Update from the Administrator 3-17-22
DATE: 03/17/2022
Dear Residents, Families and Representatives,
I need to inform you that we had one staff person test positive for COVID during routine testing this week. The staff person had no symptoms and will be off of work until they meet the criteria to return. We will be doing targeted testing of staff and residents. We will continue in outbreak status for 14 days from our last positive case.
We are looking to allow more visits to resident rooms as soon as Monroe County’s COVID-19 transmission rate comes down into the low to moderate range. We are currently in substantial spread but the numbers have been heading in the right direction. Requirements to wear masks, maintain distance from other residents and be screened for COVID-19 upon entry will remain in place. The number of visitors allowed to go to the resident room at one time will be limited to 2-3 depending upon the size of the resident room. We must ensure that visitors and residents have enough room to remain 6 feet apart per the CMS guidance. There are many regulations that nursing homes must follow for the safety of all of our residents, staff and visitors.
Residents will be allowed to have larger groups of visitors, however, those visits will need to occur in one of our designated visiting areas or outdoors when the weather allows. We ask that you email or call ahead for groups larger than 3 people so we can arrange an appropriate space. You may email our team at RHFamilyVisit@co.monroe.wi.us . You can also contact Kristi Schmitz at 608-269-8827, Christine or Samantha from the social services department to schedule a visit. Feel free to leave a message with your name, resident name, and contact information. We will get back to you as soon as possible, during regular business hours, to set up the visit.
Please be sure to follow all safety guidelines when you are in the facility:
- Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth at all times when in public areas. Use of masks when visiting in resident rooms is also strongly encouraged even if the resident and visitors are up-to-date with vaccines and boosters.
- Use hand sanitizer when arriving and after having contact with others.
- Maintain 6 feet of distance from other residents and staff.
- Do not visit in person if you are ill (headache, fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, diarrhea, vomiting, etc.) or have tested positive for COVID in the past 14 days or have had contact with someone who has COVID in the past 14 days. We can arrange for phone calls or video visits until you are healthy and able to return in person.
Being up-to-date on your COVID-19 vaccinations is the best way to keep yourself and all our residents safe. This includes getting a booster when you are eligible!
The new facility building is moving along well and we are looking forward to our move to our new home this summer! We are encouraging and assisting residents to do a bit of a spring cleaning and family members can help. This is a good time to get rid of clothing that doesn’t fit, things that are just not being used or needed or items that are no longer in good condition. Some items could be passed to or stored by a family member or donated. We will be providing wardrobes, nightstands and dressers which will give us good storage options but there will not be a lot of room for other large items. If you have any questions please reach out to the social services department or me.
Best Regards,
Linda Smith NHA
Administrator