prior to your first visit and then monthly thereafter. |
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LTC Homes are to ensure that Essential Caregivers coming into the Home receive training on putting on and taking off PPE as well as training on effective hand washing. Below are the 2 video clips for you to view. You will be asked to confirm at the screening table that you have watched these 2 videos prior to entering.
Here are short video clips to resources that will help you to understand how to use PPE properly and how to effectively hand wash.
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Infection Control from the desk of Emily Sarley |
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Hand Hygiene is very important. Give this image some thought and then think about how you can improve / adapt how you wash your hands. |
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Essential Caregiver Designation |
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We have a form that you can open electronically and fill in the blanks. There are a couple of options to return the form to us via email or fax. Alternatively, we will have hard copies of this document available with the screeners at JMPC where you can complete and drop off to them.
Essential Caregivers (who are designated by the resident/POA) must submit this form and be fully vaccinated (3 doses) to be approved as an essential caregiver. In the event that COVID restrictions are changed, it will be important to have this essential caregiver designation in place in advance as it is difficult to predict the restrictions that we may be directed to implement.
On a go forward basis residents are permitted to designate a maximum of 4 essential caregivers.
Changing Designated Essential Caregivers:
Changes in essential caregivers would be considered by the Home in very limited circumstances.
Should the resident/POA wish to change/add an essential caregiver, a new form will need to be submitted and await the approval process.
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Zoom is a great way to connect with your loved one.
It allows you to see each other while talking together.
Book your Zoom Visits online using Picktime!
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We ask that visits be scheduled a day ahead, and that weekend requests are completed by Friday at 2pm. For zoom visits, you will receive a confirmation email first. Then, 1 day prior to your zoom visit you will receive the zoom link emailed to you from the Home.
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If you have any questions or unable to access this online tool, please call 613-354-3306 and someone will help you Mon-Fri during business hours.
Need to Cancel your ZOOM?
The booking site doesn’t have that feature to cancel yourself online unfortunately. So to cancel an appointment: Please contact Colleen. Please email her at cyork@lennox-addington.on.ca or call her at reception during business hours(main line)
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Message from the Chair of Family Council |
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Family Council, a time for sharing, caring and supporting.
Please feel free to reach out to me if you have concerns or simply need a listening ear.
Take Care
Gwen
Gwen Babcock
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The Napanee Alzheimer’s Society has many resources that can help you. The link to their website is here. It includes some very helpful resources and articles if you are interested.
Our contact person for our local Alzheimer’s Society
Lesley Deshane, First Link Care Coordinator
613 – 544- 3078 ext 208
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Meaningful and Empowering |
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Shamrock tissue paper suncatchers |
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Celebrating St Paddy’s Day |
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☘️Celebrating St Patrick’s Day with live entertainment
featuring Andy Forgie!!! ☘️
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Morley taking a bike ride through Scotland |
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Connect with us on your socials |
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Things to Do across Lennox & Addington County |
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Below are some interesting opportunities if you are looking for something to do in the area. Click HERE and it will take you directly to the items below:
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Forms That You May Require |
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- Paper Copies of the Weekly Newsletter – Available at the Resource Centre right behind the screeners.
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Essential Caregiver Designation Form – Click here
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Overnight Absence Request Form – Click here
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Video Links You May Find Helpful |
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COVID-19 Testing
If you develop COVID symptoms please go to your nearest Assessment Centre
for testing right away.
Greater Napanee COVID-19 Assessment Centre
Westdale campus at 12 Richmond Park Drive, Napanee.
You will require an appointment. You can pre-book your appointment online here.
Hours are 8:00 - 4:00 Monday - Friday
The link to access your results for this testing is here.
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Ministry of Long Term Care Family Support Line
1-866-434-0144
This line is available to raise concerns or ask questions related to LTC homes across Ontario and is staffed seven days a week from 8:30am – 7:00pm
CONTACTS
- Angela Malcolm, Director (Ext. 7222)
- Carol Corcoran, Manager of Nursing (Ext. 7226)
- Emily Sarley, Assistant Manager of Nursing (Ext. 7227)
- Carolyn McConnell, RAI Supervisor (Ext. 7259)
- Candice McMullen, Resident Services Coordinator (Ext. 7223)
- Shane McKenny, Environmental Services Supervisor (Ext. 7230)
- Dawn Black, Food Services Supervisor (Ext. 7228)
- Stephanie Alp, Dietitian/P.T. Food Services Supervisor (Ext. 7229)
- Bobbie-Joe Blackburn, Administrative Supervisor (Ext. 7224)
- Michelle Hickey, Behavioural Support Nurse (Ext. 7237)
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