HRM: Further easing of restrictions in long-term care will allow residents to enjoy off-site day visits with family in their homes.
“Residents and their families want more opportunities to connect in ways they could prior to this pandemic and we appreciate their patience while we’ve taken a careful, phased approach to easing restrictions,” said Health and Wellness Minister Randy Delorey on Sept. 22. “It’s my hope that getting out with family will bring a much-needed sense of normalcy for residents of long-term care.”
Other details include:
— off-site visits must be pre-arranged with the facility, which will maintain a record of trips
— residents will not be required to self-isolate upon return as long as they follow key public health measures like wearing a medical mask (provided by the facility) when required, maintaining physical distance, respecting gathering limits, washing their hands frequently, and ensuring the environment they’re in is clean
— the person accompanying the resident must be screened, showing no symptoms of COVID-19, and agree to follow all public health measures
— those who have close contact with the resident during the visit (less than 2 metres or 6 feet), including the person accompanying the resident, must wear a non-medical mask
— the resident must not come into contact with someone who is required to self-isolate
— overnight visits or visits outside the Atlantic bubble are not permitted
— upon return to the facility, staff will review the outing with the resident and support person
Individual long-term care homes will work to implement these changes as early as Sept. 28, while considering the unique situations of residents and caregivers.
Community visitation supports a recommendation of the independent review of the COVID-19 outbreak at Northwood’s Halifax campus.
Quick Facts:
— there are 133 licensed long-term care facilities in Nova Scotia
— testing numbers are updated daily at https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus
— a state of emergency was declared under the Emergency Management Act on March 22 and extended to Oct. 4
Additional Resources:
Government of Canada: https://canada.ca/coronavirus
Government of Canada information line 1-833-784-4397 (toll-free)
The Mental Health Provincial Crisis Line is available 24/7 to anyone experiencing a mental health or addictions crisis, or someone concerned about them, by calling 1-888-429-8167 (toll-free)
Kids Help Phone is available 24/7 by calling 1-800-668-6868 (toll-free)
For help or information about domestic violence 24/7, call 1-855-225-0220 (toll-free)
