The power of a storm can create a memory, which will stay with us forever. Understanding that the storms of life can be transformational has been a well-learned lesson. The memory may stay with you forever but you can choose how to see that memory — as one of pain and despair or as a dance of celebration.
As we move forward and prepare for flu season, we will be following our Safe Path Forward Three-Step Plan. This is a working plan, which means it can change as necessary to ensure that we maintain infection control practices to protect our residents and staff, as well as minimize the chance of COVID-19 exposure. All staff will continue to practice social distancing while wearing the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) based on CDC recommendations, as well as continuing to perform proper infection control measures and stringent cleaning protocols.
Per the August 20th resident and family letter, which outlines our Safe Path Forward Plan, the Nursing Home and Assisted Living Facilities (District Home and Willow Oaks) will be in Step 2 of our Safe Path Forward Plan as of August 24th, which will last for approximately four weeks if we remain COVID-19 free across campus.
We will also begin to allow new admissions as well as limited appointment-only visitations. Visitations will be facilitated by our Life Enrichment Department and will be held outside when possible. Nursing Home visits will be limited to 30 minutes via a plexiglass visitation booth or window visit. Virtual visits and 15-minute in-person case-by-case and compassionate care (end of life) visits remain available.
We do not have a definitive timeframe for entering Step 3 as that will be determined in part by the positive COVID and flu rates in our surrounding community. It will also depend on our ability to obtain testing materials and the turnaround time of the results. Step 3 will include scheduled visits and health screenings on entry. There are many unknowns at this time, such as we do not have a date yet for the resumption of the beauty salons. The activities and guidance for safely undertaking them are outlined in our Safe Path Forward Three-Step Plan, which is available by contacting your respective Administrator.
In the following pages, you will see how Birmingham Green residents and team members have been celebrating and making lasting summer memories.
Best,
Denise Chadwick Wright
Chief Executive Officer