Dear family and friends of Hospice,
As you are aware the COVID-19 virus is in our community and we are taking this situation very, very seriously. Your health and the wellbeing of your loved one is very important to us. Our staff and volunteers are committed to providing 24/7 care. As a health care facility, we are taking steps to protect our residents, our health care team and our volunteers but we need your cooperation to do so.
Here’s how you can help us manage the risk:
- Essential visitors are required to have a negative COVID-19 test result prior to visiting and every 14 days thereafter.
- Upon admission to Hospice all patients will have to isolate in their room for a 14-day period. Family must follow isolation protocol for 14 days while visiting (wearing full PPE at all times).
- If you are experiencing any COVID-19 related symptoms or new “atypical” symptoms you must notify us immediately and stay home.
- Agree to be screened and have your temperature checked prior to entering Cornwall Hospice. To disclose if you feel unwell. Agree that if your temperature is above 37.8 degrees Celsius you will return home until you are 48 hours free from fever.
- Important: We ask that while you’re loved one is a resident at Hospice that you PRACTICE (2 meters/6 feet) SOCIAL DISTANCING. That you wear a surgical mask, which will be provided to you (covering nose and mouth) at all times.
- As you are aware, we must restrict visitors to only two non-rotating visitors per resident. Visiting hours are 12pm-6:00pm. We cannot safely screen visitors outside these times.
- To self-isolate in your loved one’s room (including bathroom) and not go into the kitchen or communal areas
- Please note that we have expanded our “outdoor visiting” rules including guidelines for window visits.
- Please read the attached information and speak with the nursing team if you have any questions.
- The front door is the only door to enter and exit the Hospice.
We suggest that you practice social distancing when not visiting at Hospice. This would mean that you change your everyday routines to avoid coming into close contact with others including:
- not to go the gas station and/or grocery stores prior to coming into Cornwall Hospice
- consider asking family or friends for help getting groceries
- avoiding common greetings, such as handshake, hugs etc.
- limiting contact with people at higher risk (e.g. older adults and those in poor health)
- keeping a distance of 2 meters/ 6 feet from others, as much as possible
- wear gown and gloves and mask if Hospice staff determine it required
- leave jacket/sweater in your car o limit personal belongings to essentials
Please know that if your loved one has a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 you would need to quarantine at home for 14 days.
Please encourage family members and friends who are not able to visit to stay in touch by phone and video chats. We also provide tablets for virtual reality such as Face Timing.
You can reduce your risk by not touching your face and washing your hands. Follow the steps on our handwashing posters especially upon entering and leaving the building as well as the public washrooms.
Should you choose not to follow the terms set out, you will be asked to wear a gown, mask and gloves for the duration of the visit.
We are happy to answer your questions and concerns you may have. We know this can be a very stressful and difficult time for you, your family and friends and it is with great compassion that we convey to you how much we appreciate your cooperation to help ensure we stay as healthy as possible during these uncertain times.
Thank you very much for your cooperation.
Angela Labelle
General Manager – Carefor Hospice Cornwall
