Keeping COVID-19 at Bay

PARC will be closely following information and advice provided by the B.C. Centre for Disease Control. Currently, we know that around the world, the Pfizer-BioNtech including bivalent, Moderna including bivalent, and AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccines have been proven to provide effective protection against the Alpha, Gamma, Delta and Omicron COVID variants, all of which are common in B.C. – especially against severe outcomes. The BCCDC is monitoring emerging variants and will continue to keep the public apprised. Booster shots are recommended to maintain vaccine efficacy and protection from COVID-19.

As of April 8, 2022, the Provincial Public Health Order states that the Vaccine Card is no longer mandatory to access businesses, events and services. At PARC, we serve our most vulnerable population, and we are committed to keeping our seniors safe. Therefore, all visitors to any of our PARC residences must have received at least 2 doses of the vaccination. Face masks will also continue to be mandatory inside the residences in common areas outside of resident suites and dining rooms.

With PARC residents and staff members fully vaccinated, we’re back to most of our residents’ favourite features and activities:

• Dining options. PARC residents can host family and friends in designated indoor dining areas, on dining patios and for meals in their suites.
• In-suite visits. Whether it’s inside your suite or on your sun-soaked balcony, family and friends are welcome to visit, as long as they too are fully vaccinated.
• Public tours. Tours of our buildings, luxurious suites, well-equipped amenity spaces and lush gardens are in full swing! Prospective residents can participate as long as they have been fully vaccinated. Masks are mandatory for visitors in all resident amenity spaces. Unvaccinated prospective residents can tour our residences virtually, using our website or by contacting one of our Senior Living Specialist team members for our exclusive virtual tour program.
• More bus trips to events, activities and attractions. We have reintroduced most outings, and we’re increasing spots to full capacity on each tour so that more residents can participate. See your community’s activity calendar for more.
• More in-residence events. We now offer an enhanced roster of art and culture programs and events at all PARC communities, by fully vaccinated entertainers, speakers and instructors. Capacities will align with B.C. COVID-19 protocols.

Full suite and amenity tours are available at all PARC Retirement Living residences for prospective residents. Tours are by appointment or drop-in. All tour participants must be fully-vaccinated and wear a mask throughout the tour.

We follow several other tour protocols to keep participants safe:

• Group size limit Each potential resident (or couple) may be accompanied by a maximum of two family members or friends. We encourage other family members to “ride along” using FaceTime or other video-calling apps. Virtual tours and photos are also available.
• Declaration form All members of the touring party are required to sign a declaration form stating they’re in good health and are fully vaccinated.
• Extra sanitization The show suite and other areas visited are cleaned before each tour. Hand sanitizer is available for visitors to use.

Continuing sanitization
We continue following sanitizing procedures in all PARC residences, focusing on common areas and high-frequency touch points, such as reception desks and elevators.

Mandatory masks for PARC employees
PARC continues to have a mandatory mask policy for all staff. For residents, mask-wearing is optional.

Home support services
PARC is an independent living provider; however, some of our residents may require assistance from home support services. These residents can arrange their support services on a private-pay basis with a third-party provider, or through a funded relationship with the local health authority. These are similar to the services seniors might receive if they lived in their own homes. All care providers must follow PARC’s COVID protocols when visiting and be fully vaccinated.

Indoor dining with friends and family
PARC families can make reservations for resident and family indoor dining options by contacting the front desk. Family members will then receive information on access and protocols within the dining area. Only vaccinated visitors will be allowed in the indoor dining rooms.

In-suite visits
Fully vaccinated visitors are welcome to visit residents in their suites. All visitors must check in at the reception area and wear a mask while in the building. Masks are optional inside resident suites.

Social activities and online connections
With PARC residents fully vaccinated, we have been increasing social group programs, events and cultural activities, to keep our residents thriving and enjoying their favorite activities. We continue to offer virtual programming, on topics ranging from emotional wellness and mindfulness to art and culture. We have excursions, events, and bus trips so that residents can enjoy activities such as scenic drives to exciting new destinations.

Health and Wellness Support
Our Wellness team is available to assist residents 7 days a week and can dispatch an emergency response as needed. Each residence has a dedicated, onsite Wellness Nurse who is available to consult on health concerns, including COVID testing and vaccination-related issues. If additional personal or health support is required, the Wellness Nurse can provide options and information to help residents and families take well-informed next steps.

COVID Response Content
In response to COVID-19, we have been actively creating content on COVID-related issues to help seniors stay informed and connected. This includes everything from safety tips to recommended indoor exercises, uplifting stories and activities to improve mental, physical and spiritual well-being. Read more on our blog.

What happens if a PARC resident develops COVID-19?
We care deeply about the health of our residents and have detailed safety protocols in place. We ask the resident, and anyone else who has been in close contact with that individual, to remain in their suites where we provide them their meals. If necessary, we would get in touch with the local health authority for additional support. In most cases, the affected resident(s) would ultimately be isolated for 5 days. Any PARC employee who had direct contact with the individual would be sent home to isolate for 5 days under an existing arrangement between PARC Retirement Living and its staff.

How is PARC communicating with residents and their families during COVID-19?
Our goal is to keep residents and their loved ones as informed as possible. We send regular email updates to residents and families. In addition to online communication, our General Managers host monthly resident meetings to communicate changes and address questions and concerns.

Can family and friends visit their loved ones?
Yes! Visits are permitted at all PARC Retirement Living residences. We offer:

• In-suite visits
• Interior dining area visits
• Assistance with visits to family homes and B.C. vacation destinations
• Visiting on PARC residences and grounds

All visitors must be fully vaccinated and wear a mask while inside PARC buildings.

What protocols are required for new residents moving in?
Fully vaccinated prospective residents can move in immediately after signing key protocol documents and providing proof of vaccination. This also applies to residents moving in from outside the country, but these individuals must additionally adhere to cross-border COVID regulations, including any mandated quarantines and/or isolation periods. Currently, we are not able to offer suites to non-vaccinated seniors. In the first four days of welcoming a new resident to the building, the resident is asked to follow preventative protocols, including completing a rapid test on the first day and the fourth day of being in the community, and wearing a mask in communal spaces. Alternatively, the new resident can choose to isolate in their suite for their first four days with full meal service brought to their suite.