Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta's chief medical officer of health (Gov't. of Alberta live stream)

By Chris Brown

COVID-19

Alberta changing access rules for continuing care facility visits

Jul 16, 2020 | 4:28 PM

Alberta’s chief medical officer of health says the COVID-19 pandemic has been particularly hard on people in continuing care facilities and their families, and that changes are being made.

As of July 23, Dr. Deena Hinshaw says the province will be shifting from a restricted access to a safe access approach.

“We believe this will help people remain socially and emotionally connected while still protecting those who are most at risk of severe outcomes,” she said Thursday.

Under the safe access approach “is a requirement that each facility develop a local visitor policy for their site based on consultations with residents, families and staff,” Hinshaw explained.

Family and friends will be recognized as part of the care team, not just social visitors, for residents that live in congregate care facilities.

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“Each resident can designate two support people who will be able to visit indoors for as long and as often as they wish, as long as they coordinate with the facility,” said Hinshaw.

Depending on the resident’s health outdoor visits will be allowed with up to four other visitors and no longer requires the presence of a designated support worker.

New guidance has also been developed for residents hugging and holding hands with visitors.

(CHAT News Today)