Updates and Our Response to COVID-19

We are making every effort to keep Wing Kei residents and staff safe and healthy in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are grateful for the trust families place in us to care for their loved ones. Every decision we are making is grounded in love, not fear, and with the best possible information available to us. As per the provincial government’s directive, Wing Kei is severely limiting who can enter our centres to limit the spread of COVID-19. Families, friends, and volunteers will be regularly notified of changes.  We are monitoring and assessing the COVID-19 pandemic very closely. 

At this time, we do not know when families, friends, companions, and volunteers will be able to come to the centre. We believe that the provincial government’s approach to limit exposure is wise. The idea of flattening the curve of the virus means that we must be as isolated as possible. While the term is social isolation, it might be better said to be physical isolation—we must isolate ourselves physically from one another, but more than ever, we must remain connected as a community. We promise to do our part in keeping you updated and informed, part of the Wing Kei community, just as you have always been.

The residents who live at Wing Kei are among the most vulnerable to transmission because the vast majority are over the age of 60 and have chronic conditions. Prevention is our best course of action. A number of protocols have been put into place to support health and safety:

 

Click below for our communication with families:

 

+ View 2021 letters

+ View 2020 letters

Wing Kei Safe Visitation Rollout

English

Chinese

 

+ Visitors

  • As per the provincial government’s directive on March 15, 2020, all visitors to our centres have been restricted. This includes families, friends, companions, and volunteers.
  • We are working with families to ensure they can talk with their loved ones through on-line platforms to support ongoing connection and well-being. Families are asked to connect with the Care Coordinators to arrange a time.
  • Families are invited to leave well-sealed, clearly labeled packages for their loved ones with reception for us to pass along. Please do not include breakables or perishable food in the packages.
  • In the event there are exceptional circumstances, families are asked to contact Wing Kei for further information

+ Physicians and staff

  • We have daily meetings on the unit, as a leadership team, and with our Medical Director so that we can make decisions based on the most current information available to us.
  • We are providing daily updates to staff along with relevant education
  • Physicians and staff have been asked to limit movement between long term care centres, including Wing Kei Crescent Heights and Wing Kei Greenview. They will be mindful in their planning and, as much as possible, remain at one site for the whole day. We have instituted processes to minimize risk in the instance that direct care staff are moving between care centres.
  • All direct care staff are being asked a series of short questions upon reporting to work to ensure they are not displaying any signs of illness.
  • Staff who are not well have been asked to stay home and follow guidelines set out by Alberta Health Services.

+ Resident programs

  • We are acutely aware of the need to support the social and emotional wellbeing of residents through recreational programs, pastoral services, and more. All programs will be adjusted to limit resident contact.
  • Social distancing at Wing Kei does not mean loneliness, boredom or sadness. It means creativity, smiles, kindness and the same quality of care for our beloved residents that we have always been known for. Life is a little different now, but routines, activities, and exercises continue on!
  • The day begins with Good Morning Wing Kei hosted by our Recreation Assistants who greet residents, give a positive news report, tell a joke, tell of the activities and the menu of the day
  • Some adaptations have been made to recreation and rehab programs so there are more no-contact programs that can be done at a distance and with residents spaced out
  • Mealtimes are special quality times to be enjoyed and not rushed with music filling the air and conversations at every table
  • Many additional team members (pastors, volunteer coordinators, recreation team, and Adult Day Program staff) have been trained and are helping out with each and every meal      

    

    

Sunday Chapel Service via Zoom

  

 

+ Infection prevention and control 

  • All staff in our centres are asked to follow excellent hand hygiene
  • We have increased our cleaning and use of disinfectants, particularly in common areas and high-touch surfaces.
  • Resident laundry will be washed in-house. 

 

All the evidence to date indicates that staying home as much as possible and not interacting with groups is critical to preventing transmission of COVID-19. Please be sure to take care of yourself, including self-isolating should you have any flu-like symptoms. Alberta Health Services has an on-line test that you can take as an initial way to determine if symptoms are consistent with COVID-19. Please be sure to:

  • Wash your hands often and well
  • Avoid touching your face, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
  • Cover your cough and sneezes with a kleenex and then wash your hands
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched
  • Stay at home and away from others if you are feeling ill
  • Contact your primary health provider, take the on-line test (albertahealthservices.ca), or call Health Link at 811 with questions or concerns about your health

 

We are continually adjusting our approach in response to the new information and evidence.

We are grateful for the commitment of our Wing Kei team, the understanding of residents and their families, the partnership of Alberta Health Services, and the support of our broader community of volunteers, donors, vendors, and suppliers. Our Board has been a steadfast source of guidance and wisdom.

We will be in contact with families to relay updates. Please call 403-277-7433 for Wing Kei Crescent Heights, 403-520-0400 for Wing Kei Greenview, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with questions about our response and protocols. For information specific to COVID-19, please contact Alberta Health Services. 

 

Chief Medical Officer of Health Order

32-2020

Town Hall Meeting presentation on CMOH Order 32-2020

 

 
COVID-19 Fact Sheets

English  |  Traditional Chinese  |  Simplified Chinese

  

Wing Kei Curbside Dance Party

What fun can a 4 year old and 6 year old have on a Saturday afternoon during COVID-19 pandemic?  How about a curbside dance party with our grand friends at Wing Kei Greenview?  Gideon and Tabitha dressed up in their best outfits (Iron Man and white princess dress) and made up their own dance moves along to their favorite music to bring some smiles to the seniors.  The dance party left all, both young and young in heart with the priceless joy of mutual connection that we all yearn for in these trying times.   

 

Interview of Jane Tse, Director of Care, by Fairchild Radio 

Jane Tse talked about Wing Kei's preventative measures on COVID-19 on March 18, 2020