Christenson Group of Companies COVID-19 Announcements & Updates

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Update: May 3, 2021

Creating Safer Communities

Have peace of mind knowing that the majority of our residents and staff have been vaccinated at all our communities across the province. This means the beginning of life retuning back too normal and allowing for social indoor visitation with friends and loved ones.

Letter from the Chief Medical Officer

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Update: February 25, 2021

COVID-19 Variants of Concern (VOC)

Chief Medical Officer of Health Deena Hinshaw's message to all licensed supportive living, long-term care and hospice operators regarding COVID-19 Variant of Concern Outbreak Protocol.

Letter from the Chief Medical Officer

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Update: January 13, 2021

COVID-19 Vaccination Schedule

Christenson Communities prioritizes the health of all residents living in our facilities regardless of age or care plan and we want to acknowledge your concerns regarding the current vaccination schedule for COVID-19.

Letter from the President

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Update: December 21, 2020

Vaccine Roll-Out

The COVID-19 vaccine will begin to roll-out in Alberta this week! Resident and staff numbers were provided to AHS this week. Alberta Health is responsible for COVID-19 vaccine policy setting, purchase and allocation of the vaccine. The AHS is responsible for administering the COVID-19 vaccine as part of the provincial immunization program. All LTC and DSL/PSL staff and residents will be among the Phase 1 priority groups to receive the vaccine.

We will try to keep you informed as decisions are made and information is available.

More information on vaccine roll-out is available at the link below:

Vaccine Roll-Out

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Update: December 16, 2020

Caregivers Alberta

There is increasing stress in our family caregivers. The Caregiver Support Community is a virtual program that aims to empower caregivers well-being by providing a supportive group where they can connect with other caregivers, have open conversations about the ups and downs of caregiving, and learn about topics relevant to caregivers. Caregivers Alberta has ramped up their services for support. The link below will take you to their electronic referral form that you can use to make referrals for caregiver support.

Download the referral form using the link below:

Referral Form

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Update: December 10, 2020

Overnight Visits

Alberta declared a State of Public Health Emergency to protect the health care system from COVID-19. Social gatherings are the top source of transmission. New provincial guidelines announced on December 8, 2020 and in effect until January 12, 2021 include the below mandatory legally enforced guidelines:

• All indoor and outdoor social gatherings, both public and private, are prohibited
• Close contacts are limited to household members only
• People who live alone can have up to 2 close contacts
• Must be the same two contacts throughout the duration of the restriction
• If the close contacts do not live alone, visits cannot be held at their home
• Single parents who only live with their children under 18 are permitted to have up to 2 close contacts

In addition to the above provincial mandate, residents will be required to self-isolate for 14 days after they return from any overnight visits outside of their home. This is an enhanced precaution to protect our residents and staff that will be revisited as/if the provincial guidelines adjust on January 12, 2021.

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Update: October 23, 2020

Move-In Protocols: Independent Residents

All Independent Living residents who move into a Christenson Community are to have an asymptomatic COVID-19 test done upon to move in. Isolation requirement is based on risk assessment criteria of that specified site. Based on the findings the below measures will be followed:

• Low Risk: Twice daily symptom checks for 14 days
• Medium Risk: Continuous use of a mask for 14 days while out of resident room
• High Risk: Quarantine for 14 days

The existing model will be subject to change, pending mandates set by Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer. The Executive Director of each community may modify the move in protocol to comply accordingly and determine logistics of move in’s (elevator access, door access, etc.) as this will remain tailored to each sites operations.

We continue to work together as a team to ensure new residents and their families feel safe and supported when making the transition into one of our communities.

Pooja Gandhi

Chief Operating Officer, Christenson Communities

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Update: October 5, 2020

Visitations May Be Limited

Our communities continue to have protocols in place to ensure resident, family, and staff safety. Visitations may be limited as per any current orders by the Chief Medical Officer of Health.

Call (780) 784-1444 or email us at covid19response@cdlhomes.com for more information.

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Update: June 18, 2020

Only Designated Essential Visitors Permitted On-Site

All visitors must pre-arrange their visitation with the Executive Director. Only designated essential visitors are allowed on-site at this time. An essential visitor is a person required for the care of the resident due to care needs not being met without their assistance.

There may be circumstances where not all visitors are able to be accommodated, even if otherwise permitted by AHS guidance. Each essential visitor will be subject to daily screening and will undergo teaching on the proper use of personal protective equipment (masks).

Following Order 10, congregated senior sites are strongly encouraged to follow the same orders as a Long Term Care Facilities because there is an increased risk to the vulnerable residents that may reside on site. Some off site activities may be restricted until Order 10 is lifted (Golfing, visits with friends, non- medical appointments, etc.).

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Update: April 3, 2020

No Visitors Permitted On-Site At This Time

Our communities have protocols in place to ensure resident and staff safety. During these uncertain times our valued residents are required to stay in the community to ensure the health and safety of themselves and our staff for the duration of this emergency. Families and residents can have peace of mind knowing that all health care and meal service staff will be permitted to work at ONE SPECIFIED SITE ONLY to help prevent the spread of COVID 19.

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COVID-19 Key Messages - March 13, 2020

Christenson Group of Companies is taking the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus extremely seriously. Only essential visitors are permitted on-site.

Community is at the heart of our all our operations. Our number one priority is to protect the health and safety of our residents, their families, and our staff.

• We are committed to taking proactive measures to prevent the spread of the virus in our residences and taking all necessary precautions.
• We are following the guidelines of Alberta Health and Alberta Health Services regarding public health restrictions and preventative actions.
• We are in the process of developing a plan of action in the event of a confirmed case of COVID-19 among any of our staff members or within any of our communities.

As of March 13, 2020, we have implemented the following preventative measures within our communities:

• We have directed all residents to avoid any visitors to their personal residences until further notice, unless in extreme or necessary circumstances.
• We have implemented on-sight temperature screening of staff, residents, and suppliers entering our facilities.
• Through the screening process we will request that any visitor or guest with a temperature above 37 degrees, or any person who has undergone recent international travel, be asked to avoid the property.

In terms of our dedicated care team members we have directed that:

• All care staff returning from international travel self-isolate for two weeks, during which time the staff will receive their full wages.

We will continue to actively monitor the situation, and we will update residents, families and community stakeholders accordingly.

Thank you all for your patience and cooperation during this difficult and unknown time.

Call (780) 784-1444 or email us at covid19response@cdlhomes.com for more information.

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Promoting Safer Conditions

Christenson Group of Companies have come together to create a pilot project at our new Village at Westmount location. This nasal disinfectant kills and reduces germs, viruses, and bacteria in nasal passages which promote safer conditions for our residents and staff.

Watch the Global TV video and read the story on line at Global News.

Watch the VideoAt Global News