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An outbreak has been declared on January 9, 2021 for the Laurel Creek home area of Sunnyside Home due to two staff members testing positive for COVID-19. There is no evidence however that the two cases are related. Outbreak protocols are in place for the Laurel Creek home area and we continue to follow all preventative measures. We will monitor the situation closely and follow all directives to ensure the health and well-being of residents and staff. Please subscribe to our website to receive updates as they are posted.
All caregivers who visit Sunnyside Home are required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result within the last seven days prior to each visit. All non-essential visits have been suspended. Only essential visitors and designated caregivers are permitted in Sunnyside Home. All others wishing to connect with a resident are invited to book a virtual visit or book a window visit provided their home area is not in outbreak.
COVID-19 updates
Two staff members at Sunnyside Home who worked on the Laurel Creek home area tested positive for COVID-19. The cases are unrelated to each other but as a result, Waterloo Region Public Health declared an outbreak in the Laurel Creek home area. The outbreak on the Pioneer Tower Home area has been declared over.
Sunnyside Home is following outbreak protocols for the Laurel Creek home area and all preventative measures continue throughout the home. The staff members are self-isolating at home. The risk to residents and other staff is minimal due to the use of personal protective equipment.
In addition to the preventative measures already in place, the following measures have been implemented for the Laurel Creek home area until the outbreak has been declared over by Public Health:
New admissions to Laurel Creek are on hold
Window visits for general visitors have been suspended
Residents who live on Laurel Creek are asked to remain on the home area
Staff who work on Laurel Creek will work only in that home area
On Tuesday, January 12, 2021, the Province declared a second State of Emergency of Ontario. The Province also declared a Stay-At-Home order for all Ontarians effective 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, January 14, 2021. All Ontarians are required to stay home leaving only for essential purposes limiting trips outside the home to necessities such as food, medication, medical appointments or essential work. Designated caregivers in long-term care are considered essential at this time and may continue to support residents at Sunnyside Home while the Stay-At-Home order is in place.
Additional restrictions in place for long-term care homes include:
General visitors are temporarily unable to visit, this includes scheduled indoor and outdoor visits
Visitors are limited to only designated caregivers (registered and trained) and essential visitors (supporting residents who are end of life)
Essential caregivers/visitors are restricted to 1 individual per resident at a time
Outings are restricted for Long Term Care Residents (essential purposes only, based on approval by the Home)
to help control the spread of COVID-19 in Ontario, reduce pressures on the hospital system and decrease the risk of COVID-19 for people who live in long-term care.
These new measures are in place to help control the spread of COVID-19 in Ontario, reduce pressures on the hospital system and decrease the risk for people who live in long-term care. Please be assured that staff are taking all measures to maintain the health and safety of residents and staff across Sunnyside Home. We will continue to provide updated information as soon as it is available.
If you have questions about this information, please send us an email or call the Sunnyside COVID hotline at 519- 893-8494 extension 6868.
Outbreak Protocols
The Province has directed long-term care homes to declare an outbreak if a resident or staff member tests positive. This is to help control the spread of COVID-19. General visits indoors and outdoors as well as absences must be suspended and no new admissions to Sunnyside Home will occur until the outbreak is over.
When a resident or staff case of COVID-19 is identified, Sunnyside works closely with Waterloo Region Public Health to identify who that individual has been in contact with in the 48 hours before their symptoms started. Residents and staff who are determined to be at risk are contacted. All staff and affected residents will be re-tested for COVID-19. Those who are determined to be higher risk will self-isolate for 14 days from the date of exposure to monitor for symptoms and prevent further spread of illness at Sunnyside or in the community.
Sunnyside Home has developed a COVID outbreak plan to reduce the risk of spread. The plan includes the use of a dedicated outbreak area for residents, isolation of affected residents and COVID testing for all staff and affected residents. All other preventative measures remain in place to ensure the wellbeing and safety of the people who live at Sunnyside and the staff who support them.
Visiting and connecting with residents at Sunnyside Home
We recognize that being able to connect with friends and family is essential to the emotional health and well-being of the residents of Sunnyside.
Our team has developed a plan based on direction of the Ministries of Health and Long Term Care as well as Public Health to support more opportunities to connect residents with family, friends and the community in a safe and meaningful way. We invite you to review the information outlined below.
