Dining Room Changes – Menno Apartments

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Residents of Terrace East and Primrose Gardens received memos this week informing them of floor-by-floor dining in the dining rooms. Terrace West and Pavilion dining rooms are closed due to outbreak (TW) and enhanced monitoring (Pavilion).

In cooperation with Fraser Health, our team at Menno Place seeks to understand any points of concern with respect to transmission of COVID within our Independent and Assisted Living apartments. The dining experience in our apartments has been identified as requiring increased social distancing in order to provide the safest dining experience for our residents. In the Terrace East outbreak, the Medical Health Officer isolated all residents in the apartment building because all floors in the building were represented within short distance from the index case in the dining room. This isolation for all residents became significantly difficult for the residents as the outbreak transmission progressed. It is our hope that by serving meals to one floor at a time with enhanced cleaning between meals, we can continue the benefits of socializing during meals while mitigating the need to isolate the entire apartment building should a resident in the apartment contract COVID.

We recognize that this is difficult for residents. We have weighed this hardship against the hardship of isolation that was recently experienced by our Terrace East residents. At this time, with the prevalence of COVID in our community and the regional orders for Fraser Valley East, we have decided to put this floor-by-floor physically distanced plan into place for all dining rooms.

Floor-by-floor dining will begin on October 28th in Primrose Gardens and November 2nd in Terrace East.

At this time, there is no COVID exposure for residents in either Terrace East or Primrose Gardens.

 

 

October 27, 2021 – TERRACE WEST (IL) OUTBREAK – New COVID positive resident = 0 (T=5)

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COVID UPDATE – October 27, 2021 – Terrace West Outbreak

NEW COVID POSITIVE CASES = 0

TOTAL COVID POSITIVE CASES = 5 (5 residents TW | 0 staff)

MOST RECENT COVID CASE = October 25

PASSED AWAY = 1 resident (October 26)

We are sorry to inform you that a Terrace West resident has succumbed to COVID. Our condolences go out to the family who were able to be with their loved one at the time of passing. There is one Terrace West resident and one Terrace East resident who remain in hospital battling COVID.

The most recent COVID positive case is on the third floor. The impact of this is that Public Health ordered all residents on the 3rd floor to be tested for COVID. This testing was done today by a Terrace East LPN. We thank this nurse for her service on her day off as COVID testing was not available for these residents through Fraser Health on our site. As the prevalence of COVID has increased and outbreaks have increased, the resources available through Fraser Health, including staff support has be allocated to the locations that are in greatest need.

Each day, we meet with the Fraser Health Outbreak Response Lead, our Infection Control Prevention Lead and our Public Health lead in order to ensure that there are clear protocols, processes and protections in place. We have cohorted staff to Terrace West in order to fulfill the Medical Health Officer orders and expectations. This includes twice daily wellness checks for residents, meal delivery and visitor screening.

We are grateful to have John Dyck, our chaplain working in Terrace West as he is connecting with residents in-person (in PPE) and by phone daily.

The Medical Health Officer is very concerned about the transmission of COVID that has infected a resident on the 3rd floor. With this concern, he has ordered a 3rd point-prevalence test for residents in Terrace West. This will take place on Sunday, October 31st. All residents who have previously been tested along with all on the 3rd floor will be tested for COVID in the Terrace West Bistro. The staff will also be tested again. Some residents from the original isolation/droplet precaution order have been removed from isolation. Residents have

Please pray for the residents and staff who are cohorted to Terrace West. This is a challenging time. John Dyck reports that residents could use encouragement. Please give your loved one a call and encourage others in their life to do the same. This will be a real pick-me-up for them at this time. It was discouraging for residents to find themselves on continued isolation when there was strong hope that there wasn’t going to be additional spread of COVID.

Essential visitor status can be assessed and assigned for essential needs of a resident. Please call 604.835.9504 to talk about essential visitor status for your loved one.

Please remind your loved one in the apartments that Leonard Klassen, Life Enrichment Coordinator, provides announcements about COVID in the apartments every Tuesday and every Friday on Channel 10 at 11am.

Cheryl Dawes – Resignation

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Cheryl Dawes, Resignation

We are sorry to announce the resignation of Cheryl Dawes last week from her position as Manager, Community Enrichment. Cheryl served in this leadership role for Menno Apartments. She began her service at Menno Place in February 2020, just one month before the COVID global pandemic was announced.

