Information

April 17, 2024

Attention: Resident Family Members and Friends of Hillcrest Village Care Centre

Re: Spring COVID-19 Vaccine, Hot Weather, Cable Rate, Rent Subsidy

Spring COVID-19 Vaccine – to be administered in early May

The Ministry of Health (MOH) recently updates the COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance, in alignment with the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), individuals who are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 may receive an additional dose of an XBB COVID-19 vaccine in spring 2024. The Ontario spring COVID-19 vaccine campaign will run from April to June 2024. the Ministry of Health is recommending that the following individuals receive and additional dose this spring:

• Adults 65 years of age and older
• Adult residents of long-term care homes and other congregate living settings for seniors
• Individuals 6 months and age and older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised (due to an underlying condition or treatment)
• Individuals 55 years and older who identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Metis and their non-indigenous household members who are 55 years and older.

Receiving a COVID-10 vaccine in spring 2024 is particularly important for individuals at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 who did not receive a dose during the fall 2023 program. Eligible individuals may receive an XBB COVID-19 vaccine in spring 2024 if it has been the recommended 6 months (minimum 3 Months) from their previous COID-19 vaccine dose or known SARS-CoV-2 infection.

All others individuals are not currently recommended to receive a COVID-19 vaccine does in spring 2024 and should wait until further MOH recommendations. This includes individuals who are not at higher risk of sever illness from COVID-19 who did not receive an XBB COVID-10 vaccine in fall 2023, unless they are specifically recommended to receive a dose by their health care provider.

Application for Rent Reduction (Basic Accommodation)

For those Residents in a Shared/Basic room, please submit a copy of their 2023 Notice of Assessment or 2023 Tax Summary from their completed tax return before July 1^st to reapply for the rent subsidy. For more information, please contact Monique in the Finance Office at ext. 245. Forms can be mailed, faxed to 705-525-5656, or emailed to mtorraville@hvcc.ca.

Cable Rate Increase

Effective June 21, 2024, HealthHub will be increasing the monthly rate for cable television service. The new resident cable rate will be $62.60 plus tax. To add or cancel this service please contact Monique Torraville at ext. 245 or mtorraville@hvcc.ca.

Reminder - Alzheimer's Education Session

Join us on Monday, May 13^th at 2pm for a family education session by Alyssa Periera from the Alzheimer’s Society. She will offer strategies to help understand and manage someone with Alzheimer’s or Dementia. Please RSVP to Monique Torraville 705-526-3781 ext. 245 or mtorraville@hvcc.ca.

FAMILY TIPS FOR (LTCH) RESIDENT OUTINGS DURING HOT WEATHER

Families who take LTCH residents out on activities during the summer months are strongly encouraged to take extra care and pay close attention. The signs and symptoms of heat related illness can occur suddenly with little or no warning. While the following tips are general in nature, families are always encouraged to check with a physician regarding any special resident fluid restrictions, diet needs, medication or other issues that may interfere with a resident’s ability to tolerate heat.

WARM WEATHER

Clothing: A LTCH resident should wear loose, lightweight, light-coloured clothing. A wide brimmed hat will help protect the head and face and sunglasses will help protect the eyes.

Nourishments: Frequent, smaller meals may be more easily tolerated during hot weather. Encourage fluids as appropriate to avoid dehydration. Between meals, frequently offer cool fluids like water, fruit juices and electrolyte replacement drinks. Other hydrating/cooling choices for snacks may

include frozen popsicles, juice bars, ice cream, sherbet and watermelon. Alcohol may cause dehydration and should be avoided.

Physical Activity: Keep physical activity to a minimum. Encourage rest even if the individual does not indicate being tired. Attempt to stay indoors during the warmest part of the day, between 11:00AM and 4:00PM.

Skin Protections: Ensure that individuals are kept out of direct sunlight. Sunscreen should always be applied and reapplied. Whether in the sun or shade, residents may be susceptible to sunburn.

Staying Cool: With safety in mind, use a battery powered or hand-held fan to provide some breeze during warm weather. Keep cool cloths handy to apply to the face, neck, and arms. Cloths can be wrapped around ice cubes for quick cooling and a small water spray mist bottle can help cool

Individuals rapidly.

SEVERE / HOT WEATHER

In addition, family should ensure that transportation and destinations are air-conditioned or consider cancelling outings. It is important to look for the following signs and symptoms of hot weather related illness:

Ask if they Have/Feel

• Shortness of breath
• Palpitation, throbbing headache
• Muscle cramps, extreme weakness
• Nausea, dizziness, light headedness
• Feeling faint, tingling in hands or feet

Look For

• Shortness of Breath
• Hot dry skin, flushed skin
• Confusion
• Lack of co-ordination
• Unusual swelling of feet and/or ankles
  

If residents experience or families suspect any signs or symptoms of hot weather-related illness, quickly provide the individual with a shaded/air-conditioned environment and rapidly cool them down with wet cloths or water baths. Get emergency medical assistance immediately.

In addition, when returning the resident to their LTCH, report to the appropriate staff how the resident tolerated the heat and activity, including how much fluid the resident drank as well as any concerns relating to the general health and wellbeing of the resident.

Please share this information with other family members who may not be on our distribution list. If you have any questions, please reach out by email to Reception@hvcc.ca or call us at 705-526-3781.

Jonathan Ens

Administrator