Effective November 23, 2020, Waterloo Region is in the “Red-Control” level of the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework. More information on the impact this has on long-term care has been shared below. Please subscribe to our website to receive updates as they are posted.
Online booking is available to connect virtually with a resident at Sunnyside Home. Book a virtual visit online today.
COVID-19 updates
Sunnyside Home is not currently experiencing any outbreaks related to COVID-19.
Regional Public Health has announced that effective November 23, 2020, the Region of Waterloo will move into the provincial “Red-Control” level of its pandemic response. This is due to a significant increase in COVID-19 cases across the Region and a large number of new outbreaks. Code red creates a higher level of restrictions including increased restrictions for Long-Term Care.
These restrictions 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)
Additionally, in response to this and the growing concern of the impact of COVID-19 on long-term care homes across the province, the Ministry of Long-Term Care has increased the testing requirements. All Long-Term Care Homes in the “Orange”, “Red” and “Grey” category require that caregivers provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result within the last seven days prior to each visit.
These new measures are in place to support the health and safety of long-term care residents as the Region manages a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. We hope that these measures will help to manage the increased spread of COVID-19 and keep our residents safe. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide further updates as more information becomes available.
If you have any questions about this information, please call the Sunnyside COVID hotline at 519-893-8494 extension 6868.
| Outbreak Protocols |
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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.
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| Visiting and connecting with residents at Sunnyside Home |
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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 |
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Due to the colder weather we are not currently offering outdoor visits.
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| General visitors (indoor visits) |
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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.
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| Window visits |
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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.
Book a window visit online or call 519-893-8494 extension 6868.
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| Essential visitors |
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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.
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| Designated caregivers |
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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.
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| Short stay absence - leaving the home during the day |
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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.
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| Temporary absence - leaving the home for one or more nights |
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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.
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Other ways to connect with residents at Sunnyside Home
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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.
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| 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.
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| 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 are tested for COVID-19 two times per month.
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| New residents to Sunnyside Home |
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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.
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| 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.
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| Service changes in Sunnyside Home, Sunnyside Wellness Centre, and Dementia Services |
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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.
Sunnyside Wellness Centre
The Sunnyside Wellness Centre is open for physiotherapy services only. All services other services have been suspended. This will remain until further notice.
Convalescent Care and Respite
Convalescent care and respite are not accepting new admissions at this time.
Community Alzheimer Programs
All day programs are open and are operating at a lower capacity with additional safety measures in place. At this time, the dinner club and Overnight Stay program remains closed.
Young Onset Dementia Association
The Young Onset Dementia Association (YODA) is closed.
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| More information on COVID-19 |
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For more information, please visit these trusted sources:
COVID-19: Guidance for the Health Sector
Latest local information on the Novel Coronavirus
Public Health: How to stop the spread of germs (PDF poster)
Public Health Ontario resources (resources available in multiple languages)
How to self monitor (PDF)
How to self-isolate (PDF)
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Effective November 16, 2020, the Waterloo Region is in the “Orange-Restrict” level of the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework. More information on the impact this has on long-term care has been shared below. Please subscribe to our website to receive updates as they are posted.
