May 18 Update from our COO: Continuing our Cautious Transition
Happy Victoria Day!
This week, in our attempt to somewhat normalize operations, we transition cautiously into our phased approach to re-opening our dining rooms. It is our hope that this will allow our residents a consistent opportunity to socialize safely with one another. In Phase One, we will serve the larger daily meal in our dining rooms: In Ontario the bigger meal is dinner, in Alberta, the bigger meal of the day is traditionally lunch. The other meals and snacks will continue to be served to our residents’ suites.
As I noted in my update last week there are a number of factors that are required to make this transition successful. Those factors include, but are not limited to, strict social distancing in the dining room and while traveling to and from the dining room, regularly practicing hand hygiene, and enjoying mealtime by floor cohort.
We should be prepared that in some ways, we will never fully return to ‘business as usual’. Many of the heightened precautionary protocols we implemented in March have evolved over the course of this pandemic and are now sustained safety protocols that we must all embrace.
As a company, Seasons is looking at the best ways to serve our residents moving forward, and to demonstrate that residents and families can remain confident in our communal living environments. Nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of our residents and team members. We appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation as we move towards this evolved ‘normal’.
While the Ontario and Alberta governments are slowly loosening restrictions in our cities and towns, please remember that protocols regarding retirement communities, including essential visitors and residents remaining on the premises except for essential medical appointments, are still in effect. We know you are all anxious to see your loved ones. Please continue to respect the safety protocols we are mandated to comply with.
In the meantime, our teams are connecting with residents in creative and fun ways. While safety is paramount, we care deeply about our residents’ emotional and mental well-being. For examples of the activities we are running, please visit the Seasons Facebook page and other social media channels.
We appreciate the trust you have placed in Seasons Retirement Communities. Whether you live or work with us, we take this responsibility very seriously.
Sincerely,
LeighAnne Voll
Chief Operating Officer
Seasons Retirement Communities
For additional online resources for COVID-19 you can visit the following sites:
Canada Health
Alberta Health
Alberta Health Services
Public Health Ontario
Retirement Home Regulatory Authority