The Chief Executive Officer of the Heritage Life Personal Care Home in Niverville says there is reason to hope.

A COVID-19 outbreak was declared at the facility back on January 4th and since then 26 people have contracted the virus, eight of whom have died. Without downplaying those losses, Wes Hildebrand says the stories of victory outnumber those of defeat.

For obvious reasons, Hildebrand says having the virus present in his PCH has both staff and residents feeling cautious but, generally, he believes the atmosphere is one of optimism.

“There is some apprehension on everybody’s side, but I think, as well, there is a glimmer of positiveness,” he remarks. “We’ve been quite fortunate in that a good number of our residents that did test positive have been asymptomatic and really haven’t had a tough slug of it. Even our oldest resident who was 100 years old, ended up catching it and recovering.”

To those less familiar with the PCH, it is divided into six neighborhoods. Impressively, Hildebrand says vigilant precautions have enabled his team to limit the spread of COVID-19 to only two neighborhoods: Prairie Rose and Lilac Lane. Even in those two sections of the building, he says most individuals who are ill are nearing recovery. Still, Hildebrand admits not every family has had the joy of watching their loved ones get better. He says the PCH tries to be sensitive to those who have lost parents, grandparents, and siblings by accommodating their mourning period in whatever way they can.

“Even if our resident does have Covid and has entered the end-of-life protocols, the family can come in and be there with their loved one until they pass,” he describes. “And when our resident who has passed is taken from the building by the funeral home, a good number of our staff line the hallways on their way outside in honor of the resident and their family.”

Hildebrand reaffirms that he and his staff members are doing what they can to keep the facility as safe as possible and says he is confident the outbreak will soon be over.