Update from Administrator – April 1, 2021
Dear Families,
Overall, no significant changes to our center or our visitation plans, which are based on our state’s response to the CDC and CMS guidance. Please note that over the past week, our community has seen an uptick in positive cases. We continue to monitor these numbers and urge you to wear your mask, socially distance, wash your hands frequently, and consider getting vaccinated.
While the long weekend ahead doesn’t look to be the warmest on record, it does appear to be good for an outdoor visit 😊! Please take advantage of the weather as often as possible.
As we have in the past, updated and detailed CDC guidance is noted in the below link: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/infection-control-after-vaccination.html.
Updates:
As before, when an outbreak is detected among residents or staff, all visitations must be suspended except for compassionate care visits, until at least one round of facility-wide testing is completed. Outdoor visitation is not affected by an internal outbreak on a unit, while we await the results of the initial round of testing.
Currently we have two positive residents. We are open to outdoor visitation.
We always offer visitations using our technology (iPads, tablets, calls, etc.) and when we can, window visits and outside visits. If you do not have an appointment scheduled, please contact medical records at 203-729-9889 to schedule an appointment for an outdoor visit, window visit or virtual visit.
We continue to take all necessary precautions, including wearing personal protective equipment, additional cleaning, hand washing and sanitizing, as well as and conducting regular testing of our staff and residents.
We want to provide some reminders about our visitation policy, based on requirements set by our state’s DPH and the CDC. We do apologize, but the below is to ensure that everyone has the opportunity for visits, under the strict state and federal guidelines we must adhere to.
While we know this is not the optimal way to visit your loved one, these guidelines have been put in place with your loved ones and out staff’s best interest in mind. We continue to work with the state to ensure that we are following their guidance, but not being overly restrictive in the interpretation. Our goal is to get you back to visiting with your loved one.
To clarify: a “fully vaccinated” individual is defined as one who is two weeks post receiving a complete series of their vaccination dose(s).
- Call main phone number (reception desk) or email us at medrec@beaconbrookhc.com to set up appointment.
- Residents may have up to 2 visitors at a time.
- Visiting can be up to 30 minutes long.
- Please, do not bring food or beverages to the visit, as masks must always remain on.
- Come to the building with mask on that covers your nose and mouth.
- When you arrive, please sanitize hands, fill out COVID exposure questionnaire and sign the one-time document acknowledging that you will follow the visiting guidelines.
- The visit monitor will take your temperature.
- Go directly to patio/recreation room.
- All visitors and residents must wear a facemask that fully covers your nose and mouth, and it must remain in place throughout the entire visit; you must perform hand hygiene prior to approaching the visit area.
- Please maintain social distancing during the visit. ** If your loved one is fully vaccinated (two weeks post receiving BOTH of their vaccination doses), you may have close contact with your loved one. Please continue to practice social distancing with our staff and any others you may encounter. This is for indoor and outdoor visitation.
- Remember, outside visits are always (weather permitting) the easiest way to visit your loved one and are NOT affected by an outbreak in the center.
- A staff member will be on hand to answer questions, assist during the visit, and sanitize in between visits.
Miscellaneous:
- We have a lovely meal planned this Sunday for Easter:
Baked ham with pineapple sauce, fresh baked sweet potatoes, asparagus, dinner roll with butter and NY style cheesecake with strawberries.
- A reminder to everyone that we do have various tablet devices for your loved one to utilize to access games, various communication tools, games, news, and more. We have done some tutoring and training of the tablets so that residents are more comfortable with them.
- Some recreation programs updates for this weekend:
Friday
- 9:00 Morning Visits
- 9:30 Family visits
- 10:30 Rosary
- 2:00 Hot Cross Buns
- 2:30 Jesus Christ Superstar Ch. 45
Saturday
- 10:15 Morning Visits
- 10:30 Activity Packets!
- 1:00 Sentimental Reflections – Story, Scenery & Song Ch. 45
- 1:30 Sunshine Visits
Sunday
- 9:30 Morning Visits
- 10:00 Cath Mass Ch. 6
- 10:30 Family Visits
- Sunday Afternoon Chats – Hand out Easter Bags
Thank you and, as always, please stay safe and healthy!
Melissa Vivo, Administrator