1. Information and announcements – this week, we are sharing a guide to hand hygiene and how to recognize and prevent dehydration.
2. Recreation calendar as the need to stay active, intellectually stimulated, and socially connected never ends.
3. A weekly shout-out to celebrate the great work and activities happening at our community.

These updates are sent Friday each week. We hope that you find them helpful. Thank you all for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Holly Johnson
Director of Care

Carol Law
General Manager

A Guide to Hand Hygiene

As we are moving towards communities having safe access for residents, their families and visitors, we know our residents and families accept and work with us to minimize the risk of exposure to and stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus. It is an excellent opportunity to remind us about hand hygiene!

Hand hygiene is the best way to break the chain of infection and stop the spread of germs.

How to Wash Your Hands

There are lots of great teaching tools and reminders out there on how to perform hand hygiene. AgeCare communities all have posters and reminders on how to clean your hands, either with alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHR) or good old fashioned soap and water.

Here are a couple of great places to go to refresh your knowledge and your skill in the proper way to perform hand hygiene.

Washing Hands with Soap & Water

Washing Hands with Sanitizer

When Should You Wash Your Hands?

Hand hygiene is considered a routine practice in our industry. You must use hand hygiene when you are in our communities and visiting your loved one.

These practices can (and should) be used at any time – whether you are interacting with individuals in our community or if you are out in public.

Hand hygiene can and will stop the spread of infection.

How to Prevent the Spread

• Be screened each time you enter the building.
• Wash your hands often and well.
• Avoid touching your face, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Maintain the appropriate physical distance when visiting with anyone.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Clean and disinfect any surfaces that are frequently touched.
• Cover your cough and sneezes and then washing your hands.
• Stay home when you are sick.

If you are feeling unwell at any point during your visit, notify the nursing staff, then go to the AHS website and complete the COVID-19 screening and possibly get tested.

Staying Hydrated

With the heatwave that has been upon us, we are taking extra care to ensure residents keep hydrated. Many people, particularly older adults, don’t feel thirsty until they’re already dehydrated. They may even have a decreased thirst drive, even when dehydrated. That’s why it’s vital to increase water intake during hot weather.

The BEST drink to stay hydrated is water. Stay away from “diet” drinks, sugar-filled or caffeinated beverages.

Recognizing the Signs of Dehydration in Seniors

The signs and symptoms of dehydration differ by age. Some indications that you or your loved one may be dehydrated are:

• Confusion or Disorientation
• Headache
• Dizziness or Nausea
• Dry Lips, Mouth or Throat
• Decreased Tears
• Muscle weakness
• Fatigue, Disinterest or Boredom (Lethargic)
• Concentrated or Decreased Urine
• Weight Loss
• Sunken Eyes

Hydration Tips for Seniors

• Place water where it is easy to find and
• Encourage and remind often to take a drink,
• Try different kinds of cups or water bottles.
• Sit and have a drink together,
• Ensure there is access to the bathroom when needed
  If a person experiences urgency or incidents of incontinence, it may prevent them from wanting to drink.

Recreation Calendar

We are happy to share that our recreation calendar is back, and many of our regular recreational activities in the community have resumed. Residents can participate in a variety of engaging activities that enrich the mind, body and spirit, while maintaining appropriate physical distancing.

Visit our news & events page to download our recreation calendar (PDF)

Weekly Shout-Out

We want to send a Great Big Thank You to our Care Teams!

They have been very much in the forefront of ensuring that our residents are well cared for. They have been working to ensure that we follow all of the changes required to keep our residents safe and healthy during this Pandemic.

The entire Care team works together with all departments, residents and families to maintain a home like environment while supporting the needs of the residents, both physically and emotionally.

Thank you for all that you do.