As a visitor to Sunnyside Home, please do your part to protect residents from COVID-19. Visitors to long-term care are encouraged to practice hand hygiene, maintain physical distance, wear a mask in public spaces, limit your “social bubble”, monitor yourself for symptoms and get tested if you have concerns.
If you have any questions about this information, please call the Sunnyside COVID hotline at 519-893-8494 extension 6868.
Outdoor visits
Due to the colder weather we are not currently offering outdoor visits.
General visitors (indoor visits)
General visitors are temporarily unable to visit while the Region of Waterloo is in the "Red-Control" level of the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open framework.
General visitors visit with a resident for a social reason. These visits will be up to 30 minutes long and will take place in a designated area on the main floor of Sunnyside Home. Visits must be booked at least one business day in advance.
Visitors must adhere to the following guidelines for indoor visits:
One resident may visit with up to two family members or friends at a time.
Visitors must be tested at a testing centre and provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test within the past 14 days of each visit and verbally attest to not subsequently testing positive.
All visitors must pass active screening. Visitors must report to screening table inside the main entrance to complete a screening questionnaire and to have their temperature taken prior to their visit. If visitors are unable to pass the screening or have a temperature above 37.8 degrees Celsius, they are not permitted to visit. It is very important to monitor for symptoms and not to visit if you feel unwell or if you may have been exposed to COVID-19.
Visitors must wear a surgical mask and shield which will be provided by Sunnyside Home while inside the building. We will also ask residents to wear a mask for the visit, if it can be tolerated.
Visitors will be asked to review and sign off on Sunnyside’s infection prevention and control guidelines for visitors.
Visitors are asked to practice hand hygiene upon entering the building, before exiting and frequently during the visit. Hand sanitizer is available throughout the building.
Pets, food and/or drinks are not permitted during visits at this time. Visitors are not able to purchase food or drinks from the Sandhills Café or the vending machine.
We know that it will be difficult not to hug or touch the resident you are visiting but it is very important that you don’t. For the safety of the residents at Sunnyside and the staff who support them, physical distance of six feet or more must be maintained.
Window visits
Residents can meet a visitor or a small group of visitors at a large window on the main floor of Sunnyside Home. A phone is available for resident use during the visit. No screening or testing is required, but do not visit the Sunnyside campus if you are feeling unwell. Masks are recommended during a window visit.
Essential visitors are contractors who provide critical care and services or family members visiting a resident who is critically ill or nearing end of life.
How to determine if you are considered an essential visitor
Family members with a loved one who is at the end of their life, is very ill or is in an emergency situation will be considered essential. If you have questions about whether this may apply to you, please contact your Team Leader.
The following protocols must be adhered to for essential visitors:
Essential visitors must pass active screening and are required to wear personal protective equipment which includes a mask and face shield while inside. If visiting a resident who is symptomatic or in isolation, they will wear full personal protective equipment as directed by the Ministries of Health and Long Term Care which includes a mask, goggles, gown and gloves.
Essential visitors a must follow the above requirements for indoor visits. For family members visiting residents who are very ill or at end of their life, the COVID testing requirement will be reviewed on a case by case basis.
Essential visitors are currently limited to one visitor per resident at a time. You must only visit the resident who requires your essential visit or care.
Designated caregivers
Each resident and/or their substitute decision maker (SDM) may designate a maximum of two caregivers.
Caregivers provide direct care and support to the resident, which may include assisting with meals, mobility, personal hygiene, cognitive stimulation and emotional support. These visits are unscheduled unless the resident is in self-isolation. Currently, designated caregivers are limited to one visitor per resident at a time. Caregivers are welcome between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. These visits take place in the resident's room.
To designate a caregiver for a resident at Sunnyside Home, please complete and submit the Caregiver Designation Form. Please allow for 1-2 business days to support a request to designate a caregiver. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
The following protocols must be adhered to for designated caregivers:
Caregivers must be tested at a testing centre and provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test within the past 7 days of each visit and verbally attest to not subsequently testing positive.
All caregivers must pass active screening. Caregivers must report to screening table inside the main entrance to complete a screening questionnaire and to have their temperature taken prior to their visit. If visitors are unable to pass the screening or have a temperature above 37.8 degrees Celsius, they are not permitted to visit. It is very important to monitor for symptoms and not to visit if you feel unwell or if you may have been exposed to COVID-19.
