McCormick Care Group – COVID-19 Update

Tuesday, August 11, 2020

This is a McCormick Care Group – COVID-19 Update for Tuesday, August 11, 2020.

As the state of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to stabilize, family updates will occur twice weekly, occurring on Mondays and Thursdays, or as needed.

There are no probable or suspected cases of COVID-19 among our residents or staff at this time.

Since the London-Middlesex area moved into the provincial stage 3 of reopening, COVID activity has remained relatively low and stable within our community.  At this time, we are going to try expanding our indoor visiting to include “essential caregivers” as defined by the Ministry of Long Term Care. Essential caregivers include family members or paid companions who assist with direct care (eating, bathing, exercising, etc.), and provide emotional support and/or cognitive stimulation.  These roles by family members or paid companions were in place prior to the pandemic.  Essential caregivers are permitted to visit on the Resident Home Areas and social distancing does not have to be maintained.

Essential Caregivers must obtain a negative COVID-19 test every 14 days and abide by strict infection prevention and control guidelines.  More details will be shared regarding the Essential Caregiver program once we determine the level of interest and determine schedules etc. If you want to be considered for an essential caregiver role, you will need to schedule a phone interview with Angela Murray, Director of Resident Care, Kerri Gaffney, Assistant Director of Care, or Arlene MacDonald, Clinical RN to review your interest in this role, completing an assessment to determine if you meet the criteria.   You can reach them by calling or emailing the following:

• Angela- amurray@mccormickcare.ca or 519-432-2648 Ext. 2322
• Kerri- kgaffney@mccormickcare.ca or 519-432-2648 Ext. 2402
• Arlene- amacdonald@mccormickcare.ca or 519-432-2648 Ext. 2403

After consultation with our local Public Health, visitors are welcome to bring a pet for your visit provided the visitor continues to maintain the 6 foot social distancing requirement from your loved ones.  A reminder that all pets must be on a leash at all times and have current and valid vaccinations up to date.

Thank you for your ongoing collaboration as we work together during the next phase of our visiting protocol.

Tanya Pol
Administrator