Frequently Asked Questions 

What are the current Visitation Ban restrictions at BSF Manors?

• BSF has implemented a ban on all non-essential visitors at our Manors, due to precaution for COVID-19 and the safety of our residents, based on medical advice and emerging and evolving best practices.
• This visitation ban has been in effect since 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 15, and doors to our sites will remain locked to all non-essential visitors until further notice.​
• BSF identifies ‘Essential Visitors’ based on compassionate reasons to include those who have a resident that is at end-of-life, or facing an exceptional personal circumstance (at the discretion of the Administrator at your Manor).
• No other visitors are permitted to enter our sites at present. Instead we ask you to keep in touch with loved ones by phone or other video-calling technologies (see information on Virtual Visits).
• It is important to note that Alberta's public health guidelines for visitation to Long Term Care and Continuing  Care sites are the minimum guidelines. BSF has implemented restrictions that are over and above the minimum guidelines at this time, in the interest of the safety of our residents.

How long will the visitation ban be in place?

• At this point in time all we can say is ‘until further notice.’
• We appreciate your patience and understanding at this time of uncertainty.
• We continue to closely monitor the public health guidelines and the advice from our medical directors.
• Any changes to the visitation ban will be communicated at that time.

What are the Entry Screening requirements to enter BSF Manors?

• Active screening is taking place at a single entrance point for ALL employees and anyone considered an essential visitor who is entering our Manors.
• Screening for everyone includes a temperature check for fever plus travel, illness or risk-related screening questions.
• The Brenda Strafford Foundation has a zero-tolerance policy to screening, and anyone that does not pass the screening criteria does not enter the site.

How can I do a ‘Virtual Visit’ or a 'Window Visit' with residents?

• We know how important it is for you to stay connected with your loved ones, especially during these challenging and stressful times.
• That is why we are using and deploying technology for virtual visits to help you to keep in touch, while in-person visitation is restricted. Extra iPads are now available at all of our Manors to help facilitate virtual visiting with residents using video-conferencing technology such as Skype, Zoom or FaceTime.
• We also encourage families and visitors to drop by for a 'window visit,' where your loved one can see you through the window and talk to you on the phone at the same time. If this is difficult based on the location of your loved ones suite, our staff can help to get your loved one to a lobby window or somewhere that is accessible for a window visit. Please ensure that you are practicing all social distancing guidelines if you drop-by for a window visit. 
• For help facilitating a virtual visit or window visit please contact the Recreation Department at your Manor to make arrangements (Bow View Manor Recreation: 403.444.7202, Clifton Manor Recreation: 587.952.6038, Tudor Manor Recreation: 403.995.6811, Wentworth Manor Recreation: 403.686.8607).

Can I still bring in food or supplies to my loved one even though I can’t visit?

• In the best interests for the health and safety of all residents, in order to prevent the occurrence of COVID-19 (or any other illness) inside our Manors, we continue to ask families and loved ones to please not bring any unnecessary food or other supplies to residents at this time until further notice.
• This measure is to reduce all unnecessary visits to our Manors, and ensure we can maintain the highest standards of Infection Prevention and Control within our sites by reducing the potential of exposure to contaminated surfaces on containers and packaging.  
• However, we do understand that this restriction can have a significant impact on the quality of life for our residents (especially those with particular dietary requirements or preferences that are supported by families who provide special foods).
• In special cases, where it is considered essential for the well-being of residents, food and other necessary supplies or care package items may be delivered to residents upon the following conditions:
  • Food or supplies are to be delivered for drop-off at reception (visitors will not be permitted entry to the site beyond reception to visit and deliver their items directly to residents)
  • Food prepared from home may be brought in (not food from restaurants as that has a higher-risk of contamination)
  • Food or items must be stored/sealed in containers that can be sanitized (if food is required to be hot it should be contained in a thermos/insulated container)
  • Deliveries should be made to reception with all items inside a cardboard box that is clearly labelled (the contents will be inspected and sanitized before it is delivered to the room)
  • Food may only be stored and served/eaten in the residents room (consumption of outside food will not be allowed in common areas) and may not be heated using site microwaves/ovens.
• Your judgement on the essential nature of a food or supply delivery, and your cooperation and understanding in this matter is greatly appreciated.
• If you have a concern about your personal situation and the supply of essential food or other necessary items for your loved one, please contact the site leadership at your Manor.

What if I usually do my loved ones laundry at home?

