Designated Caregiver Visits

*Specific Outbreak Related Restrictions may also be in place and would supersede any listed here. On our homepage, please scroll down to “Ocean View at a Glance” for any Outbreak related news.
*You may not enter our facility when you are required to self-isolate. If you have been in an outbreak / high risk zone, we ask that you don’t visit the facility for 14 days.

Update: November 27th, 2023

Dear family members, friends and volunteers of Ocean View Continuing Care residents.

Unfortunately, over the weekend we had a rise in the number of resident Covid-19 cases, and now all neighbourhoods are in outbreak.

We will remain closed to visitors and volunteers; however, Designated Care Givers are permitted on site.

We understand the importance of visiting for our residents and we are hopeful that things will clear up for the holiday season.

Universal masking remains in place.

We will continue to provide updates as thing change. Thank you for our patience and understanding.

Update: July, 2022

With general visitation resuming in long term care without restrictions, the need for DCG training has slowed. Designated Care Givers (DCGs) will be able to continue to visit one at a time, even during outbreaks, based on public health guidelines. There can be two DCGs listed per resident. If you wish to be trained, please reach out to Reception to arrange.

Update: May 30, 2022

Bayside neighbourhood (as of May 30) , Shoreside and Harbourside (as of May 16) neighbourhoods are in Covid 19 outbreak as declared by Public Health.

This means that general visitors and pets are not permitted on these neighbourhoods.

Designated Caregivers can continue to visit outbreak neighbourhoods one at a time.

Update: May 9, 2022

We are thrilled to share with family and friends of our residents today that we are no longer considered in Outbreak on any neighbourhood at Ocean View.

This means that general visitors are once again permitted on all neighbourhoods!

Please note that due to space restrictions within the facility and the continuing requirement of physical distancing in long term care, Ocean View continues to have a limit of 3 visitors at a time per resident (including Designated Caregivers).

We are also extending our visitation hours on one additional weekday to allow more flexibility for visitors. Visitation hour will now be 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM each day, with the exception of TUESDAYS and Thursdays which will be 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM.

Update: March 21, 2022

Due to space restrictions within the facility and the continuing requirement of physical distancing in long term care, Ocean View will continue to have a limit of 3 visitors at a time per resident. However, as we announced on March 8th, a larger gathering may be able to be booked by calling 902-465-6020 ext. 0. Please call well in advance.

We know life in the community at large seems to be returning to some semblance of normal, but in long term care we continue to follow multiple restrictions, and the situation continues to evolve. We will continue to update our website as things change.

Update: March 8, 2022

Residents may now have up to three (3) visitors at a time at Ocean View! The visitors do not need to be consistent and do not need to be Designated Caregivers. Please see oceanv.ca/our-response-covid-19/indoor-visits/ for more details

Update: Feb. 17, 2022

We are thrilled to share some updates with families and friends of our residents today.

Our outbreak status at Ocean View is now officially declared over, as per Public Health!

We want to take a moment to appreciate the patience of all of you during this time. We know an “outbreak” is a confusing and challenging experience for residents, families, and staff alike! On that note we also want to recognize our staff, as they have worked so hard to ensure we move swiftly and safely through the “outbreak” – we hope you are comforted knowing that this amazing team is caring for your loved one!

Because of the lifting of our outbreak status, we are also able to announce some EXCITING CHANGES:

• In most cases, Designated Caregivers can return to wearing a mask only when visiting!
However please note that when a neighbourhood is in “early investigation” by Public Health or under other isolation precautions, a shield may still be necessary. Please always check posted information when entering the building to find out whether a shield and/or other PPE is currently also required on any neighbourhoods!

• Residents can now have any two visitors at a time; they no longer need to be the same two visitors, and visitors are no longer restricted to Designated Caregivers only. All must continue to follow the infection prevention and control practices communicated and posted, and must be particularly vigilant about wearing their mask at all times, maintaining physical distance, and performing hand hygiene often! Visitors must still be fully vaccinated as per rules posted previously. Please note that children under 12 are not required to be vaccinated to visit, but ARE counted in the 2 person limit and MUST wear a mask throughout the visit.

