December 1, 2018
It’s time for flu season and we are working together to prevent the spread of flu!
Once again, Fraser Health will be implementing its Influenza Control Program Policy. This policy requires that all STAFF and VISITORS who have not received a flu shot, are required to wear a surgical mask when they are in resident care areas. This means any area within Menno Home, Hospital and the Terraces that is accessible to the residents who live here.
Masks are available at the Nursing desks on each unit and at the front entrances.
Your participation for the health and safety of our residents will be required and greatly appreciated.
Who is at greatest risk?
The risk of complications is greater for seniors 65 years and older, very young children, and people who have lung or heart diseases, certain chronic health problems, or weakened immune systems.
As reported on CBC, this year’s dominant flu strain is more powerful than last year. It is a strain of H3N2 and it causes more hospitalizations and deaths than any other strain of flu. 80% of all flu-related deaths can be traced back to this particular strain of flu – of which 70% of those who die of the flu are elderly. Lead researchers for the BC Centre for Disease Control say that this vaccine is a good match with this year’s strain of H3N2 and will be effective in helping to prevent the spread of the disease and in building up resistance to this strain of the flu.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/flu-strain-stronger-earlier-this-year-warns-b-c-centre-for-disease-control-1.3821890
It is especially important with this flu strain that we do all that we are able to prevent the transmission of flu among the seniors whom we love.
At Menno Place, we are vigilant about preventing the flu from spreading. Our staff follow the Fraser Health Influenza policy from Fraser Health. They have either reported (shown evidence) of their flu immunization or wear a mask in areas where they are in contact with residents.
What is expected of families and visitors?
Families and visitors can be vigilant about preventing the spread of the flu by following these basic practices:
- Get a flu shot to reduce your chance of getting and spreading the flu.
- Wear a mask when you are in resident areas. This is required.
- Wash your hands. Frequent hand washing can reduce the risk of all respiratory infections.
- Cover your cough. You can also reduce the spread of germs by practising safe coughing and sneezing techniques.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth.
- Stay at home. Anybody who thinks they have an influenza-like illness (ie: fever and cough) should remain at home and limit exposure to others. Don’t bring your germs for a visit.
Resources
Facts about Gastrointestinal Illness (Stomach Flu)
Facts about Influenza
Is it a Cold or Influenza?
Prayer for you and yours – Menno Place Prayer Team will pray for you
/in Pastoral CareFlu shot or mask – those are the two choices for visitors…
/in Family and FriendsDecember 1, 2018
It’s time for flu season and we are working together to prevent the spread of flu!
Once again, Fraser Health will be implementing its Influenza Control Program Policy. This policy requires that all STAFF and VISITORS who have not received a flu shot, are required to wear a surgical mask when they are in resident care areas. This means any area within Menno Home, Hospital and the Terraces that is accessible to the residents who live here.
Masks are available at the Nursing desks on each unit and at the front entrances.
Your participation for the health and safety of our residents will be required and greatly appreciated.
Who is at greatest risk?
The risk of complications is greater for seniors 65 years and older, very young children, and people who have lung or heart diseases, certain chronic health problems, or weakened immune systems.
As reported on CBC, this year’s dominant flu strain is more powerful than last year. It is a strain of H3N2 and it causes more hospitalizations and deaths than any other strain of flu. 80% of all flu-related deaths can be traced back to this particular strain of flu – of which 70% of those who die of the flu are elderly. Lead researchers for the BC Centre for Disease Control say that this vaccine is a good match with this year’s strain of H3N2 and will be effective in helping to prevent the spread of the disease and in building up resistance to this strain of the flu.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/flu-strain-stronger-earlier-this-year-warns-b-c-centre-for-disease-control-1.3821890
It is especially important with this flu strain that we do all that we are able to prevent the transmission of flu among the seniors whom we love.
At Menno Place, we are vigilant about preventing the flu from spreading. Our staff follow the Fraser Health Influenza policy from Fraser Health. They have either reported (shown evidence) of their flu immunization or wear a mask in areas where they are in contact with residents.
What is expected of families and visitors?
Families and visitors can be vigilant about preventing the spread of the flu by following these basic practices:
Resources
Facts about Gastrointestinal Illness (Stomach Flu)
Facts about Influenza
Is it a Cold or Influenza?
You’re Invited: Family Support Group
/in Family and FriendsApartments: December Events/Highlights for the Month
/in Family and FriendsSome highlights from our October Recreation Calendars around Menno Place!
Home & Hospital: December Events/Highlights for the Month
/in Family and FriendsSome highlights from our October Recreation Calendars around Menno Place!
Accredited with the highest possible standing by Accreditation Canada
/in How Are We Doing?Accreditation Canada has issued its formal decision letter congratulating Menno Place for achiving Accreditation with Exemplary Standing – the highest possible designation for an accredited organization.
Every four years, a team of Accreditation Canada surveyors are invited to Menno Home and Menno Hospital to evaluate every area of our care for seniors, including quality, safety and efficiency. Based on the site visit in October, Accreditation Canada has stated that Menno Home and Hospital have exceeded 99.2% of the Accreditation standards.
The on-site Accreditation survey team was impressed with the partnership Menno Place has with the Enhanced Residential Care Program (ERCP) that is a partnership with the Abbotsford Division of Family Practice. They also observed how we are working on enhancing our behavioural and psychologica symptoms of dementia programming to ensure that care is aligned with leading practices.
We were commended on our focus on resident and family centered care that involves working collaboratively with residents and their families to provide care and service that is respectful, compassionate, culturally safe, and competent while being response to the resident and family’s needs, values, cultural backgrounds, beliefs and preferences.
The Accreditation survey team was impressed with the way we care for seniors at the end of their lives, offering compassionate palliative care and symptom management. They noted our special way of saying “good-bye” with the Passing Quilts and our meaningful Butterfly Release celebration.
Accreditation with Exemplary Standing is an excellent achievement and a clear measure of the work we do every day here at Menno Place.
Congratulations to the Mennonite Benevolent Society Board, the Leadership Team, the Staff, the Therapuetic Staff, Physicians and the Volunteers for the tremendous amount of work that is done each day to ensure that residents and their families receive the highest possible quality of care and life, every day.
Book Review – A Vision for the Aging Church; Renewing Ministry for and by Seniors
/in Articles, seniors-interestWe’ve started a series of book reviews – all about books on aging! This month, Barrie McMaster reviews a book written for the aging church. Read the review here…
Help Us Fight The Flu
/in Family and FriendsThe Great Canadian Mobility Challenge!
/in Family and FriendsConcert in Care – November 6th
/in Family and Friends