November 18th, 2022

Hello everyone,

Staying consistent is not something that this pandemic has done. Continually over the past two and a half years we have adapted and shifted related to the changing circumstances caused by COVID-19. Unfortunately, our health care system and all of us are plagued with a strong resurgence of two additional viruses, Influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Once again, the hospitals are overloaded with patients needing acute and intensive care, and a large population of this is sadly now children.

Early this week Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Kieran Moore, issued a strong recommendation for Ontarians to wear masks in all indoor public spaces. As you know, masks continue to be required indoors for staff, visitors and others entering our homes. While not required, masks are strongly recommended for caregivers and visitors when they are alone with clients and residents in their rooms.

Dr. Moore also stressed the importance of continued screening, testing, and rigorous IPAC practices, and ensuring that all residents and clients are offered the COVID-19 bivalent booster and seasonal influenza vaccine as soon as possible. It is strongly recommended that residents, clients, staff and visitors receive both vaccinations, which can be safely administered at the same time, as high uptake is key to preventing severe illness amongst our vulnerable population and ensuring our workforce is healthy and available to provide care.

Some key reminders at this time:

1. Get your Influenza vaccine if you have not already.
2. Obtain your Bivalent COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you are eligible (90 days after your last vaccine or infection).
3. If you have ANY respiratory symptoms at all (even if you test negative for COVID-19) – do not visit or attend any of our sites. A “little cold” for you may be life threatening to others.

We will be modifying our COVID-19 testing protocol over the next week that continues to require daily testing for all staff and visitors. We have seen several cases of re-infection in the 90 days post COVID-19 infection, so we have decided to resume daily rapid testing for staff that have a resolved infection. Visitors and caregivers are also welcome to resume daily rapid testing after recovery from a COVID-19 infection.

Everyone entering our sites has a shared responsibility to do what they can to protect our residents, clients and our dedicated staff. Our teams continue to practice and hone their skills in outbreak prevention and management. We utilize our supply chains and resource management to always ensure sufficient levels of PPE and infection prevention and control supplies.

Take care and stay well,

Steve Sherrer

CEO

October 13th, 2022

Hello everyone,

On the heels of a beautiful fall weekend and reflecting on what we are thankful for, there are a number of things that come to mind in terms of the progress made in the fight against COVID-19. The vaccine has been an incredible game-changer to the outcomes experienced by residents, clients, staff and the population as a whole. As the world continues to find the right balance in the ever-changing landscape of the pandemic, we received some new guidelines for COVID-19 precautions late last week from the Ministry. We will be working to have most of these changes in place by Friday October 14th. Below are the highlights of the changes we are working to implement.

Staying “up-to-date” with vaccines – We continue to encourage everyone to stay up-to-date with your COVID-19 vaccines. All adults over the age of 18 are eligible to obtain the bivalent vaccine 6 months after your last vaccine (or COVID-19 infection). Health care workers, essential caregivers, residents and clients are eligible 3 months after their last vaccine (or infection). Please check your eligibility and continue with your vaccination schedule. We also encourage everyone to obtain their seasonal Influenza vaccine as well!

COVID-19 Vaccine requirements continue – Our vaccine policy remains in place for staff and the visiting policy continues to outline COVID-19 vaccine requirements for indoor visitors and caregivers.

Self-Monitor with attention - Paying close attention to how you are feeling is very important. A “cold”, a scratchy throat, some new nasal congestion or even additional fatigue could be an indication of COVID-19 infection. We have had several incidents where someone has tested positive on a rapid test and then will identify that they in fact had a symptom(s) on the list of COVID-19 symptoms.

Screening –Active screening by a screener continues to be a requirement for all visitors and caregivers. We may be working to modify the screening processes for staff based on the changing guidelines in the coming weeks.

Rapid testing – We have decided to continue to require daily rapid testing for all staff and visitors entering our homes as we continue to identify positive cases regularly through this approach. We continue to encourage the use of the most accurate sample collection that includes swabbing inside the mouth (or the throat) in addition to the nose.

Mask use by caregivers and visitors – We continue to require universal masking at all programs and homes that provide care and services. The Ministry continues to recommend (but no longer requires) caregivers and visitors to wear masks when alone in a resident/client room (1:1 scenarios). This would also include eating/drinking in resident/client rooms. If the resident or client is in a shared room, alternative accommodations will need to be considered and masks must be worn. Visitors must wear masks in all other areas inside of the home or when any staff are present in the resident/client room. Masks are no longer required for outdoor visits. Staff masking is still required at all times.

Visitor limits – The Ministry has lifted their limits on numbers of visitors permitted to visit at a time. Each program and site has reviewed visiting limits that are permitted to optimize and support physical distancing. That information will be shared directly from the program you are a part of.

Physical distancing – Is still very much encouraged. Residents/clients, staff and visitors are encouraged to continue to practice physical distancing and urged to avoid situations like crowded places in which COVID-19 may spread more easily.

Isolation & Testing of Residents & Clients – Several changes to the precautions have been made to decrease the impact to residents and clients related to isolation and testing. The changes are as follows:
Post absence - isolation is no longer required unless the resident/client is symptomatic or tests positive for COVID-19
Admission/readmission/transfer – isolation and testing is not required unless coming from an outbreak site
Close contacts – residents/clients that are a close contact of a person with COVID-19 are no longer required to isolate, unless they have symptoms or they are the roommate of someone positive with COVID-19

These precautions will take some adjusting for everyone. The approach to COVID-19 is changing and finding that balance of caution and normality is the goal. Our dedicated staff continue to practice and hone their skills in outbreak prevention and management. We utilize our supply chains and resource management to always ensure sufficient levels of PPE and infection prevention and control supplies.

Take care and stay well,

Steve Sherrer

CEO

July 15th, 2022

Hello everyone,

Here we are in mid-July and in what appears to be the seventh wave of this COVID-19 pandemic, a couple months earlier than originally anticipated

The case numbers of COVID-19 infections are similar to the early winter months. We are seeing significant amounts of community transmission of infection related to the very high transmissibility of the newest variants and the decrease in the wide-spread public health precautions. These high case numbers put all our programs, sites and homes at risk of outbreak affecting our residents, clients and staff in very significant ways. The following strategies will help us through this current wave of the pandemic:

Self-monitoring and screening – Paying close attention to how you are feeling is very important. A scratchy throat, some new nasal congestion or even additional fatigue could be an early sign of COVID-19 infection. Please be sure to take time to reflect on how you are feeling before you attend any of our programs, sites or homes.

Enhancing rapid testing – We continue to require daily rapid testing for all staff and visitors entering our homes. At this time we will be moving towards more accurate sample collection that includes swabbing inside the mouth (or the throat) in addition to the nose. We know that Omicron is being identified earlier in the throat than in the nose and this can identify cases earlier. Click here for a detailed guide on how to preform a Rapid Antigen Test.

Staying up-to-date with vaccines – We continue to encourage everyone to stay up-to-date with your COVID-19 vaccines. This week the province has announced that 4th doses (or 2nd booster doses) are available to all adults over the age of 18. Please check your eligibility and continue with your vaccination schedule. Those of us working and visiting high-risk settings, such as the locations in which we provide care and services, should ensure we are doing everything we can to keep ourselves infection free when interacting with those most vulnerable.

Mask use and eye protection – We continue to require universal masking at all of our programs and homes that provide care and services. Although there is no longer a provincial mask mandate in place, we do believe that masking does provide protection when in crowded places. We also encourage our staff and visitors to utilize higher level masks such as KN95s or N95s that we have available for use when requested at screening and consider wearing eye protection again, as these may become mandatory in the future.

Preparedness and planning – Our fall preparedness activities have been moved up to ensure we remain in good shape to manage this wave of the pandemic. Unfortunately, this wave is happening during the time our staff are trying to take their well-deserved summer vacations. Our dedicated staff continue to practice and hone their skills in outbreak prevention and management. We utilize our supply chains and resource management to always ensure sufficient levels of PPE and infection prevention and control supplies.

We hope that you all enjoy the summer safely. Take care and stay well,

Steve Sherrer

CEO

June 9th, 2022

Hello everyone,

We hope that you are enjoying the warm weather and are looking forward to some summertime activities.

We continue to monitor the current COVID-19 situation in our province and our local areas. We are happy to see the number of COVID-19 cases decreasing and the hospital pressures alleviating at this time. These are contributing factors in the recent provincial COVID-19 precaution changes. Effective June 11th, many of the provincial precautions are being lifted. Of note, many of the masking mandates will be lifted. Some exceptions for masking mandates do remain. Masks are still required in all longterm care home and retirement homes in the province. Masking is still recommended in higher-risk congregate living settings.

