THUNDER BAY - After several long months, families are finally able to be reunited with loved ones living in long-term care, but safety is still the key priority.
Last week the provincial government eased restrictions on long-term care homes, retirement homes, and other congregate living centres to allow visitations to resume under strict public health guidelines.
Lauire Thibodau visited with her mother, Mary Gagnon, at Pioneer Ridge on Thursday after not seeing her in person for more than three months.
“It’s been great,” she said. “It dawned on both of us that this is the first time my mom has even been outside to be in fresh air since everything began back in March.”
Right now only outdoor visits are permitted at long-term care facilities and one person can visit a resident once per week.
“We are very excited that the ministry directive came out that they can start gradual visits,” said Linda Pauluik, supervisor of financial services at Pioneer Ridge. “We were able to set up this beautiful area with some gazebo tents and we have all our sanitizing protocols in place to keep it a safe visit.”
All visitors must prove that they have tested negative for COVID-19 in the previous 14 days and will be screened prior to visiting with a resident.
Visitors must also bring and wear a mask and physical distancing protocols are still in place, which Pauluik said can be difficult for families, but the safety of the residents must be the top priority.
“It’s unfortunate because we would like them to be able to hug and embrace but we still need to keep our residents safe,” she said. “That is out number one priority.”
Long-term care homes have been hit particularly hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and visitations were halted in March to prevent the virus from spreading to those most vulnerable.
During the pandemic, Pioneer Ridge held more than 250 window and virtual visits for the residents, which helped, but having that in-person interaction really makes a difference.
“The window visits and Facetime visits have been very popular, more than 250 a week,” Pauluik said. “So that has helped, but it will be nice when they can see their family members.”
Pauluik added that Pioneer Ridge also has the capacity to host two staggered outdoor visits as well and they are preparing for when the province allows long-term care homes to move into phase two of visitations, which will allow for two outdoor visitors at a time.
Visitations are also resuming at Jasper Place. All visitations must be booked in advance by calling Pioneer Ridge at 684-3956 or Jasper Place at 684-2928.
“Because people have to have their negative COVID tests, we have about five or six for the weekend and more next week,” Pauluik said. “Usually takes two or three days. As long as we know they have their test booked we will make a tentative appointment.”
