Urgent News and Outbreak Updates

Subscribe to receive emails with updates specific to outbreaks and urgent news from Perley Health

  • Email info@perleyhealth.ca and ask to be added to the email distribution list.
  • Individuals can unsubscribe at any time using the "unsubscribe" link at the bottom of the email message.
    • Please note that once an individual has un-subscribed, that email address cannot be reinstated by Perley Health staff.

Outbreaks

  1. COVID-19 outbreak Ottawa 1 West (declared June 3, 2023)
    1. There is no limit on the number of Essential Visitors on a unit during a COVID-19 Outbreak.
    2. General Visitors are not permitted on an outbreak unit.
    3. No volunteers on an outbreak unit (exceptions are permitted for palliative care and medical escorts).
    4. All residents are encouraged to remain on the unit.

Reference Documents

June 6, 2023

Messages from the Ministry of Long-Term Care

  1. Introduction to Ministry of Long-Term Care Inspections: What Residents Can Expect – June 7 from 2pm-3pm
  2. OPP and GTA Notification on Grandparent Scams

 Introduction to Ministry of Long-Term Care Inspections: What Residents Can Expect 

  • June 7 from 2pm-3pm

Join the Ontario Association of Residents’ Councils (OARC) and guests from the Ministry of Long-Term Care Inspections Branch as we learn about the inspections program and what residents can expect when there is an inspection in their long-term care home.

The purpose of this webinar is to provide an overview of the MLTC Inspections program. While we may not be able to answer home-specific questions, our guests will endeavour to answer as many webinar-specific questions as possible, with priority given to those posed by residents. A reminder that urgent individual concerns and complaints are best addressed through the Long-Term Care Family Support and Action Line: toll-free 1-866-434-0144.

The Ministry of Long-Term Care does not endorse or sponsor specific learning and education activities. All long-term care sector associations play important roles in contributing to the goals of quality of life and quality of care in Ontario’s long-term care homes.

OPP and GTA Notification on Grandparent Scams

The OPP and GTA police services are jointly conducting an investigation into Emergency – Grandparent Scams, which target elderly persons throughout Canada.  

The majority of the victims are Ontario residents.  In recent weeks, the OPP and Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre received reports of fraudsters contacting taxi companies, requesting them to go to long term care homes to retrieve funds from victims targeted in the Emergency - Grandparent Scams.

In response, MLTC is partnering with the OPP and the Ministry of Health to share the attached prevention materials with Ontario long term care homes and their residents

These messages were shared today in an email to all subscribers and posted to the Perley Health website.

June 6, 2023

  1. Door Access Update
  2. COVID-19 outbreak continues on Ottawa 1 West (declared June 3, 2023)

Door Access Update

  • The Ottawa Building main doors and the Gatineau gazebo courtyard are now accessible to all individuals in possession of a FOB. Renovations in these areas delayed opening access to the public.
  • In April, the Rideau Veterans Residence and the Gatineau Building doors opened to all individuals in possession of a FOB to allow access through these doors.

Protocols for Entrance Doors

All individuals with an assigned FOB may enter and must continue to complete the following:

  1. Passive screening prior to entry;
  2. FOB in;
  3. Sanitize hands; and
  4. Mask.

Individuals without FOB access must continue to enter through the Main Entrance and follow these steps:

  1. Passive screening prior to entry;
  2. Sanitize hands;
  3. Mask; and
  4. Sign-in using the log book (following Ministry of Long-Term Care requirements).

Courtyards

  • All courtyards are now open.

COVID-19 outbreak Ottawa 1 West (declared June 3, 2023)

  • There is no limit on the number of Essential Visitors on a unit during a COVID-19 Outbreak.
  • General Visitors are not permitted on an outbreak unit.
  • No volunteers on an outbreak unit (exceptions are permitted for palliative care and medical escorts).
  • All residents are encouraged to remain on the unit.

This message was shared today with all email subscribers, posted to the Perley Health website and excerpts will appear on the TVs in the common areas.

June 4, 2023 (Update)

A COVID-19 Outbreak has been declared on Ottawa 1 West (O1W)

The following control measures have been initiated:

  • There is no limit on the number of Essential Visitors on a unit during a COVID-19 Outbreak.
  • General Visitors are not permitted on an outbreak unit.
  • All symptomatic residents will be isolated, placed on contact droplet precautions, and tested
  • When caring for a resident with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 a procedural mask and eye protection is mandatory.
  • A Point-of-Care Risk Assessment (PCRA) must also be completed to determine any additional PPE that may be required (i.e. gown and gloves).
  • Daily temperature checks will be completed on all residents.
  • No volunteers on this unit (exceptions are permitted for palliative care and medical escorts).
  • All residents are encouraged to remain on the unit.
  • Enhanced cleaning on unit with additional HEPA filters

This message was shared today with all email subscribers, posted to the Urgent News webpage (https://www.perleyhealth.ca/public-announcement) and excerpts will be shared on the TVs in the common areas.

If you have any questions please reach out to a member of the IPAC Team (ipac@perleyhealth.ca).

Thank you,

Jay Innes

Director of Communications

May 7, 2023

Perley Health Salutes Canada’s Nurses

The theme for National Nursing Week 2023 is “Our Nurses. Our Future.” At Perley Health, this theme is an everyday reality; nurses play a major role in the future of our entire organization.

The history of Perley Health is one of innovation and continuous improvement. More than a century ago, a group of progressive, compassionate Ottawans established the Perley Home for Incurables — a residence dedicated to providing top-quality care. We have evolved significantly since then, our success made possible by consistently delivering evidence-based top-quality care. Nurses deserve much of the credit for this.

