Resident Leave of Absences

There are new directives from the Ministry as residents are now able to leave the property if they wish to do so. With that being said, we have taken a number of precautions and developed a new LOA procedure which requires masking, active screening and infection control measures to take place. At this time, we still advise against a resident taking a LOA. Fairfield Park has remained free of COVID-19, something that we credit to our very stringent infection control practices. Please do not take this opportunity lightly, as the risk of community spread is still very present.

Definitions:

Short Stay – resident leaves the property for health-care related, social or other reasons which does not include overnight (with the exception of single-night emergency room visits)

Temporary Absence – resident leaves the property for one or more nights for personal reasons.

• For SHORT STAY absences:
  • 24 hours’ notice must be provided for a short stay absence
  • Resident will be signed out and in by a Registered Nurse using a COVID-19 screening tool for both the resident and escort.
  • The resident will be provided with a surgical mask to wear for the duration of their absence. Escort must wear a face covering/mask for the duration of the absence.
  • Escort must attest to following all IPAC protocols (masking, physical distancing, frequent handwashing, etc)
  • Resident will be screened upon their return by a Registered Staff. Hand hygiene will take place immediately. They will be provided with a gown and new surgical mask to wear to their room where they will immediately change their clothing.
  • Upon return to the home, residents will be isolated and monitored closely for 48 hours at which time a COVID-19 swab will be administered. Resident will be removed from isolation if the result is negative and they are symptom free.
• For TEMPORARY absences:
  • The home will approve requests for a temporary absence on a case-by-case basis.
  • 48 hours’ notice must be provided for a temporary absence.
  • Resident will be signed out and in by a Registered Staff using a COVID-19 screening tool for both the resident and escort.
  • Resident will be screened upon their return by a Registered Staff. Hand hygiene will take place immediately. They will be provided with a gown and new surgical mask to wear to their room where they will immediately change their clothing.
  • Upon return to the home, residents will be isolated and monitored closely for 14 days. A COVID-19 swab will be administered after 10 days. Resident will be removed from isolation if the result is negative and they are symptom free.

Visiting Policies

There will be changes to our visiting policy, effective September 9^th. We are working diligently with our staff, corporate, and the Ministry of Health to adjust our policy and procedures to reflect these changes and ensure the ongoing safety of our residents and staff.

More information regarding these changes will be sent next week.