Dear Residents, Families and Employees: 

The COVID transmission rate in Bucks County remains high and the 7-day metric for positivity as of today is 6.88%. We have not had any new cases by staff or residents at our community.

CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid) released updated Visitation Guidance for Nursing Homes. Visitors are always allowed indoor visitation, as permitted under regulations, without registering/scheduling a visit in advance, without limited length of visits and without limited number of visitors.

At WEL Doylestown, we have been open to visitation in Personal Care and Independent Living but had continued to have visitors for the Health Center sign up through “Sign Up Genius”. Effective immediately visitation for all residents is now allowed, thereby, making Sign Up Genius inactive.

There are still limitations that will be effective:

  • Visitors who have a positive COVID-19 test, symptoms of COVID-19 or currently meet the criteria for quarantine (exposed, potentially positive) should not enter the community.
  • Hand hygiene is required.
  • Face mask covering the mouth and nose is required.
  • Six feet distance between people is required.
  • The rooms in the Health Center are semi-private; therefore, we do ask if there are more than two visitors at a time, you take turns entering the room while others wait in the lobby to ensure proper distancing.
  • For the Health Center – Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. visitors should enter through the Health Center Entrance and be screened on entrance. After 4:30 p.m. weekdays and all hours on Saturday and Sunday, visitors must enter through the main entrance and be screened upon entrance.
  • For Personal Care – visitors may enter through the Health Center Entrance (following the same hours above), or the Main Entrance and be screened on entrance.
  • For Independent Living – visitors must enter through the Main Entrance only and be screened on entrance.
  • All visitors are strongly encouraged to have their COVID-19 vaccination or to receive the COVID-19 vaccination.
  • Room visits are permitted, IF both roommates are vaccinated and neither resident is immunocompromised (regardless of vaccination).
  • Visitors who are not fully vaccinated are encouraged to visit outdoors if the resident’s medical condition health status allows for outdoor visits and weather permitted. Outdoor visits generally pose a lower risk of transmission due to increased space and airflow. 

Attached is a COVID-19 Educational Quick Sheet and Visiting in the Health Center Fact Sheet. Please ensure you review it prior to visiting.

As a reminder, WEL Doylestown has not opened dining for families and visitors, which also includes our Bar & Bistro in Independent Living. Once we do open dining options for visitors, I will let everyone know. However, if visitors for the Health Center would like to take their loved one to our 9th floor for the visit, that is fine. You must ensure that you sign out and back in with the nurse. The 9th floor offers a large area around the fireplace and the indoor rooftop walking area with panoramic views. It is important that residents and families do not sit around the walking area since it would block others from walking and potentially create egress issues. Additionally, there is the Living Room on the 9th floor that could accommodate a larger group if visitors that can be reserved by calling the front desk at (215) 345-4300.

Lastly, as we enter the holiday season, we are getting more requests to reserve our Guest Room. The maximum number of nights for reservations is five (5). Also, at times, we do need to use the guest room for one of our own residents, therefore, there is the potential that we may have to cancel the reservation. Independent Living residents may have a family member stay with them based on the spaced availability within the apartment, for maximum of five (5) nights. For your convenience, we do have a list of nearby hotels at our front desk if needed.

It is a true pleasure to serve you. For any questions, you may contact me at ldukert@wesleyenhancedliving.org or 267-895-1132. Internally, my extension is 502.

Respectfully,

Lynne Dukert – Executive Director

COVID-19 EDUCATIONAL QUICK SHEET

COVID-19 affects different people in different ways. Most infected people will develop mild to moderate illness and recover without hospitalization. The CDC does not list different symptoms for the Delta variant or others.

Most common symptoms include:

  • Fever
  • Dry cough
  • Tiredness

Less common symptoms:

  • Aches and pains
  • Sore throat
  • Diarrhea
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Headache
  • Loss of taste or smell
  • A rash on skin, or discoloration of fingers or toes

Serious symptoms:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Loss of speech of movement

Seek immediate medical attention if you have serious symptoms. Always call before visiting your doctor or health facility.

On average it takes 5–6 days from when someone is infected with the virus for symptoms to show, however it can take up to 14 days.

VISITING IN THE HEALTH CENTER

Visitors are allowed indoor visitation at all times, as permitted under regulations, without registering/scheduling a visit in advance, without limited length of visits and without limited number of visitors.

Visitors who are not fully vaccinated are encouraged to visit outdoors if the resident’s medical condition health status allows for outdoor visits and weather permitted. Outdoor visits generally pose a lower risk of transmission due to increased space and airflow.

Visits may be conducted in residents’ rooms, with the following exceptions:

  • If one resident is not fully vaccinated and the other resident is fully vaccinated, visits may not take place in the room.
  • If one resident is immunocompromised, regardless of the vaccination status.

Core principles of COVID-19 infection prevention must be always adhered to. Visitors who are unable to adhere to the core principles of COVID-19 infection prevent will be asked to leave; and or, they will not be permitted to visit.

Core Principles of COVID-19 Infection Prevention:

  • Visitors who have a positive viral test for COVID-19, symptoms of COVID-19, or meet the current criteria for quarantine should not enter the facility. All visitors who enter will be screened to determine visitation exclusions.
  • Hand hygiene (use of ABHR [alcohol basked hand rub] is preferred).
  • Face covering or mask (covering mouth and nose) and physical distancing at least six feet between people, in accordance with CDC guidance.
  • Instructional signal throughout the facility and proper visitor education on COVID-19 signs and symptoms, infection control precautions, other applicable facility practices:
    • Hand hygiene and screening at entrance
    • Visiting in designated areas only
    • Do not enter other residents’ rooms; limit visits to your loved one only
  • Cleaning and disinfecting high frequency touched surface in the facility often, and designated visitation areas after each visit.
  • Appropriate staff use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Effective cohorting of residents (e.g., separate areas dedicated to COVID-19 care)
  • Resident and staff testing conducted as required by regulation.
  • If a visitor wishes, we can do a RAPID COVID-19 test prior to entering the Health Center. We do ask that you call in advance to request this service to our nurse’s station at 267-895-1179.

COVID-19 Outbreak Investigation:

  • It is safer for visitors not to enter the facility during an outbreak investigation; CMS has stated visitors must still be allowed in the facility.
  • Visitors should be made aware of the potential risk of visiting during an outbreak investigation.
  • During an outbreak investigation, visits will take place in resident’s rooms only with no common area visits, regardless of the vaccination status.

Vaccinations:

  • CMS strongly encourages all visitors to become vaccinated.
  • The facility strongly encourages all visitors to become vaccinated.
  • This facility will assist you in setting up an appointment for a vaccination through Friendship Pharmacy if you require assistance.
  • Friendship Pharmacy contact information:  215.624.0440