In 2022, we announced a new goal: to transform care for Seniors and Veterans across Canada through a mix of practical research, clinical innovation and education. Our Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™ conducts and shares practical research. We identify and validate best practices in care under a partnership with the Registered Nurses Association of Canada. Future caregivers — including Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) -- come here to study in our onsite Algonquin College Living Classroom and to acquire hands-on skills and experience.

Most Canadians appreciate nurses for the compassionate, hands-on care they provide. We also appreciate them for the contribution they make to improving quality of care. On behalf of the entire Perley Health community, thank you.

Our nurses. Our future.

This message appeared in the May 6, 2023 edition of the Ottawa Citizen and online along with an announcement about our recent Accreditation successes.

April 29, 2023

Come Join Our June Intergenerational Playgroup

Perley Health is co-hosting an EarlyON Intergenerational Playgroup and we are now accepting registrations for the next session starting June 5th.

Led by our partner, Andrew Fleck Children’s Services, this free, six-week gathering across the generations is open to Perley Health members including residents, apartment tenants and families.

This invitation is open to families with children ranging in age from newborn to five years. In the current program, 10 apartment tenants engage with 10 families each week.

With the goal of fostering all types of engagement -- including plenty of smiles and laughs -- the unstructured playtime encourages everyone to mix, mingle and play in the Great Hall, Commissionaires Ottawa Place apartment.

This effort aligns with ongoing efforts to establish a childcare centre on-site in partnership with Andrew Fleck Children’s Services. A key aspect of the partnership with Andrew Fleck Children’s Services is the opportunity to implement Canada’s first truly intergenerational care model. The model provides opportunities for children and seniors to connect organically through caring, responsive interactions as part of their daily routines.

For questions or expressions of interest in participating in this program, please contact Casandra Boushey, Project Lead, Intergenerational Services at 613.526-7170 x 2161 or cboushey@perleyhealth.ca.

Please note that due to room capacity limitations, Perley Health may limit the number of family members who can accompany a child, tenant or resident during the program.

April 28, 2023

  1. The COVID-19 outbreak continues on Gatineau 1 North (G1N)
  2. Welcome to the five new Full-Time Nursing Unit Clerks
  3. News about the Cafeteria, Ice Cream Parlour, Pub and More

Welcome to the five new Full-Time Nursing Unit Clerks

Congratulations and welcome to the five new Full-Time Nursing Unit Clerks: Floricel Cogtas, Marianna Nagyova, Evangeline Agamos-Viegas, Manon McDonic and Maria Leonard Smith.

Under the direction of the Resident Care Managers, the Nursing Unit Clerk role assumes responsibility for the clerical duties generated on the nursing unit which includes, but not limited to, maintaining communication systems; ensuring supplies for the resident unit are adequate; performing unit clerical duties; exercising discretion and maintaining good interpersonal skills in every aspect of the job.

The Nursing Unit Clerk position is scheduled to support the team Monday through Friday from 7 am to 3 pm. 

Meet the New Nursing Unit Clerks

  1. Floricel Cogtas first joined Perley Health in 2019 as a Food & Nutrition Aide and was most recently a Housekeeping Aide supporting the Gatineau building.
  2. Marianna Nagyova first joined Perley Health in 2022 as a Staffing Clerk and was most recently a Clinical Administrative Assistant.
  3. Evangeline Agamos-Viegas first joined Perley Health in 2009 as a Personal Support Worker and was most recently in a PSW role supporting the Rideau building.
  4. Manon McDonic first joined Perley Health in 2022 as a Clinical Administrative Assistant.
  5. Maria Leonard Smith first joined Perley Health in 2009 as a Nursing Unit Clerk and was most recently a PSW supporting Assisted Living Services.

Please join us in congratulating Floricel, Marianna, Evangeline, Manon and Maria!

News about the Cafeteria, Ice Cream Parlour, Pub and More

Masking Continues

  • Although one province has lifted the masking requirement in long-term care, Perley Health must continue to follow the directives of the Ontario government.
  • Masks, provided by Perley Health, must be worn by everyone when indoors at the Perley Health (see below for exceptions when eating in a resident’s room).
  • Residents are not required to wear masks.
  • Masks may be removed by staff, volunteers and tenants when eating in designated areas and at 6-feet/2-metres distance from others. Please continue to respect signage for capacity limits at each table.
  • Essential Visitors and Visitors are permitted to purchase food from the Cafeteria and sit with residents as long as the Essential Visitor/General Visitor remains masked and adheres to physical distancing guidelines.
  • Essential Visitors and Visitors are not permitted to eat in the Cafeteria.
  • Essential Visitors and Visitors are permitted to remove masks only when eating in a resident room, when eating outside or when eating in designated areas in the Atrium (the Commissionaires’ Ottawa Place first-floor corridor).

Cafeteria Hours Extended

  • As of Monday, May 1, the Cafeteria will be open seven days a week from 7 am to 7 pm.
  • This is a return to regular operating hours.
  • On Friday, January 13th, Cafeteria hours of operation changed to close at 3:00 pm so that staff members could be reassigned to provide supper meal service and support on the residential units.
  • Thank you to all the staff who provide these important services and who adapted their work over the last few months to meet resident needs.
  • Thanks also to members of the Perley Health community for your ongoing support for the Cafeteria.

Safety Protocols in Designated Spaces and Cafeteria and Ice Cream Parlour

  • Physical distancing protocols must continue to be followed in designated spaces.
  • This is a direction from the Ontario government.
  • Additional seating has been added to the areas around the Cafeteria - in the adjacent hallways and in the links (located in the Main Entrance atrium and adjacent hallways) to accommodate demand.