Due to the nature of the work we do and the vulnerability of our workforce, Thrive Group will be continuing with all masking requirements for all staff, students, volunteers, caregivers, visitors and contracted workers in all of our sites and programs for both indoor and outdoor activities. This includes the Osler offices. Residents and clients are still encouraged to wear masks when gathering in groups when distancing is not permitted.

We will continue to evaluate the precautions being implemented and will adjust and modify them as required.

Take care and stay well,

Steve Sherrer

CEO

March 29th, 2022

Hello everyone,

All of Thrive Group’s member organizations, are continuing to review our practices, precautions and policies as the province lifts COVID-19 precautions in the broader community. Our vaccine policies have been under review and today we have some updates for you.

Employee Vaccination Policy

At this time, Thrive Group organizational leaders have completed the review of the employee policy for COVID-19 vaccinations. This policy applies to all of our staff, including students, volunteers and contracted/support workers that provide care or services within the organization. The decision has been made to continue to require all staff to be fully vaccinated based on the definition of “fully vaccinated” by Health Canada. At this time, that definition does not include a third or booster dose of vaccine. It is still very much the position of Thrive Group that all staff obtain the additional or booster doses that are recommended as soon as eligible.

Visitor and Essential Caregiver Vaccination Policy

The vaccine requirements for visitors and essential caregivers continues to be under review as we continue to investigate how to adequately balance resident and clients’ rights with safety for everyone that enters our homes and other sites. We will share the updated policy as soon as we are able to finalize this plan. In the meantime, all individuals entering our programs must be fully vaccinated (minimum 2 doses of vaccine).

We know that the vaccine works well at preventing severe illness requiring hospitalization and it works relatively well at preventing illness in general for the period of time after a booster dose. We continue to echo the messages the Chief Medical Officer of Health in saying “I encourage all health care workers as well as all Ontarians to remain up-to-date in their COVID-19 vaccines, and to receive all doses, including additional doses, that are recommended as soon as they are eligible”.

Take care and stay well,

Steve Sherrer

CEO

March 19th, 2022

Hello everyone,

With the clocks changing last weekend we are seeing longer, brighter days and some mild temperaturesit is really starting to feel like spring! Spring brings feelings of hope and fresh new beginnings. We are remaining hopeful for what the coming weeks and months bring, but along with that hope, we are remaining cautious. Many of our residents and clients are vulnerable to the COVID virus still circulating in our community. Public health and health system indicators are improving, but we are not fully out of the woods yet.

Recently in the province, there have been changes announced in terms of lifting COVID-19 precautions. Some of which include lifting of vaccine requirements, capacity limits, masking mandates and decreases to travel-related testing. Although we are all looking forward to the days when things return to “normal” these changes in the broader community have the potential to lead to additional spread of the virus. This highlights the need for us to remain diligent with our remaining layers of safety precautions. Today we wanted to clarify how some of these precautions impact our organizations.

Vaccinations

As shared last week, Thrive Group is still in the process of reviewing our COVID-19 vaccine policies for staff, students, volunteers, support workers, essential caregivers and visitors. We plan to communicate these updates by the end of the month. At this time, at minimum, individuals entering our programs must be fully vaccinated (minimum 2 doses of vaccine).

We know that the vaccine works well at preventing severe illness requiring hospitalization and it works relatively well at preventing illness in general for the period of time after a booster dose. We continue to echo the messages the Chief Medical Officer of Health in saying “I encourage all health care workers as well as all Ontarians to remain up-to-date in their COVID-19 vaccines, and to receive all doses, including additional doses, that are recommended as soon as they are eligible”.

Masking Requirements

Although the provincial masking mandate for a variety of settings is being lifted on March 21st this will not apply to many places, including health care settings until a date later in April. Masks will still be required in health care settings including hospitals, long-term care homes and congregate care settings. We have also decided to maintain masking in our non-care providing settings (offices) at this time. Please ensure that you continue to wear a mask when entering any of our sites and that you follow the universal making procedures of the site you are visiting.

Take care and stay well,

Steve Sherrer

CEO

March 12th, 2022

Hello everyone,

This week we received information regarding a number of changes to COVID-19 precautions as the Ministry of Long-Term Care recalibrates the response. Key public health and system health indicators continue to improve each week.

Vaccination Policy

Provincial directives were put in place for health care settings to develop and implement COVID-19 vaccine policies. These policies evolved over time based on the available evidence of vaccine efficacy and impact of the variant at the time. We know that this action resulted in tremendous success in our ability to mitigate the severity of outbreaks and get us to the other side of the Omicron wave.

At this time, the province has shifted their approach from a provincial directive for homes to have a mandatory vaccination policy, to a guidance-based approach that continues to support homes with their employer-led policies and best practices.

Accordingly, Thrive Group will be extending the current deadline of March 14th for LTC staff, students, volunteers, support workers and essential caregivers to obtain a booster/third vaccine by two weeks (until March 28th) so that we can review our policy based on this new information.

We do echo the messages the Chief Medical Officer of Health in saying “I encourage all health care workers as well as all Ontarians to remain up-to-date in their COVID-19 vaccines, and to receive all doses, including additional doses, that are recommended as soon as they are eligible”.

Visiting, Absences and Social Activities

Limits on visitors are increased to a total of 4 visitors (which includes visitors and essential caregivers). All visitors will still be rapid tested prior to visits. Children under the age of 5 are now eligible to be general visitors. All indoor general visitors are still required to be fully vaccinated (unless under the age of 5). Outdoor general visits are permitted with limits to be set by each home based on availability and size of space. Outdoor visitors do not require visitors to be vaccinated.

All residents and clients are permitted to leave the respective home, regardless of vaccine status. Please refer to our absence guideline on our website.

Social activities can begin to happen between resident and client cohorts and in some larger groups, permitted there is no eating, masks are worn as tolerated and distancing is maintained.

Reopening Ontario Act, 2020 Expiring

There were several regulations introduced that supported operations and human resource shortages during the pandemic. Many of these regulations are being removed in the upcoming months and our programs are working to resume normal practices in these areas.

We will continue to keep you apprised of how these changes will be implemented across our 18 sites. As always, we again want to thank all of you…our residents, clients, family members and staff for being flexible and extremely resilient throughout the pandemic and especially during the most recent Omicron wave. Your commitment to the safety of our Thrive family is truly inspiring. Your willingness to receive the recommended vaccines truly helped us limit the severe impact that outbreaks have had in other settings and we are feeling hopeful that we are on the downside of the Omicron wave.

Steve Sherrer

CEO

March 7th, 2022

March 8th is International Women’s Day, a day to recognize the achievements of the women in our families and communities. The first recorded women’s rights marches took place in the early 1900’s, and it has taken more than a century of hard work and progress as a society to get to where we are today in the fight for gender equality. Strong, compassionate, influential women are becoming more prominent in leadership roles around the world, but there is still work to be done.

In times of global crisis, women, as a population, invariably suffer more than men. International Women’s Day exists to remind us to consider what we can do to contribute to fair and equal wages, freedom from violence, accessible and affordable housing and childcare, and opportunities for women to thrive and live life in the way they choose, not the way society chooses for them.

I would like to thank the women in our Organization for the work that they do to support our services and strengthen our community. I am grateful to all of you and the impact you have on the lives of our clients, residents and staff. The work we do is only possible when we truly come together. I would also like to thank all the women outside of our organization who love, support and inspire us.

Have a wonderful day and stay safe,

Steve Sherrer

CEO

Ontario Asking Citizens to Embrace the Ontario Spirit and Volunteer

New portal matching volunteers with opportunities to help out during an emergency

TORONTO — The Ontario government is calling on citizens 16 years of age and older to help their communities in times of crisis by joining Volunteer Corps Ontario. The new program will register, screen and train volunteers so Ontario is better prepared to mobilize volunteers and safely respond to emergencies, from public health crises to natural disasters.

Please visit The Ministry of Ontario Newsroom for more information.

February 18th, 2022

Hello everyone,

As the province continues to adjust and lift pandemic related precautions, we have been advised by the Ministry to expect information on some changes to the precautions we currently have in place within our programs. While we do not have the exact details yet, we anticipate that starting sometime early next week, general visiting will be resuming at our long-term care and congregate sites that are not currently in outbreak, suspect outbreak or on a precautionary watch.

At this time, we know that the updated visiting guidelines include:

• General visitors must be 5 years and older who have had at least two COVID-19 vaccine doses. Children under 5 continue to be restricted with the exception of infants 12 months or younger.
• Limits on visitors are increasing to 3 at a time (this includes general visitors and essential caregivers)
• We continue to require all general visits to be booked in advance.

Please contact reception or the program office to make arrangements. We are also anticipating receiving information regarding some changes to the precautions surrounding social absences and temporary absences. We will communicate these changes next week directly from the programs and on our website.

Take good care and happy Family Day weekend!

