Dundas’ Chartwell Georgian Retirement had no cases of COVID-19. How did they do it?
- Jody Aberdeen
- 09 Mar 2021
One of the most tragic stories to come out of this pandemic year has been the report of COVID-related deaths at long term care residences in Ontario. With the province reporting nearly 3,800 resident and staff deaths as of this writing, public scrutiny has focused on the safety procedures and policies of privately-operated long term care homes and the companies that own them.
A notable exception to this tragedy has been Chartwell, whose facilities have managed to keep infection rates lower than other chains. In fact, at Dundas’ Chartwell Georgian Retirement Residence, there have been no cases of COVID-19 at all.
What did Chartwell Georgian do differently than the other retirement homes?
Decisive Action from The Start
“The health and wellbeing of our residents and staff has always been our highest priority,” says Barbara Perinot, General Manager of Chartwell Retirement Residences. “When the pandemic began, we acted decisively to implement enhanced infection control protocols, including screening and physical distancing, often before they were mandated by public health agencies.”
This proactive approach to the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19 would see Chartwell sourcing over 5.7 million pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE), as well as hiring 6,000 additional staff, a rare story of job creation at a time of tremendous economic decline.
The results of such actions have helped safeguard the health and well-being of the majority of Chartwell’s residents. While certainly, Chartwell facilities overall were not completely spared from outbreaks and deaths (as all long-term care centres reported COVID-related death rates above the provincial average as of last December), the preventative efforts taken by the company saved many lives.
According to a report by the CBC, many of the deaths that did take place in Chartwell-owned properties occurred due to early outbreaks that happened before it was understood that the virus could spread asymptomatically, and thus before appropriate measures could be implemented.
One independent survey found that 96% of Chartwell residents felt that their residence has taken important measures to keep them safe during COVID-19, while 94% of friends and family members felt that their loved one was safe living in a Chartwell residence.
A COVID-free Experience in Dundas
Chartwell Georgian Retirement Residence in Dundas has the notable distinction of having no outbreaks or deaths from COVID-19, while at the same time maintaining a positive environment for seniors and long-term-care residents.
“Our residents have stayed COVID-free throughout the pandemic,” says Perinot, who notes that they adapted their Life Enrichment program – activities for the residents that range from arts and crafts to gardening and social and recreational calendars – to accommodate for physical distancing, gatherings, and other precautions.
“The restrictions and regulations allowed group activities, which we adapted to a more one-on-one basis rather than cancelling them outright.” Perinot notes that the residents all adapted well to the rules around wearing masks in common areas, with a few reminders once in a while for some individuals. “Staff would lead by example, which really helps in reassuring them that these measures were important for their safety and wellbeing.”
Georgian residents and staff also brought an element that is frequently missing from pandemic restrictions: fun. “We have photos of our Lifestyle Manager dressing up as Santa Claus,” says Perinot, “with residents patiently waiting in line to have their pictures taken with him at a safe distance”. Bingo night, always a popular activity at Georgian, still took place, with the residents seated two metres apart and masked, but still having as much fun as they would under normal circumstances.
The sense of fun especially extended to the arrival of the first COVID-19 vaccines in early 2021. “The team at Georgian did their best at making the event fun for everybody.”
Indeed, one of the photos provided by Chartwell shows a Dundas resident wearing a plastic yellow fire fighter’s hat while receiving his injection and giving the thumbs up. Another shows a stack of cans of Orange Crush at the vaccination event with a sign saying “Let’s “Crush” COVID together”. Perinot notes that the seniors appreciated the light-hearted approach to this otherwise dire situation.
Further Efforts
“As a tribute to the heroic frontline employees working in the sector,” says Perinot, “Chartwell is a founding partner in the new Senior Living CaRES Fund which supports those facing financial hardship.” Chartwell contributed $725,000 towards the Fund’s initial $2-million capital investment, including $225,000 in waived compensation from their Board of Directors.
Ultimately, Perinot acknowledges that the isolation and uncertainty for seniors in the community can be devastating, and that while the tragic outbreaks and deaths in many long-term care facilities are not to be overlooked nor minimized, there are many positive sides to living in retirement residences during this era that ought not to be ignored.
“Even while physically apart, our residents have never been alone,” she says. “Living in a retirement residence remains a safe and sociable experience for the majority of seniors, who are supported every day by caring staff. We’ve been devoted to keeping residents engaged with their families and loved ones who can no longer visit, from supporting from supporting video calls to finding creative new ways to safely provide activities and entertainment. In the end, we work to keep everyone safe and enjoying a high quality of life. That’s what matters the most.”
You can learn more about Chartwell Georgian Retirement Residence by clicking here.
Comments 0
There are no comments
Add comment