Wella Canada is partnering with the North Simcoe Muskoka Specialized Geriatric Services (NSM SGS) and Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care (lead agency for the NSM SGS program) to acknowledge and recognize the hard work of our North Simcoe Muskoka long-term care home teams during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“NSM SGS is proud of the partnership we have developed over the years with our North Simcoe Muskoka long-term care homes. COVID-19 has challenged the teams in these homes to find new and creative ways to support their over 3,000 residents. Thank you Wella Canada for acknowledging the daily work by these very dedicated teams”, states Sandra Easson-Bruno, Director, NSM SGS program.

Long-term care homes have been especially hard-hit during this period. At July 15, provincial data showed that since the beginning of the pandemic, approximately 50 per cent (319/630) of the province’s long-term care homes have had a COVID-19 outbreak (at least one case, which could include a staff case). The increased safety restrictions put in place have made it difficult on residents, families and staff. With residents isolated from their family and friends, the teams are working twice as hard to provide daily care, maintain safety precautions and meet the social needs of isolated residents.

“Wella Canada is pleased to partner with the North Simcoe Muskoka Specialized Geriatric Services program to recognize the work of long-term care home staff. The level of commitment required by staff during the COVID-19 pandemic has been significant and we felt it was very important to acknowledge these teams for keeping residents safe and engaged”, states Marianne Medeiros, Country Manager, Wella Canada.

Wella Canada will be providing approximately $250,000 in professional hair care products to 24 long-term care homes across NSM. This equates to approximately 8,000 products for 2,725 staff.

“I just wanted to express a heartfelt thank you on behalf of my entire staff. They were all so thrilled with the hair products that were delivered. In these crazy times, such a thoughtful gift and a reminder of the importance of self-care, was just what was needed. Thank you again!” said Carolyn McLeod, Interim Administrator, Leacock Care Centre, Orillia.

NSM SGS is supported by its lead agency, Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care and works collaboratively with partners to support frail older adults and their caregivers.

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The North Simcoe Muskoka Specialized Geriatric Services (NSM SGS) program reminds older adults and their caregivers that it remains important to seek medical attention when required. If you need health care services or emergency care, please do not postpone or delay taking action.

Family doctors and nurse practitioners in the region continue to provide care, although it may look a little different than before. While the emergency departments are providing care to individuals presenting with COVID-19 symptoms, they continue to be open and available to support non-COVID related issues. Delaying a visit to your primary care provider or to the hospital could put you at greater risk.

Our partners have reported that some older adults are hesitant to seek medical attention due to concerns related to COVID-19 transmission. With all the current messaging, some also believe they are not allowed to go to emergency departments. We are hearing stories of people with very high blood pressure and evidence of strokes who are not seeking help. When it comes to older adults in the region, we understand the fear of contracting COVID-19 is heightened, causing worry for caregivers who are trying to protect them. If you find your loved one is in distress, primary care providers and emergency departments are prepared to see them in a way that will optimize their safety.

“While it’s great that people are respecting the social distancing guidelines, health and wellness is extremely important, especially if you are experiencing a medical situation,” said NSM SGS Director Sandra Easson-Bruno. “Our fear now is that people are delaying care which will only lead to worse outcomes. Please don’t wait for the current pandemic to be ‘over’ before seeking help.”

We want to reassure people that our primary care providers and hospitals have strict infection prevention and control protocols in place to keep people as safe as possible so that everyone can continue to receive care. In hospitals, patients with COVID-19 symptoms are cared for in defined areas and with specific protocols to ensure the emergency departments and hospital units are available for all other patients.

For more information on COVID-19 and older adults, visit the North Simcoe Muskoka Specialized Geriatric Services website.

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