Updated: March 31, 2023
Surveillance Testing
Effective April 1, 2023, the COVID-19 swabbing clinic at Providence Manor will close. The Ministry of Long-Term Care has announced that with the widespread availability of vaccines and antivirals and the high levels of immunity in the general community, there is no evidence to support ongoing asymptomatic screen testing requirements for anyone entering a long-term care home.
Passive Screening
Effective April 1, 2023, a transition to passive screening will occur for visitors. This means screeners will no longer be present in the main lobby.
Visitors must review new, posted signage upon entry. All visitors are expected to read the signage and self-screen for symptoms of infectious illness. Any visitor with symptoms of infectious illness will not be permitted entry.
Upon arrival, visitors must sanitize their hands and apply a mask. A mask must continue to be worn at all times, unless you are in your loved ones room, with no other staff or residents present. If staff or other residents enter the room, visitors must put their mask back on.
Visitors are asked to sign-in at Reception upon arrival.
Visiting Guidelines
Effective April 1, 2023, a total of 6 people may visit a resident at a time.
The following people may visit residents at Providence Manor:
- Essential Caregivers: Designated by the resident or the SDM. They provide direct care to the resident and may include family members, a privately hired caregiver, etc.
- Essential Visitors: Individuals who have a loved one who is end-of-life or very ill.
- Designated Care Partners: Special designation of individuals who provide support (e.g. physical, emotional, etc) to a resident and is a part of the care plan
- General Visitors: those visiting for social purposes
Masks/Face Coverings
Visitors no longer have to wear a mask when they are alone with a resident in their room. Masks do remain mandatory upon entry and can only be removed once you are alone with the resident and inside your loved ones room.
Providence Care and the Ministry of Long-Term Care highly recommend that visitors wear a mask.
For residents who reside in a double room, designated spaces have been identified if you wish to visit without a mask on. Available on a first-come, first-serve basis, the Islandview Room or Neighborhood Gathering Room on Resident Home Areas may be used to visit without a mask on as long as you are alone with your loved one in the designated room. If anyone else is in the room, you must keep your mask on. Please clean the chairs and tables/surfaces with sanitizing wipes before leaving the area.
If staff or a volunteer comes into a resident room, visitors must put their mask back on immediately. Staff, students, volunteers and physicians will continue wearing a mask at all times.
COVID-19 Vaccinations
Providing proof of vaccination is no longer required. Visitors can include unvaccinated individuals.
Food and Drink
Visitors may eat and drink only when they are alone with a resident in their room. Eating and drinking is not permitted elsewhere.
Resident day absences
Day absences for social purposes (i.e. lunch, shopping, etc) are permitted for all residents, regardless of their vaccination status. Support and information will be provided to residents so they can safely follow public health measures.
Residents are no longer required to test or isolate upon return from an absence unless the resident does not pass screening.
Resident overnight absences
Overnight absences for social purposes are permitted for all residents, regardless of vaccination status.
If you plan to take your loved one on an overnight absence, notify the Registered Nurse (RN) or Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) at least 2 days in advance. If the absence is longer than 7 days, please notify the RN or RPN at least 7 days in advance. You must also fill in the sign-in/out sheet located at the nursing station on each RHA upon departure.
Support and information will be provided to residents approved for an overnight absence so they can safely follow public health measures.
