Social Visits Update – July 19, 2021

Dear Family, Friends and Community:

On July 8, Health Minister Dix and Provincial Health Officer Dr. Henry announced upcoming changes to Social Visits in long-term care that are effective July 19.  Thank you for your patience as we move through this next set of changes.  Note: There are no changes to Essential Visits at this time – all processes in place currently for Essential Visits remain.

Social Visits Update:

• Social Visitors will no longer need to schedule a time for a visit and may attend Columbus Residence to visit their loved one any time during Social Visiting hours.
• Social Visiting hours will remain the same, 7 days per week:
  • Morning Visits:   10:00 am – 12:00 pm
  • Afternoon Visits: 1:30 pm – 5:00 pm
• There is no longer a limit to the number of visitors at one time for a resident.
• Please keep in mind the visiting space is either in your loved ones room or outside in the courtyard (if space available).  Consideration of resident need and well-being should inform the maximum number of visitors at one time.
• Do not enter Columbus Residence if you are sick. All visitors will continue to be actively screened for signs and symptoms of illness, including COVID-19, prior to entry. As visits are no longer scheduled, screening will be done on a first come basis so please be patient if there is a line-up.
• There is a strong recommendation from the BCCDC than an individual visiting a long-term care home be fully immunized.
• Staff will verify and document, one time only, proof of visitor vaccination status as part of the Screening process. If required, the visitor vaccination list will be shared with Public Health.
  • Fully immunized visitors (two doses with the second dose received a minimum of two weeks prior) are required to wear a medical mask when moving through and in common areas of the care home. Visitors are not required to wear a medical mask while in direct contact with the person they are visiting once in the resident room or courtyard.
  • Non-immunized visitors, or visitors who cannot verify  immunization, are required to wear a medical mask for the duration of their visit.
• Visitors are required to follow all Infection Prevention & Control guidance regarding safe visitation practices such as hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette.
• After screening, visitors will proceed directly to their loved ones room unaccompanied by staff. There is still the expectation that a visitor is here to visit only with their loved one, not other residents or staff. Should you need to speak with staff, please call to make an appointment.  As always, our Nurses are available to speak with you about your loved ones care, and can be reached by phone.
• The current Visitor Appeal and Review Process for Essential and Social Visits remains in place.

We are excited about these next steps in Social Visits and thank you for your continued commitment and adherence to these guidelines that aim to minimize risk for all residents, visitors and staff. This is an ongoing, shared approach to maintaining the challenging balance of safety and quality of life through the coming months.

Outings – If you are planning an outing with your loved one, please contact the nurse on the floor at least 24 hours in advance with the details to allow us to prepare resident for the outing.  Staff will escort the resident to the entrance door to meet you.

For more information on current provincial restrictions and PHO orders, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/info/restrictions