Eating & Drinking Areas for Visitors

  • Essential Visitors and Visitors are permitted to remove masks only when eating in a resident’s room or when eating outside. If eating outside, 6-feet/2-metres distance must be maintained from residents other than the visitor’s loved one.
  • This can apply to purchases from the Cafeteria, Pub and the Ice Cream Parlour.
  • Any alcoholic beverages purchased in the Pub must be consumed in licensed areas. This includes the indoor pub space (where only residents are currently allowed to remove their masks) and the designated pub patio. When weather permits, Essential Visitors and Visitors will be able to enjoy a beverage or snacks from the pub, outdoors on the patio.
  • New seating areas have been set up in Commissionaires’ Ottawa Place first-floor corridor (between Main Reception and the sliding doors entering long-term care) to provide additional indoor space where Essential Visitors and Visitors can eat or drink with their loved ones.

Tenant Identification

  • Recognizing that Senior Living apartment tenants are permitted to eat indoors - the Ice Cream Parlour and Cafeteria -- we plan to create a lapel button for each tenant to wear to identify them as tenants.
    • As soon as May 1, Senior Living tenants will be provided with lapel buttons to identify each person permitted to remove their mask when eating or drinking inside Perley Health.
    • Although these buttons will not be mandatory for tenants, we will encourage they be worn to assist staff and volunteers in their efforts to keep our community safe.
  • Starting May 3rd, tenants will be welcome to make take-out purchases from the Ice Cream Parlour (Wednesdays in the Pub, from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm).
  • Starting May 6th, Seniors’ Housing Happy Hours will be offered weekly in the Pub. Tenants should refer to their activity calendar for dates and times.

This message was shared today with “all users” and email subscribers and posted to the Perley Health website. Excerpts of this message will be printed and available at the Main Entrance, included in a future Senior Living tenant newsletter and broadcast on the TVs in the Common Areas.

April 25, 2023

The Magic Table is Coming to Rideau 1 North (R1N)

The Magic Table consists of a series of interactive games and activities with varying levels of challenge designed for people living with dementia. It involves a projector with sensors that plays sounds and displays images projected onto a table that can be manipulated with movement. This creates an immersive and engaging experience, promoting social interaction, physical activity, cognitive stimulation, and sensory stimulation. Research has shown that the Magic Table has a positive impact on the quality of life of residents in long-term care.

The Perley Health Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™ has received a grant from the Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI) Discover & Adopt Program, providing funding for implementing and evaluating this innovative solution on R1N as a means of enhancing resident social engagement. The Magic Table has been installed in the R1N Activity Room and will be available for residents to use starting in May. When the evaluation study of the Magic Table on R1N concludes at the end of 2023, the feasibility of expanding the Magic Table to other units will be explored.

For more information on the Magic Table, please watch the video in the link (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzsK1pS62Ao) and refer to the attached handout (Magic Table introduction). If you have any questions or wanted more information, please contact Kimberly Campbell (Research Associate) at kcampbell@perleyhealth.ca or x2232.

This message was shared today with all email subscribers and posted to the website. This message will be printed and available for pick up at the Main Entrance and excerpts of this message will be broadcast on the TVs in common areas.

April 21, 2023

  1. Door access news: Rideau Veterans Residence and the Gatineau Building entrances are accessible to all individuals in possession of a FOB.

Door Access Update

As Monday, April 17th, the Rideau Veterans Residence and the Gatineau Building entrances are accessible to all individuals in possession of a FOB, including Designated Caregivers.

Access to the Ottawa Building entrance is only accessible to emergency vehicles and Para Transpo. During the warmer months, individuals have accessed these doors using a FOB to accompany residents outside. When the current work outside is complete, all individuals in possession of a FOB will have access to these doors. We will follow with communications to members of our community to announce the re-opening of these doors.

Protocols

All individuals with an assigned FOB may enter through the Rideau Veterans Residence and Gatineau Building and must continue to complete the following:

  1. Passive screening prior to entry;
  2. FOB in;
  3. Sanitize hands; and
  4. Mask.

Individuals without FOB access must continue to enter through the Main Entrance and follow these steps:

  1. Passive screening prior to entry;
  2. Sanitize;
  3. Mask; and
  4. Sign-in using the log book (following Ministry of Long-Term Care requirements).

Courtyards

  • Effective May 1st, following the annual safety inspections, the interior courtyards will be open for the season.
  • Visitors without a FOB must continue to enter Perley Health and log in prior to entering the courtyards or other outdoor spaces.

This message was shared today with all email subscribers, posted to two Perley Health website pages (Urgent News and Outbreaks and Visiting) and excerpts will appear on the TVs in the common areas.

March 30, 2023

On March 22, 2023, the Ministry of Long-Term Care released a memo providing updated guidance which outlines recommendations for winding down COVID-19 specific policies through a phased approach.

The following changes will come into effect on March 31, 2023. 

Masking Continues

  • Masks, provided by Perley Health, must be worn by all members of the Perley Health community at all times.
  • Residents are not required to wear masks
  • Masks may be removed by staff, volunteers and tenants when eating in designated areas.
  • Essential Visitors and General Visitors are permitted to purchase food from the Cafeteria and sit with residents as long as they remain masked and adhere to physical distancing guidelines.
  • Essential Visitors and General Visitors are not permitted to eat in the Cafeteria.
  • Essential Visitors and General Visitors are permitted to remove masks only when eating in a residents room.

