Nursing home reports 38 deaths from COVID-19
A total of 38 residents have died of COVID-related illness at Carlingview Manor, according to a letter to families.
There have been a total of 137 resident cases since the outbreak began, according to an update from the home’s executive director Matt Carroll.
“Every day, our staff members work tirelessly to fight against this insidious virus,” Carroll wrote. “We worry endlessly about the health and safety of our residents and of each other. Thank you for the ongoing support we receive from you. It helps to keep our spirits up during this devastating time.”
Carlingview also has two new cases among staff members as of Thursday, bringing the total number of cases among staff to 73. There have been no new cases since then, according to Carroll.
Staff members who have shown symptoms or tested positive have been isolated at home. Of the staff who have tested positive, 11 have recovered and one has returned to work.
Charlie Senack, whose grandmother is a resident on the third floor of the home, said his family has been fortunate that his grandmother’s floor is COVID-free.
He said he has nothing but praise for the nursing staff, who have answered questions from family members and provided updates.
As testing was ramping up, the increasing numbers of positive results have been provoking anxiety, he said.
“Every time we get an email, it’s upsetting. There are more than 30 families who are grieving,” he said. Senack said he and his family have relied on information provided by Carlingview, but he has been disappointed that the company that operates the home has also not updated their numbers.
Carlingview is run by Mississauga-based Revera Inc., which operates one of the largest network of accommodation, care and services for seniors in North America.
Revera didn’t respond to a request for more information.
In a message posted on Revera’s website, president and CEO Thomas Wellner said: “We are working hard to do everything we can to assure their safety, and the safety of the heroes who care for them — our employees. The elderly are disproportionately vulnerable to this virus, and we have been on the front line, adapting to constantly emerging information and situations to protect them. It has been tremendously challenging, and sometimes heartbreaking.”
In a letter to residents and family members posted Wednesday, Revera’s chief medical officer, Dr. Rhonda Collins, said Revera examines every outbreak situation carefully, looking to learn from the experience and prevent further spread.
According to Ottawa Public
Every day, our staff members work tirelessly to fight against this insidious virus. We worry endlessly about the health and safety of our residents and of each other.
Health, as of Wednesday there were outbreaks in 24 institutions in Ottawa, including hospitals, long-term care homes and retirement homes.
According to the Ontario Ministry of Health, there have been 1,150 resident deaths in the province’s long-term care homes.