Yes, SIMCOE SENIOR SERVICES is available to provide safe care to seniors during COVID19.

You have heard an overwhelming amount of information in the news about the Novel Coronavirus, called COVID-19, as the growth of this virus rises in throughout the world. As a company dedicated to compassionate care, Simcoe Senior Services Inc. has been actively monitoring the progression of the virus and following guidance from the Canadian Public Health Agency.

The elderly and people with underlying medical conditions are most at risk of serious infection from COVID-19. Home remains the safest place for your senior loved one. The virus spreads quickly in larger group or public settings. Limiting outside contact will reduce the risk of contracting the virus. You can reduce the risk for seniors further by limiting visitors to the home to only caregivers.

How can SIMCOE SENIOR SERVICES help seniors during COVID19 social distancing and self-isolation?

  • We have very strict COVID19 protocols in place at Simcoe Senior Services. In order to minimize your loved ones’ risk of exposure to COVID19, we take every step available and adhere to recommendations of the Public Health Agency of Canada.
  • We are available to provide many forms of care to seniors, including:
    • Grocery shopping, meal planning and meal preparation;
    • Companionship
    • Memory care
    • Cleaning - with special attention to high touch areas
    • Household tasks including pet care
    • Assistance with Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living
    • Other errands as necessary.

Human coronaviruses cause infections of the nose, throat and lungs. They are most frequently spread from an infected person through:

  • Respiratory droplets generated when you cough or sneeze;
  • Close personal contact, such as shaking hands or touching;
  • Touching something with the virus on it, and then touching your face mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands.

There is no vaccine for COVID-19 nor are any natural health products recognized that will protect against it.

Because this is the primary population that we serve, we understand you may have concerns. For that reason, we want to share with you how Simcoe Senior Services is responding to the threat of COVID-19.

We continue to monitor the number of cases in your community. We remain vigilant about our need to help protect our staff and clients from illness be it COVID-19, the flu, or any other communicable disease.

The following are some of the protocols and procedures we have in place.

  • Our PSWs will not be caring for those who exhibit symptoms of or have been tested positive for the virus as a safekeeping measure for themselves and for their other clients and families.
  • Our PSWs have an established protocol to stay home if they are ill with any sickness so as to not infect any of our clients or their family members.
  • Our PSWs follow strict hygiene procedures as directed by the Public Health Agency of Canada, including vigorous and frequent handwashing with soap and water, use of sanitizing gels where available (with 70% alcohol level or higher), use of disinfectant wipes if available to frequently wipe down surfaces, proper coughing and sneezing techniques, disposal of any items that may have virus or bacteria.
  • If any of our staff or their clients should show signs of COVID-19, we will report, isolate and quarantine, as necessary, abiding by federal and local guidelines.
  • If family members living in the same home as any of our staff test positive for COVID-19, our staff will not be caring for you or your loved one.
  • Masks have not been deemed effective for COVID-19 control for healthy individuals. As such, we will not be using masks during our care of you or your loved ones.

What You Can Do to Protect Yourself and Your Senior Family Members

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, including under the nails. Learn proper handwashing protocol. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 70% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
  • Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, or mouth as these are entry points for the virus.
  • Avoid all contact with people who are sick. Stay at home and away from others if you are feeling ill.
  • Limit the number of people visiting the senior. If you have not practiced strict social distancing, do not visit your senior loved one.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
  • Regularly clean and disinfect objects and surfaces, such as cell phones, telephones, TV remotes, doorknobs, faucet handles, steering wheels, counters and tabletops.
  • Practice social distancing and self-isolation. Stay at home.

For help call, SIMCOE SENIOR SERVICES You can learn more here: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html