The tests have come back from the Meadows residents, and we have 2 more positive cases.  Both are fully vaccinated and are showing no symptoms.  We traced the 2 new positives and the one positive we had 2 weeks ago and none of them are near each other in rooms or spends time near each other in the dining room or activities.  The single similarity is the fact that all three had been out recently for doctor’s visits.  We have been in contact with the state department of health to discuss our next steps and thankfully they have concurred with us that there is no reason to keep current limitations on visitation since we are 100% vaccinated in both staff and residents.  We are one of very few nursing homes that can attest to that standard, and we now get to reap another benefit from that fact.

A significant takeaway from these positives should be that if you decide to visit your loved one in person, you should be aware of the fact that there is some covid onsite and there is a risk for those who come onsite that you may be leaving the unit with possible virus onboard.  It is VERY important to follow the rules of the unit, including wearing your mask all of the time while in the community and wearing it properly, covering the nose and mouth.  You should go directly to your loved ones room, not stopping or engaging staff or residents in the community areas or hallways and then leave the unit directly when your visit is complete.  If the day’s weather allows, we suggest outside visits as the best choice.  Keep in mind that the 4 positive cases, 3 in Meadows and 1 in IL, were all fully vaccinated and even if you are vaccinated, you can still become a brief carrier of the virus and potentially take that virus home.  If you have family that is not vaccinated yet, including children, there is a risk, albeit a small one, that they are exposed due to your exposure.  Certainly the virus is still out there and there is a risk of exposure in every day life,  but it is our responsibility to keep you informed of our current status while keeping our residents as safe as possible.

That being said, I am pleased to say we are now returning to our visitation protocols that were in place prior to that first positive case.  I will have the protocols sent out again and they will be posted directly outside of the Meadows on the bulletin board above the door actuator and on the door out to the courtyard.  Please stay safe out there.  The positivity rate has stayed stubbornly steady for weeks, most likely due to the return to in person school, but the level of hospitalizations and serious outcomes has declined. 

As always, please remember to notify wellness if you are feeling unwell and staff should contact their supervisors for direction on what to do if you feel symptoms.

Skilled Nursing Visits

Outdoor Courtyard Visits

  • One hour notice so the resident is ready
  • Two visitors at a time
  • One hour in length
  • No children under 18
  • Unvaccinated visitors must wear mask during the entire visit.

Private Room Visits

  • One visitor at a time
  • One hour visit
  • Do not need to be scheduled
  • Masks must be in place the entire visit640032
  • No children under 18
  • One visit per day

Double Room Visits

  • Must be scheduled 24 hours in advance so the roommate has ample notice to leave the room
  • One visitor at a time
  • One hour visit
  • No children under 18
  • Masks must be in place for entire visit
  • One visit per day

Window Visits

  • Unrestricted
  • Children can visit through the window
  • Must wear mask

Hospice Visits

  • One visitor for one hour twice per day.
  • Visitor must be 18 years or older.
  • Mask must be worn for the entire visit