Archive for category: Important Update

Effective Tuesday, October 3, the BC Ministry of Health is reinstating enhanced infection prevention and control measures for respiratory illness season: COVID, cold, flu

1. Medical mask wearing will be required by all health-care workers, volunteers, contractors and visitors in resident areas of health-care facilities, which includes long-term care homes (Menno Home, Menno Hospital) and assisted living residences (Terrace East).
2. Medical mask wearing is expected in Independent Living shared common areas, hallways, entrances, lounge spaces and the dining room.
3. Visitors are required to wear a medical mask (provided at the entrances) when they are in a common area of the home and when participating in indoor events, gatherings and activities in a communal area of the care home. This includes the dining room and while assisting with meals for their loved one.
4. Visitors to IL apartments (Terrace West, Pavilion and Primrose Gardens) who are sick or show symptoms of viral respiratory illness are discouraged from visiting.
5. Visitation Hosts will be reinstated at the front entrances to support screening for symptoms of respiratory illnesses, hand out medical masks and to ensure that people sanitize hands before entering.
6. All residents in long-term care as well as seniors age 65 and older are included in the priority populations that will be invited to book vaccine appointments as early as October 10, 2023.

The Ministry of Health official news release can be found here.

The Ministry of Health is currently developing a Q&A document that will be shared ahead of the October 3 implementation date. We will share that with you when it becomes available.

From: Bas Kervel, Director, Support Services

To: Menno Place Team

Re: RETIREMENT – Angela Ross-Fehr, Manager, Dining Experience

I am writing to notify you that Angela Ross-Fehr is retiring from Menno Place on January 31, 2024 with her last working day on December 22, 2023. Angela has been an integral part of Menno Place since 2005.

We appreciate the hard work that Angela has done over the past 18 years of dedicated service. I write to you today with mixed emotions as Angela is a cherished colleague and friend to many at Menno Place. Ang has been more than a colleague; she has been a guiding light, a mentor and a true friend to many of us. Her unwavering dedication, exceptional work ethic, and passion for the residents has been an inspiration for those of us who had the privilege of working with her. Over the years, she has weathered countless challenges, celebrated numerous milestones and contributed significantly to the success of Menno Place. This was especially evident as she led her team through the challenges of the COVID pandemic, constantly pivoting to make it possible to serve delicious meals to residents throughout periods of isolation and outbreak. Angela continuously brought food for the encouragement and sustenance of the staff as the greater team at Menno Place worked diligently to keep our residents safe. This was always appreciated. She is a creative – an enthusiastic leader and a devoted foodie.

She has been the heart and soul of Menno Place and her presence will be sorely missed as a leader and a friend.

During the time leading to her retirement, we are seeking to find a Manager of Dining Experience who shares Angela’s passion for food and our residents. We will celebrate with a Retirement Tea closer to Angela’s retirement date.

Please send photos of your team members on the Support Services teams to Claire.Colvin@MennoPlace.ca

What to do if you have symptoms of COVID, Flu or Cold

Be prepared for the upcoming COVID, Flu or Cold season by having COVID rapid tests in your home BEFORE you need them – BEFORE you have symptoms.
Pick up a box of tests FREE from any pharmacy.

If you have any of these symptoms, take a COVID test:

• fever or chills
• cough
• shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• fatigue
• muscle or body ache
• headache
• new loss of taste or smell
• sore throat
• congestion or runny nose
• diarrhea
• nausea or vomiting

POSITIVE COVID TEST

If the test is positive for COVID, you may not come into work for FIVE days. Return on the SIXTH day after your positive COVID test if you are symptom-free.

NEGATIVE COVID TEST

If the test is negative for COVID, seek a medical opinion.
Consider how you manage other illnesses that you do not get tested for like cold and flu. Stay home if you are feeling unwell and resume your regular activities, such as work, when you feel you are able to manage them. If you have a fever you should stay home until it is gone without medication.

NEGATIVE COVID TEST + INCREASING SYMPTOMS

If the test is negative AND your symptoms are getting WORSE, test again for COVID. Follow instructions (above).

Call Staffing and let them know if your test is COVID positive. This information helps us to track the spread of COVID in any given area on the Menno Place campus.