Community care restrictions relaxed

By Sean Feagan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The province has relaxed COVID-19 restrictions at community care facilities, which could allow residents to have more caregivers and opportunities for family visits.

The changes, which take effect on May 10, were made because of high rates of vaccination among residents and staff of continuing care facilities.

According to information from the provincial government, cases of COVID-19 have also declined in these facilities, from the peak of 831 on Dec. 27, 2020, to 44 as of April 24. Furthermore, hospitalizations have decreased by 93 per cent while fatalities due to COVID-19 have declined by 94 per cent among continuing care populations.

The changes were made in response to feedback heard in town halls the province held in April with continuing care operators, residents and staff. One of the changes will be an increase in the number of designated family and support persons for each resident, from two to four. 

Changes to visitation policy will increase the number of people who can attend social visits. Indoor social visits with up to four visitors from the same household will be able to resume. Outdoor social visits of up to 10 people will be allowed (the limit is currently five), matching the outdoor gathering limit for other Albertans.

During these visits, distancing, masking and other health measures are still in effect. Visits will continue when residents are approaching the end or life or are experiencing a change in health status.

However, these changes are not mandatory, and their adoption is up to the operators of each care facility. Each site must develop their own approach to visiting which falls within the guidelines. Other COVID-19 measures remain in place for these facilities, including restricting staff from working at more than one facility, symptom and exposure checks for visitors, and continuous masking and distancing.

Wheatland Lodge

Wheatland Housing Management Body is continuing to move forward cautiously and is taking into consideration the residents and staff who have chosen not to be vaccinated and the staff who are still awaiting vaccination, said Vickey Cook, CAO. The design of the building and wishes of residents are also being considered.

“Although residents are excited about extending the number of allowed designated visitors, they are still aware of the potential risks this may impose,” said Cook. A survey will be distributed to residents to learn about their wishes, she added.

Siksika Elders Lodge

Restrictions for family visits at the Siksika Elders Lodge were eased in February 2021 for the mental health and well-being of lodge residents, according to Siksika Health Services. Visits are made by appointment, so residents and staff can prepare.

Siksika Elders Lodge continues to request visits are made by appointment, during regular visiting hours from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., unless special arrangements are made. Visitors will continue to be screened upon entry and are required to wear personal protective equipment.