We are delighted to let you know that on July 8, 2021, Health Minister Adrian Dix and Dr. Bonnie Henry announced easing restrictions for long term care homes, effective July 19, 2021.
What has changed
As of July 19, 2021, the following changes will be made for social visitors to our Care Homes:
- You will not need to schedule your visit in advance.
- Indoor social visits may now include more than two adults and one child at a time.
- Larger, Home-wide social events or gatherings with staff and residents may begin again.
- Outdoor events may now include visitors.
- Adult Day Programs and respite care may resume (see below).
- Visitors, volunteers, and personal service providers must provide proof of vaccination to enter long term care homes (see below).
- Visiting Hours are provided for each Care Home at the end of this letter.
What hasn’t changed
- We will continue to screen you for signs of illness, including signing in and out, and a temperature check on arrival.
- You will need to sanitize your hands before entering or leaving.
- You will need to provide contact tracing information.
- Essential visitor designation remains in place.
- Social visits will be suspended if there is an outbreak.
Visitor vaccination status
- A visitor is considered fully vaccinated when at least 14 days has passed since receiving their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
- Visitors will be asked for proof of vaccination status. We will keep this information to provide to public health if required; for example, in the event of an outbreak.
- You will need to wear a medical-grade mask, which we will provide, while moving through common areas. Please note:
- If you are fully vaccinated, you may remove your mask once you have reached your loved one’s room, or when visiting outdoors.
- If you are not fully vaccinated, or are not past the 14-day mark since receiving your second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, or are unable to provide vaccination status, you must wear a mask throughout your visit. This applies to travelling through common areas, indoor and outdoor visits.
- Volunteers and personal service providers must be fully vaccinated.
Adult Day Programs and respite care
- Adult Day Programs may begin again at Beckley Farm Lodge and Rest Haven Lodge.
- Respite care can be resumed in all Care Homes.
- All clients are required to be fully vaccinated and to provide proof of vaccination.
- We’ll need a little time to resume our Adult Day Programs and Respite Care, and will provide more information when we can. Thank you for your patience.
Single site orders
- Last Spring, the Provincial Health Officer put in place Single Site Orders, which limited staff to work at one long term care home or assisted living site. This Order remains in effect. However, the Ministry, health authorities, unions and operators are working to allow for limited movement of fully vaccinated staff between sites.
This is very welcome news. It will take a little time to implement these changes and streamline our processes. You may experience small delays as you come in to our Care Homes. We thank you for your understanding and support as we do our best to ensure everyone has the opportunity to visit with their loved ones.
Together we have been successful in protecting your loved ones. We have been looking forward to opening our doors more widely for many weeks, and are so pleased the day is now here. This is due in no small part to your diligence and support, combined with the efforts of our team members. Thank you again for the many ways you have contributed to our amazing community of care – and welcome back!
Visiting Hours
| Care Home | Visiting Hours |
| Beckley Farm Lodge | 9:00 am with last entry at 6:00 pm |
| Nigel House | Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Rest Haven Lodge | 9:00 am – 7:00 pm daily |
| Veterans Memorial Lodge | 8:30 am – 7:30 pm daily |
