FAQs – I have a loved one in a Parkland Retirement Living / Lifestyle Residences community

At Parkland, our top priority is providing peace of mind to residents and families and a safe place to work for team members. In line with recommendations made by federal and provincial health experts related to COVID-19, we have now closed our communities to all visitors, with only limited exceptions. Our direction is based on information from the World Health Organization, Public Health Agency of Canada and provincial Public health bodies.

During these uncertain times, we want to reassure families that their loved ones are being served, supported and cared for in a safe environment. We are committed to keeping you well informed and prepared during this evolving situation. To make sure that residents, families, team members and volunteers are up to date on our processes, we have compiled the following list of frequently asked questions. 

General information about COVID-19

Q: Is it safe to be living at a Parkland Retirement Living community?

Yes. Shannex has a Pandemic Plan representing our organization in all provinces and service lines and is in accordance with health and safety legislation. Our plan informs our communications and actions for team members and residents to ensure the safety of our communities. If you have any questions, please talk to your Site Management. 

Q: Can friends and family visit me?

At this time, in compliance with Public Health directives, we have processes in place to safely accommodate visits at all of our Shannex, Parkland and Faubourg communities in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Ontario. Please contact a member of the management team at your location for more details about how to schedule a visit with your loved one.

Q: As a resident who has been travelling, can I return home?

Yes. However, all travellers arriving in Canada from international points as of March 13, 2020 must self-quarantine and self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days after returning to Canada. 

Also, all residents living in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick arriving from another province must also self-quarantine and self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days after returning from their travels. 

Please let your Site Manager know when you arrive back from your travels and if you would like a member of our Health Services team to help you with monitoring for symptoms. If you develop symptoms, you must make a member of the Shannex/Parkland/Faubourg health care team aware and contact Public Health or 811 for further direction. 

Q: Can residents leave Parkland? 

We strongly recommend that independent residents who leave the building do so only for absolute essential needs. Should residents leave our communities, they will be actively screened immediately upon returning the building. Many essential food items such as milk, eggs and bread are available in Parkland’s production kitchens upon request. 

Q: Will external care providers be allowed to enter the building?  

External essential care providers will follow the same protocols as Parkland employees.  

Q: Are essential services continuing to be offered to my loved one?

Yes, rest assured that all essential services for our residents, including the administration of medications will be continued during this challenging situation. 

Q: Are recreation and activities still taking place at Parkland? 

We know it is important that residents stay physically and mentally active and well, which is why many come to live with us. With the current state of this pandemic, large group activities have been cancelled as we are promoting social distancing. However, smaller group activities will continue. Our recreation teams are working closely with residents to ensure they have access to engaging activities, including: 

• Skype calls with families 
• Resident activity books 
• In-suite exercises 
• Posting movie times for residents to enjoy entertainment in their suites 

There are many volunteer-led activities at Parkland and volunteers are a great support for residents. However, in line with recommendations from leading health officials, we have made the decision to close our communities to all visitors, including volunteers.  

Q: Can I make arrangements to drop-off supplies to my loved one?

As part of our evolving response, we monitor and control deliveries closely to ensure we are following best infection control practices and protecting residents and team members. For details about how to arrange a delivery at your location, please contact a member of the management team.

Q: I sometimes do laundry for my loved one at Parkland. Can I bring their laundry in with other essentials? 

At this time, we will not be allowing soiled laundry to go in and out of the building. Parkland will work with residents and families to ensure they have access to services such as personal laundry.