Visitor Screening Ended

  • Active screening is no longer required for all Essential Visitors and General Visitors. 
  • Effective March 31, visitors entering the home are required to complete passive screening and sign in at the Main Reception.

Vaccination Requirements Ended

  • Essential Visitors and General Visitors are no longer required to be vaccinated to enter Perley Health.
  • Proof of vaccination is no longer required.
  • All vaccination requirements for entering the home are lifted effective immediately
  • We strongly encourage everyone entering Perley Health to be up-to-date on their vaccinations to keep our community safe.
  • Perley Health will be retiring our COVID-19 Immunization Policy.

Safety Protocols in Designated Spaces and Cafeteria

  • Physical distancing protocols must continue to be followed in designated spaces and considering all optionsfor the Perley Health Community to enjoy meals.
  • The Perley Health Command Centres is exploring all of our options for these areas and an update will be provided in April.
  • All future changes will align with legislation.

Visiting Duriung Outbreaks

  • The limit on Essential Visitors during a COVID-19 Outbreak has been removed.  
  • Perley Health will return to the historical practice using the same risk-based approach we use when determining control measures for other outbreaks. 

Asymptomatic Surveillance Testing Ended

  • The Ministry no longer requires asymptomatic testing for staff, students, volunteers, support workers and all Essential Visitors and General Visitors.
  • The Swab Clinic closes today at 5 pm, March 30, 2023 at 1700.
    • Thank you very much to all Swab Clinic staff and the team of volunteers who have supported the operations of the Swab Clinic for the past two years.

Resident Screening and Daily Temperature Checks

  • Daily temperature checks and screening of residents upon return from an absence will no longer be required.
  • Residents will continue to be monitored daily to detect the presence of infection.

Thank you, Perley Health Community,

These past three years, our community has faced an unprecedented global health crisis that affected every aspect of our lives.

Thank you for your perseverance, your courage, your resilience, your patience and your support. Your contributions have made a profound difference in the lives of so many of our residents, tenants, volunteers, staff, families and friends.

And your tireless efforts have not gone unnoticed. On behalf of the Perley Health Command Centre and the entire team, please know that we are forever thankful for all your efforts. Your commitment to providing high-quality care, support, and compassion to those entrusted to our care, is a testament to your strength and dedication.

Thank you for your hard work, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of your community.

Together, we improve the well-being of the people we serve.

Now, let’s look forward to some “precedented times”!

This message will be shared today as an email to all subscribers, posted to the website, printed for pick-up at the Main Entrance and adapted for the TVs in the Common areas.

Thank you,

Jay Innes

Director of Communications

February 28, 2023

Free tax clinics for qualifying residents and tenants in the Perley Health community

The 2023 tax season is upon us, and Volunteer Services is here to help!

Perley Health will once again be hosting free tax clinics for qualifying residents and tenants in the Perley Health community. The 2023 Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP), a Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) service, will be provided by screened volunteers.

Tax Clinics (by appointment only) will be running on the following dates, and will be 30 minutes per session (45 minutes for couples):

Monday, March 20th

  • 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Monday, March 27th

  • 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Monday, April 3rd

  • 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Wednesday, March 22nd

  • 1:00 – 3:30 PM

Wednesday, April 12th

  • 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM 

Wednesday, April 19th

  • 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Long-term care residents can book their in-person appointments by emailing volunteer@prvhc.com or calling Bernadette Lee-Wo at ext. 2305.

Senior Living apartment tenants can book their in-person appointments by contacting David O’Neill at doneill@perleyhealth.ca or by dialing ext. 2006

LTC residents, tenants or their POAs must attend with all required documents in order to complete filing in the interview.

This message was shared today in an email to subscribers, posted to the Perley Health webpage and excerpts were posted to the TVs in the common areas.

February 24, 2023

  1. Office Hours Change for Support Services

The hours for the Support Services office have changed.

 

February 15, 2023

  1. Watch and read the latest Perley Health Community Report: https://www.perleyhealth.ca/article/ceo-report-to-the-community-375.asp
  2. FFC meeting tomorrow (see below)
  3. Physiotherapy and Massage Clinic moves to The Interprofessional Clinic at Perley Health (see below)

Join us for the next Family and Friends Council meeting!

Tomorrow, February 16th, join us on Zoom from 18:30 - 20:30 (6:30 PM - 8:30 PM)  and meet Stephanie Kim, RN, BSc, BScN, RAC-C, GNC(C), Manager, Resident Care in the Ottawa residence at Perley Health!

We will be discussing care plans, and what different stages of joining the Perley Health community looks like for Seniors and Veterans -- from the first day your loved one moves in, to the annual care conferences and goals of care. The goal is to engage family, friends, and loved ones and ensure all understand this process.

To participate in the FFC meeting, email familycouncil.perleyhealth@gmail.com and outline your wish to attend. Zoom meeting details will be send to your email inbox on Wednesday, February 15th. Feel free to invite any other families and friends to the call!

All individuals who email familycouncil.perleyhealth@gmail.com will be signed up to receive communications directly from volunteer FFC members which will include meeting minutes.

Physiotherapy and Massage Clinic moves to The Interprofessional Clinic at Perley Health

Transition starts February 16 and full move completed by February 21

February 15, 2023 (Ottawa, ON) The Physiotherapy and Massage Clinic will be transitioning to bring all of its services under The Interprofessional Clinic at Perley Health. The transition to the new location will be happening from Feb 16-17 this week. As of Tuesday February 21, 2023, Physiotherapy and Massage Therapy services will be fully operational in the Interprofessional Clinic, across from the Perley Health Foundation and the Swab Clinic.

