Dear Family and Friends:
I hope this letter finds you all well and enjoying the final weeks of summer. I am writing to provide some important updates for Villa Colombo Toronto (VCT) beginning with an update on the revitalization project. As you may recall, in December 2022, the Villa Colombo Toronto Board and Villa Charities Revitalization Committee decided to pursue the renovation option for upgrading the existing 266 Class B beds in our facility and submitted an application for project funding to the Ministry of Long Term Care on December 20, 2022. On August 3, 2023, VCT received approval for the preliminary drawing and we are now proceeding to develop the working drawings in preparation for the project tendering process. In the original plan, it was anticipated that construction would begin in June of 2024 however, due to delays in the preparation and approval of the preliminary plans, we anticipate that the construction start date may be delayed which would in turn delay the decanting period. Alternate start date have not been finalized but updates will be provided when more information becomes available.
Health Canada has approved the first vaccine for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Alexey produced by GSK, a global Biopharma company based in England. As soon as VCT receives its allocation of the RSV vaccine, more information will be provided to you and staff will begin obtaining consent prior to the administration of the RSV vaccine. Influenza immunization (flu shot) and the COVID-19 booster campaign will begin sometime in October as directed by Toronto Public Health. By focusing on both the COVID-19 boosters and flu shots in the fall, we will be able to optimally protect our residents against the expected increase in viral illnesses in the winter months.
Villa Colombo Toronto has a pet visitation program that allows pets to visit within specified parameters. Any family members, who wish to bring their pets to visit their loved one at VCT, must ensure the pet is registered for visitation and that an up to date vaccination record is on file. Additionally, it is the owner’s and / or pet handler’s responsibility to ensure that the pet is on a leash during the entirety of the visit and, that the pet is kept out of situations that might trigger aggression. Upon entry to the facility, all pets must be checked in with the reception desk. The receptionist will verify the pet’s registration and vaccination record. Once cleared, the receptionist will issue the visiting pet a lime green coloured bandana collar to indicate clearance. The collar must be worn for the entire duration of their visit. Once the visit has ended, the owner is requested to return the collar to the reception desk when signing out. If your pet develops any signs of illness or demonstrates any signs of aggression or anxious behaviour please refrain from bringing them to VCT. To register your pet for visitation, please contact Teresa Cribari at 416-789-2113, ext. 2335. Any pet not registered prior to their visit will not be allowed to visit on VCT grounds (inside the facility or in the garden).
This is a reminder that the Tuck Shop, operated by the Villa Colombo Toronto Auxiliary (VCTA) reopened in December 2022. The shop has many great and convenient products for sale, geared to the likes and interests of our residents and their guests. All the proceeds from the sales directly benefit our residents and clients. Please take a moment to stop in during your next visit. We look forward to your support for the shop, and for the wonderful group of volunteers who make it possible. If you are interested in knowing more about how to get involved with the VCTA, or if you have any suggestions about what the VCTA should include for sale in the Tuck Shop, please contact them directly at 416-789-2113, ext. 2260 or by email at vcla@villacolombo.on.ca.
In order to ensure the safety of all residents and clients, please be mindful not to allow any residents or clients to exit with you. If you do observe a resident or client attempting to follow you or anyone else through an exit, please notify an employee immediately. This is additionally important when leaving the unit. Do not share the code to the stairwell or elevator lobbies with residents and do not decode the doors for others. If you hear an alarm at any of the exits at VCT, please be patient while the staff determines the cause of the alarm. We understand this can be frustrating at times, but we ask that you please be patient while staff ensures that the resident or client who triggered the alarm is safe. Please share this important information with other family members who visit with your loved one at VCT.
We hope you have noticed the beautiful new tables and chairs in the fountain area. The new furniture was purchased with a generous donation from Pizza Nova for use by our residents, staff and visitors. We hope you will take the opportunity to enjoy using the tables and chairs during your visits. Please also remember that the Sala Caboto foyer and our beautiful garden, when weather permits can be used during your visits. If you wish to use our common visitation areas for a special occasion for a small family gathering that requires the use of more than one table, we ask that you contact Teresa Cribari, Manager, Programs at 416-789-2113 ext. 2335 or tcribari@villacolombo.on.ca for guidance and assistance. Please remember that for infection prevention and control, we ask that you remove any garbage and debris after your visit and that you wipe the tables before and after each use.
Our next Family Town Hall will be held on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at 5:00 pm. Please send your questions to info@villacolombo.on.ca by 12:00 p.m. on the same day. To access the Family Town Hall, please click here or dial +1 647 558 0588. The webinar ID is 885 5203 6569.
Thank you for your ongoing cooperation and support.
Please enjoy the rest of the summer.