Cheryl’s service in her role touched the lives of residents, staff and families. She provided strong and compassionate leadership to residents and her team of care staff in Terrace East Assisted Living.

We thank Cheryl for her service of leadership during an unprecedented time of challenge.

Effective immediately, Trish Giesbrecht, former Manager of Menno Apartments is providing leadership in Assisted Living. She can be reached at 604.851.4020.

Residents and families of loved ones in Independent Living apartments can continue to call Leonard Klassen, Life Enrichment Coordinator to connect with respect to issues that pertain to residents in Independent Living: 604.851.4006.

If you wish to pass along your appreciation and good wishes to Cheryl, please send your message to: connect@mennoplace.ca

Pavilion staff gym closed

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Pavilion staff gym closed due to COVID exposure in Pavilion.

No exceptions.

October 25, 2021 – TERRACE WEST (IL) OUTBREAK – New COVID positive resident = 1 (T=5)

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COVID UPDATE – October 25, 2021 – Terrace West Outbreak

NEW COVID POSITIVE CASES = 1

TOTAL COVID POSITIVE CASES = 5 (5 residents TW | 0 staff)

MOST RECENT COVID CASE = October 25

We are sorry to let you know that there is a fifth COVID positive case in Terrace West. This resident resides on the third floor which, prior to today’s result did not have a COVID positive resident. Two residents remain in hospital with COVID from the TW Outbreak and one from the TE Outbreak.

Third floor residents – COVID testing this week
Public Health is very concerned about an additional COVID positive and is now asking for testing of all the 3rd floor residents on the 26th or 27th. The Fraser Health mobile testing team is not available, so we are working on finding a way our nursing team can do these swabs. All tenants on the 3rd floor are receiving a memo with this information tonight.

Oct. 24th PPT Testing
We are awaiting the results of the PPT test done on October 24th. In light of this new COVID positive, the Medical Health Officer has ordered a 3rd round of PPT testing on Sunday, October 31st for all of the residents on floors 2, 3, 4 and any on the 1st floor who have been included in previous PPT testing. We also include all of the staff who were previously tested in this 3rd PPT testing.

No residents may use the laundry room
The laundry room is closed for all residents. The only laundry that can be done is by the Fraser Health Home support workers and the Menno Place Housekeeper. These staff are able to provide the detergent and the cleaning between loads that is required.

Thank you for your patience in all of this. There are many moving parts and we are experiencing much change on a day-to-day basis.

Walking for those with mobility or visual impairment:

Please call 604.851.4020 if you would like to include your loved one in a walking plan.

 

October 23, 2021 – TERRACE WEST (IL) OUTBREAK – No new COVID positive residents or staff: (T=4)

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COVID UPDATE – October 23, 2021 – Terrace West Outbreak

NEW COVID POSITIVE CASES = 0

TOTAL COVID POSITIVE CASES = 4 (4 residents TW | 0 staff)

MOST RECENT COVID CASE = October 16 (1st PPT test date)

Two residents remain in hospital with COVID. October 24th is the 2nd point prevalence test for Terrace West residents living on the 2nd and 4th floor as well as those who were in close proximity to the COVID positive residents. This will begin at 10am. We will go to each suite to get the resident and bring them down to the Bistro for the test. The gargle test is available if the resident prefers. They can’t eat or drink for 1 hour prior to the gargle test.

There are no changes to isolation or visitors. Residents not on isolation may leave their suites.

We are checking on residents daily with a phone call asking them how they are doing and if they have any symptoms of COVID. If your loved one is not on isolation and needs support to get outside (mobility or visual impairment), please contact us to set up a plan for an escorted walk – 604.851.4004.

We are now able to do personal laundry for residents at $10/load if you are unable to assist your loved one. Please call Reception to set this up – 604.851.4004.

 

October 20, 2021 – TERRACE WEST (IL) OUTBREAK – No new COVID positive residents or staff: (T=4)

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COVID UPDATE – October 20, 2021 – Terrace West Outbreak

NEW COVID POSITIVE CASES = 0

TOTAL COVID POSITIVE CASES = 4 (4 residents TW | 0 staff)

MOST RECENT COVID CASE = October 16 (test date)

This memo will be delivered to the residents of Terrace West today:

MEMO: OCTOBER 20, 2021

Terrace West remains on COVID Outbreak. There are four COVID positive residents in Terrace West. Two are in hospital.