With all these services located in one common area under the same umbrella, everything remains the same:

  1. Same great staff
  2. Same high standard of care
  3. Same billing schedule

 Services offered by The Interprofessional Clinic at Perley Health

  1. Audiology
  2. Massage Therapy
  3. Physiotherapy
  4. Stuttering Clinic

If you have any questions or concerns about Physiotherapy and Massage Therapy services, please contact The Interprofessional Clinic at 613-526-7125 or icadmin@perleyhealth.ca. Please note that the current Physiotherapy and Massage Clinic contact will not be operational as of February 21, 2023.

Did you know?

The Interprofessional Clinic is made possible thanks to the transformational donation of Charles and Irene Zinck. Charles Zinck dedicated his career to service in the Canadian Armed Forces and was a Navy man and a Veteran of the Korean War. With the encouragement and support of staff and powered by fun and deep belly laughs, he enjoyed many Perley Health activities: sculpting clay, singing in the choir, painting and mandala making.

This message was shared today on the Perley Health website, emailed to all subscribers and portions of the message will be shared on the TVs in the common areas.

February 8, 2023

The 2023 Perley Health Community Report for 2023 is almost here!

You may have seen promotions on our social media channels over the last week informing you of the release of the most recent video and print Community Reports. The full reports will be shared next week!

In the meantime, we are sharing and promoting segments of the report with our community in advance of the full release.

Right now, you can visit https://www.perleyhealth.ca/article/ceo-report-to-the-community-375.asp to watch Danny Sinden share an update from the Centre of Excellence and then view Delphine Hasle with news from Perley Health Foundation. Also posted to the webpage are recent Perley Health videos including an introduction to the Perley Health Active Seniors website. Visit our video webpage daily to view upcoming presentations from other members of our leadership team.

We will announce next week when the print and full video reports are shared. At that time, make sure to pick up your copy of the print report in the newspaper boxes at Perley Health, and visit https://www.perleyhealth.ca/article/ceo-report-to-the-community-375.asp to watch the full video and access the electronic version of the report!

This message was shared today in an email to all subscribers, and posted to the Perley Health webpage.

February 7, 2023

We are releasing to the public the five videos that make up the Community Report for 2023.

January 18, 2023

On Tuesday, January 17, 2023, the Rideau Veterans Residence and Gatineau Residence doors opened to staff and volunteers to enter and exit using their FOBs. Staff and volunteers choosing to enter and exit Perley Health using these doors must continue to follow all IPAC protocols.
 
These changes have been implemented for several reasons:

  • To reduce congestion at the Main Entrance, as all visitors and individuals who are not “staff” or “volunteers” must continue to enter and exit through the Main Entrance to comply with active screening;
  • To alleviate the demand for parking spots near the Main Entrance;
  • To permit winter snow clearing and maintenance in the parking spots marked specifically for visitors.

Visitor Parking Area
We remind our community to continue to respect the parking area reserved for visitors – marked by the prominent yellow “Visitor Parking” banners. Between 11 pm and 7 am, when there are few visitors onsite, maintenance crews work to keep these parking spots clean and safe. This work cannot be done if there are non-visitor vehicles parked in these spots overnight. It is our hope that the opening of the Rideau Veterans Residence and Gatineau Residence doors will change parking patterns, and that improved lighting and video surveillance outside will help keep our community safe.
 
These messages were shared with all email subscribers, posted to the website and broadcast on the TVs in the common areas.
 
Thank you,
Jay Innes
Director of Communications

January 16, 2023

Staff and volunteers now permitted entry and exit through Rideau building and Gatineau building doors

As of Tuesday, January 17, 2023, the Rideau Veterans Residence and Gatineau Residence doors will be open to staff and volunteers to enter and exit using their FOBs. Staff and volunteers choosing to enter and exit Perley Health using these doorways must continue to follow all IPAC protocols.

This change has been implemented for several reasons:

  1. To alleviate the demand for parking spots near the Main Entrance;
  2. To permit winter snow clearing and maintenance in the parking spots marked specifically for visitors;
  3. To reduce congestion at the Main Entrance, as all visitors and individuals who are not “staff” or “volunteers” must continue to enter and exit through the Main Entrance to comply with active screening. 

Similar to protocols in place when using the Staff Entrance, all staff and volunteers entering and exiting through the doors of the Rideau Veterans Residence and Gatineau Residence must follow these directives:

  1. Only one staff member/volunteer at a time in the vestibule;
  2. You must scan your FOB each time you enter and exit;
  3. Each time a staff member/volunteer enters and exits through these doors, they can only enter alone; (Do not hold the door for another person!)
  4. Understand that by swiping your FOB, you are attesting to not having any of the COVID-19 symptoms;
  5. When entering and exiting you must follow established, standard IPAC protocols including hand sanitizing and wearing a mask;
  6. At any time, if there is an individual in the vestibule, allow the door to close completely, wait for the scanner to reset, and then swipe your FOB to enter/exit the building.

All registered staff fobs’ have been enabled with the double tap feature to reset the door alarm at the point of activation. 


Visitor Parking Area

We ask that our community comply by respecting that the parking area reserved for visitors – marked by the prominent “Visitor Parking” banners -  is only occupied by the vehicles of visitors. Between 11 pm and 7 am, when there are few visitors onsite, our maintenance crews work to keep these parking spots clean and safe. This work cannot be done if there are staff vehicles parked in these spots overnight. It is our hope that the opening of the Rideau Veterans Residence and Gatineau Residence doors will change parking patterns, and that improved lighting and video surveillance outside will help keep our community safe.

