Augustine House on Ladner’s Arthur Drive is working to make life easier for its residents and their visitors all while safeguarding against COVID-19.
Some things Augustine House has done to continue social visiting for residents is the creation of an indoor visiting area inside the building’s east entrance, complete with barriers and comfortable chairs.
Additionally, outdoor heaters have been ordered to allow outdoor visits to continue through the winter months as outdoor visits continue to be the safest way to interact with others.
The retirement home asks that visitors remember when they come onsite to be screened for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 to wear a mask and maintain physical distance.
Jackie Reiners, executive director of Augustine House says a greater number of residents are being served in the dining room for lunch and for dinner.
“This has been received very positively by residents and staff alike,” Reiners said. “It is lovely seeing friends visiting over their meals, appropriately distanced of course. We encourage residents to come to meals as invited, but this remains their choice.”
Other activities such as exercises, word games, social hours and trivia continue to be popular among the residents. Exercise programming has been increased to ensure everyone who wishes to attend are able to.
“We are also hoping to reintroduce yoga in the near future,” Reiners said. “It is important to ensure we keep moving as we move into the cooler weather.”
Reiners stressed to potential visitors that if they are feeling unwell in any way, to postpone their visit until they are well.