Our next COVID test
On Sunday, October 24th, we will do a COVID test for the same people who were swabbed on October 16th. It will likely take place in the morning. If you prefer to have a gargle test, you may not eat or drink for an hour prior to the test. Otherwise, you will have a swab test.

Visitors
Essential Visitors are allowed into the building to visit you in your suite. Call Leonard Klassen, Life Enrichment Coordinator – 604.851.4006 if you need your loved one to come to your suite to assist you (groceries, laundry).  If you are COVID positive or on isolation/droplet precaution, they have to wear a gown, mask and goggles when they enter your suite.

Fraser Health Home Support
If you get assistance from Fraser Health Home support, they are screened at the front door and may continue to provide you support.

Stay on your own floor
Residents may only stay on their own floor. No visiting in each other’s apartment suites, even on your own floor. The 2nd and 4th floors are only for the second and the fourth floor residents. The laundry room only open to residents on the 2nd floor.

Laundry Room
The laundry room is closed to floors 1, 3 and 4. Please ask your loved one to do your laundry outside of the building.

Leaving the Building
We have someone at the entrance who is screening everyone who comes into the building to ensure that they understand the infection control protocols – and that they should be in the building. The screeners are also asking residents their names if they are leaving the building.

What does it mean to be on isolation? All residents who were in contact with a COVID positive resident have already been placed on isolation and are being tested for COVID. They must continue to isolate (no leaving the apartment suite) and wait for direction from the Public Health Officer. They have a cart outside their apartment door and anyone entering must wear full personal protective equipment.

Residents on 2nd and 4th floors – All residents on these floors will be tested for COVID on Sunday, October 24th. We will notify you when it is your turn to come down to the Bistro for your COVID swab. These residents are not on isolation at this time.

Additional residents to receive COVID testing – In addition, residents who were in proximity to a COVID positive resident will be tested for COVID. You were tested on October 16th. These residents are not on isolation at this time.

What about those who are not on isolation? If you are not on isolation, you are asked to follow all enhanced infection control protocols wearing a mask when you are with anyone else, practicing hand hygiene, staying in your suite as much as possible and staying 6 feet apart from others. Don’t visit in each other’s apartment suites. This also means answering a wellness check, twice a day asking if you have any COVID symptoms. Your noon meal will be delivered to your apartment suite.

What about visitors? Only essential visitors may enter this apartment building or your suite. The Medical Health Officer has to approve anyone to be an essential visitor. The process for application and approval is to phone Leonard Klassen – 604.851.4006 to explain your situation. Loved ones can enter the foyer to drop-off essential items such as groceries to you. You can meet them there if you are not on isolation.

Essential Support Services: If you receive home support services to assist you with activities of daily living (getting ready in the morning or night, showering, medicine) from Fraser Health, carry on as usual. If another organization provides you services, please notify Reception (604.851.4004) to ensure they are permitted entry. No unvaccinated service providers permitted.

Can residents who are not isolated go out? Yes. You may leave the apartment building. This includes walks around the Menno Place campus or going out with a loved one. It also includes medical appointments. We are advising you not to go to public places or where groups gather. This includes avoiding grocery stores, the shopping mall and church services. This virus is very contagious and the elderly are the most vulnerable to it. Use all your layers of protection: mask, hand washing, 6 feet distance.

October 18, 2021 – TERRACE EAST (AL) OFF OUTBREAK – STEP-DOWN PHASE 2

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COVID UPDATE – October 18, 2021 – Terrace East OFF Outbreak

At midnight on Monday, October 18th, Terrace East is officially off of Step-Down Phase 2!

Congratulations to all of the residents and staff who kept each other safe in a very difficult time at Terrace East.

Social visits resume inside Terrace East. Please enter only by the front entrance of the building, preferred visiting time is between 10am and 6pm. Visitors must show evidence of full vaccination as ordered by the Provincial Health Officer. Please bring your Vaccination Card (QR code) and government issued photo ID for verification. Medical masks provided by the Visitation Host are mandatory. Only visit with your loved one in their apartment suite in order to keep others safe. Residents may resume going outside, enjoying walks and Mill Lake.