This message was shared today with staff, volunteers and email subscribers and a message will be included in the 5 TVs in the commons areas.

January 6, 2023

December 28, 2022

News

  1. Swab Clinic Hours
  2. Free Wi-Fi
  3. Are You Ready for the New Tap & Go™ Parking at Perley Health?

Swab Clinic Hours

  • The Swab Clinic hours have been adapted for January 1st, 2023. 
  • The clinic will be open Sunday, January 1st, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM
  • The Swab Clinic will resume normal operation hours (6:30 AM to 5:00 PM) on January 2nd
  • Thank you for your understanding; please continue to play your part in keeping the Perley Health community safe.

Free Wi-Fi

  • Free Wi-Fi is available throughout Perley Health through January 8, 2023.
  • The free Wi-Fi name is Perley Christmas.

Perley Health Christmas Concert Video

  • The Perley Health Christmas Concert video is here and ready to view! Use the links below to watch the Christmas Concert:
  • Perley Health website: CLICK HERE or follow https://www.perleyhealth.ca/concert-videos
    • Sing along with us to some of our favourite holiday songs!
    • Special thanks to the Ozerdinc Grimes Family Therapeutic Recreation and Creative Arts team and performers, Patricia, Dana, Ross, and Judy!

Are You Ready for the New Tap & Go™ Parking at Perley Health?

Monday, January 9, 2023, marks the beginning of a new era of parking at Perley Health.

Pick up one of our new Parking brochures for visitors or special inserts for long-term care residents and Senior Living tenants to learn more about our cashless, new Tap & Go™ payment system and ensure you choose the rates best suited to you and your guests’ needs.

The new parking system launches on January 9, 2023, and includes special discounts for eligible caregivers and frequent visitors.

Simply pick the plan that works best for you:

  1. Pay at the gate with your Visa, MasterCard or Interac card
  2. Pay at the parking kiosk just inside our Main Entrance
  3. Sign up for a monthly or multi-use parking FOB
  4. Speed your entrance/exit using one of our new, pre-paid, reloadable electronic FOBs

Please visit the Support Services (LTC residents) or Senior Living (tenants) office to enroll and complete the necessary registration forms required for all staff and visitors and to learn how to enroll for special discounts and other benefits.

The bottom line is that the new, all-weather gates promise to be much more reliable than the old ones. There’s no more fumbling around for exact change anymore, and the new rates will generate the revenues required to provide parking and other critical services for our residents, Veterans, tenants and staff.

Best of all, FREE parking for the first 30 minutes means picking up and dropping off passengers won’t cost you – or your visitors – a penny.

Many thanks to the members of the Parking Panel and other residents, tenants, visitors and staff who helped guide the development of the new parking system!

In the coming weeks, in advance of the January 9, 2023 launch of the new parking system, we have extended hours for the Support Services office during the parking registration period. Please note the office is closed for lunch every day between 12 pm to 1 pm.

This message was shared today with all email subscribers and posted to the Perley Health website.

December 16, 2022

Through many different channels we have received feedback about the dining experience on our residential units including meal service and menu offerings.  From the Food and Nutrition department, a sincere thank you to everyone who provides feedback to us.  With this feedback we make changes to our menu for holidays, special events, or permanent menu changes.  Supported by the menu planning changes announced in the Fixing-Long Term Care Act 2022, we will be making changes to our menu style.  We will be introducing a new menu on Monday, December 19th, 2002 which will consist of offering one main entrée with a la carte options at all three meals. This menu style concept was discussed at both the Community and Veteran Resident Council meetings, who were supportive of this menu style.  This menu style will enable us to make more homemade menu items.

With the implementation of a new food management software on December 19th, 2022, this will allow the Food and Nutrition team to make menu changes more efficiently. We are able to plan for seasonal menus on an annual basis (Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter). This new software interfaces with resident data from PointClickCare to ensure real time changes are implemented simultaneously.  

Other important information to note is the following:

  • There will no longer be sample plates anymore in the dining room as there will be one main entrée moving forward, which will decrease food waste.
  • Our weekly and daily menus that are posted on the units will look different with a larger font to make the menus easier to read for residents, staff, volunteers and visitors. We will be posting our weekly menus for all regular, mince and puree textures.
  • We will continue to have substitutions available for therapeutic interventions and allergies.
  • The Food & Nutrition team will be using tray tickets during this transition, which will list all of the essential information to know how to serve each resident safely.
  • Based on advice from our Registered Dietitians, the portion size of soup will change from a 6oz portion to a 4oz portion.
  • We will continue to offer traditional special menu items over the holiday season, similar to what we have done in previous years.
  • A new Food Committee will began in January 2023 and this committee will meet on a monthly basis.  We are recruiting for staff and family representatives to join our committee.  If you’re interested in joining please email Andrea Heuving Manager, Food and Nutrition/Housekeeping at aheuving@perleyhealth.ca.
  • We have also created a Quality Initiative Team with a Food and Dining Experience focus that will began in the New Year. We are recruiting for staff and family representatives to join.  This team will meet on a quarterly basis.  If you’re interested in joining this working group, please email at aheuving@perleyhealth.ca. 

We welcome your feedback during this transition.   On behalf of our Food & Nutrition team, thank you in advance for your patience during this transition.

