12/24/2025
Update for Families on the Influenza Outbreak 2025
The Home remains closed due to the current influenza outbreak. However, compassionate visiting is being permitted over the holidays, with restrictions as previously outlined in the email below from Dec 18, masking, hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette and rescheduling your visit when feeling unwell.
If you are planning to take a resident out of the Home during the holidays, there is an increased risk of influenza transmission during social gatherings, even when residents or family members are not currently showing symptoms.
If you are considering taking a resident out of the Home:
• You may wish to keep the resident out of the Home until the outbreak has been declared over, if this is feasible.
• Encourage the resident and other in close contact with the resident to wear a mask.
• If a resident returns from a social outing, they will be placed on precautions for 72 hours. During this time:
o The resident will need to remain in their room and/or
o Wear a mask when in common areas of the Home e.g. hallways, lounges, dining rooms, activity rooms, and outside care stations.
o Keep their distance from other residents.
Please be mindful that children, older adults, and individuals who are immunocompromised are at higher risk of severe influenza illness. A reminder only 1 visitor at a time is permitted.
Visitors should not visit if they are unwell or experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, congestion, diarrhea or vomiting. Hand hygiene is essential, sanitize your hands upon entering and exiting and points in between the visit and wear a mask as directed.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the RN.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Please know that the Home has a responsibility to protect the health and safety of our residents, staff, you and the community, especially during the outbreak.
Please review the email below forwarded on Dec 18.
Thank you for your understanding and continued cooperation.
Email sent on Dec 18
Notice to Families/POAs
Unfortunately, the Home is currently closed to general visitors due to an influenza outbreak. This measure is necessary to protect our residents, staff, and the community. Influenza can spread quickly in congregate living settings and can cause serious complications for older adults and those with underlying health conditions.
We recognize how important it is for families to remain connected, especially during the holiday season. With this in mind, the Home is making limited allowances for visiting so that residents can continue to receive essential family support, while still prioritizing safety.
Compassionate visiting will be permitted for residents who are unwell or where there are exceptional circumstances. To ensure the safety of all residents and staff, the following infection prevention and control measures must be strictly followed during your visit:
• Do not visit if you are unwell or experiencing any of the following symptoms:
o Cold, cough, sniffles or runny nose
o Nasal congestion
o Fever
o Body aches or feeling generally unwell
o Gastrointestinal symptoms
• You must wear a mask at all times while in the Home.
• Hand hygiene is required upon entry, frequently during your visit, and when exiting the Home.
• Only visit your loved one; please do not visit or interact with other residents.
• Only one (1) visitor at a time is permitted in the resident’s room.
• Please keep visits brief to reduce the risk of transmission.
• It is strongly recommended that young children and individuals who are immunocompromised do not visit during the outbreak.
These precautions are essential to help contain the outbreak and protect those who are most vulnerable. By following these interventions, you are helping us:
• Reduce the spread of influenza within the Home
• Protect residents who are at high risk of severe illness
• Maintain adequate staffing levels so we can continue to provide safe, quality care
• Allow compassionate visiting to continue during the holidays
We sincerely appreciate your cooperation, understanding, and partnership during this challenging time. Your support plays a critical role in keeping our residents safe.
If you have any questions or require clarification, please contact the nursing team.
Thank you for your continued understanding and commitment to resident safety.
Have a healthy, safe and blessed Christmas Season!!!
