What you need to know about obtaining face-to-face service at Lake Ridge Community Support Services in Phase 2/3
In order to keep our clients, caregivers, guests and our staff safe during phase 2, phase 3 and subsequent phases of the government’s re-opening of Durham Region, Lake Ridge Community Support Services have put in specific protocols.
If you’re planning to visit one of our facilities please call ahead (905-666-9688) or speak with your clinician to ensure you are aware of the latest procedures in place for your safety.
Currently, all staff and other visitors are required to follow a screening process before attending an in-person/face-to-face appointment at any Lake Ridge Community Support Services facility. All visitors are required to wear a face mask (if able) and wash/sanitize their hands while visiting any of our locations.
Client/Caregiver Symptom Screening
A clinician is required to complete the COVID-19 Screening Form for all clients/caregivers or guests prior to them entering a Lake Ridge location. Screening should occur via phone while the client/caregiver or guest is at home or while in their car at a Lake Ridge location parking lot. The client/caregiver or guest, who does not report any symptoms through the screening, will be met at the entrance to the building.
If a client or caregiver refuses to complete the screening, they will not be able to enter a Lake Ridge location.
Upon entering a location, the clinician will use an infrared thermometer (touchless) to ensure there is no fever (i.e., the thermometer screen is green).
What if a Client/Caregiver or Guest Has Positive Screening?
If a client/caregiver or guest screens positive prior to the start of an appointment, our clinician will advise them to call their primary care provider or Telehealth Ontario (1-866-797-0000) for further direction and clinical assessment.
The appointment will be cancelled and the client/caregiver or guest will not be permitted to enter the Lake Ridge location. The clinician’s supervisor or designate will be notified to help determine next steps for service.
Once the client/caregiver or guest has connected with their primary care provider or their local public health department, they can provide an update regarding their health status to their clinician.
The next appointment can be scheduled when safe to do so (if a positive case, this would be after the 14-day quarantine).
If the client/caregiver or guest does not test positive for COVID-19 or a health care professional deems it is not a COVID-19 situation they may return to service after being symptom-free for 24 hours.
PPE & Hygiene
In an effort to mitigate the asymptomatic spread of COVID-19 Lake Ridge Community Support Services has also developed a protocol for the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and hygiene procedures for our staff, clients, caregivers and guests.
These include protocols and procedures for the use of face masks, gloves, shields and gowns, as well as personal hygiene, handwashing/sanitizing and the use of cleaners and disinfectants in our facilities.
Prior to any appointment, your clinician will walk you through the necessary protocol.
Moving forward
We are continually monitoring the situation and preparing our agency and staff to adapt to each new phase as the region continues to open back up.
Our plan continues to be to offer telehealth and virtual services while we safely transition through future phases back to in-person service. We encourage you to stay connected with your clinician on the most effective service options available to you.
To learn more about Telehealth and Online ABA services check out our FREE Live Streaming Workshop on Monday, July 27, 2020.