Steve Sherrer

CEO

February 16th, 2022

To our families and caregivers,

This upcoming Monday is Family Day, and what better way to get through the last of these long winter months than to spend time reflecting on the importance of family? Our lives can get busy, and it is not always easy to slow down and take stock of what is really important to us. Family Day is the perfect time to reconnect with the people who bring our lives joy and meaning.

The word family means something different to everyone. Whether you are celebrating with the family you were born into, or the family that you have chosen along your journey, our relationships have shaped us into the people we are today, and this weekend, all across Canada, we are reaching out to say thank you.

Thrive Group would not be able to do what we do for our clients and residents without the support of their friends and families. It is the strength of our communities that keeps our programs running. The pandemic introduced new and difficult challenges for all of us, but we have risen to face those challenges, and we have grown so much together. Thank you for doing your part to keep not only your own family safe, but the families of all of those who live in our communities. Today, we celebrate all of you.

I would also like to thank the families of our staff who will be coming in to work over the long weekend. I understand that giving this time to our clients and residents is a sacrifice our team members make time and time again, and we are so grateful.

I wish you all a happy, healthy Family Day weekend.

Steve.

Steve Sherrer

CEO

February 12th, 2022

Hello everyone,

We continue to hear that the COVID-19 situation in the province is moving in the right direction with regards to the impact of cases on the health care system, specifically our hospitals. This is in large part, due to the success of the vaccine campaign in the province.

At this time our staff booster vaccine rates are trending to meet the timelines set out in our policy. We remind all essential caregivers to notify your programs of your booster vaccine status to help us ensure our rates are accurate. We also encourage all general visitors to obtain their booster vaccines prior to general visiting resuming in our homes potentially later this month.

Thrive Group continues to modify our vaccine policy for staff, visitors and caregivers as directives come forward from the Ministry of Health. This week we have been instructed to modify our vaccine policy to allow individuals that have recently had a COVID-19 infection to wait 3 months from the onset of their infection to obtain their third dose/booster dose of vaccine. Our policies will be updated to reflect this flexibility in the coming days. Individuals are encouraged to speak with their health care providers to determine if an earlier booster/third dose is appropriate for them.

The evidence surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine continues support that the vaccine is extremely safe and effective at preventing transmission, illness and severe illness caused by COVID-19. The most recent changes are to support a better and longer lasting immune system response for those that have had an COVID-19 infection.

Stay well,

Janine Mills,
Quality and Privacy Officer,
Pandemic Lead

February 4th, 2022

Hello everyone,

This week has brought with it some encouraging news related to this current wave of the pandemic and a hope for an early spring (if the groundhog got it right!). In January, the provincial government shared broader plans for the province re-opening through February and March 2022. This week they provided plans for easing some of the temporary enhanced measures put in place for our Homes during the Omicron wave.

Effective February 7th , residents and clients in our homes (that are not in an outbreak situation) will be permitted to designate up to four (4) essential caregivers and those caregivers can visit with up to two individuals at a time. Social absences will also be permitted for residents and clients that have had at least three (3) COVID-19 doses, provided the following is in place:

• ensuring that infection control practices of limiting contact with others
• avoiding large gatherings
• following masking and distancing as much as possible and
• only being in close contact with individuals who have had three (3) COVID-19 vaccine doses

The province has also shared information about additional easing of restrictions on visiting and absences targeting the next changes to be implemented effective February 21 st and another March 14 th . You can read more about the future expected changes here. The Omicron surge has demonstrated significant impact to our programs and our teams over the past couple of months. Our teams continued to demonstrate the values of Thrive Group by demonstrating innovation, versatility and teamwork as we managed the operational and staffing challenges. During this time, we did see more cases of COVID-19 among our staff, resident and client populations than we did in previous waves. St. Peter’s Residence is working to end an outbreak that has now been contained to one home area and today, Idlewyld Manor was able to declare an outbreak over. The community programs have been managing several suspect outbreak situations and have been able to declare most of them over. The teams have truly demonstrated their skills with the management of these infections. All program or site specific updates will continue to come to you directly from the leaders at the respective programs.

As we move forward into the reopening post the Omicron surge, we ask that you continue to demonstrate patience and kindness to our staff and one another. The pandemic is far from over and we are now looking to adapt in different ways to reopen safely as we work to balance the right level of precautions. Everyone has differing comfort levels with this and we are working to ensure, as always, the safety and well being of our residents, clients and staff.

We hope that you have a good weekend and please take good care and stay well.

Steve Sherrer

CEO

January 21st, 2022

Hello everyone,

It is hard to believe that we are already well into the second half of January and nearing the second anniversary of the pandemic. As anticipated, the Omicron wave of this pandemic is having a significant impact on the community and to an already overwhelmed health care system and beyond. The increased communicability of this variant has led to many of us becoming ill at the same time that hospitals, intensive care units are beyond maximum capacity with patients while being challenged with less staff due to illness.

Our staff and leaders have been working tirelessly since before the holidays and throughout the entire pandemic to continue to provide care and services to our residents and clients. We are so grateful for this committed and dedicated team. We are also grateful for the kindness and understanding of all of our clients, residents and family members as we continue to make changes to operations and precautions that are aligned with the changing landscape of this pandemic.

Vaccinations are a very important part in the fight against this virus. Vaccines alone are not the answer, but they are showing, with third/booster doses, to be very effective at preventing illness and reducing the likelihood of hospitalization.

Here is some messaging from the Ministry of Health about Omicron and the importance of COVID-19 Vaccines:

• The number of people who have become infected with Omicron is increasing rapidly. Reinfection is more common than with other variants and two doses of vaccine are unlikely to protect against Omicron infection.
• While severity of illness from Omicron among unimmunized and/or previously uninfected individuals remains uncertain, including among the elderly, it is clear that vaccination does reduce the risk of hospitalization.
• Vaccination remains the best defence against COVID-19, including the Omicron variant.
• High rates of vaccination, including booster doses, can also help preserve hospital capacity
• despite being less severe, Omicron is causing significant burden on the health care system.
• Boosters provide better protection against the Omicron variant. For example: o A study from England showed a third dose was 88% effective at preventing hospitalization following infection with Omicron. o Another study from the UK in those 65 years of age and over showed a booster was 94% effective against hospitalization within two to nine weeks and 89% effective at 10 or more weeks.
• Even for people infected with COVID-19, a third dose offers increased protection and can be administered in Ontario as soon as symptoms have resolved and the isolation period is over, with the optimal time being at least 30 days after infection.
• Pfizer and Moderna are both mRNA vaccines. Since they use the same technology, they can be safely mixed and will provide a strong immune response that protects against severe illness.

Vaccines at Thrive Group:

• At this time all staff, students, volunteers, contracted staff, essential caregivers and general visitors (when general visits are safe to resume) are required by the Ministry of Long-term Care and our Thrive Group policy to have shown proof of a booster dose of vaccine.
• All LTC residents are being offered a third, and when eligible, a fourth booster dose. Booster doses are also being provided to clients in the community and fourth doses are now eligible for anyone that meets the immunocompromised criteria.

We will continue to provide you with additional information as it becomes available. Once again thank you all for your patience, understanding and kindness to our staff as we continue to work through these unchartered waters.

Take good care and stay well,

Steve Sherrer

CEO

December 31st, 2021

Hello everyone,

It is New Year’s Eve today and we are bracing for a bumpy start to 2022 with hope that this new year ultimately brings us to the end of this pandemic and back to a more normal time. We expect cases numbers and transmissions of COVID 19 to exceed anything we had even imagined. Symptoms with this variant are shorter lasting and milder than with previous variants- however the rate of spread is overwhelming the testing systems in the province.

Yesterday the Chief Medical Officer of Health provided some new directions to the province and to our health care settings:

• Laboratory- based PCR testing is being limited to high-risk populations. Here is a link that highlights who would be eligible for a PCR test and the circumstances surrounding the testing.
• The province is encouraging everyone to use the website Ontario.ca/exposed and to use the online self assessment tool to determine if you need to isolate or be tested based on your symptoms or contact risks.
• We have new directives and recommendations regarding vaccines. Third/booster doses are going to be required for staff, students, volunteers, essential caregivers, support workers and general visitors in our programs. All individuals that are eligible at this time. If you are 3 months (84 days) post your second vaccine, you are eligible for your booster, please book your appointments for your third/booster vaccine as soon as possible
• Due to waning immunity, 4th doses of vaccine are now being recommended for individuals in living in LTC and congregate settings.
• There are new guidelines for staff that have had an exposure to a COVID-19 case. These individuals may be permitted to continue to work if they continue to pass the series of testing requirements outlined by the Chief Medical Officer of Health. This process is called “testing to work”. We will evaluate operational needs and risk levels as appropriate.
• The Ministry has also put a temporary pause on general visitors and social absences from the homes.