We hope these are exciting changes for our residents, and for you!

Update: December 31, 2021

We are pleased to announce that starting Jan 1, 2022, we are expanding Designated Caregiver visitation hours at Ocean View to 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM each day (and Thursdays 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM).

This also seems like a great time to pass along our sincere thanks to our Designated Caregivers for the richness they contribute to our resident’s lives, and for their patience and support over the past many months and during this holiday season. Thank you, and see you soon!

Update: December 27, 2021

At this time we have made the difficult decision to close Ocean View to general visitors until further notice.

Designated Caregivers are still permitted in the facility, however we ask that they visit one at a time.

If there are folks who have been general visitors up until this point but would like to become Designated Caregivers (DCGs), we will be offering DCG training on Thurs. Dec. 30 at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. If you would like to attend please call 9024656020 ext. 2108 and let us know your name, the resident’s name, and your phone number.
Note: Please keep in mind that residents can still only have 2 consistent visitors (including DCGs).

We thank you for your patience and understanding as restrictions continue to evolve to help us keep our residents, staff and community safe.

Update: December 21, 2021

As we are sure you heard along with us today, the province is implementing some new restrictions in light of the current COVID-19 situation in Nova Scotia.

At this time, residents are permitted to have ONLY two (2) consistent fully vaccinated visitors. Designated Caregivers are included in the total of two (2).

Here at our facility, we will be assuming those two individuals will be the first and second Designated Caregivers on record for each resident.

If this is NOT true for yourself / your loved one, we ask that the resident or their substitute decision maker contact us to let us know the appropriate two persons to be on the consistent visitors list, at 902-465-6020 ext. 0. At this time, no other visitors will be permitted into the facility.

Update: December 17, 2021

As we are sure you know, COVID-19 numbers are once again rising and the government is introducing new restrictions. At this time we wanted to share a few of these new restrictions as we understand them. We suspect new information will become available to us in coming days, so please keep an eye on our website for further updates.

– Residents are permitted to have two (2) visitors at a time. This limit includes Designated Caregivers. It does not need to be the same two (2) visitors each time.

– It is recommended but not required that visitors be rapid tested within 24 hours of the visit where possible.

– Masking is required during visits, and physical distancing should be maintained wherever possible.

Update: December 1, 2021

As communicated in October, at this time, there is a not a limit to how many Designated Caregivers each resident may have. Designated Caregivers / visitors for each resident at Ocean View must still only visit our facility 2 at a time. Designated Caregivers / visitors for each resident are encouraged to coordinate their visits in this manner.

Folks can become a Designated Caregiver by calling 902-465-6020 ext. 0 to schedule Designated Caregiver training. We continue to encourage loved ones of our residents to consider becoming a Designated Caregiver (despite general visitation being more open), as this offers the individual more training to ensure they are able to support their loved in a safe way, and may offer more freedom to visit the facility in the event of an outbreak.

New Designated Caregivers are encouraged to review all information below regarding the role, responsibilities and rules for Designated Caregivers.

Update: June 25, 2021

We wanted to ensure all Designated Caregivers were aware of some changes as the result of loosening provincial restrictions in recent days:

Residents can now have both Designated Caregivers visit at the same time. Social distancing from other residents and staff is to continue.
With the warmer weather, lots of folks have been taking advantage of walking outside. It has been noted that masks have been removed. Please be mindful of the vaccination status of both yourself and your loved one, and act accordingly. If there are any other residents out and about, please remain masked.
Masks must still be donned before entering or re-entering the facility at all times.

Update: March 30, 2021

Just in time for Easter, we are pleased to announce that starting April 5, 2021, we are expanding Designated Caregiver visitation hours at Ocean View to 7 days per week. Hours will continue to be 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM each day (with the exception of Thursdays which will continue to be 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM).

Update: February 22, 2021

We are excited to announce a few new options for Designated Caregivers at Ocean View at this time:

– Until now, we have asked Designated Caregivers to limit their movement and to remain in the resident’s room as much as possible. At this time, we are comfortable with Designated Caregivers accompanying the resident into the common areas on their neighbourhood while maintaining physical distance. Unsure which spaces are part of the “neighbourhood”? Please ask us!

