Fairhaven residents are preparing to see their families again
Visits are set to resume, with precautions in place, at long-term-care home
The Ontario government has announced the gradual resumption of visits to long-termcare homes as of Thursday.
Fairhaven has made arrangements for these visits, with restrictions in place to ensure the health and safety of residents, staff and visitors.
“We are planning to be able to allow family members to make appointments for 30-minute visits, starting on Wednesday, by calling reception at 705-7430881,” said Jennifer Baro, executive assistant.
Baro said the long-term-care home will allow outdoor visits with the following requirements: á One visit per resident each week, with one visitor for each visit. á All visitors must have tested negative after a COVID-19 test within the past two weeks prior to each visit.
> All visitors will be screened before visits, which will involve being asked a series of questions and having your temperature taken temporally.
> Visits will be supervised, and you will be asked to use hand sanitizer.
> Visitors must always bring their own mask and wear it during the visit.
> No food or drink can be consumed or given to residents.
> Gift items will continue to be taken between our front doors for quarantine.
> Minimize the jewelry and accessories that you wear to lower the risk of virus transmission.
> Ensure long hair is tied back and avoid touching your face during your visit.
> Physical distancing will be required for all visits.
“Unfortunately, this will mean that typical greetings of hugs, kisses and touching will not be possible,” Baro said. “This approach will ensure the health and safety of residents, staff and visitors.”
Additionally, long-term-care homes must meet the following conditions before they welcome visitors, Baro said.
> Homes must not be in outbreak. á Homes must have an established process for communicating visitor protocol and the associated safety procedures. á Homes must maintain the highest infection prevention and control standards.
Caring staff
The staff at Fairhaven have been working throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and subsequent lockdown at the home, to keep the residents there safe and happy. Sometimes that means going the extra mile and that is just what the staff is doing for the residents.
“We have staff members that are using their talents in many ways,” said Baro. “Some staff have amazing voices and sing to the residents, some like to dance and will dance with the residents, while other paint their nails.”
During lockdown, outside visitors have not been allowed at Fairhaven, and that includes the home’s hairdresser.
“Our regular hairdresser is not able to provide the service to our residents and like everyone else during this pandemic our hair has become quite long. We have a number of staff members that have stepped up and provided haircuts,” Baro said.
“It really lifts the residents’ spirits. We all know when we walk out of the hairdresser and barber shops how it makes us feel.”
A Book for Dad
Trent Valley Archives has a new publication available, “Whiskey and Wickedness,” by Larry Cotton, and it would make a great Father’s Day gift.
“By 1870, Peterborough was the lumber capital of Ontario. In the spring, hundreds of thirsty river drivers might pass through town daily. With a choice of 31 taverns and 10 saloons, fighting, gambling and prostitution were rampant,” states a release for the book, that is “packed with stories of crimes and misdemeanours from Peterborough and Haliburton Counties between 18251890.”
The cost of the book is $25 and it is available for pickup at the archives, located at 567 Carnegie Ave., just a short distance past the fire station.
Shipping or delivery is also available.
For further information, call 705-745-4404 (messages are checked daily) or email Heather at admin@trentvalleyarchives.com.