Caregivers must wear a surgical mask which will be provided by Sunnyside Home at all times while inside the building. If visiting a resident who is symptomatic or in isolation, they will wear full personal protective equipment as directed by the Ministries of Health and Long Term Care which includes a mask, goggles, gown and gloves.
Caregivers will be asked to review and sign off on Sunnyside’s infection prevention and control guidelines for visitors.
Caregivers are asked to practice hand hygiene upon entering the building, before exiting and frequently during the visit. Hand sanitizer is available throughout the building.
Food and/or drinks are not permitted during visits at this time. Caregivers are not able to purchase food or drinks from the Sandhills Café or the vending machine.
Caregivers must be 18 years or older.
Caregivers must review Sunnyside Homes Visitor Policy and complete mandatory training prior to visiting the Home.
For more information, please contact a Team Leader or call the Sunnyside COVID Hotline at 519-893-8494 extension 6868.
Short stay absence - leaving the home during the day
Short stay absences are not permitted while the Region of Waterloo is in the "Red-Control" level of the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open framework.
Residents may leave Sunnyside Home for a short stay absence for health related, social, or other reasons. A short stay absence does not include an overnight stay with the exception of an emergency room visit as outlined below.
Please contact your team leader or a Registered Nurse at least 48 hours in advance to arrange a short stay absence and review the safety and screening requirements.
The following requirements must be adhered to for a short stay absence:
Residents must wear a mask at all times (if tolerated) as well as those in the company of the resident.
Visitors accompanying a resident on a short stay absence must be tested at a testing centre for COVID-19 within the 14 days prior to their visit and verbally attest to receiving a negative result.
Staff will review the importance of public health measures with the resident and the person accompanying them prior to going out, including physical distancing and will provide residents with a copy the Safety Poster.
Residents and anyone accompanying a resident must be actively screened upon return.
Outpatient medical appointments are considered a short term absence.
Emergency room visits that take place over a single night are considered a short stay absence. If the resident is admitted or if the emergency room visit is more than one night, the process for readmission will be followed.
If Sunnyside Home is in outbreak or if the resident is in self-isolation, all absences will be postponed until such time that the outbreak is over, or the resident is out of self-isolation.
Temporary absence - leaving the home for one or more nights
Temporary absences are not permitted while the Region of Waterloo is in the "Red-Control" level of the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open framework.
Residents may leave the property for a temporary absence of one or more days for personal reasons. Upon return, residents will be required to self-isolate for 14 days. Please contact your team leader or a Registered Nurse at least 48 hours in advance to arrange a temporary absence.
The following requirements must be adhered to for a temporary absence:
All requests for a temporary absence will be reviewed and approved by the Infection Control Coordinator (or delegate) on a case by case risk assessment considering the following:
The Home’s ability to support self-isolation upon return
Local disease transmission and activity
The risk associated with the planned activities
The resident’s ability to comply with local and provincial policies and safety protocols
If the Home denies a request for a temporary absence this will be communicated in writing to the resident or substitute decision maker (as appropriate), including the rationale for the decision.
Staff will review the importance of public health measures with the resident and the person accompanying them prior to going out, including physical distancing and will provide residents with a copy the Safety Poster
Residents must be actively screened upon return and will be required to self-isolate for 14 days
If the Home is in outbreak or if the resident is in self-isolation, all absences will be postponed until such time that the outbreak is over, or the resident is out of self-isolation.
Virtual visits and other ways to connect
We understand that you may want to connect with your loved one at Sunnyside and we hope that you will. In addition to the visits listed above, we would like to offer some support to keep you connected in other ways:
If you are unable to visit in person, we invite you to schedule a virtual visit and connect by Skype, FaceTime or Zoom. Call the Sunnyside COVID hotline at 519-893-8494 extension 6868 or speak to a member of the Recreation Team to arrange.
Send a letter by email to someone who lives at Sunnyside Home, we will be happy to share it with them. You can also send by mail to our address at 247 Franklin Street North, Kitchener ON. We encourage you to send photos and pictures along with your letters.
If you would like to drop off a care package, please leave it in the box located between the two sets of main entry doors between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Only non-perishable items will be accepted. Please make sure the package is clearly labeled with the first and last name of the person living at Sunnyside Home.