In the coming days we will be providing more information about some of the above mentioned changes. Please continue to monitor our website for updated resources as we update them to reflect the recent changes.

Thank you for your continued patience, understanding and kindness to our staff as they continue to work through these unchartered waters over the holiday season. Please reach out to the leaders at your programs if you have questions.

Take good care and cheers to a happy and healthy New Year,

Steve Sherrer

CEO

December 28th, 2021

Hello everyone,

We hope that you found some ways to safely celebrate the holidays. Our incredible teams have continued through the holidays working to support the health, safety and wellbeing of our clients, residents and staff in this quickly evolving wave of the pandemic.

As you will be aware, things are changing significantly by the day (and by the hour) related to this Omicron variant. Case numbers have never been as high as they are today and are expected to continue to grow at a rapid rate. If things continue to move as projected, it is very likely that all of us will have contact either directly or indirectly with a COVID-19 case and many of us will contract this variant. Thankfully, the experience to date with this variant is resulting in a shorter and more mild presentation of illness for most individuals.

At this point, our biggest focus is to limit the spread of COVID-19 within our sites/programs and ensure we can sustain adequate levels of our most valuable resources – our staff.

If you have not already, we strongly urge you to book your appointment for your third/booster dose of the vaccine. We suspect that eventually the booster will be a requirement to be “fully vaccinated”. This dose is critically important and is showing to decrease the risk of severe illness if infected with COVID-19.

In recent days, we have implemented isolation precautions at both of our long-term care homes related to identified staff cases of COVID-19. We continue to prepare and modify our programs and services in the community to adjust to the changing needs.

We know that a number of further changes to our practices and directives are on the horizon. We continue to monitor these changes and promptly implement updated practices. Many of these directives are coming from both provincial and local public health experts and authorities to keep our vulnerable residents and clients and our invaluable staff as safe as possible.

Just today we received word that the Ministry of Health is suspending all general visits to long-term care homes as well as day absences for social purposes.

In the coming days we anticipate provincial and local changes to how we approach testing for COVID-19. Currently testing appointments have been a challenge to get, yet they are required to ensure our workforce is safe to continue to work. We also anticipate more information on approaches for “work isolation” or “testing to work” in which, our staff who may have had an exposure can continue to provide services and care based on frequent testing, screening requirements and continued use of appropriate PPE.

Thank you for your continued patience, understanding and kindness to our staff as they continue to work through these unchartered waters over the holiday season.

Please reach out to the leaders at your programs if you have questions.

Take good care,

Steve Sherrer

CEO

December 24th, 2021

Hello everyone,

I am reaching out to wish you all a very happy holiday season. This year, like the one before, has been full of challenges and once again you have all done an exceptional job working through them. It takes great courage and determination to not only persevere, but thrive during times like these, and I see that throughout our community every single day.

Although the threat of COVID still looms as we work to manage new variants of concern, we have made so much progress toward getting ourselves and our community vaccinated. As we enter this fourth wave of the pandemic, I know you will all do what you can to continue to protect yourself and those around you as you celebrate the season.

At the turn of the new year, we sing Auld Langs Syne and share a toast to days gone by. It is a tribute to what we have learned and how much we have grown, while ushering in the hopes of better, brighter days to come. It is hard to see outbreak numbers on the rise again, but with booster shots available to everyone, and the experience we have gained from past surges, we will get through this one as well. I am looking forward to the day when we can once again organize events and gather in person to celebrate. Until then, I hope you all find some way to spend quality time with those dearest to you.

I would like to thank you all for your ongoing support, trust and confidence in our organization as well as your help to stop the spread of COVID-19. Your ongoing support of our teams allows us to do what we can to keep our community safe.

Wishing you and yours a happy holiday and all the very best in the new year.

Steve Sherrer

CEO

December 15th, 2021

As indicated in my December 10th update, we have now received communication from Ministry regarding a number of temporary enhanced precautions related to the new COVID-19 variant Omicron. These added precautions are necessary to provide optimal safety and support to residents/clients while balancing the mental and emotional well-being of those we serve and their families, and to safeguard the staff who are critical to the care of residents and clients.

Please review the following table to see the changes.

Updated Precautions and Strategies For LTC, Community Congregate and Transitional Care Programs

Screening	All individuals must be screened prior to entry into the home and residents and clients are screened for symptoms daily (unless requirements related to return/admissions/transfers apply)
Surveillance Testing	All staff, students, volunteers, caregivers and general visitors will require a negative covid test on the day of entry to the home or proof of a negative test from the previous day. Testing is required for outdoor general visits Testing not required for infants under one year of age Individuals who show proof of a confirmed COVID-19 infection in the past 30 days should not be rapid tested
Vaccinations	All clients, residents, staff, students, visitors, essential caregivers and volunteers are strongly encouraged to receive their COVID-19 boosters as soon as eligible. Boosters shots are considered to provide the best level of protection from the Omicron variant Effective December 15 at 7pm: General visitors who are not fully vaccinated will be restricted from entering the home. Outdoor visits still permitted (where feasible) for unvaccinated individuals. Effective December 20: Essential caregivers must show proof of their first vaccine dose as of December 20th and by February 21, 2022 must show proof of all required vaccine doses. Until fully vaccinated, these caregivers will be limited to visiting their loved on in their room. Essential caregivers designated after December 14th are required to be fully vaccinated to gain entry to the home. Exceptions will be made if individual is medically exempt or if it is a palliative situation.
Visitor Limit Maximum Numbers	Outdoor visits (where feasible): Up to four people per resident/client at a time (includes essential caregivers). Indoor visits: Up to two people per resident/client at a time (includes essential caregivers). Essential Caregivers: Residents/clients can designate a maximum of two caregivers (unless more than two caregivers were already designated prior to December 14th)
Social Activities	All resident/client activities are cohorted to the unit and large group activities are suspended.
Absences	Day absences Day absences for social purposes are permitted for fully vaccinated residents/clients only. Requirements for return to home for day absence: Actively screen upon return Rapid test AND PCR test (where available) on day 3 following absence, followed by PCR test on day 7 No isolation is required unless positive result is received If known exposure to a case, PCR test on day 1 and day 7 and isolate until a negative result is confirmed from day 7 Overnight absences Overnight absences for social purposes are being suspended, regardless of vaccination status. LTC Residents who wish to leave the home overnight for social purposes will need to follow the appropriate discharge and re-admission to LTC process. Community clients leaving for overnight absences must receive a PCR test prior to return and isolate according to admission requirements outlined below. Essential, medical and compassionate and palliative absences are still permitted, regardless of vaccination status.
Admissions/ Transfers readmissions from another healthcare facility (not in an outbreak)	If asymptomatic and fully vaccinated and no known exposure to a case, do PCR test prior to admission or on arrival at the site, with isolation until a negative result is received (if PCR testing is not available, rapid testing will be used) Do enhanced screening on admission and twice daily for 10 days following readmissions/admissions/transfer
For all other readmissions/ admissions/transfers to the home	Examples: return from emergency department, admissions from the community, essential absence, medical absence, compassionate/palliative absence or community overnight absences A PCR test is required prior to admission or on day 1 and on day 7 Isolation is required until a negative result is confirmed from day 7 Enhanced screening on admission and twice daily for 10 days following readmissions/admissions/transfer

We understand this is a lot of information very close to the holidays. Please continue to check our website for further updates to our resources.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to keeping our residents, clients, staff and families safe. Please reach out to the leaders at your programs if you have questions.

Take good care,

Steve Sherrer

CEO

December 10th, 2021

Hello everyone,

The holiday season is here, as is the growing concern over a new COVID-19 variant called Omicron. Omicron is considered to be much more transmissible than previous variants of COVID-19. In response to the developing situation related to the new variant, guidelines from our local public health units and provincial experts are beginning to change with more changes anticipated.

Throughout the pandemic Thrive Group has diligently implemented all directives and guidelines and has elevated precautions at times out of an abundance of caution for the health, safety and wellbeing of our residents, clients and staff. This communication will outline the changes that have taken place already and highlight some of the areas we anticipate changes to come in the coming days. As always, we will continue to keep you informed of the changing precautions.

Travel related screening and testing – Everyone entering any of our Thrive Group sites are required to answer some more detailed questions about travel outside of Canada. Anyone that has travelled to a country on the quarantine list are unable to enter our sites until their full quarantine period and requirements are met.

Rapid antigen testing post travel- Anyone that has traveled outside of Canada (including the US) in the past 14 days is required to have a current negative rapid antigen test prior to entering any of our sites or offices. A rapid test is considered current if it was completed with the previous 48 hours.

Case and Contact Management - changes have been introduced to reduce transmission of Omicron. COVID-19 cases linked to travel or exposure to indivuals that have travelled are consider “suspected Omicron” cases until they are confirmed or ruled out. Any close contacts of a confirmed or suspected Omicron case will be required to isolate for 10 days- regardless of vaccination status, until Omicron is ruled out. Public Health will provide guidance and directions should you be identified as a contact.

