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.  


Last updated: March 5, 2024 


Visitor Policies

Respiratory illnesses like influenza and COVID-19 can spread rapidly during the colder months. 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 respiratory illness. Visitors can help keep everyone safe by following these practices: 

  • 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 postpone your visit until you are symptom free.    

  • All visitors to The Gardens are currently required to wear a mask at all times, except when visiting a resident in their room on an outbreak-free Resident Home Area (RHA) or when eating or drinking with a resident in communal spaces. 

  • Pay extra attention to hand hygiene. 

  • 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 RHAs that are experiencing an outbreak. 

  • When a floor is experiencing a suspected COVID-19 outbreak, all visitors must wear both a surgical mask and eye protection. Only Essential Caregivers (ECGs) may visit a resident who has tested positive for COVID-19 while they are isolating – general visitors are not permitted. Essential Caregivers are up to two people previously-identified by the resident or their Power of Attorney (POA). 

  • When a floor is experiencing a confirmed COVID-19 outbreak, only Essential Caregivers can visit, and are provided an N95 mask and eye protection. Per Toronto Public Health guidelines, general visitors are not able to visit the affected floor during an outbreak. 

  • Please see 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:  Bernadett Bondar, Infection Prevention and Control Program Lead 


Gardens Current Outbreak Status

North Building:

  • ALL CLEAR


South Building:

  • ALL CLEAR


Recommendations for Visitors and ECGs:  

  • Masks are required in both North and South Buildings.
  • Please visit Reception for PPE, including K-N95 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. Visitors are not allowed to visit a confirmed outbreak RHA.
  • Essential Caregiver (ECGs) and Visitors can remove their masks while visiting a resident in their room if the resident is not isolating.       
  • 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.