H.J. McFarland Memorial Home has updated its visiting policy following the announcement of the provincewide shutdown, which will take place December 26-January 23.
“With cases of COVID-19 on the rise in our community, we need to be extra cautious to avoid exposing our residents and staff to the virus,” says Kyle Cotton, Executive Director, H.J. McFarland Memorial Home. “We have seen just how harmful this virus can be, especially for seniors, so we need to do everything we can to prevent an outbreak.”
General Visits and Short-Stay Absences
General visits, both indoor and outdoor, and non-essential short-stay absences are temporarily cancelled during the shutdown. Staff will assist in arranging a virtual visit between residents and their family and friends. Email Danielle Preston, Recreation and Volunteer Services Supervisor, at dpreston@pecounty.on.ca to set up a virtual visit.
Caregivers and Support Workers
While residents are permitted to have one designated caregiver or support worker, H.J. McFarland Memorial Home is asking them to postpone all visits to the Home during the shutdown. Caregivers and support workers who do opt to visit must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test in the past week and must not have previously tested positive for COVID-19 at any time.
Essential Visitors
One essential visitor per resident is allowed under exceptional circumstances (visiting a very ill or palliative resident.)
All visitors to H.J. McFarland Memorial Home are strongly discouraged from coming into the building if they have recently visited any other long-term care home, retirement home, or care facility.
These changes will remain in effect until the provincial government restrictions are updated or changed. If you have any questions or concerns, call 613.476.2138.