This is a time for caution as the prevalence of COVID continues to be high in our community. Please encourage your loved one to wear a mask at all times when they are with others. If they attend a church service, encourage them to wear a mask, use hand sanitizer and remain 6 feet away from others regardless of the practice of their individual church. These protocols are for their own protection.

We will not be resuming dining in Terrace East for another week while we put in place a plan that will keep residents safe as they socialize. Our Fraser Health Outbreak Response Lead provided feedback on our  initial dining room plan and is supportive of the social aspects and the social distancing. Terrace East residents, staff and visitors are all fully vaccinated.

Thank you to everyone for your vigilance and care during this outbreak. We remember the 4 residents who succumbed to COVID and pray for the recovery of 1 resident who remains in hospital. We express our condolences to the families who lost a loved one and pray for the resident in hospital.

In addition, there is an outbreak at Terrace West. There is no walk-through between these buildings. Four residents are COVID positive, two of whom are in hospital. Please pray for these residents and their families as they navigate difficult decisions related to health and medical treatment.

Thank you – and be safe!

NEW COVID POSITIVE CASES = 0

TOTAL COVID POSITIVE CASES = 9 (9 residents TE / 0 staff)

MOST RECENT COVID POSTIVE: September 27, 2021

PASSED AWAY OCT 6/21/21: 1 (T=4 residents TE)

October 18, 2021 – TERRACE WEST (IL) OUTBREAK – New COVID positive = 1 (T=4)

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COVID UPDATE – October 18, 2021 – Terrace West Outbreak

NEW COVID POSITIVE CASES = 1

TOTAL COVID POSITIVE CASES = 4 (4 residents TW | 0 staff)

MOST RECENT COVID CASE = October 16 (test date)

Two residents are in hospital from Terrace West. Please pray for their recovery.

There is also a resident from Terrace East who contracted COVID and continues the battle in the hospital as well. Please pray for this resident as well.

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We continue to put all the safety measures in place for the residents of Terrace West. All of the staff who worked in the building or served the residents in the dining room have been swabbed for COVID. There are no positive staff, several results are still outstanding. The residents who were with a COVID positive resident as well as the ones who are in close proximity (on the same floor) were swabbed. One test result was returned as COVID positive.

For the residents on isolation, we have phoned the primary contact from the family and offered Essential Visitor designation to continue supporting them as they wait out their time on isolation. Essential visitors must be fully vaccinated. There are no social visitors permitted in the building.

Thank you for your encouragement and support. As a family member, the biggest support you can provide for your loved one is to encourage them to follow all the layers of protection. Please ask them if they have any new or worsening symptoms and report those to our Manager – 604.851.4020.

Moving forward, we will make changes to the dining room experience in all of our apartments to include a greater distance between diners for this winter season. The residents in Terrace West will be dining in the Bistro that is just at the entrance to the apartment building. We will making some changes to the furniture and look forward to a time when this outbreak is over and we begin to enjoy each other’s company in this way again.

Oct 18th is Healthcare Aide Day!

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October 18th is HealthCare Aide Day!

Menno Place will be doing a draw for prizes and sharing the winners here on the staff website!

On behalf of Menno Place leadership, we would like to acknowledge all Health Care Assistants and Health Career Access Program (HCAP) participants whether you have graduated, are attending post secondary school, or working as a health care support worker (HCSW). Today we celebrate you!

Congratulations to the HCAs and HCSWs who have embarked on their journey to become care aides. We appreciate your hard work and dedication as students and as health care support workers.  Your decision to become a health care assistant will have a positive impact on the health care team, residents and families. We value you!

The BC Care Aide & Community Health Care Registry, is offering a FREE online conference for health care assistants which runs from October 18-22, 2021. There are many prizes to be won including a scholarship valued at $3,500.

  • Choose one day or attend all 5 days; participation is less than an hour each day.
  • Use your smartphone (Android or iPhone), tablet, or computer to access the digital event.
  • The more you participate, the more chances you have to win a prize.
  • Register at  www.heartsandhands.ca or for further information on the BC Care Aide Registry click on the following link https://www.cachwr.bc.ca

Thank you for your dedication to your role as a health care assistant!