Update from Administrator – November 13, 2020
November 13, 2020
Dear Families,
We are happy to report that we remain COVID free!
Last week, more than 50 nursing homes across the state reported staff and/or new resident cases of COVID-19 in their centers. We continue to follow guidance and protocols set by CT-DPH and are testing our staff weekly. Although so much more is known about COVID-19 and its spread, it remains a very difficult challenge for our state and region to control.
We are reminding our staff to not only practice safeguards against COVID in our center, but to be vigilant outside of our center and share these practices with their friends and loved ones. We still ask you to do your part while in your community and PLEASE wear your mask, wash your hands, and watch your distance. And please promote these very simple precautions with your extended family and friends.
Indoor Visits
As a reminder, our indoor visitation policy and procedures follow state and federal requirements. Based on that, nursing homes and visitors must adhere to many conditions that we listed in previous emails. Some are listed below:
- We must limit the number of visitors per patient at one time and limit the total number of visitors in the center at a time. This will be based on the amount of physical space we have available for our designated visitation area.
- Screening for anyone who enters our center – temperature and health screen questionnaire – will take place by our center staff.
- We cannot allow visitors to move freely throughout our center; visitors will go directly to the designated visitation area.
- Hand hygiene must be followed and personal protection equipment (PPE) must be worn by visitors.
- Social distancing requirements remain as they do for our outside visits.
- All visits must be scheduled through the Recreation Department—you can contact Tracy Hoskins (recreation@valeriemanorhcc.com) or call her at 860 489-1008.
Indoor, End Stage of Life Care Visits
Should a new case of COVID be identified in the center, all inside visits, except end stage of life, will be temporarily put on hold.
Outside & “Alternative” Visits
Please know that outside and “alternative” visitations will continue, and if possible, we encourage this over indoor visits. Please take advantage of these visits for as long as they are possible.
Remember that we do offer iPads for our residents to use for video visits, phone calls, etc. to ensure that you and your loved ones remain in contact, as best as you can during these very uncertain times.
We will have our next Family Town Hall Phone call on Friday, November 13 at 2:00pm.
As always, thank you for your patience and please stay safe and healthy!
Robert Fritz
Administrator