Clockwise from left: Lisa Rufo, the General Manager of Amica Riverside; Kari Sleiman, the General Manager of Seacliff Manor; Luke Gagnon, Food Services Manager, Chad Sweeney, Sous Chef, Keisha Martin-Rowe, Maitre D and Andrew Crow, General Manager of Chartwell St. Clair Beach.
Optimistic For The Future Three Retirement Homes Stay Safe During COVID-19 STORY BY MICHAEL SEGUIN
PERHAPS NO ONE WAS IN a more vulnerable position when the COVID19 pandemic entered our community than the residents in retirement homes. However, while horror stories abound about outbreaks and lockdowns, three local retirement homes were able to prevent transmission of the virus thanks to a combination of proactive decisions, stringent safety protocols and the dedication of their talented staff.
Amica Riverside
Chartwell St. Clair Beach Retirement Residence Chartwell Retirement Residences, like every other retirement home and long-term care facility, found themselves in a difficult position when the virus first hit. “Back in March, we experienced a lot of changes,” Andrew Crow, General Manager of Chartwell St. Clair Beach Retirement Residence, explains. “But Chartwell is the largest retirement company in Canada. So, we do have a lot of resources and a lot of structure like that.” Andrew’s home was able to adapt to these tumultuous circumstances by following directions from Chartwell head office and directions from the Canadian government. “We followed Directive 3, the instructions for longterm care homes,” Andrew states. “We received their directions and executed on them. For example, March 13th is when we realized we were in the pandemic.
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If you’ve cruised down Riverside Drive, you’ve likely passed Amica Riverside. With a stunning modern aesthetic facing the Peace Fountain on the river, Amica remains one of Windsor’s most elegant landmarks. When COVID-19 entered our lives back in March, Amica was quick to react. “From the onset of COVID-19, we have implemented several proactive measures at our residence to minimize the risk,” Lisa Rufo, the General Manager of Amica Riverside states. “From the start, our team members have been well-prepared, putting strong infection control protocols into place.” Amica maintained regular communication with local public health officials throughout the crisis. “We acted decisively from the start; quickly implementing visitor restrictions and screening, closing resident common areas and suspending group activities to mitigate the spread of the virus,” Lisa explains. Visitor restrictions remained in place until June 18th, 2020, when the Province of Ontario lifted its visitor restrictions for retirement residences. Amica continues to keep residents, team members and families informed about changes to government directives and their impact on Amica’s visiting procedures. “Residents are observed daily for typical and atypical signs and symptoms of COVID-19 or any other changes,” Lisa states. “Amica’s COVID-19 Command Taskforce meets daily to assess risk, review operations and procurement and plan for how to best protect our residents and team members from COVID-19 while ensuring residents continue to enjoy the best quality of life possible.” And while the future remains uncertain, Lisa and her team at Amica are committed to the safety and wellbeing of their residents. “It is very heartening to see residents safely using our commons spaces and visiting with their loved ones once again,” Lisa explains. “We are enjoying our return to normal activities and interactions and I feel positive and confident about the future at Amica Riverside.”
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