Updated Health Center Visitor Policy Effective February 15, 2021
Stonehill Communities is committed to bringing residents and families together safely. Although CMS has not updated guidance regarding visitation following recent COVID-19 vaccinations, the Stonehill Communities Health Center has determined we will allow each resident one visit per week.
Process for Scheduling Visits
Stonehill will need to manage the number of visitors in the building at one time. Residents will be allowed one visit per week, which may include no more than 2 visitors who are over the age of 18. Families with multiple siblings or adult grandchildren will need to coordinate their visits so there is no more than one visit occurring each week.
* End of life or Hospice visits will be evaluated separately and based on the resident’s condition and needs.
Please use this email address to schedule visits: shcresidentvisits@stonehilldbq.com. In your email, please include the day of the week, who is visiting and whether the visit will occur in the morning or afternoon.
All visitors will need to follow COVID-19 infection prevention strategies that include:
o Screening of all who enter the facility for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g., temperature checks, questions or observations about signs or symptoms), and denial of entry of those with signs or symptoms
o Hand hygiene (use of alcohol-based hand rub)
o Face covering or mask (covering mouth and nose)
o Face shield
o Social distancing of at least six feet between persons
Personal protective equipment must be worn at all times and visits will be conducted in the resident room. While visiting, please take time to remove any items the resident no longer needs, switch out décor, etc.
CMS guidance for further review
Stonehill continues to follow guidance from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Despite a significant drop in COVID-19 cases following widespread resident vaccinations, CMS has not updated guidance regarding visitation. The most recent CMS Memorandum on visitation dated September 17, 2020 can be found here: www.cms.gov/files/document/qso-20-39-nh.pdf
“For the current time, all existing recommendations and guidance for visitation need to be adhered to,” Evan Shulman, CMS Director for the Division of Nursing Homes, recently shared in a McKnight’s article. The link is included for your review, www.mcknights.com/news/cms-visitation-restrictions-must-remain-prepare-for-return-of-less-collaborative-surveys
Stonehill is thankful and grateful for your support! If you have any additional questions you may call 563-557-7180 and speak with social work staff.
Thank you and many blessings to you and your families!
Peggy Stockel
V.P. of Operations/Administrator