Retirement Home Summary Document (Mar 16)

COVID-19 Support for Retirement Homes
Discussion Forum – March 16, 2021

In an effort to support retirement homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, the East Toronto Family Practice Network (EasT-FPN), in collaboration with the Michael Garron Hospital (MGH), hosts a bi-weekly virtual retirement home discussion forum. The forum is intended to connect care leaders with Dr. Ruth Hussman to provide clinical & practice recommendations, information and resources. Join us bi-weekly to continue the discussion. Get additional clinical and practice support and help strengthen East Toronto, by becoming a member of the EasT-FPN.

Key Updates & Summary of Mar 16/2021 Discussion 

  • There has been a positive case from a variant of concern in a staff member at a retirement home who received the COVID-19 vaccine. The retirement home is following outbreak procedures and is taking precautionary measures. Although the majority of retirement home residents are vaccinated, they should continue to follow public health guidelines as we enter a third wave with the COVID-19 variants.

  • The number of seating per table in the dining section can increase from two people per table. It can increase with diligence and other Infection Prevention and Control measures such as screening and isolating as required.

  • Once there are a group of ten residents who are available to receive their missed dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, then vaccinations will be done. These residents do not need to be in the same retirement home.

  • If a retirement home staff missed their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine given in their retirement home or now wish to be vaccinated, the Retirement Home should contact Philip Anthony at MGH to coordinate.

  • Agency staff assigned to a retirement home such as Personal Support Workers and Physiotherapists are able to get vaccinated in phase 1. Health care workers in high-risk retirement homes are currently eligible to receive the vaccine and should book their vaccinations online.

  • The retirement home discussion forums will switch to meeting monthly on the second Tuesday of each month. The next meeting will be Tuesday April 13, 2021.

East Toronto Family Practice Network