Spring 2023
Dear family and friends of Hospice Huntsville,
As you are aware, the COVID-19 virus is in our community. We are taking this situation very seriously. Your health and the wellbeing of your loved one is very important to us. Our staff are committed to providing 24/7 care. As a health care facility, we are taking steps to protect our residents and our health care team but we need your co-operation to do so.
Here’s how you can help us help us manage the risk:
- If you are experiencing any respiratory symptoms such as a cough, difficulty breathing, sore throat or fever, you must notify us immediately and stay home.
- Presently, we encourage visitors to visit in a group of no more than 3-4 at one time- they are to be identified by our resident as the most important people to visit. These “essential visitors” will be asked to review screening questions every time they enter the building. We ask that only 3-4 visitors at a time attend hospice to allow for social distancing in the resident rooms. Please check in with our nursing team for more information
- The kitchen is available for family use- we do ask that families use the space one family at a time. Staff and volunteers can help with food preparation.
- Volunteers will greet you upon arrival. During the day, please come in and sign in at the reception desk. If the door is locked and no one answers the door immediately when you ring the doorbell, please know that clinical staff will attend to the door when they are able as clinical care of our residents is their priority.
Thank you for your understanding and patience. - Important: We ask that while your loved one is a resident at Hospice Huntsville that you practice social distancing when not visiting at Hospice. This would mean that you change your everyday routines to avoid coming into close contact with others including:
- avoiding crowded places and non-essential gatherings
- avoiding common greetings, such as handshakes limiting contact with people at higher risk (ex. older adults and those in poor health)
- keeping a distance of at least 2 arms lengths (approximately 2 metres) from others, as much as possible
- Please know that if your loved one has a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 you would need to quarantine at home for 5-10 days according to the direction of public health.
- The Ministry of Health recommends that if you are over the age of 70, immunocompromised or have a chronic condition, for your own protection, that you self-isolate and not come to hospice.
- Please encourage family members and friends who are not able to visit to stay in touch by phone, video chats or even a “window visit”.
- You can reduce your risk by not touching your face and washing your hands. Follow the steps on our handwashing posters especially upon entering and leaving the building as well as the public washroom. We cannot allow visitors to use in-room washrooms.
For more information contact the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit at 705-789-8813 or visit:
Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (simcoemuskokahealth.org)
We are happy to answer your questions and concerns you may have. We know this can be a very stressful and difficult time for you, your family and friends and it is with great compassion that we convey to you how much we appreciate your cooperation to help ensure we stay as healthy as possible during these uncertain times.
Thank you very much for your cooperation.
Hospice Huntsville
