Designated (Essential) Caregivers – Long-Term Care Only

A Designated (Essential) Caregiver is defined as a type of essential visitor who is designated by the resident and/or their Substitute Decision Maker (SDM) and is visiting to provide direct care to the resident (e.g., supporting feeding, mobility, personal hygiene, cognitive stimulation, communication, meaningful connection, relational continuity and assistance in decision making).

See below for details on how to identify yourself as a Designated Caregiver, requirements, and educational information.

Designated Caregiver Procedure:

To help keep our residents and patients safe during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there are certain rules we all must follow:

  • A resident or SDM can appoint four (4) caregiver(s) regardless of vaccination status. The SDM and/or resident/patient must provide the home in writing the rationale and identify the Designated Caregiver(s). This must be completed through the office of the Resident and Family Relations Advisor or delegate, to ensure an updated listing of all Designated Caregivers.
  • Before visiting any resident for the first time, the Designated Caregiver(s) will require training that addresses how to safely provide direct care, including putting on and taking off Personal Personal Equipment (PPE), physical distancing, hand hygiene and masking. All Designated Caregivers should participate in retraining monthly and as needed.
  • If you are feeling ill or unwell, please reschedule your visit. 
  • Designated Caregivers are recommended to wear a mask in the facility; but not required.
  • The health and safety of our resident/patient are of utmost importance, if you do not comply with the directives outlined by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care the visit may be suspended/discontinued.
  • In the event of an outbreak or if a resident/patient is self-isolating; Designated Caregivers are permitted but must visit one (1) at a time. Caregivers are encouraged to review PPE, public health measures, safety and expectations, available on our website or through the Resident and Family Relations Advisor. Other measures may be put into place i.e hours of visitation, the number of visitors in the home at one time. This will be reevaluated and communicated on an as-needed basis and guided by any public health recommendations.

There will be a zero-tolerance approach to non-adherence to public health and safety measures. Please be advised that your visitation will be suspended if there is an observed non-adherence.

  1. If non-adherence is observed, it may result in the suspension of your visit that day.
  2. A follow-up call/visit (where required) by Resident/Patient/Family Relations, to review expectations, provide education and advise of potential discontinuation/temporary suspension of visitation.
  3. Continued non-adherence would result in the suspension of the visitation.
  4. Any subsequent non-adherence would result in a temporary suspension.

Mandatory Educational Information for review by Designated Caregivers: (Please watch every month or more frequently)

Hand Hygiene

Masking

https://www.ontario.ca/page/face-coverings-and-face-masks

Cover your Cough

How to Physically Distance in Long-Term Care

To identify yourself as a Designated Caregiver, please contact: 

  • St. Joseph’s Villa, Long-Term Care Residents: Andrea Secord at 613-933-6040 ext. 22106

Resources for Caregivers

Social Relationships are Important for the Mental Health of People Living in Long-Term Care Homes

Boredom Busters

Policies:

COVID-19: Essential Visitors – Resident/Patient/Substitute Decision Maker Designated Caregivers – Long-Term Care