News

Letter from the Administrator

Holiday Greetings!

As you are aware, the on-going pandemic public health emergency has been difficult for everyone, especially our residents- your loved ones. As we approach the Holiday Season, we are happy to announce that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has updated guidance in regards to visitation.

You will no longer be required to schedule an appointment to visit or have limits set on the length of your visit during the facility’s normal visiting hours. In keeping with resident rights to private time, if you need to visit outside of normal visiting hours, please call ahead so the facility may make preparations as to not disturb other residents. Normal visiting hours for the facility are 7:00 am-7:00pm. Please keep in mind that staff are very busy during mealtimes, and if you are not coming to dine with the resident, staff may not be able to assist a resident to the visiting area quickly.

As there is no longer a limit to the number of visitors which a resident can have, CMS states that facility must adhere to the Core Principles (listed below) for social distancing. Also, CMS guidance is to limit large gatherings or parties where physical distancing cannot be maintained related to space.

In- room visits will not be allowed if the resident’s roommate is unvaccinated or regardless of vaccination status if the roommate is immunocompromised.

Receiving the vaccination is the best gift you can give your loved one. Protecting residents is our number one priority. If you and your loved one are vaccinated, then visits can be mask-less, and touch is permitted. Remember a mask will be required in common areas such as hallways at all times.

If the community has high numbers of COVID cases, or if facility is experiencing an outbreak of a viral infection, you will be informed at the door and may be asked to wear additional protection. CMS has stated the facility may ask for a COVID-19 test prior to your visit.

Please review the below Guidance to help protect yourself and your family.

Guidance continues for adhering to the Core Principles of COVID-19 infection prevention:

  • Visitors who have a positive viral test for COVID-19 or Flu, symptoms of COVID -19 or Flu, or currently meet criteria for Quarantine should not enter facility. Each time you enter the facility, you will be screened to include a temperature check and symptom questionnaire. This is a requirement of visitation.
  • Hand Hygiene- hand sanitizer is readily available, and you will be requested to use prior to visit. Frequent use of hand hygiene is a significant part in preventing the spread of a virus.
  • Use of Face covering or mask (covering both nose and mouth) and physical distancing at least 6 feet apart as per the CDC guidance.

Additional guidance is to limit movement in the facility. Please go directly to area of visit and remain. Please do not visit other residents or make frequent trips down the hallway.

Let’s embrace this new guidance as we enjoy quality in-person time with our loved ones. Our priority continues to ensure our residents’ stay will us is a safe and happy one. Failure to adhere to this CMS guidance may result in asking visitors to leave.

Again, we are very excited for this update as we have missed seeing you- we are happy to welcome you back!

Sincerely,

Jeremiah Wyman, Administrator

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