Dear Family & Loved Ones,
As we move through our first wave here in Nova Scotia, I am proud to say that our efforts have been successful. No resident or staff member has tested positive for COVID-19. We are finding new ways to live with COVID-19, and we continue to be extra diligent in our safety. We have required staff to wear masks in the care area, sectioned the building into 4 units (cohorts) where staff have their own entry ways, resident temperatures are monitored twice daily and sent into Public Health, staff are screened before entering the building, mandatory PPE training for staff, and increase in staffing levels in all departments to allow for cohorting.
The threshold for testing is low. There is a lengthy list of symptoms that will now require testing (both residents and staff). Testing is done regularly. This is an extra safety precaution to ensure active cases are caught early. We know that the province is actively working on phases to reopen the economy. It has been noted that opening the facility will occur in the later phases, as our residents are most vulnerable. Once we know more on how the facility is phased into reopening, we will share with families and public. This will be in consultation with the sector and public health.
Valley View Villa continues to strive for excellence on a daily basis. Every day new measures are discussed and implemented to improve the safety and wellbeing of our loved ones. As the economy opens back up on June 5th, we know that a possible 2nd wave is to soon hit the province. For this reason, Valley View Villa will remain diligent and cautious.
We have been approved a music therapist for the summer, as well an additional summer student to help with recreation. In our most recent family satisfaction survey, it was noted more attention needs to be given to our gardens. We have applied for federal funding to address this and anticipate hearing in the next week or two. We know that these are difficult times for your loved ones who have been isolated. Know that our staff go above and beyond in all aspects of care. You can see all staff socializing with residents, doing recreational activities, assist residents to connect families through IPADs, haircare, and much more.
Please check out our new webpage, it is a lot more inviting and usable. We are hoping to have a COVID19 tab available soon, to better inform families and the public. If you have any questions, please reach out. Valley View Villa is here for your loved one, and will always put them FIRST.
Marcus Stephenson
Administrator