An Update From Generations, Multi-Generational Housing and Community Centre

COVID-19 response update from Generations Calgary: Phase 1 Independent Living, and Phase 2: Assisted Living and Long-Term Care.

Life at Generations Calgary continues in the “new norm”, which includes practicing physical distancing and following public health directives. Park Place Seniors Living, the on-site leadership team, the Multi-Generational Housing and Community Centre Board, and our front-line staff are continuously developing and fine-tuning practices to support the prevention of COVID-19 and implement best practices in the event of an outbreak.

Many of the preventative measures based on published evidence and best practice have been implemented by the team at Generations ahead of Public Health guidelines or requirements.  Having these measures in place has helped us to stay ahead of the curve at Generations. We also understand that some of these measures have been challenging for both families and residents, however these have proved to be very important measures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission to Generations residents and staff members. 

At Generations Calgary Phase 1:

•  Masks and gloves are being used by residents when in public areas.
•  Public health information has been provided to residents in their native language.
•  The social space has been closed, and elevator usage is limited to two individuals at a time.
•  The building has been professionally sanitized and common areas are frequently cleaned.
•  Grocery and meal delivery has been arranged for those that require the service, so that residents do not need to venture out. (Organized by the Care for the Elderly team.)
•  The ACCESS line is being utilized by residents for questions and assistance.
•  Jamati leadership regularly call to confirm the well-being of the residents.
•  Residents are enjoying online and telephone-accessible programming.
•  Friends and family are keeping in touch over the phone and online.

 
At Generations Calgary Phase 2:

• Visitation has stopped; families come for “window visits” while staying outside the building.
• Residents are offered two meal-time options to allow for fewer residents in dining areas at once.
• Fewer residents are seated at meal tables to maintain physical distancing.
• Physician visits have been limited to urgent medical needs only to limit exposure, and routine care continues to be offered via telephone or video conference.
• Staff members are exclusively assigned to Generations and do not work at other sites.
• Residents and staff members are monitored and have temperature checks and screening performed twice daily.
• Staff wear personal protective equipment when working directly with residents.
• Recreational activities are limited to small groups, meeting the need for enrichment while maintaining physical distancing.
• Increased cleaning of high-touch and resident areas, and adherence to infection prevention practices.
• More than 50 video conferences happen weekly between residents and their family members – maintaining social connections.
• With the warmer weather, last week residents participated in their first spring walk!

 Our residents have adapted well to the changes with the support of our amazing care team.