Residents in long-term care in Grey County can now visit with family members face-to-face, from a distance.
“Outdoor visits started last Thursday and they are going very well,” says Jennifer Cornell, executive director of long-term care in Grey County. “We were able to schedule a number of visits already and they have been greatly appreciated.”
Following directives from the provincial government, which were provided on June 18, Grey County’s facilities began establishing outdoor visiting areas.
Grey Gables in Markdale has two outdoor visiting stations set up. Visits must be pre-scheduled and are held between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Management has begun to offer one, 30-minute visit per week for each resident, with one visitor allowed per visit.
Anyone that comes into the home is screened and must be able to provide a negative COVID-19 test that is dated within 14-days of the visit.
“Outdoor visits provide that little bit more of a personal connection between residents and their families,” Cornell says. “We still require a physical distance of six-feet and wearing masks at all times, but people feel more connected.”
Washrooms are also off-limits to visitors.
“Unfortunately, these necessary precautions do create barriers for some residents, like those who are very hard of hearing,” she says. “We continue to offer virtual visits through our Colour It Connect program.”
Grey Gables is currently setting up appointments by phone, but will be launching an online booking tool on June 25.
