Infection Prevention & Control (IPAC)

Regulatory Compliance & Commitment to Resident Safety

Leamington Mennonite Home maintains a comprehensive Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) program in accordance with the Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2021 and Ontario Regulation 246/22.

Our IPAC program is designed to:

• Prevent and reduce the transmission of infections
• Protect residents, staff, caregivers, and visitors
• Ensure compliance with provincial legislation and public health directives
• Promote evidence-based best practices in long-term care

IPAC Program Overview

Our Infection Prevention and Control program includes:

• A designated IPAC Lead
• Written policies and procedures reviewed annually
• Ongoing staff education and training
• Routine surveillance and outbreak management protocols
• Compliance monitoring and quality improvement initiatives
• Collaboration with local Public Health authorities

Policies are aligned with provincial standards and are available for review upon request, in accordance with legislative requirements.

Visitor & Caregiver Responsibilities

Under provincial legislation, infection prevention is a shared responsibility. All visitors and caregivers are required to comply with IPAC measures while in the Home.

Do Not Visit If Ill

Visitors must refrain from entering the Home if experiencing symptoms of communicable illness, including:

• Fever
• Respiratory symptoms (cough, sore throat, congestion)
• Gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
• Any new or unexplained symptoms

Screening requirements may be implemented or reinstated based on public health direction.

Hand Hygiene Requirements

Hand hygiene is mandatory and is the most effective measure to prevent transmission of infection.
All visitors are required to:

• Perform hand hygiene upon entry and exit
• Clean hands before and after visiting a resident
• Use alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) unless hands are visibly soiled

Hand hygiene stations are located throughout the Home.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

When indicated, visitors must comply with PPE requirements, which may include:
All visitors are required to:

• Surgical/procedure mask
• Gloves
• Gown
• Eye protection (face shield or goggles)

Outbreak Management

In the event of a declared outbreak:

• The Home will implement outbreak management protocols in collaboration with local Public Health
• Additional precautions, cohorting, visitor restrictions, or testing requirements may be enacted.
• Primary caregivers and substitute decision-makers will be notified when their loved one is affected.
• Enhanced cleaning and surveillance measures will be implemented.

Outbreak status updates are communicated in accordance with provincial reporting requirements.

Immunization & Prevention Strategies

Vaccination programs (e.g., seasonal influenza) are offered in accordance with provincial guidance. Visitors and caregivers are strongly encouraged to remain up to date with recommended vaccinations to reduce risk to vulnerable residents.

Continuous Quality Improvement

The Home monitors infection rates, audits hand hygiene compliance, and reviews IPAC practices regularly to ensure alignment with evolving provincial standards and best practices.

Our commitment to infection prevention supports resident safety, dignity, and quality of life.