Residents and Families,
We continue to be in a good place here at Stapeley. With the exception of the one Employee who tested positive during our universal testing (they tested negative on their next test) we have not had a positive case of COVID 19 here since June 16. We have dismantled our red quarantine zone and we have some Residents in our yellow zone. This zone is for recent admission from the hospital who tested negative there before moving to our Health Care Center. They will remain in isolation for 14 days and if symptom free after that, they will move to our green zone.
Barring any changes in the city or state, and we remain where we are in the partial green phase, the plan I am presenting today will take effect as we invite visitors into the community. At this time, we are planning our re-opening to visitors to begin on Monday, August 10.
It is understandable that everyone is anxious to get on the calendar for a visit, and there is no way that everyone can be first. In order to maintain some semblance of organization and sanity for our wonderful Receptionists, we have concluded that we are going to call every Resident’s family to set up the initial visits, going in room order. Health Care visits will occur at the glass-enclosed entrance in the middle of the building and PC visits will occur through the big window in the Rec Room. Each Resident will be limited to two visitors per scheduled visit. Between August 10 and 28 every one of our Residents in Health and Personal Care will have been able to receive visitors for the first time since mid-March. Independent Living Residents may visit with their families on the patio outside of the Fireside Dining Room while maintaining social distance and proper mask use.
After that first week of visitors, we will provide further information on how appointments for visits will be made as we move forward. At this time, we do know that we will only be scheduling visits one time per month due to increases in positive COVID-19 tests in the region and our need to assess what may (or may not) occur after each “round” of visits.
I have attached an updated copy of the re-opening plan that includes the visiting process. Staff will be available to assist you through every step of the process. Please read this document carefully and be prepared to cooperate with all staff in complying with the parameters we have set. I appreciate this may be very difficult and the parameters may be stringent, especially after a prolonged absence from loved ones, but it is imperative for everyone’s safety that the process is adhered to without exception.
We are all thankful for your patience, understanding and support throughout this pandemic. Your continued patience and understanding will be appreciated as we explore this new way to visit. This will be a different way to plan a visit, but we do believe the plan is equitable to all families and will work. Please do not hesitate to contact us with your questions or concerns. You can send also e-mail me at kbeiler@wel.org
Please take care of yourselves, and I will be in touch again soon.