This is extremely important to consider when gathering in large groups. There is a much larger risk of being in contact with a COVID case and needing to isolate. We strongly encourage that our staff do not gather in groups over the holidays to limit high-risk exposures and potential isolation requirements.

Surveillance Rapid Antigen testing was recently increased at our sites. We anticipate making some further adjustments to the frequency and processes to complete rapid testing for staff and visitors.

Visiting is likely an area that we may see some adjustments to guidelines. We know that the holidays are a time to gather with family and loved ones. As soon as we know what these directives are, we will communicate this so that you can make plans that will keep everyone safe at Christmas.

COVID-19 vaccines continue to protect people from COVID-19, especially booster doses for those eligible. We strongly encourage all visitors to our sites to support resident/client safety by getting vaccinated. We also encourage all staff and visitors to obtain their booster dose when eligible.

As always, we are keeping our website current with all updated information so please be sure to check the website frequently as additional modifications and updates.

Take good care,

Steve Sherrer

CEO

October 7th, 2021

Hello everyone,

The heat of the summer has lifted, a chill has settled in the air, and it is, once again, the time of year when we reflect on everything in our lives that we are thankful for.

As we come to the end of the second year of the pandemic, I am thankful that we have unimpeded access to a vaccine that has helped keep the number of COVID-19 infections to a minimum. We have been able to get out of our houses and back into stores and restaurants after what has felt like much longer than eighteen months of lockdowns and isolation. Most importantly, we have been able to reconnect with our neighbourhoods and the wonderful people in them. Thrive Group would not be where we are today without the unwavering support of our families, caregivers and community members. We may not be back to normal just yet, but we are well along the road to recovering.

I am also thankful for our staff here at Thrive Group. We have placed on the list of Best Workplaces in Ontario and the list of Best Workplaces in Healthcare across Canada. We earned the honor of these awards because of our incredible employees, people who work hard day and night to offer support and companionship to those who need it most. In times as trying as these, the simplest acts of kindness make all the difference, and it is this kindness that I see in our teams every day.

Finally, I am thankful for the opportunities that lie ahead. This has been a difficult time for all of us, but it has also invited us to learn and grow in ways that would have been unimaginable before. For all the sacrifices we have made and the losses we have endured, I truly believe we can rise from this stronger than ever.

Thank you for another amazing year. I wish you and yours a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

Steve Sherrer

CEO

September 30th, 2021

National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.

The day has been created to give everyone an opportunity to recognize and commemorate the legacy of residential schools, which more than 150,000 First Nations, Metis and Inuit children were forced to attend between the 1870’s to 1997.

Thrive Group echoes the Canadian Government's sentiments that we all need to do our part in ensuring that the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools is never forgotten. We encourage all Thrive Staff to wear orange today to show their support.

The Thrive Group Leadership Team

September 14th, 2021

We are so very proud to announce that Thrive Group organizations have been named on the 2021 list of Best Workplaces in Healthcare! This list includes healthcare organizations from all across Canada!

Thrive Group received this honour after a thorough and independent analysis conducted by Great Place to Work®. This certification is based on direct feedback from employees of the hundreds of organizations that were surveyed by Great Place to Work® in October of 2020. We were also recently recognized as one of the Best Workplaces in Ontario in 2021!

For all Thrive Group organizations to receive this honour is truly remarkable as we continue to navigate through a global pandemic where healthcare has experienced unprecedented challenges. We have been honoured with this recognition because of our amazing employees and their commitment to our clients and residents as well as to their teams, and the dedication and perseverance they bring to work everyday to help those who need it most. We are recognized as a Great Place to Work because we live our Thrive values and show passion for our work. We are so fortunate and proud to work with such an amazing team of people.

We would like to congratulate our Thrive Group employees and extend our genuine appreciation to them all, because it is our employees that make Thrive Group organizations such Great Places to Work!

Sincerely,

The Thrive Group Leadership Team

September 1st, 2021

Hello everyone,

This upcoming long weekend marks the transition from the heat of summer to the cooler months, and ushers in another season of holidays and family gatherings. As I sit to reflect on each milestone throughout the year, I am reminded of the monumental challenges our community has faced recently, and the continued uncertainty ahead. Know that your patience and the sacrifices you have made in taking great care to keep your family, friends, and neighbours safe has not gone unnoticed or unappreciated.

I would like to recognize all of you who are parents of children who will be returning to school. This has been an especially difficult time for the younger generations who have missed out on so many experiences and opportunities due to pandemic lockdowns. What you have done to keep your kids educated and entertained, while also doing your best to adapt to the new normal, has been nothing short of heroic. Hopefully, this year will look a bit brighter than the last and allow our children to see the school year through uninterrupted.

Although we don’t quite know what these final few months of 2021 will look like, I hope you are able to find some time to spend with those closest to you. Whether you choose to stay at home, or you venture out to enjoy the last of this beautiful summer weather, remember that the virus is still with us. Stay attentive to all COVID-19 protocols, keep your groups small, wash your hands frequently and get your vaccinations. This is how we can do our part to continue to keep people safe.

Stay safe and have a very happy long weekend,

Steve Sherrer

CEO

August 24th, 2021

Hello,

As August is quickly coming to an end, I hope that everyone has had a chance to enjoy some time during these warm summer months. At our Thrive Group organizations we have continued to remain diligent through the summer as we watched low case numbers slowly creeping back up. As always, we have continued to review and implement the changing directives and precautions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, the province continues to be in a “recovery stage” of the pandemic, yet concern is growing about a fourth wave of COVID-19. Our teams are preparing for a potential fourth wave, yet we are remaining optimistic that vaccine rates will continue to increase in the province preventing further illness and strain on the health care system.

The incredible scientific successes with COVID-19 vaccines have provided us with the ability to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and those most vulnerable in our community. A successful vaccine campaign has been a game-changer for the long-term care and congregate care populations. Thrive Group continues to promote the vaccine with all residents, clients, staff, caregivers, students and volunteers.

Thrive Group implemented a vaccine policy (available on our website) earlier this summer. We continue to evaluate our policy as new information becomes available from the Ministry and our other partners in health care. At Thrive Group we have made COVID-19 immunization a condition of employment for all new staff, contractors and students. We closely monitor our vaccine rates and are so thankful so many of our staff, residents and clients have chosen to be vaccinated. Currently between 87% and 93% of the staff working in our assisted living, supportive housing and long-term care sites are immunized. This is something to celebrate! However, we do continue to strive for higher rates.

With the recent news regarding third doses of vaccines for high-risk individuals, we are already working on plans for our long-term care residents. More information will be coming directly from the homes regarding this as additional information becomes available. Thrive Group continues to advocate for all of our high risk clients living in other congregate settings aside from long-term care to have access to a third or “booster” dose when possible.

As always, we are keeping our website current with all updated information so please be sure to check the website frequently as additional modifications are expected as we progress through re-opening the province.

Take good care, be safe and enjoy the rest of the summer,

Steve Sherrer

CEO

July 15th, 2021

Hello Everyone,

Tomorrow the Province enters Step Three of the Roadmap to Reopen. In addition to these provincial changes, there are a number of changes that are being made to the precautions currently in place in our LTC and community congregate sites.

Surveillance (Rapid) Testing

• Thrive Group has taken a cautious approach to all modifications to COVID-19 precautions. As always, the safety of our residents, clients, staff and visitors is our top priority. We continue to work with the Ministry directives as they evolve. At this time, out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to continue with surveillance testing for everyone entering our homes every-other-day (up to 3 times weekly). In the coming weeks we will re-evaluate this measure and make changes based on what is happening locally in our communities.

Visitor Limits

• The ministry of health has eliminated their specified numbers of visitors allowed to visit. Each site has developed its own plans based on physical space and operational feasibility to expand for groups of visitors, as they are able. General visits still need to be booked in advance. Essential caregiver visits do not need to be booked. Please see the communication from your site/program for these specific details and to plan for visits with your loved ones.

Eye protection

• Universal eye protection for staff is now optional for all fully vaccinated staff, however any staff may still choose to wear eye protection. Staff that are partially or unimmunized will be required to wear eye protection following our COVID-19 Immunization Policy requirements.
• Visitors and essential caregivers are not required to wear eye protection for visits unless visiting a resident in isolation or there is an outbreak at the site.

Resident and Client Absences

• All residents and clients (regardless of immunization status) are now permitted to participate in social outings for the day and/or overnight. Please refer to our absence guidelines on our website for further detail.

Programming and Excursions

• As the province opens up allowing us to participate in more activities, the same is being reflected in our Homes. Loosening of restrictions now exist regarding physical distancing at meals and programs, singing, dancing, buffet/family style meal programs and offsite excursions.

