3 years ago · admin · 0 comments

Wiarton Retirement Residence Response To COVID-19 Pandemic And 6 Tips To Get Through The Pandemic

COVID-19, also commonly known as the “Novel Coronavirus” hit the world in 2019, leaving everyone uncertain about how the world would operate. It has brought in many changes since it has taken a place in the world. We have to meet our loved ones virtually, we cannot travel, the shopping system has been moved to online, meetings are done in a socially distant manner, and if you live in another country, you probably have not met your loved ones in a year.

However, as time progresses, we now know more about the virus. We have been more informed and cautious as to how we can prevent the contraction of the virus. As months have passed, we now know what causes the virus. After the virus has been a part of our lives for more than a year, we now know how to keep everyone safe and what guidelines to follow. 

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a virus caused by a new coronavirus called “SARS-CoV-2”, causing respiratory symptoms such as runny nose, sore throat, headache, fever, dry cough, and fatigue. These are the most common symptoms in an individual.

Researchers believe that the virus started from bats however no one is sure of it and no one knows how it spread to the world and what the path was. The transfer of the virus from one human to another human is unfortunately very easy. It can spread through droplets that are generated from a human’s sneeze or cough and it can spread through a touch from a person who has the virus, or a person who has been contracted with the virus and has touched a surface. 

How should we keep ourselves safe?

We understand that remaining calm during a pandemic is not easy. However, being calm is the biggest solution during such times. With the rising cases in every province and city, we all require extra safety measures which we at Wiarton Retirement Residence always make sure to follow.The best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 virus and to make sure you and your loved ones are safe, is to follow the guidelines that have been recommended.

The most basic guidelines provided that should be followed are the following:

1- Always wear a mask when meeting someone or when you are in a public space. The mask should cover your mouth and nose.

2- Wash your hands regularly with soap for 20 seconds especially after touching a surface or after you believe that you may have had contact with anyone with a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19. If washing is not possible then sanitize your hands.

3- Avoid touching your nose, eyes, mouth, or ears. COVID-19 spreads through these contact points.

4- If you must sneeze or cough, use your elbow and not your hands.

5- Do not go out if it is not necessary. Only essential trips should be done.

What is happening at Wiarton Retirement Residence during the pandemic to keep your loved ones safe?

For us at Wiarton Retirement Residence our community is very important. Therefore we at Wiarton Retirement Residence follow all rules and regulations to make sure our community and residents are safe at all times while taking heightened precautionary measures. We at Wiarton Retirement Residence abide by all provincial and federal government laws and regulations. These rules and regulations including the following;

1- Our residents are permitted to go out and make their essential trips such as for grocery, medical appointments or to go for a walk.

2- Physical distancing is always implemented.

3- Universal masking rules and regulations are followed.

4- Visitors are screened before coming in, however no visitors are allowed during the province lockdown.

5- Appropriate personal protective equipment is used.

6- Deep cleaning and sanitization is always followed.

We encourage virtual meetings only and do not do in-person meetings to ensure the safety of our residents.  All our employees are screened on a regular basis and thus, to minimize the risk of COVID-19 there is always bare minimum movement between our employees. Tours are available on an appointment basis, however we at Wiarton Retirement Residence have a virtual tour available now which can be viewed at any now (click here for virtual tour). With this measure you will be at home, safe and can watch the residence. 

Strict measures are to be taken if there is an outbreak, that is, no one is allowed to come in the residence (non-essential) or go anywhere to ensure the safety of our residents and community, while providing with full assistance to our residents and ensuring that quarantine is safe and comfortable for our residents. However, to date we have been very fortunate as there has been a low volume of cases reported in Grey Bruce Peninsula. Moreover, no cases have been reported at our residence thus making Wiarton Retirement Residence an extremely safe and reliable residence for your loved ones! 

We understand that the virus is deadly for seniors, however we also understand that seniors require special care and assistance which we provide at Wiarton Retirement Residence. Our residents are still accessing 100% care and medical assistance which would be complex at their own place if they live alone.

Even with minimum contact between employees and residents, residents still have access to 3 meals a day and 3 snacks, assistance, and housekeeping as well as activities to keep them busy.

Seniors can be susceptible to feelings of loneliness and isolation thus, to ensure that our residents feel happy and engaged at all times we at Wiarton Retirement Residence are always planning different activities for our seniors, we always make every residents birthday a joyful one and we make sure to celebrate all special holidays, while implementing all necessary COVID-19 regulations. To find out about regular updates please click here.

Tips to get through the pandemic

Lastly, we decided to share some tips that we practice with our residents here at Wiarton Retirement Residence to help them get through the anxiety of COVID-19.

1. Stay socially active

While maintaining social distancing we are still allowed to meet people. We can meet people in a park or in our car parking spaces while ensuring social/physical distancing. This is important for one’s mental health. However, during the lockdown, we should regularly call our friends and family and have updates about their life so that we still feel like a part of their lives and vice versa. To see more tips on how to remain socially active read this article. 

1. Be physically active

Going for walks, exercising and being active is very important. It helps one stay active mentally and physically and helps one get a break from the daily routine at home. It is a break from the new normal.

1. Meditate

It is recommended to meditate. Everyone meditates differently. You could listen to music or talk to a loved one about what you’re feeling to receive support. Take breaks from COVID-19 news and read a book or play a game.

1. Self-care

It is recommended to follow a routine. Sleep at the same time every day and wake up at the same time. Shower every day. Have breakfast and get to your daily activities.

1. Be kind

It is a hard time for everyone. Be kind to everyone. Help others and get involved in different activities virtually.

1. Reach out for virtual counselling

If you feel anxious about anything, reach out to your doctor and get a virtual counsellor to receive extra support. 

We understand that this pandemic is hard and complex for everyone however, if we all take care of ourselves and our community, we believe that this time shall pass soon. During such a time we need to have daily updates from our loved ones and see how they are doing at home and be updated about everyone. We believe that soon we all will have access to the vaccination and then in no time we all can go back to our old normal days until then, let’s be a responsible citizen, friend and a community member.