Enhanced active screening
All staff and visitors are actively screened when they enter the building and when they leave. If symptomatic, they cannot enter, will be provided with a mask to wear and will self-isolate immediately at home.
All residents and supportive housing tenants will be actively screened for symptoms at the beginning and the end of the day. If symptomatic, they will be provided with a mask to wear, isolated and tested.
All delivery people will be actively screened and deliveries will come to a designated area. If the delivery person does not pass screening, they will be denied entry and the delivery will be left outside the building.
Isolation and testing
Residents, supportive housing tenants or staff who become symptomatic while in the home will immediately be isolated and tested for COVID-19.
If a resident tests positive for COVID-19, they will be isolated from other residents.
For staff who test positive for COVID-19, contact is traced back to prevent spread, and they will not be permitted to return to work until approved by Public Health.
New or returning residents or supportive housing tenants will self-isolate for fourteen days. Staff who have contact with them will continue to wear personal protective equipment.
All staff and caregivers are tested for COVID-19 weekly.
New residents to Sunnyside Home
Ensuring the health and safety of everyone who lives at Sunnyside requires that we take preventative measures for new residents arriving at Sunnyside Home in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
In spite of the measures taken below, Sunnyside will do its very best to introduce ourselves, make you comfortable and get to know you while helping you pass the time. We look forward to continuing your care, introducing you to new neighbours, and providing you with opportunities to socialize safely where possible
All new residents will need to be tested for COVID-19 upon admission.
New residents will be actively screened upon arrival. Sunnyside staff will meet new residents and their family member at the main entrance to welcome them into our care and complete the required paperwork. Family members will be asked to say goodbye at the main entrance to ensure the safety of our residents.
New residents will be escorted by staff to a private room in a home area designated for self-isolation. Staff will need to wear personal protective equipment including a mask, face shield, gloves and gown. This is to ensure safety for you, staff and other residents.
New residents will need to self-isolate in their room for 14 days. This means that they will remain in their room for all care and meals. All staff who enter the room to provide care must wear personal protective equipment. That includes a gown, gloves, mask and face shield.
Staff providing care to new residents will only work in this designated home area and will use an entrance and exit separate from the rest of the building. They will be actively screened upon entering each day to ensure safety for all.
If after 14 days of self-isolation, a new resident does not have any symptoms of respiratory illness, they will be welcomed to the permanent room they accepted as a valued member of our Sunnyside community.
Additional safety precautions
Staff and visitors are required to wear a surgical mask inside Sunnyside Home.
Staff will continue to wear personal protective equipment as directed by the Ministry of Health appropriate to their role, duties, and contact with others. This includes a mask, face shield, goggles, gloves and gown.
Sunnyside will continue to maintain a sufficient supply of this equipment.
Sunnyside staff are required to work at only one long-term care home during the pandemic to minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19.
Staff and residents continue to practice physical distancing and stringent hand hygiene.
Measures are in place to support physical distance in dining rooms and common areas.
Recreation programs are being offered to small groups to support physical distancing.
Residents, tenants and clients remain in their program areas wherever possible and do not travel between long-term care, supportive house, the day program or the Sunnyside Wellness Centre.
Our team works closely with Waterloo Region Public Health to ensure the highest standards of infection prevention and control and maintains an onsite infection prevention and control specialist.
Service changes in Sunnyside Home, Sunnyside Wellness Centre, and Dementia Services
Sunnyside Home
Hair Salon. Reflections Beauty and Barber Shop is closed until further notice. Light hairdressing services are available on the home areas. Please contact your team leader for more information.
Volunteer Services. Only volunteer services that are deemed essential will be employed, examples of this might include comfort care volunteers for end of life support.
Care Conferences.In-person care conferences with people from outside of Sunnyside Home are on hold unless it is deemed essential. In these circumstances, these conferences will be done by phone or video call whenever possible.
Attending Physicians/Nurse Practitioners. Physicians and Nurse Practitioners are still providing support to the Home however they will be adapting their rounds to minimize any potential exposure. Wherever possible they will be providing support remotely.
Fabulous Finds Gift Shop. The Fabulous Finds Gift Shop is closed until further notice.
Convalescent Care and Respite. Convalescent care and respite are not accepting new admissions at this time.
