COVID-19 precautions and prevention continue to be our main focus along with keeping our Elders and staff safe. Kinsmen Lodge remains COVID-19 free due to the hard work and commitment of the staff from every department. We are diligent in our daily screening of Elders, staff and visitors and maintain strict adherence to best infection control practices and standards. As you are most likely aware, there has been a recent surge and record highs in the daily number of positive cases in the community and more outbreaks in LTC homes. Thankfully, BC is faring much better compared to other provinces under the leadership of PHO, Dr. Bonnie Henry, and MOH, Adrian Dix. However, this most likely means that we will not receive the green light to expand our visitation protocols so that more family and friends can visit onsite. While many are saddened by the need for such strict visitation restrictions, all can agree that keeping our vulnerable Elders and those at risk for the infection as safe as possible must remain our top priority, no matter how difficult a sacrifice it may be on the heart. The Office of the Seniors Advocate compiled the results of a survey some of you may have completed in August/September and their recommendations will be released on November 3rd.
Kinsmen Lodge has been posting a quarterly update in the local Surrey Now-Leader newspaper to share information, thank our donors and ensure our partners in care know how much we appreciate their support. KL has also been successfully applying for grants. We want to recognize the BC Care Providers Association and the Vancouver Canucks who helped us fund two Visitation Monitors thus ensuring some of their event staff did not lose their jobs and income when the stadium closed due to COVID-19.
You may have noticed that one of our (very pregnant) Care Aides from Green Timbers, Jenn Harris, also helped with Elder and family social visitations. She happily delivered a baby boy, Lennon Adam, on October 11th, one day after she started her maternity leave. Baby, Mom and Dad are all doing very well.
Halloween celebrations were quite different this year, but the spirit of fun still prevailed as Elders and staff dressed up in fun costumes on October 31st with prizes, pumpkin painting and more! Photos can be found on our social media. All was very Spooktacular!
November is a time to reflect and demonstrate our appreciation for all of our veterans. At Kinsmen Lodge we have veterans who served during WWII, the Korean War, Afghanistan and as peacekeepers. We also have veterans of the Red Cross who provided much needed emotional support and supplies to those in need. Due to COVID-19 precautions, Kinsmen Lodge will not have our usual onsite ceremony which has always been hosted by our valued donor, Whalley Legion #229. Instead, we will set up the neighbourhood TV’s to watch the ceremonies held in Ottawa and Surrey at 11 AM on November 11th. No matter how we honour our veterans, we will never forget how much they sacrificed for the quality of our lives today…
WE REMEMBER