Happy Holidays to you and your family, 

Andrea Heuving, CNM, NM

Manager, Food & Nutrition/Housekeeping

December 15, 2022

Items below:

  1. R1N COVID-19 outbreak ended
  2. 2022 Family Survey Continues
  3. Visitors: Enjoy a Perley Health turkey meal on December 25
  4. Monday, January 9, 2023, marks the beginning of a new era of parking at Perley Health
  5. Renovations Continue in Rideau Veterans Residence

 

R1N COVID-19 outbreak ended

  • We are happy to report the COVID-19 outbreak on Rideau 1 North has been declared over.
  • Thank you to our community for all your efforts to keep our residents safe.

2022 Family Survey Now Open

  • Thank you very much for your continuous support of Perley Health. We'd like to invite you to take 15-20 minutes and complete the interRAI Family Survey on Nursing Home Quality of Life.  Results from this survey will enable Perley Health to better understand our family members' experience and identify opportunities for improvement.
  • The survey will be open until December 22nd. Each individual in the family can complete one survey, so please share this email with other family members.
  • Paper copies of the survey and collection box will also be available at Main Reception for those that prefer completing a paper survey.
  • Please note that, in order to participate, you will need to have a connection with a current resident or a resident who lived at the Home in the past 12 months.
  • Thank you for being an important member of our team.
  • Access the survey: CLICK HERE or follow https://perleyrideau.qolpro.com/surveys/family

Visitors: Enjoy a Perley Health turkey meal on December 25

  • Prepared by Perley Health staff and available for pick up in the Cafeteria (11:30am to 1pm) in disposable containers, this traditional turkey meal is available for purchase for $20.95 (plus HST).
  • This offer is also available to Senior Living apartment tenants.
  • Tenants can also collect meals for their visitors and bring them back to their unit to enjoy with their visitors.
  • Apartment visitors are not able to eat their meal in the Cafeteria.
  • Long-term care residents will enjoy the traditional Christmas lunch during the same mealtime and are welcome to host a maximum of two visitors to join them in their room.
  • To purchase a meal, please visit the Cafeteria or purchase online:  https://perleyhealthstore.ca/products/holiday-meal-2022
  • Tickets are on sale until December 20th.

Menu

  • Cream of Butternut Squash Soup,
  • Roast Turkey,
  • Cranberry Sauce,
  • Sage and Onion Dressing, Gravy,
  • Roasted Garlic Whipped Potatoes,
  • Sautéed Vegetable Blend (Broccoli, Cauliflower, Green Beans and Carrots),
  • Dinner Roll,
  • Raspberry Chocolate Tartufo,
  • Choice of canned beverage, small bottled juice, coffee, tea or water.

Please contact Andrea or Jessica for any dietary questions or adaptation requests.

  • Andrea Heuving
  • 613.526.7170 Ext. 2560
  • aheuving@perleyhealth.ca

Monday, January 9, 2023, marks the beginning of a new era of parking at Perley Health

Renovations Continue in Rideau Veterans Residence

Secure unit for Veterans established on Rideau 1 North

  • Following a pause to gather additional expert feedback and to update the unit’s design for improved resident safety, renovations on the Rideau 1 North (R1N) unit will resume on December 12th, 2022.
  • Consultation with the psychogeriatric resource team and other unit staff resulted in design changes to bring the nursing station into the unit and the construction of a wall near the unit’s entrance.
  • The team identified an opportunity to improve the staff and resident experience on the unit including relocating the nursing station inside the unit, closer to the popular resident activity room and to better monitor residents prone to wandering.
  • Earlier this year, renovations were started to establish a secure unit specifically for Veterans living in the Rideau Veterans Residence.
  • Among the renovations are changes to the door controls, to provide secure access.
  • Areas that are under construction will continue to be well marked and signage on the unit is intended to keep everyone safe and informed.
  • The work is expected to last approximately two to three months.
  • Residents and members of the Perley Health community will be frequently updated and informed if any delays are encountered.
  • Veteran residents who would have qualified to move to the new secure unit, but choose not to be re-located, will continue to be accommodated on the secure unit of Gatineau 1 North.
  • View a map of Perley Health: https://www.perleyhealth.ca/essential-information.
  •  These improvements are made possible, in part, thanks to generous donor support to the Perley Health Foundation.

Background

  • There is a need for more secure beds as the incidence of adults living with dementia increases.
  • The terms ‘wandering/exit seeking/elopement’ is often associated with residents living with dementia and these residents require the safety of a secure unit.
  • Residents that require the secure unit will be able to exit the unit with supervision or support.
  • Independent residents living on the unit will receive a FOB to swipe at the pad near the door, unlocking the door to provide free movement throughout Perley Health.
  • Access to the courtyard will remain the same for the Rideau 1 North residents.
  • The Gatineau secure unit (Gatineau 1 North), that provides care to Seniors and Veterans, will transition to become a secure unit for members of the community.
  • For questions, please contact Samantha Diceman, Manager of Resident Care, at ext. 2113 or Rachel de Kemp, Director of Nursing, at ext. 2414.

This message was shared today with all email subscribers and posted to the Perley Health webpage.

November 15, 2022

Changes at the Interprofessional Clinic at Perley Health

  • The Interprofessional Clinic at Perley Health is scaling back some services, including Occupational Therapy and Speech-Language Pathology services.
  • There will be some changes to the physiotherapy services available to the public.
  • The last day these services will be offered is December 23, 2022.
    • Alternative locations for affected services will be communicated to affected clients.
  • Audiology, Massage Therapy, the Stuttering Clinic and Dental services are not affected by these changes.
  • Continued operation of the Clinic with its current service offerings is simply not financially sustainable.
  • The changes will not affect the employment of any Perley Health employees.
  • We thank all staff members of the Interprofessional Clinic for their commitment and support, particularly during the pandemic. We very much appreciate their professionalism and wish them all the best in their future endeavours.
  • For questions, please email info@perleyhealth.ca and your question will be directed to the appropriate person. We commit to a prompt response.

