Precautionary Measures Implemented at Homestead Lodge

Precautionary Measures Implemented at Homestead Lodge

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Homestead Lodge in Vegreville has implemented a number of measures in response to the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak.

Marielle Brodziak, Executive Director of the MD of Minburn Foundation, said “Homestead Lodge has been in ‘lockdown’ for the past week. This means no persons other than Homestead Lodge staff and Alberta Health Services Home Care staff are allowed in the building, and residents are not allowed to leave the premises unless there’s an emergency.

Home Care has implemented a new schedule in order to minimize the number of staff visiting the lodge. The regular cleaning and disinfection schedule has been increased as a prevention measure for infection control. The importance of hand hygiene is constantly discussed by staff to residents. Hand Sanitizer is made available in more locations throughout our facility,” noted Brodziak.

She went onto say, “Our Activity Coordinator has reported increased participation in daily activities, and we will be providing extra activities to ensure mental health is addressed. Our goal is to keep our residents in the best health possible, physically and mentally.”

As well, Brodziak said they are striving to maintain a sense of calm in the facility. Staff are now offering Facetime sessions for its residents. Homestead Lodge currently has 60 residents, 10 full-time and 15 parttime employees.