COVID-19 Response & Information

As Alberta and the rest of Canada begin to lessen restrictions and move towards life after COVID-19, we have developed our own Road to Recovery. This plan is dependent on Chief Medical Officer of Health's Orders and Alberta's Relaunch Strategy.

It is important to note that in these uncertain times, we cannot plan perfectly and at any time activities and services may be restricted again. As we learn more, we will update our Road to Recovery.

Important Information regarding Safe Visitation (updated August)

CALA recognizes that family and friends are part of the care and support team for clients who reside in our congregate living facilities. As such, we support a safe approach to visitation within our congregate living facilities to ensure clients are able to maintain physical and mental health and well-being while still retaining necessary safety precautions to minimize risk of infection. 

Please read our Safe Visitation Policy for more information. A package of information will be provided if and when you visit with further information.

CALA is committed to providing respectful, secured, and supportive work environments to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals. We do not tolerate nor condone any acts of abuse from visitors or clients directed toward any CALA employee or representative.

All designated family/support persons and visitors shall be instructed to:

  • Undergo a Health Assessment Screening at entry to the site and self-check for symptoms throughout and following the visit.
  • Coordinate all visitors with the site Manager or designate.
  • Adhere to Safe Visiting Practices and any related site policies.
  • Only visit the client they are supporting.
  • Wear a mask continuously indoors (and outdoors if physical distancing cannot be maintained).
  • Notify the site Manager/designate of any symptoms that arise within 14 days of visiting with a client.

 *Entry may be refused if there is reason to believe an individual is not abiding by these responsibilities.

Safe Visiting Practices:

It is important for all people to understand their risk of unknown exposure to COVID-19 (Exhibit 2), based on their behaviour in the last 14 days, prior to entering the site and to modify their behaviour accordingly.

It is critical that active Health Assessment Screening is completed upon entry, as completely and accurately as possible.  Anyone with symptoms or recent known exposure to COVID-19 shall not enter the site. 

While individuals do not need to disclose their assessed risk of unknown exposure to the site, they must ensure that the client/legal decision maker is aware of it.

Individuals should limit the number of different sites they enter and provide in-person visits to only one site per day to the greatest extent possible.

Inside:

Clients are not limited from visiting from one another as long as they are not required to isolate or quarantine. If the site is under outbreak protocols of any kind, visits between clients will be permitted only with physical distancing.

All visits from must be pre-arranged with the Manager or designate:

  • Visits from designated family/support persons in extenuating circumstances in client rooms will be permitted:
    • up to 2 visitors in a client room at one time if space permits
    • end of life exception allows 3 visitors in a client room at a time unless all visitors are from one household in which case there is no maximum
  • Social visits from non designated family/support person visitors are allowed in a client room

The Manager may designate a shared indoor space for indoor visits.

A designated family/support person is not required to be present for an indoor visit.

Outside:

Clients who are not required to isolate or quarantine are supported to spend time outdoors and have outdoor visits while observing physical distancing requirements.While clients are encourage to stay on the property, they are not required to do so.

While clients who are able to access the outdoors are encouraged to stay on the site property, they are not required to do so. For visits that go beyond the property (e.g., community walks), arrangements with the Manager/Designate are only required if the client requires staff support to prepare for or be transported to the visit. Where applicable or required, the client/legal decision maker should notify the Manager for social leave notification.

All visits must be pre-arranged with the Manager or designate:

  • Outdoor visits may include up to 5 people (including the client)
  • The Manager may determine a lesser maximum number of people based on the amount of available space, number of groupings, and ability to maintain physical distancing requirements
  • A suitable outdoor space will be designated for visits
  • Children can participate in outdoor visits
  • Outdoor visitors will remain outdoors at all times (no entry into the building will be permitted)

Extended:

  • Clients returning from offsite outings of less than 24 hours are not required to isolate unless they fail the Health Assessment Screening completed upon their return
  • Clients returning from offsite outings of more than 24 hours will have to isolate for 14 days following their return
  • The Manager will work with the client/legal decision maker to accommodate requests for leaving the site for extended visits

Restricted Access:

  • The Manager may temporarily restrict visiting access in situations where a risk tolerance assessment indicates an increased risk of exposure to COVID-19 (e.g., increase in local community cases, confirmed site outbreak)
  • All restrictions will be made in collaboration with clients/legal decision makers and the site's Resident & Family Council where able
  • Any restrictions shall not exceed 14 days without re-evaluation
  • When access is restricted, the Manager/Designate will ensure virtual connection with the Designated Family/Support Person continues to be available

How is CALA responding?

A team of Senior Leadership and Infection Prevention & Control (IPC) staff are in communication daily to monitor and respond to the situation. This team maintains contact with the Government of Alberta and municipalities to address and respond to any concerns. 

  • We have several Policies & Procedures in place to deal with outbreaks. These are available at all our sites.
  • We have a comprehensive IPC program led by experienced staff who are monitoring and communicating the situation within our facilities.
  • Existing contingency and emergency plans are being reviewed and will be implemented as necessary. We are also in contact with municipalities and their emergency planning.
  • Our Education Department provides necessary training to ensure all staff are current and meet necessary standards.
  • Frontline staff receive ongoing education regarding Personal Protective Equipment and IPC protocols.

We are in contact with suppliers and contractors to ensure critical goods and supplies are available.

How are we protecting our residents?

Our residents are a priority and we are implementing measures to ensure their health & safety.

  • Our lodges follow the essential visitor restrictions as outlined by Alberta Health Services.
  • Meal service changes for our residents  have been implemented to meet  guidelines of social distancing in all our facilities that offer food service.
  • Activities will continue but with limitations on group sizes and no volunteer involvement.