November 7, 2022

  1. 2022 Family Survey
  2. Important updates

2022 Family Survey Now Open

Thank you very much for your continuous support of Perley Health. We'd like to invite you to take 15-20 minutes and complete the interRAI Family Survey on Nursing Home Quality of Life.  Results from this survey will enable Perley Health to better understand our family members' experience and identify opportunities for improvement.

The survey will be open between now and December 22nd. Each individual in the family can submit one answer, so please share this email with other family members.

Paper copies of the survey and collection box will also be available at Main Reception for those that prefer completing a paper survey.

Please note that, in order to participate, you will need to have a connection with a current resident or a resident who lived at the Home in the past 12 months. Thank you for being an important member of our team.

Access the survey: CLICK HERE or follow https://perleyrideau.qolpro.com/surveys/family

Stay informed on current news by visiting the webpages below:

  • Urgent News and Outbreaks (https://www.perleyhealth.ca/public-announcement): COVID-19 outbreaks continue on Rideau 2 South (R2S) and Gatineau 2 North (G2N)
  • Remembrance Day: https://www.perleyhealth.ca/remembrance-day-2022
  • Parking construction: https://www.perleyhealth.ca/parking-news
  • Listen to a recent media interview with Rachel de Kemp, Director, Nursing, addressing the re-opening of 34 convalescent care beds: https://www.perleyhealth.ca/in-the-news

This message will be shared today in an email to all subscribers, posted to the Perley Health website and printed and available for pick-up at Main Reception.

Thank you,

Respite House at Perley Health News

October 14, 2022

Effective immediately, Essential Visitors and General Visitors are permitted to purchase food and drinks from the Cafeteria to consume only in their loved one’s long-term care room.

At this time, Essential Visitors and General Visitors are not permitted to consume food and drinks in public places, including the Cafeteria and the Pub.

Summary of Changes to COVID-19 Guidance Document for Long-Term Care Homes in Ontario

Please note, these changes are now in effect.

  • Rapid tests in the Swab Clinic will continue for everyone.
  • Masks are required but can be removed by Essential Visitors and General Visitors in a resident’s room (see note below).
  • Everyone is encouraged to continue to practice physical distancing and urged to avoid crowded places.

COVID-19 Screening

Essential Visitors and General Visitors: Active screening is required

  • WHAT THIS MEANS: Nothing changes.
  • Every time you enter Perley Health, you must complete the screening using the Perley Health COVID-19 screening app.
  • Signage is posted at both entrances listing the signs and symptoms of COVID-19. 
  • You must show your screen to staff prior to entering.

Staff, Volunteers, Students: Passive screening is recommended

  • WHAT THIS MEANS: You are no longer required to show the “Green” screen to the Commissionaire at the front entrance or the camera at the staff entrance.
  • Completing the Perley Health COVID-19 Screening App is now voluntary.
  • You must screen yourself passively for all the questions and take appropriate action accordingly.
  • For reference, the screening questions are posted on the walls at the staff entrance and as a poster at the front entrance.
  • Please continue to follow all IPAC practices and Perley Health protocols to keep our community safe

Screening and Testing After a (Resident) Absence:

  • Daily monitoring and screening of residents for COVID-19 symptoms will continue.
  • Active screening of each resident upon return from an absence is required, however testing is no longer required.
  • If the resident becomes symptomatic, they are to isolate and be tested for COVID-19.

Masking

  • Masking remains a requirement for everyone –  with the exception of residents.
  • When Essential Visitors and General Visitors are alone with a resident in their room, a mask is recommended but is not a requirement.
  • WHAT THIS MEANS: Essential Visitors and General Visitors must wear your mask at all times, when not a resident’s room including the Pub and other common areas.
  • Effective immediately, Essential Visitors and General Visitors are permitted to purchase food and drinks from the Cafeteria to consume in their loved one’s long-term care room.
  • At this time, Essential Visitors and General Visitors are not permitted to consume food and drinks in public places, including the Cafeteria and the Pub.

Visitors

  • The limit of 4 visitors (including caregivers) per resident has been removed
  • WHAT THIS MEANS FOR ESSENTIAL VISITORS AND GENERAL VISITORS:  Everyone is encouraged to continue to practice physical distancing and urged to avoid crowded places.

Please view the attached summary providing information on these changes.

CLICK HERE

October 3, 2022

october_3_2022_info

Currently we have two active resident cases of COVID-19 on the Ottawa 2 East unit.

The following control measures are in effect:

  • All symptomatic residents will be isolated and placed on contact droplet precautions and tested for COVID-19 immediately;
  • Surveillance testing for the High Risk Residents on this unit will take place again on October 5th and 7th;
  • Eye protection is mandatory on this unit when feeding or providing direct care to any of the residents;
  • Only one Essential Visitor is permitted per resident at a time on this unit;
  • General visitors are not permitted to visit on this unit;
  • No volunteers on this unit (exceptions are permitted for palliative care and medical escorts).

Jay Innes

Director of Communications

Questions/Comments
  • Jay Innes
  • Director of Communications
  • Perley Health
  • 1750 Russell Road
  • Ottawa, ON.
  • K1G 5Z6
  • Phone: ext. 2207
  • Fax: 613-526-7186
  • Email: info@perleyhealth.ca