Visitor guidelines

When are visiting hours?

Visiting hours for the Veterans Centre are between 11:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. or at the discretion of the nursing staff when a resident has had a change in health status.

How can we keep residents healthy?

Frequent hand-washing is key to preventing infection. Please use the hand wash sanitizers for 15 seconds when entering and leaving the Veterans Centre. There are hand wash stations located throughout the facility.

Do not visit if you have infectious symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, sore throat, cough, muscle aches or fever. Visiting when you have even mild infectious symptoms, can result in the spread of your infection to many vulnerable residents who are at risk of serious illness and/or death from common viruses.

Can I bring a pet to visit with a resident?

Visits with family pets can lift the spirits of residents and provide a welcome diversion. To ensure both the safety of pets and residents, the person accompanying the pets must assume the following responsibilities.

• All visiting pets must have current immunization and be clean, well groomed and free of parasites or infection when brought to the hospital. Pet owners must be prepared to present proof of current immunization if requested, including mandatory rabies vaccination. (Health Protection and Promotion Act, RRO 1990, Reg. 567, Rabies Immunization (2005)
• Ask the resident whether they would like to have the pet visit. The resident's roommate must give consent if the visit is to take place in their room. Consult with the unit ahead of time. Visits are generally not permitted when residents are acutely ill, have pet allergies, infectious conditions or open, draining wounds. 
• Keep dogs on a leash at all times and cats cages; stay with the pet at all times.
• Visits should take place during regular visiting hours. Pet visits should not normally exceed two hours, unless the visit is outdoors, so that the pet's elimination needs can be met. Bring the necessary supplies to clean up accidents should they occur in or outside of the hospital. 
• Please remember to have both the resident and yourself wash your hands after every visit.
• Remove the animal if requested by staff as a result of unacceptable behaviour (eg. excessive barking, biting or nipping) or if the presence of the animal is having an adverse effect on the resident or others. 

Animals are not permitted in the following areas:

• Warrior's Hall (including the Annex & the Games Room
• L-wing Fireplace Room 
• Food preparation areas, including the Recreation Therapy kitchens 
• On unit dining rooms
• Sunny's Cafeteria (both sides)