Dear Family Members:
Valhaven Update
I am writing this letter to share with you that an older adult living at Valhaven Care Home has tested positive for COVID-19, as well as a staff member has also has tested positive for the virus. Please join me in keeping them in our thoughts and prayers that they may be restored to a full and complete recovery and that Valhaven will be COVID-19 free.
With two active cases of the virus onsite, the residents and staff in the west wing of Valhaven have been quarantined from the east wing. The two residents with the virus are being cared for by two staff members on each shift and those staff are segregated from the rest of the staff members. Public health infection control guidelines for the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as masks, eye protection, gloves and gowns are being used in the care of the two COVID-19 positive residents.
The health and safety of older adults and staff is the first priority and a responsibility we take very seriously. Tabor Village continues to work with Fraser Health to ensure the infection prevention and control measures that have been in place since the outbreak started at the end of April continue including: PPE, enhanced cleaning, physical distancing, room service, one to one activities, screening all employees, and ongoing support from Fraser Health.
We look forward to the day when the outbreak is declared over, in consultation with the medical health officer, after 28 days of no new COVID-19 cases.
We know that staying away from your loved one is very difficult and we appreciate that you are cooperating with this request with the goal of keeping your loved one and staff healthy. Please continue to connect with your family member by phone calls, teleconferences and closed window visits.
Residents Inspiring Staff Members
This week I spoke with the Valhaven family members who have entrusted Tabor Village with the care of their loved one. It is indeed an honour and privilege to serve others who can no longer live independently and require assistance as they age. One of those family members, Michelle Klassen daughter of William McCutheon who lives at Valhaven, told me how her dad is a source of inspiration choosing faith over fear. In the evening before bedtime, over the telephone they share a devotion, on Tuesday the story was how her dad had comforted a staff member who was discouraged with the lingering outbreak and encouraged her to keep on doing her best. Her dad has a purpose to help others, a reason to get out of bed in the midst of an outbreak. She felt at peace knowing her prayers were answered. Having not seen her dad in person for so long, it will be that much more gratifying when they can embrace again in the future. Until then, she prays that people at Tabor Village are protected and know that the whole community is behind them!
Tabor Village echoes the sentiments of this father and daughter who share a sense of hope for a better tomorrow. This forward thinking approach has always been the Tabor Village way and despite what hand the pandemic has dealt us our positive view of the future will prevail.
Together, Caring from the Heart
During the pandemic, older adults and their families as well as employees have shown an astounding ability to support each other and quickly adopt new infection control practices. There is a thorough commitment to following the new normal of prevention measures - the results will save lives of employees, their families and the older adults that have entrusted them in their heartfelt care!
The culture at Tabor Village is to care for each other, to put other’s interests ahead of our own. Both older adults and staff have risen to the challenge, following the safety guidelines so others’ health and safety is paramount. The challenges that each day presents have been solved through a team approach that has made a difference to control the outbreak.
As the weeks progress, Tabor Village will continue to provide care and services to residents ensuring their safety and well-being while maintaining routines where it is safe to do so.
In an effort to maintain open communication please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or would like clarification on the pandemic plan procedures at Tabor Villag
e.
Yours sincerely,
Dan Levitt, MSc., CHE
Executive Director
604-859-8715 ext. 102
