Outbreak struggles continue at long-term care homes
Residences ask community members to send in artwork to brighten spirits
Health-care workers at five Niagara long-term care homes continue to struggle with outbreaks of the deadly pandemic virus, while risking their own health to keep vulnerable residents safe. Seasons Retirement Community chief executive officer Mike Lavallée said staff at the Welland home have been “diligent in protecting the health and safety of our residents and their fellow team members.” “They are truly front-line heroes,” he said. Seasons is one of five long-term care homes in the Region coping with outbreaks of COVID-19 with cases among both residents and staff. Other hard-hit homes include Lundy Manor in Niagara Falls, Royal Rose Place in Welland, Garden City Manor in St. Catharines and Albright Manor in Beamsville. Lavallée said Seasons had a total of 17 cases of the virus among its residents. “I am pleased to report that two resident cases were declared resolved over the weekend,” he said. “Sadly, we have had five residents pass away which brings our current total to 10 active resident cases.”
Staff at the home have been hard hit, too. Nine workers have confirmed cases of the virus, while 34 had negative test results.
“We continue to work collaboratively with Niagara Region Public Health, as the health and safety of our staff and residents remains our greatest priority,” Lavallée said.
Oxford Living chief revenue officer Tim Foster said all residents and staff at Lundy Manor have been tested for the virus, as the home continues to work closely with the health department and the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority “to control the spread of this virus and safeguard our residents and staff.”
“In total, there are currently 41 residents and eight staff members who have tested positive for COVID-19. Twelve residents who contracted the virus and went to hospital have since returned to Lundy,” he said in an email. “Unfortunately, seven remain in hospital at this time.”
He said the virus has claimed the lives of 15 residents, “including three in recent days who had been in hospital for the past two weeks.”
“Our deepest condolences are with the families and friends of those lost to this terrible virus which is afflicting seniors across the country, and we pray for a speedy recovery of those still fighting COVID-19,” he said.
At Royal Rose Place, administrator Helen Millar sent an email to the families of residents there saying she expected all residents of the facility to be tested for the virus by the end of Monday. She said 56 residents have tested positive for the virus and eight have died, while 23 staff members have tested positive for the virus.
“We have received support for procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE) and we have sourced out additional staffing,” Millar wrote in her email. “We are working closely with public health, Ministry of Health and our community partners (the LHIN and Niagara Health) to support the home.”
Royal Rose Place’s parent company, Jarlette Health Services,
has not responded to requests for comment.
Representatives from Garden City and Albright Manor could not be reached for comment Monday.
Lavallée said staff at Seasons ask only for support from the community.
“A simple thank you or ‘We’re thinking of you’ can go a long way in making our staff and residents feel appreciated and connected. We have asked people who are healthy and well to consider mailing artwork and letters to our retirement community,” he said. “Staff have been the recipients of some very thoughtful messages and kind gestures, and it is sincerely appreciated.”