Visiting during COVID-19

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Visiting during COVID-19

We look forward to seeing you at our long-term care home, the Gardens! If you plan to visit, please note that certain entry requirements may be in place, in accordance to Toronto Public Health recommendations. Thank you for doing your part in helping to keep our community safe.  



Visitor Policies

Respiratory illnesses like influenza and COVID-19 can spread rapidly. The safety of our residents, volunteers and staff is our top priority. That’s why we follow all guidance from the Ministry of Long-Term Care and Toronto Public Health regarding Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) measures, and also take additional steps to protect our community.  

We all have a part to play in reducing the risk of outbreaks of illness. Visitors can help keep everyone safe by following these practices to help stop the spread of illness: 

  • Before visiting, please check your symptoms by doing a self-assessment. If you are currently experiencing any symptoms mentioned on the self-screening poster, such as fever, cough, or sore throat, please do not visit the Gardens until you are symptom free.    

  • Updated November 20, 2024: All visitors to the Gardens are required to wear a mask while in the facility. 

  • Pay extra attention to hand hygiene by frequently washing your hands using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

    • You should wash your hands:

      • Right when you enter the home and when you leave.

      • Before and after entering a resident's room.

      • Before and after feeding a resident or providing care.

      • Before eating.

      • After using the washroom.

  • Stay up-to-date on your influenza, COVID-19 and other vaccinations. 

From time to time, the Gardens may experience outbreaks, which will affect the policies and practices we use to keep everyone safe. Our current outbreak status is listed below. An outbreak is defined as one or more residents testing positive for a respiratory illness. The following additional requirements are in place for Resident Home Areas (RHAs) that are experiencing an outbreak. 

  • When a RHA is experiencing a suspected COVID-19 outbreak, only Essential Caregivers (ECGs) may visit - general visitors are not allowed. Essential Caregivers must wear both a surgical mask and a face shield on the outbreak RHA. Essential Caregivers are up to two people previously-identified by the resident or their Power of Attorney (POA). 

  • When a RHA is experiencing a confirmed COVID-19 outbreak, only Essential Caregivers can visit, and are provided an KN95 mask and face shield. General visitors are not allowed.

  • If you are visiting a resident that is ill, please only visit one resident and leave the facility immediately after your visit.

    • While visiting, residents that are ill should remain in their rooms and should not be brought to common areas during your visit.

  • Please see the staff at the nursing station on the RHA for an N95 mask, eye shield or additional PPE as required. 

We know that this can be challenging for residents, families, and visitors. We appreciate your patience, understanding, and support as we all work together to protect our community. 


For more information contact: Ehsan Adiban, Director of Professional Practice and IPAC at eadiban@kensingtonhealth.org 


Gardens Current Outbreak Status

This page is reviewed every weekday and updated as necessary. Last updated: December 9, 2024

No current outbreaks.


Recommendations for Visitors and ECGs:

  • Visitors are required to wear masks when in the Gardens.
  • Please visit Reception for PPE, including masks, shields and more. If you need extra PPE to visit a resident that's isolating, you can find It in the yellow caddy in their room.
  • Essential Caregivers (ECGs) are allowed to come into the home at any time.
    • Essential Caregivers (ECGs) must check in at reception for symptom screening before proceeding with their visit.
  • Visitors are not allowed to visit a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 or respiratory outbreak RHA. 
  • Essential Caregivers (ECGs) and Visitors may enter the building if they aren’t ill and must follow all IPAC practices.  



More About Essential Caregivers

To designate an essential caregiver, we ask that you complete this Essential Caregiver Request form and submit it to Kensington.

For questions about designating an essential caregiver, please contact us at bookingadmin@kensingtonhealth.org 

Please note: 

  • There is a limit of 4 essential caregivers per resident. 

  • Essential caregivers must be at least 16 years of age.  

  • Essential caregivers will be allowed to visit only one resident at a time if a unit is on Outbreak. 


Resources

We encourage you to read the resources below in advance of your visit.