Sunnyside Wellness Centre
The Sunnyside Wellness Centre is open for physiotherapy services, hearing clinics and foot care by appointment only. All services other services have been suspended. This will remain until further notice.
Community Alzheimer Programs
All day programs and overnight stay are open and are operating at a lower capacity. Additional safety measures are in place. At this time, the dinner club program remains closed.
Young Onset Dementia Association
The Young Onset Dementia Association open and operating at a reduced capacity with enhances safety measures.
More information on COVID-19
For more information, please visit these trusted sources:
An outbreak has been declared on January 9, 2021 for the Laurel Creek home area of Sunnyside Home due to two staff members testing [LM1] positive for COVID-19. There is no evidence however that the two cases are related. Outbreak protocols are in place for the Laurel Creek home area and we continue to follow all preventative measures. We will monitor the situation closely and follow all directives to ensure the health and well-being of residents and staff. Please subscribe to our website to receive updates as they are posted.
When you are no longer able to live at home, Sunnyside Home offers a warm, friendly atmosphere, modern amenities and quality care. Making sure you have the best quality of life is important to us. We look forward to getting to know you and helping you feel at home.
Sunnyside Home is a long-term care home owned by the Region of Waterloo in the Stanley Park area of Kitchener. Our 263 residents are part of a vibrant community in a park-like setting on a campus of services for older adults. Our grounds have gardens, walkways and courtyards to enjoy. There are also many opportunities to get involved so you can continue doing things that make you happy or try something new.
This video will give you a glimpse into what life is like at Sunnyside.
Sunnyside is accredited with Exemplary Standing by Accreditation Canada. This is the highest level of accreditation for a long term care home in Canada and demonstrates excellence in quality improvement.
Vision, mission and values
Sunnyside Home is part of Seniors' Services, a division of the Region of Waterloo.
Vision
We are a caring community where every person can live their best life.
Mission
We serve with the highest quality of care and service.
We engage to create an inclusive, thriving and welcoming community.
We inspire people to live hopeful, happy and healthy lives.
Values
Seniors' Services is guided by the values of the Region of Waterloo.
We are committed to:
Service - We provide excellent public service and strive to understand and meet the needs of all those we serve.
Integrity - We practice high standards of ethical behaviour and conduct ourselves with an openness and transparency that inspires trust.
Respect - We create an environment where people are included, valued and treated with dignity.
Innovation - We foster an environment of leadership, excellence and creativity.
Collaboration - We build internal and external relationships to achieve common goals and resolve differences.
The WWLHIN can help you determine if you need long term care, or if you are able to stay in the community with care and support in your home. If it becomes too difficult for you to live on your own, they can offer long-term care options.
Rates, services, and amenities
Sunnyside Home offers many services and amenities that make you feel safe and comfortable while living here.
Room types and rates
Private rooms are occupied by one resident with a private washroom.
Basic rooms are occupied by two residents with a shared washroom.
The WWLHIN can help you determine if you need long term care, or if you are able to stay in the community with care and support in your home. If it becomes too difficult for you to live on your own, they can offer long-term care options.
Every year we ask residents and family members at Sunnyside Home how we're doing. You can read what nearly 200 residents and families had to say about us in our most recent satisfaction survey.
Come in to Sunnyside Home! Call 519-893-8494, ext. 6360 to schedule a tour.
Get involved
There are many ways to get involved in the Sunnyside community, for residents and others who would like to lend a hand to older adults. Click below to learn more about each opportunity.
Donate to the Sunnyside Foundation
The Sunnyside Foundation raises money to enhance the well-being and quality of life for people served by Sunnyside Seniors' Services.
The Foundation has raised over $2.5 million since 1 in support of projects and programs.
Join the Joint Resident, Family and Volunteer Advisory Committee
This committee gives counsel and advice to Sunnyside staff on planning activities and the operation of the home. It is made up of five residents, three family members and two volunteers.
Attend Residents' Council meetings
The Residents' Council provides an opportunity for residents to be involved and contribute to the decisions which impact their lives.
Residents' Council at Sunnyside Home meets monthly on every floor. All residents are welcome to attend and to share feedback and suggestions.
Attend Family Council meetings
Family members and friends of residents of Sunnyside meet monthly to support each other and to receive updates from the home's leadership team.
The family council hosts annual education sessions on topics of interest to its members.