Once again, our teams are busy working on the logistics to implement these changes. If you have any questions about the new precautions, please speak with a member of the leadership team.

As always, we are keeping our website current with all updated information so please be sure to check the website frequently as additional modifications are expected as we progress through re-opening the province.

Take good care,

Steve Sherrer

CEO

July 1st, 2021

Canada day is a day to recognize the birth of the country that we call home. In the history of our nation, there have been moments to celebrate and moments from which we must learn and grow. This year, perhaps more than ever before, we are being asked to demonstrate empathy and humility as a united people and to face some hard truths about Canada’s recent past.

There is a lot to be proud of in being Canadian, but we also have a lot of work to do to create a truly supportive and inclusive place that each and every one of our citizens can call home. However you choose to reflect on what Canada Day means to you this year, please do so safely and respectfully. Our Thrive Group locations will keep our flags lowered to half-mast in memory of the Indigenous children whose remains have been found in the recent weeks. Further Indigenous resources and information can be found here in the Indigenous Hub section.

Take good care,

Steve Sherrer

CEO

June 30th, 2021

Hello everyone,

Today the Province enters Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen. In addition to these provincial changes, there are a number of changes that are being made to the precautions currently in place in our LTC and community congregate sites.

Thrive Group Vaccine Policy

• Thrive Group has implemented a COVID-19 Immunization Policy as directed by the Ministry of Long-Term Care. Thrive Group is committed to creating and maintaining a healthy and safe work environment for our staff and for the residents/clients we serve, and to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 in our workplace by encouraging high rates of vaccination. The policy applies to all staff, contracted staff, students and volunteers and is available for review here.

Essential Caregivers - Changes as of July 7, 2021

• The limit of having only two designated essential caregivers will be removed. The resident/client, or their substitute decision maker, must still designate all essential caregivers and communication with the home must occur to ensure the essential caregiver is identified as an approved caregiver.
• Up to two essential caregivers may visit indoors at a time.

General Visiting - Changes as of July 7, 2021

• General visiting outdoors continues and will be expanding to allow up to 10 visitors (including essential caregivers) to visit at a time. All general visits must be scheduled in advance.
• Indoor general visiting will be permitted for all residents and clients allowing up to two general visitors and up to two essential caregivers to visit together. All general visits must be scheduled in advance.
• Physical distancing requirements continue, but do allow general visitors and residents/clients to have brief hugs at their visits regardless of vaccine status. If residents/clients and general visitors are both FULLY VACCINATED (proof of vaccine will be requested) close contact and hand holding is permitted during general visits.

Cohorting of Residents and Clients - Changes as of July 7, 2021

• For our larger sites that have multiple terraces, home areas or villas, residents and clients have been cohorted within their smaller unit. Cohorting restrictions will be relaxed for outdoor programs allowing a greater opportunity for social engagement and interaction.

Personal Care Services

• Are resuming at our sites that offer these services in accordance with the Reopening Ontario Act.

Our teams are already busy working on the logistics to implement these changes. If you have any questions about the new precautions, please speak with a member of the leadership team.

As always, we are keeping our website current with all updated information so please be sure to check the website frequently as additional modifications are expected as we progress through re-opening the province.

Take good care,

Steve Sherrer

CEO

June 22nd, 2021

We are so very proud to announce that Thrive Group organizations have been named on the 2021 list of Best Workplaces in Ontario!

Thrive Group received this honour after a thorough and independent analysis conducted by Great Place to Work®. You may recall completing the Great Place to Work employee survey in October 2020. We received certification as a Great Place to Work from your feedback in the survey. This list is based on direct feedback from employees of the hundreds of organizations that were surveyed by Great Place to Work®.

To be eligible for this list, organizations must be Great Place to Work Certified™ in the past year and be headquartered in Ontario. From the survey you completed last year, Great Place to Work has determined that Thrive Group organizations are among the Best Workplaces in Ontario.

This past year has challenged us all both personally and professionally. Yet, in true Thrive style you have put our clients and residents ahead of you own needs, you have worked long hours and sacrificed so much for the good of others. Being recognized as a Best Workplace in Ontario is a testament to your commitment to each other, our residents and clients, and the passion and dedication you bring to your work every day. You represent the best of our Values and strive to always maintain a strong and healthy workplace culture. We are humbled by your feedback and proud to work with each and every one of you.

Congratulations on receiving this honour. We want to express our heartfelt appreciation to all of you, because it is each and every one of you who makes all our Thrive Group organizations such Great Places to Work!

Sincerely,

Steve Sherrer

CEO

June 18th, 2021

As Father’s Day approaches this weekend, we are seeing the start of summer, the result of some great successes with the provincial vaccine program and very welcomed talk about the response and recovery of the health care system.

The pandemic has kept loved ones apart for far too long. We are so happy that at this point we can celebrate Father’s Day and our families in a more normalized manner than last year. Outdoor visits can include up to two general visitors and up to two essential family caregivers together. Brief hugs are permitted between long-term care residents or congregate care clients and their visitors. Also, fully vaccinated visitors are permitted to have close contact during their visits such as hand holding. Although not the ideal way to spend a celebratory weekend, we can see progress with the fight against COVID-19. Please be sure to check out our visiting guidelines on our website for detailed information about visiting.

There is still worry about the affects that the Delta variant of concern may still play in this pandemic. We do not want to see a fourth wave. Thrive Group continues to encourage everyone to receive their COVID-19 vaccines. The scheduling has accelerated the second doses of the vaccine so that everyone can soon be fully vaccinated. If you are looking for information on how to book a vaccine appointment, please click here.

So this weekend, celebrate those special people in your lives that have raised, mentored and supported us on our journeys.

Take good care,

Steve Sherrer

CEO

June 8th, 2021

Hello Everyone,

The announcement yesterday that the province is moving into Step 1 of the Roadmap to Reopen as of Friday June 11th is a welcome one, as we all look forward to enjoying our summer months. In addition to these provincial changes, there are a number of changes that are being made to the precautions currently in place in our LTC and community congregate sites related to visiting, absences and eye protection.

We are now seeing some evolving precautions for residents/clients and visitors based on being FULLY VACCINATED. (Fully vaccinated means you are 14 days post your second/final vaccine of the vaccine series.) Screening tables at our sites may be asking to see your COVID-19 vaccine documents as we work to implement these new Ministry directives. As always, we are keeping our website current with all updated information so please be sure to check the website frequently as additional modifications are expected as we progress through re-opening the province.

Eye Protection

• As of June 9th, FULLY VACCINATED essential caregivers will no longer be required to wear eye protection during their visits. Eye protection is still a requirement for unvaccinated and partially vaccinated essential caregivers and all staff, students, volunteers and contracted workers.

General Visiting

• General visiting continues to be in place for outdoor visits. Please review the guidelines for general visiting here.
• Starting June 9th, physical distancing requirements will be adapted to allow general visitors and residents/clients to have brief hugs at their visits - regardless of vaccine status!
• If residents/clients and general visitors are both FULLY VACCINATED, close contact and hand holding is permitted during general visits.
• Residents and clients that cannot visit outdoors related to mobility or health status, will be permitted to have one general visitor indoors. That visitor will be required to complete rapid testing prior to the visit. These accommodations will be limited to individuals that meet this criterion and will be planned in collaboration with the care team at the site.

Resident and Client Absences

• Medical, palliative/compassionate and essential absences all continue to be permitted.
• Starting June 9th, FULLY VACCINATED residents/clients can now go on social and temporary (overnight) absences. For more information on the types of absences and criteria for planning an absence, please review the guideline document here.

Surveillance Testing (Rapid Testing)

• Starting June 9th, any staff, visitor, caregiver, student or volunteer that has previously been infected with COVID 19 will now be required to participate in rapid testing starting 90 days after their positive test result.

If you have any questions about the new precautions, please speak with one of the leaders from your site. We anticipate more changes in the days and weeks ahead as the province continues with reopening.

Take good care,

Steve Sherrer

CEO

June 1st, 2021

Hello everyone,

Today is the end of the provincial “stay-at-home” order. Although this is welcomed news, there is not very much that will be changing with precautions until we enter the next step of the provincial reopening plan, anticipated to be June 14th, 2021.

We have been promised further direction from the Ministry of Health regarding visiting and absences. At this time, outdoor visits are going well. It is wonderful to see our residents and clients reconnecting with family, friends and essential caregivers! Please see our website for instructions for booking outdoor visits and for the guidelines for outdoor visitors.

Medical, compassionate and essential absences continue to be permitted for long-term care residents and clients living in our congregate sites. While social outings were not permitted under the province-wide stay-at-home order, the Ministry will provide further direction allowances for fully immunized individuals to participate in such outings now that the stay-at-home order is lifted. We will provide you with current information as we receive it.