• Until further notice, arrangements will automatically be made for all residents’ laundry to be done within our Manors by our Housekeeping and Laundry services.
• This measure is to reduce all unnecessary visits to our Manors for the pick-up/drop-off of laundry, and to ensure we can maintain the highest standards of Infection Prevention and Control within our sites.

How has dining been affected and what changes have been made to meal times?

• Our dining services are modified to ensure social distancing measures at meal times, but our kitchen and dietary teams are working hard to ensure that meals and meal times remain an enjoyable and safe experience for residents.
• Any self-service (such as the cereal breakfast buffet) has been discontinued at present.
• We have minimized the group size of residents in the dining room at one time and tables are restricted to a maximum of two residents per table to ensure social distancing of residents. In some cases this means that different meal seating times have been introduced, and/or meal times are staggered to accommodate dining in smaller groups.
• All tables are free of 'high touch' items such as condiment baskets, flowers, water pitchers, salt and pepper shakers. Single service packets are provided to residents and/or staff are assisting with providing items to residents using strict hygiene standards during service.

• Heightened cleaning and disinfecting is taking place for all tables , chairs, carts, trays  and items used for food service.

How is BSF ensuring the delivery of appropriate therapeutic recreation and life enrichment activities for residents?

• Social distancing doesn’t mean isolation – while we are taking necessary and proactive measures to safeguard the health of our residents and employees, we are also taking extra measures to ensure we continue to fulfil our mission to optimize well-being and enrich people’s lives.
• We are modifying our Therapeutic Recreation activities to continue to engage residents in different ways, while keeping ‘social distancing’ and enhanced Infection Prevention and Control measures front of mind. Examples include:
  • Pop-up recreation programming is keeping our activities on the neighbourhoods (instead of in larger activity rooms) and ensuring activities are facilitated in small groups.
  • We are limiting the equipment used in our small group programming to lessen the potential for contact of shared high-touch surfaces.
  • For small group or individual activities, equipment that is used is frequently sanitized between use (such as our goggles and devices that are used for Virtual Reality).​​
  • Ensuring there is still a mixture of physical and fitness programs to keep residents moving, and cognitive programs such as trivia games that keep residents mentally stimulated and engaged.
  • Our team members are spending quality time with residents during 1:1 individual visits.

What is BSF doing to support Restorative Care for residents?

• Residents with rehabilitation goals continue to be supported to make progress or maintain their mobility abilities.
• While restorative care’s large group classes have been cancelled to support social distancing in our programs, the team is getting out and about on the neighbourhoods to facilitate small group classes, with a ratio of one staff to four residents.
• Walking programs continue on the neighbourhoods, as well as individual strengthening programs.
• The department continues to address equipment needs with site-owned equipment, but have currently put a hold on ordering new wheelchairs and equipment unless it is necessary.

Can I take my loved one out of the site temporarily on an outing, or to say at home for the time being?

• All non-essential resident outings are restricted at this time with the exception of medical appointments that are considered necessary (in consultation with the physician and care team), or in exceptional circumstances for compassionate reasons (in consultation with the Manor Administrator).
• Any resident returning to the Manor (from an essential appointment or exceptional circumstance) will be screened upon their return, and may be required to have enhanced monitoring or quarantine measures if necessary.
• If you choose to take a loved one out of our Manors to stay with you in your home at this time, it is important that you are aware of the following considerations: 
  • What is your ability to limit your loved ones risk of exposure in the community? 
  • What is your ability to care for loved ones specific health and wellness needs? 
  • If you voluntarily take your loved one home, there is a risk they will likely not be able to return to the Manor at a time of your choosing.
• Alberta Health Services have issued the following guidance should family members wish to take a resident home to care for them during an outbreak:
  • It is strongly recommended that families understand the resident’s care requirements and have any supplies/equipment in place.
  • This decision should be made in conjunction with the residents care team, physician, at-home supports, AHS Home Care (if applicable) and any alternate decision maker (as applicable).
  • AHS Home Care is limited in capacity due to COVID-19 pandemic preparations and may be unable to provide services.
  • Residents will not be re-admitted while the facility is in any level of outbreak. Facilities may be in outbreak for extended periods of time (i.e. weeks to months).
  • Families must understand they will be responsible for the care of the resident (and any additional costs incurred) until the facility is able to re-admit the client.

Who can you contact if you have any questions or concerns about the situation or precautions at BSF Manors?

• Should you have any questions or concerns, please continue to contact the main reception or your regular primary point of contact at your Manor.
• We also welcome you to contact the Director of Nursing or the Administrator at your Manor to discuss any exceptional concerns or circumstances that you might have.