NEWS RELEASE
NORTH SIMCOE MUSKOKA SPECIALIZED GERIATRIC SERVICES
*************************
It has become increasingly evident in provincial, national and global news stories, that older adults are at high-risk from COVID-19. As a result, the North Simcoe Muskoka Specialized Geriatric Services (NSM SGS) program has been working to raise awareness and reduce risks.
Through partnerships across the region, we have promoted awareness of atypical COVID-19 symptoms that can be seen in seniors, shared key literature, promoted the use of standard approaches to care and are working with providers in local communities to provide care.
Throughout North Simoce Muskoka, including the 26 long-term care and over 70 retirement home-type facilities, all organizations are trying to put best practices in play to keep our seniors as safe as possible.
By restricting visitors and support personnel, to wearing personal protective equipment, they are taking all the necessary precautions to prevent the virus from entering their care facilities.
Despite the best planning possible, there is a reality that older adults in this region may contract the disease and not survive. The NSM SGS program has reached out to hospice and palliative care teams in the region to ensure we are using some common messaging around advanced care planning and end-of-life/palliative care.
“We understand this is a difficult time. You need to ensure you have completed advance care planning by having those conversations now and not during personal crisis,” explains Kelly Hubbard, Executive Director of Hospice Simcoe.
While some are making exceptions in such extenuating circumstances, restrictions at hospitals, longterm care homes and retirement homes means there may be circumstances where individuals may not be able to have their families or support system with them. Having a plan now will ensure the resident’s wishes are carried out even if loved ones can’t be there at the end.
To support difficult conversations and planning, the North Simcoe Muskoka Hospice Palliative Care Network has created a toolkit that is updated weekly with local resources to help loved ones and their families, impacted by these restrictions.
Hospice Simcoe has launched a campaign to raise awareness about the importance of advance care planning. In addition, there are teams across the region available to provide support in advance care planning, and when required, hospice and palliative care.
A regional bereavement support line has also been established, connecting communities to resources in local areas. For anyone in the region who needs help with grief, and not strictly COVID-related cases, the support line is 705-325-7871.
“It’s wonderful to see all of the resources coming together to help the communities at this difficult time by pooling our resources and becoming one,” Melody Fox, Clinical Nurse Manager at Hospice Orillia said. “We are trying to work together to ensure the community has the support it needs.”
To find more COVID-19 related information for frail seniors and caregivers, visit www.nsmsgs.ca. Additional resources can be found at Hospice Simcoe and North Simcoe Muskoka Hospice Palliative Care Network.
*************************