Thank you for your ongoing support and take good care,

Steve Sherrer

CEO

May 29, 2021

Hello everyone,

I hope that you are all doing well and that you are making the most of the weekend.

As you likely know, today marks the 8th annual Moving to Make It Happen event. This year, similar to last year, the awareness and fundraising event was held virtually so that we could adhere to all COVID-19 pandemic precautions. I am pleased to report that once again, a pandemic, could not stop us from not only reaching our goal of $50,000 but significantly surpassing the goal and inching towards $75,000. This year, our giving is wide spread! This is such an incredible achievement and could not have occurred without the strong support of all of our stakeholders.

From our clients, residents and family members to our staff, volunteers, friends of Thrive and sponsors, this accomplishment is a testament to your commitment to supporting our organizations. Thank you so much for being true ambassadors of our mission.

I would like to thank the Moving to Make It Happen Planning Committee for all of their work behind the scenes and for inspiring others to join the event. I would also like to take this opportunity to extend a very special thanks and congratulations to Shari-Lee Srigley, Director of Development for championing this event and leading the charge. She has motivated all of us to strive for excellence, create teams and healthy competition across our sites and has done a great job in not only raising funds for much needed resources but also raised awareness of our organizations and those who we are privileged to serve.

Please join me in congratulating everyone on this achievement. Thank you for sending in your photos and videos on how you “moved to make it happen” so that we can share these on our social media platforms. I am honoured to serve with you and proud to be part of such an esteemed and engaged group of individuals.

Stay safe, we are rounding the corner - I wish you all the best.

Steve Sherrer

CEO

May 21, 2021

Hello everyone

We are so pleased that the province is seeing the progress being made in the fight against COVID-19. Yesterday government released its Roadmap to Reopen, a three-step plan to safely and cautiously reopen the province and gradually lift public health measures. It has become very evident that vaccines are supporting this success and that the steps of re-opening are reliant on the vaccine rates of the adults in our province.

To align with this roadmap, we are permitted to reopen outdoor visits for general visitors to our long- term care and congregate community programs.

As with our consistent approaches to the management of the pandemic, we have taken care and caution to ensure that all changes to precautions are made carefully to ensure they are safe and successful.

Our teams are so excited to be working on plans to reconnect our residents and clients with loved ones for outdoor visits. With this news being shared with us today, our teams are already hard at work preparing the visiting spaces, scheduling staff and developing the processes needed to safely start outdoor general visits early next week!

In the coming days, we will be updating and sharing our updated visiting policies and resource materials which will also be posted on our website here

At this time, the following has been communicated as guidelines for outdoor general visits:

• Maximum of two general visitors at a time per resident in addition to essential caregiver(s).
• General visitors need to be actively screened upon arrival and should not proceed beyond entry points / areas in homes.
• General visitors do not need to undergo a rapid antigen test as their visit will be outdoors.
• General visitors need to maintain physical distancing and wear masks.
• Residents and clients should wear masks as tolerated.

Thank you for your support and patience as we prepare to relaunch outdoor visits connecting our clients/residents and their loved ones. You will be getting further details from your home, site or program shortly.

If you have received your vaccine already…THANK YOU!! If you are eligible for a vaccine have not yet booked an appointment, we do urge you to book so that we can continue to progress to reopening Ontario as safely as possible!

Thank you,

Steve Sherrer

CEO

May 7, 2021

Hello everyone

Early this week we received updated directives and guidelines outlining changes to some of some of our COVID-19 precautions. The Ministry of Health is working to ensure that all congregate settings and long-term care homes are operating safely while providing the greatest possible opportunities for maximizing resident and client quality of life.

The Ministry of LTC has provided us with foundational guidance and information to help interpret requirements set out by the government with respect to the pandemic. This guidance document sets out how our LTCHs and congregate sites can safely resume certain activities with precautions that are based on their overall immunization coverage rates at the site.

A summary of these changes include:

Active Screening for Visitors and Staff – Screening will only happen on entry to the site (no longer on exit). Temperatures are no longer required to be monitored for visitor and staff screening. Everyone is still expected to continually self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19.

Increasing Universal Masking for Residents and Clients – Residents and clients that can tolerate wearing a mask are encouraged to wear a mask (medical or non-medical) when at meals (and not eating), during personal care and while in common areas in the site. Staff should assist with mask application and removal when needed.

Promotion of the Vaccination Program – The provincial vaccination program has prioritized our residents, clients, staff and essential caregivers. We continue to support all residents, clients, staff and essential caregivers to receive their vaccine. We are starting to see changing precautions for individuals that are fully vaccinated* and sites that have reached certain rates of fully vaccinated residents, clients and staff. If you are not vaccinated, please ask questions about the vaccines and ask for support getting registered for a vaccine appointment. Also, please keep the home/site up-to-date with your own vaccine status. We are lobbying that staff and essential caregivers be prioritized for a shorter waiting period between first and second doses. #ThriveCrushingCOVID

*Please note that fully vaccinated means 14 days post vaccine series (second dose).

Physical Distancing and Physical Contact – Fully vaccinated essential care givers may have physical contact (hugging/hand holding) with fully vaccinated residents and clients provided appropriate IPAC control measures, like masking, eye protection, and hand hygiene are in place.

Vaccine Rate Dependent Restriction Removal – for sites that have fully vaccinated residents/client rates of 85% or higher AND a fully vaccinated staff rate of 70% or higher, some precautions can be alleviated. Again, fully vaccinated status is considered 14 days after receiving the second dose of vaccine.

Vaccine rates for the different sites will be communicated through the sites normal communication processes.

Essential Absences – Social absences are still not permitted under the province-wide-stay-at-home order. Residents and clients are able to resume essential absences. Essential absences are defined as going to the grocery store or pharmacy where another option is unavailable, or for outdoor exercise both on or off the immediate property of the site. Residents/clients going on absences must be provided with a mask, practice public health measures (physical distancing and hand hygiene) when outside of the home and be screened upon their return to the home.

We anticipate further updates to the visiting policy and other precaution changes when the province-wide-stay-at-home order is lifted. We will provide further updates at that time.

Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to the safety,

Take good care,

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April 16, 2021

I hope that this update finds everyone doing well.

I wanted to share some exciting news with respect to St. Peter’s Residence at Chedoke and Idlewyld Manor. Several months ago, we applied for funding through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program to upgrade our Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems at our two long-term care homes. This funding is a cost sharing initiative between the federal and provincial governments. We received news today that our application was endorsed and we will be receiving up to $2.585M for St. Peter’s upgrades and up to $2.767M for Idlewyld’s upgrades. These projects will involve the installation of new HVAC systems to improve air quality and improve heating and cooling and will help maximize infection prevention and control throughout all area of the homes. We are so grateful to the federal and provincial governments for this much needed support.

“I am thrilled that the federal government was able to provide over $2 M to St. Peter’s Residence at Chedoke and over $2 M to Idlewyld Manor, both a part of Thrive Group for a project that will install a new HVAC system to improve air quality and improve heating and cooling, and to help maximize infection prevention and control throughout all areas of the long-term care home. St. Peter’s and Idlewyld are crucial Hamilton institutions providing care and support to Hamiltonians when we are at our most vulnerable." Honourable Filomena Tassi, Min of Labour, MP for Hamilton-West Ancaster Dundas

“This investment will benefit many of the most vulnerable people in our community, providing them with the comfortable and safe living spaces they deserve,” said Donna Skelly, MPP for Flamborough-Glanbrook “Our government puts the safety and well-being of long-term care residents at the heart of everything we do.”

We will continue to provide you with additional information as we proceed with these projects. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please feel free to connect with Jennifer Banks at St. Peter’s Residence at Chedoke or Bahar Karimi at Idlewyld Manor.

Please stay safe and have a good weekend.

Steve Sherrer

CEO

April 13, 2021

I hope that everyone is adjusting to this next round of “shut down” and that you have been enjoying some of the warm weather over the past couple of weeks. I wanted to let everyone know that the Pandemic Committee continues to connect to receive up to date information from each of our 18 sites and to develop or refine plans to address any challenges.

I want to reassure you that we are continuing to assess the potential risk of every situation that presents itself and that we continue to be steadfast in our commitment to our clients, residents and staff. Our 3,000 clients and residents and our 1,350 staff deserve the best and this remains our number one priority.

As you know, we continue to conduct rapid testing on our staff and essential family caregivers at our long-term care home sites. This screening is a proactive strategy to identify people who might be contagious with COVID-19 but go unrecognized.

I also wanted to let you know that we are excited to inform you that most of our congregate, supportive housing and assisted living clients have now had an opportunity to be vaccinated. This marks another great milestone in our efforts to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 spreading at our sites.