– We have heard from Designated Caregivers that it would be meaningful for you to be able to bring your loved one for a walk outside on our property, and we are happy to allow this at this time. We ask that you and the resident remain on our property during your stroll.

Update: November 24, 2020

As our understanding of COVID-19 evolves, we continue to make small and big changes to increase safety for our staff, residents and community!

Moving forward, we’re making a small change: all staff, visitors and family will now be required to wear a mask (non-medical or medical) to enter our doors.

Once inside the facility, you will:
1. Perform hand hygiene (use hand sanitizer)
2. Remove your personal mask and properly store or dispose of it
3. Perform hand hygiene again
4. Put on one of the medical masks supplied by us, as usual!

As you get used to these new added steps, please also remember to maintain a 6 foot distance from others while waiting to come in to the facility and while in our entry. We ask that you wait to enter until there is room to maintain the 6 foot distance.

Thank you so much for your continued support and commitment to following these new and evolving practices!

The NSH has also shared this helpful video (link below) for Designated Caregivers. Specific processes/steps at Ocean View might differ slightly and we ask you to continue following all practices communicated by us, but this video contains important and helpful information:
What to Expect for Designated Caregivers in NSH Long Term Care Facilities on Vimeo

September 15, 2020

Dear Ocean View families and loved ones,

We were thrilled to read that Government is further easing restrictions to long-term care and introducing the option for Designated Caregivers to join us in our facility as an added layer of support for our residents. Designated Caregivers will be welcomed at Ocean View after completing the below process to become designated and trained!

Based on government directives, who can be a Designated Caregiver in long term care at this time?

• Designated Caregivers can be family members, friends or other support persons who would like to support the resident with caregiving tasks such as personal care, mobility help, communication assistance, emotional support, help with eating, or decision making.

How can you become a Designated Caregiver for your loved one?

• The resident and their loved ones should discuss who would be appropriate Designated Caregivers for the resident.

• Beginning Sept. 18^th, please contact us at 902-465-6020 ext. 0 to let us know the names of the Designated Caregivers. If you leave a voicemail, please wait for a callback as confirmation.

• Designated Caregivers must attend a one-hour training session to learn about public health requirements including PPE protocols, physical distancing, hand and respiratory hygiene, and other facility Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) procedures, before entering the facility as the Designated Caregiver.

• Designated Caregivers have a responsibility to stay informed of current public infection prevention guidelines as published by Public Health, and to ensure they take all precautions to prevent spread of COVID-19.

What else do you need to know

• Designated Caregivers must be comfortable wearing a medical mask at all times while they are in the facility.

• Designated Caregivers must enter through our front entrance and participate in screening each and every time they visit the facility. A staff person assigned to the screening of Designated Caregivers will allow you entry – you must wait for them to let you into the facility. No other staff person will be permitted to allow you entry.

• Designated Caregivers will be provided with identification by the facility, which they must wear each and every time they visit the facility.

• Designated Caregivers may be permitted to bring a pet into the building at this time, but must fill out appropriate paperwork and be approved before doing so.

• Like all members of our team, Designated Caregivers must limit unnecessary movement throughout the facility as much as possible.

• Although we know family members and friends have often supported residents other than their loved one while visiting in the past, at this time the Designated Caregiver is permitted to support their loved one only. Designated Caregivers must maintain physical distance (6 feet / 2 metres) with all staff and residents other than their loved one.

What do you need to know about breaches?

Breaches of Public Health requirements, IPAC practices and other practices shared in your training will put your loved one and other residents at risk, and may create unintended consequences for all members of our Ocean View community.

All Designated Caregivers are responsible for remaining aware of the possible impacts of COVID-19 in long term care, and following all safety practices to prevent unknowing transmission of COVID-19 to our vulnerable senior population.

A breach could lead to unintended consequences including residents becoming ill; residents needing to self-isolate; removal of visitation privileges due to repeated breaches; and/or the cancelling of facility-wide visits in the case of an outbreak. Please help keep your loved one safe by following all infection prevention practices.

If you are under a requirement to self-isolate or are unwell, you must stay home.