Dear Residents, Families and Friends of Birchwood,
Birchwood is excited for the opportunity to begin to allow outdoor visitations as noted in the Governor’s address on June 17, 2020. As mentioned previously, the Vermont Health Care Association and been working closely with the Department of Health and the Division of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL), to establish guidelines and criteria for these visits. Finalized guidance was provided to Nursing Facilities as to how these visitations must be structured.
Please note that visitation will look much differently than it has in the past. As we continue to balance the need for resident and families to have contact with their loved ones, we need to remain vigilant with our prevention efforts, ensuring these visitations are done safely, responsibly, and in a manner that supports infection control practices, minimizing the risk of re-entry of the virus into the facility.
We understand that the criteria set forth will not be easy or applicable for all residents depending on their cognition or care needs. For those residents who may not be able to comply with these requirements, we will continue to offer additional means of communication (Skype, Zoom, Facetime, phone call, etc.) for connectivity.
https://dail.vermont.gov/…/Outdoor_Visitation_Guidelines.pdf
In accordance with the guidance for visitation provide by DAIL, Birchwood’s policy and procedure for visitation is noted below:
- All visitations must be schedule in advance through the Receptionist. This can be done via phone at (802) 863-6384, Monday through Friday, from 7 am to 3:30 pm, or via email at jhemond@premiernursinghome.com.
- Visiting hours will be from 10am to 5pm daily and are anticipated to begin Tuesday June 23, 2020.
- Visits will be scheduled in 45-minute increments. The initial 15 minutes of the allotted time will be used for assessment, paperwork, and review of policies. The remaining 30 minutes will be for visitation. Staff will sanitize visitation area between each visit.
- Visitors will be screened for symptoms of COVID-19 upon arrival to facility, immediately prior to visitation with resident. Any visitor with symptoms will be excluded from visitation.
- No more than two visitors will be allowed at a time. Visit time slots may not be split between visitors.
- Each resident may only receive one scheduled visit per day.
- All visitors will be required to provide their contact information. The facility is required to keep record of all visit dates, times, and the contact information of all visitors.
- Visitors (with the exception of children 2 years old or younger) will be required to wear facemasks or cloth face coverings at all times during the visit. Visitors are to come prepared with their own facemasks to utilize during the visit. (Residents will also be encouraged to wear facemasks or cloth face coverings during visits if they can tolerate them.)
- Visits will be limited to outside only and in a designated visitation area. Visitors and the resident will remain in the designated area for the duration of the visit. Please note these are outdoor visitations and may be impacted weather conditions.
- Visits are required to be supervised to ensure social distancing of at least six feet between people, and that other infection prevention measures are always maintained (i.e. proper wearing of face covering) during the visit.
- Physical contact between the visitor(s) and residents, including the passing of items directly to the resident and vice versa, is prohibited. If you have gifts for a resident, please be prepared to give items to the staff member during your visitation screening process. The facility will sanitize the items and provide to them to the resident per facility protocol. Please keep this in mind when you are deciding what to bring. If you are bringing food items, please limit to prepackaged items that can be wiped down.
Please note that residents being observed under quarantine (new admissions, etc.) will not be allowed visitation until the completion of their 14-day quarantine.
Failure to comply with any of the visitation rules will result in immediate termination of the visit and may all result in having visit privileges revoked. Failure to follow visitation rules may also result in a 14-day quarantine in facility for the resident you are visiting.
Resident safety remains our top priority and Birchwood is committed to taking every precaution to protect those in our care.
We are so very grateful for the overwhelming show of support you have provided to the staff and residents over the past several months. Our hearts are full with love and appreciation!
Respectfully,
Alecia DiMario
Executive Director