I encourage everyone to sign up for a vaccination as the eligibility criteria allows. We are seeing more light at the end of this long tunnel and we truly appreciate all the support and understanding as we continue to commit to the health and well being of our residents, clients, staff and family members.

I want to reassure you that we have no further confirmed cases of COVID-19 across any of our 18 sites. We will continue to keep you informed of any new information as it becomes available.

Please continue to look after yourselves and stay well!

Steve Sherrer

CEO

March 31st, 2021

Hello everyone,

Last year, we went into this long weekend with a sense of trepidation, not sure what to expect, or what our holidays were going to look like. Now, as we face the second Easter in this pandemic, it does not seem any easier knowing that our celebrations must still be limited so that we can keep ourselves and those we love safe and healthy.

Once again, I would like to thank you for all of your endless patience over this past year. As the first glimpses of spring bring some much-needed relief from the now all too familiar feeling of being stuck indoors, we must remain vigilant in our efforts to keep potential exposure as minimal as possible. I know it has not been easy and I understand that many of our staff will spend time working over this long weekend caring for our clients and residents. I also know that as family members, many of you will have different celebrations some virtual over this coming weekend.

As I write to you now, vaccinations are being administered across the country, with the most vulnerable and exposed among us being prioritized. We are in the beginning stages of defeating COVID-19, but we will get there! A few months ago, we started our #thrivecrushingcovid campaign to cheer on those who have been vaccinated and those who are eagerly awaiting their turn. Everyone has done an incredible job championing this campaign. For those of you who have been vaccinated, you are an inspiration to everyone for doing what is right and coming together to help us crush COVID!

Whether you celebrate Easter or simply recognize the coming of the new season, Spring represents a time of growth and rebirth, and never has this felt more true. In the days when this pandemic is nothing more than a memory, we will be able to share stories of this often difficult, sometimes inspiring and always incredible journey that we have taken together.

My hope for you over this long weekend is that you are able to find time to spend with your loved ones in whatever way you can. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Look after yourselves, look after your loved ones and look after each other.

Steve Sherrer

CEO

March 18th, 2021

Hello everyone,

Today I am writing to you with some good news and an exciting update. The outbreak at York was declared over today. We are so proud of the team at York for demonstrating their strengths and commitment to the infection prevention and control practices. This outbreak was limited to a single case without any transmission or spread. As we move into a third wave of the pandemic, we all must continue to keep our diligence to the required precautions at the highest level. There is light at the end of this pandemic, but we are not there yet.

Thinking about the future, we have a big project starting! We are so excited to share that St. Peter’s Residence has been selected to move forward with an expansion to the home. Please read the update about this work here. We will continue to keep you up to date as the planning work begins.

Take good care,

Steve Sherrer

CEO

March 11 2021

Hello everyone,

Today marks one full year since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. Since that time, this virus has spread throughout Canada and changed how we all live our lives. This has been one of the most difficult challenges we have had to face as a country, a community, and an organization. One of the most surreal outcomes of the pandemic has been watching our clients and residents maintain separation from their loved ones. I cannot express how grateful I am for your understanding, patience, and flexibility during this unprecedented event.

With vaccines now available, residents, clients, health care staff and populations of seniors in our community are eligible to take part in this life and pandemic changing vaccine campaign. Vaccines should be available to everyone in the coming months giving us hope and comfort. We continue to encourage everyone as they are eligible to get their vaccine and join us in our mission of #ThriveCrushingCOVID.

Once again, I would like to thank all of our staff from the bottom of my heart for the unwavering dedication you have shown to our clients, residents, and their families during this incredibly trying time. Adversity does indeed make us stronger, and I believe we have all proven that during this past year. As we forge ahead toward brighter days, we will never forget the challenges faced and lessons learned along the way. Words fail to express the pride I feel in knowing that our teams were not only able to stand up to this pandemic, but were willing to go above and beyond to uphold Thrive Group’s goals and values while doing so.

I wish you all a happy and healthy way forward,

Steve Sherrer

CEO

March 5, 2021

I am happy to continue to provide you with updates related to the Thrive Group organizations’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We continue to monitor the status of COVID-19 cases and the variants of the virus that are causing some concern to the public health experts. Our precautions and plans continue to adapt to ensure that we have all measures in place as we continue to be focused on the well-being, health and safety of our clients, residents, staff and loved ones.

As of today, rapid antigen testing is happening in both of our long-term care homes ahead of the mandated timeline. Rapid testing is done multiple times each week for those entering the home with results available within 15 minutes. This is a huge step forward in the prevention of transmission and outbreaks.

Our community programs are also conducting proactive surveillance testing of staff as an additional precaution to protect our clients, staff and the community. This is another example of Thrive Group organizations taking measures and precautions above and beyond the guidelines in place.

As a result of the surveillance testing, we were able to identify a positive staff case at our York site in advance of any identified symptomatic contacts. In consultation with Hamilton Public Health, we have declared an outbreak at that site. Clients living at that site are self-isolating and being monitored closely for the development of any symptoms. Staff continue to wear all necessary personal protective equipment and are taking all precautionary measures. We want to reassure you that we are handling this outbreak with the outmost caution and continue to implement all of the directives provided by the Ministry of Health and Public Health. We will advise you of any updates as they become available.

I am pleased to report that we remain COVID-19 free at 17 out of 18 of our sites. Please continue to take care, stay healthy and make the best of this upcoming weekend.

Steve Sherrer

CEO

23rd February, 2021

Hello everyone,

I hope that you are doing well.

I am pleased to inform you that we have no outbreaks at any of our 17 sites. I want to thank the staff and essential caregivers for all the work that they have done over the past several months by working in collaboration and minimizing the risk of outbreaks. This continues to be a challenging time and we ask that you continue to abide by all the precautionary measures so that we can remain COVID-19 free at our sites.

Yesterday was an exciting day at our AbleLiving Services Binbrook site as many of our clients were able to receive their first vaccine dose. We look forward to the coming months when our remaining clients and staff receive their vaccines. In the meantime, please stay safe and we will, as always, keep you up to date through this platform.

Take care

Steve Sherrer

CEO

18th February, 2021

Hello everyone,

I hope that this email finds you well and you are surviving this last bit of wintery weather.

It is hard to believe that we have been on this journey for almost a full year.

For a COVID-19 update for you today, I am pleased to inform you that our outbreaks at Aghabi and St. Peter’s have been declared over. We have one small outbreak at our Lakeside site and we are anticipating that this will be declared over in the next day or two. We have no outbreaks at any of our other 16 sites. This is a testament to the outbreak management and precautionary measures we have in place and to the dedicated group of staff and essential caregivers at our sites. Congratulations on a job well done!

As you are likely aware, vaccine availability will be increasing over the course of the next several weeks. This is incredibly exciting as it is a key way to protect one another and minimize the spread of the virus. I am happy to report that over 97% of our residents at St Peter's Residence at Chedoke and Idlewyld Manor have had their second doses of vaccine. We also know that the next phase will include clients at some of our congregate care settings.

The long-term care homes are continuing their planning and preparations for rapid-testing of staff, support workers and essential caregivers in the coming days and weeks.

Visiting guidelines can be viewed on our website. Please refer to our up to date information.

As always, I wish you all the best through these challenging times. Please stay safe and healthy.

Steve

Steve Sherrer

CEO

5th February, 2021

Hello everyone,

Days are starting to get a bit longer as spring comes closer into sight. Similarly, we are seeing light on the horizon of the pandemic as hope from vaccines grows and access to rapid testing is starting in long-term care homes. New infection rates in the province are slowly decreasing however there is still significant numbers of individuals with COVID-19 in our communities.

As always, the well-being, health and safety of our clients, residents, staff and loved ones continues to remain our top priority at all Thrive Group of organizations. Our programs continue to work closely to follow all the directives and implement the precautions required to keep our residents, clients and staff healthy.

The outbreak at St. Peter’s Residence continues and involves one single resident case and one staff case at this time. The home continues to keep residents, staff and families up to date regularly and continues to closely monitor all residents and staff for signs of infection.

Lakeside Court in Mississauga has declared an outbreak involving one staff member. The outbreak status of our Mississauga, Aghabi Transitional site continues. Public health has supported testing for all staff and clients at those locations. The team is ensuring communication is maintained with all of the individuals impacted at those sites.

We reassure you that all our staff is extremely experienced in managing respiratory illnesses and that we are following all directions from the Ministry of Health and our local Public Health unit. We have rigorous infection management practices and processes in place throughout all our locations.

At this time, we want to acknowledge the unwavering courage and devotion of our staff in the provision of quality care to our clients and residents. Thank you for your on-going understanding and support during this difficult time. Please be assured that we are continuing to make decisions in the best interests of our clients, residents and staff to make sure that their health and safety remain our highest priority.

Stay healthy and safe.

Steve Sherrer

CEO

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