- Sienna Senior Living (SIA) came under fire recently for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, but says it’s now well-prepared for a potential second wave
- Of its 83 facilities, five are currently in outbreak, with only one active case of the virus among its residents
- The company says this has remained steady over the past month, highlighting the effectiveness of its new virus-mitigation policies
- Work is continuing to secure personal protective equipment, and voluntary hospital management agreements have been signed for two of the company’s long-term care communities so far this month
- Sienna Senior Living (SIA) is currently up 0.42 per cent and is trading at C$12.01 per share
Sienna Senior Living (SIA) says its now well-prepared for a second wave, after intially coming under fire for its handling of the pandemic.
The Ontario-based company’s CEO, Lois Cormack, stood down in mid-July citing “personal reasons,” and was replaced by Chief Financial Officer and Chief Investment Officer, Nitin Jain.
While no formal reason was given for her leaving, it followed hot on the heels of scathing allegations regarding conditions at the company’s Altamont facility.
The report came from the Canadian Armed Forces, who were assisting in the management of COVID-19 at five specialised care facilities, and outlined severe bed sores – some of which had penetrated to the bone – as well as dangerous medication errors, a dire lack of staff, and regular public arguments between employees.
Since the report broke, however, Sienna Senior Living has implemented sweeping new policies in an effort to address its battered public image and reinstate a level of trust. This included increased communication between residents and their families and the introduction of enhanced frontline education protocols.
A zero-tolerance policy regarding inappropriate behaviour was also initiated, along with the acceleration of staff recruitment and the on-boarding of additional healthcare expertise.
Of its 83 owned or managed facilities, there are currently five in outbreak, with only one active case of COVID-19 among its residents. Sienna Senior Living says that this has remained relatively constant over the past month or so, demonstrating the effectiveness of its new safety measures.
“We have emerged from the first wave of the pandemic stronger, more knowledgeable and better positioned for a potential second wave,” said Nitin.
“We have been working on numerous initiatives to keep our team members and residents healthy and safe, our development plans are gaining momentum and we are encouraged by the increased level of deposits from future residents in our retirement residences,” he concluded.
With talk of a second wave on the horizon, Sienna Senior Living is continuing to secure personal protective equipment, and is strengthening its infection prevention and control practices.
So far this month, the company has also signed voluntary hospital management agreements for two of its long-term care communities.
Sienna Senior Living (SIA) is currently up 0.42 per cent and is trading at C$12.01 per share at 12:56pm EDT.
