ALL VISITORS MUST CHECK IN AT RECEPTION.

Visits do not need to be scheduled.

There is no limit to the length or frequency of the visits.

Core principals of Infection Control remain in place.

Masks & social distancing to be maintained per CMS guidelines. To maintain social distancing, we ask that the number of visitors be limited to 2 or 3 if possible.

Visitors are strongly recommended to be tested prior to visit, but it is not a requirement for visitation.

Visitors must go directly to the room of the resident they are visiting. They cannot walk the hallways.

Visitation is not allowed if the visitor is ill, has tested positive for COVID19, or has been exposed to COVID19 requiring quarantine.

 To Our Residents, Family and Staff:

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released an updated memorandum on Visitation in Nursing Homes; this is exciting news, as we are no longer required to restrict visitation in our facility! We are required to make sure that you are educated on and understand the risks associated with visiting in a congregate care setting and with the practices that we will all have to follow in order to reduce the risk of infection within our facility. This information is detailed below; please review the information carefully and let us know if you have any questions.


Ways you can help reduce the spread of infections:
• Visitors who have a positive viral test for COVID-19, symptoms of COVID-19, or currently meet the criteria for quarantine, should not enter the facility.
• Hand hygiene (use of alcohol-based hand rub is preferred) • Face covering or mask (covering mouth and nose) • Physical distancing at least six feet between people, in accordance with CDC guidance
• Appropriate use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Outdoor visits are preferred but all above steps should still be followed.

Indoor visitation – in addition to all of the above ways to reduce the spread of infections:
• Limit your visit to only the person you came to see
• If there is a roommate, pull the curtain between the beds
• Perform hand hygiene frequently throughout the visit.

While not recommended, residents who are in quarantine or isolation can receive visitors. Be aware that there are increased risks of spreading Covid-19 or other infections when you visit someone in quarantine or isolation. Additional safety precautions will be required to reduce the risk as much as possible, including wearing a gown, gloves and a face shield.

Visiting during an outbreak investigation is discouraged. If you still chose to visit, be aware that the potential risk to both you and your loved one you are visiting is higher.


Did you know that the CDC reports the community transmission for all counties in the country? Many people do not even know they have the infection, but they are still able to spread Covid-19. When our county is in a moderate to high level of community to transmission, we are encouraging everyone to get tested prior to visiting in an effort to prevent someone unknowingly bringing Covid-19 into our resident’s home. We are able to offer testing to visitors during specific times. Please call ahead to schedule a time to be tested. Testing is quick and results take 15 minutes. If not able to get tested at our facility, please get tested in the 2-3 days before coming to the facility. The website to visit to find the CDC Community Transmission rate is https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view

Resident outings also have specific considerations. Please remember that while not in the facility, the resident and everyone around them must continue to follow all recommended infection prevention practices including wearing a face mask, physical distancing, and hand hygiene.

Upon return, we are required to take the following action:
• Screen residents upon return for signs or symptoms of Covid-19
•If possible close contact to an individual with Covid-19 while outside of the nursing home occurred, we must test the resident and follow CDC guidelines
• If gone for 24 hours or longer, we must quarantine all residents who are not fully vaccinated.

We are excited to welcome you back for in-person visiting! We are still able to assist with televisits, and we are also still able to schedule a visit to ensure you have a designated private visiting space reserved. Thank you for your continued patience as we all adapt to these updates.

Although the risks of introducing and spreading Covid-19 infection within our facility is still increased with unrestricted visitation, following our Core Principles of Infection Prevention and getting your Covid-19 vaccine greatly reduce the risks.

Please call myself or any clinical team member for any questions.


Respectfully,

Pat Perry, RN and Administrator
 

Founded in 1955 by Ray and Fern Enos, Alamo Nursing Home, Inc. has been caring for the Kalamazoo, Otsego, and Plainwell communities for over 60 years.