Covid-19 Information

May 29, 2020 (Current)

Residents/Family/Friends,

We continue to have no known cases of Covid-19!

Dr. Acton (Director of the Ohio Department of Health) signed an order on 5/27/20 regarding the initiation of Covid-19 testing for all staff of Long-Term Care Facilities. Congregate Care Unified Response Teams is the umbrella term for the multiple agencies which will be involved in this new directive. The Facility will be contacted by a Contact Administrator shortly before the National Guard arrives to administer the testing within the facility. The results will be communicated to the facility by the Contact Administrator. It appears initially this program will target staff however it does indicate that it could strategically test Residents as they deem appropriate.

The facility must contact residents and their representatives by 5:00 PM the next calendar day following the occurrence of a single confirmed Covid-19 infection of a resident or staff member OR of three or more residents or staff members with new onset of respiratory symptoms that occurred within 72 hours of each other.

The facility would communicate information regarding this matter to Residents via a letter distributed to everyone on paper. The facility would communicate information regarding this matter to Representatives through our Emergency Communication Platform (EZ texting). If you are currently receiving weekly updates via text, you are already enrolled. If you would like to enroll you can text 484848 the message ezbwh to self-enroll. Alternatively, I have identified a way to enroll on my side of the platform. Please send Heather an email or text, requesting facility-enrollment.

As a result of the mandatory testing program, we encourage everyone not to be surprised if this process results in positive Covid-19 cases linked to BWH as this information can be viewed in a positive perspective. It has been well documented that many people positive for Covid-19 are asymptomatic, meaning they appear and feel perfectly health. The concern here is that these individuals can spread the virus without anyone knowing it and the screening policies in place to protect LTC facilities have always had this vulnerability as they are unable to detect this type of positive case. Having the opportunity to identify asymptomatic cases of Covid-19 and prevent them from entering the facility until they are no longer positive for the virus, is a major leap forward to protecting everyone.

This week we were fortunate to receive another flower donation. Potted daisy plants were distributed throughout the facility and the sight of flowers always seem to make people smile.

An advisory committee in Ohio has begun to discuss future visitation guidelines for congregate care facilities. To date, there have been no changes to the visitation policy that has been in effect since March 11, 2020.

Please be aware that the Advisory Committee may produce different recommendations for Assisting Living Facilities, Long Term Care Facilities and/or Intermediate Care Facilities. When watching the news, please be mindful of the type of facility The Beechwood Home is. We will communicate visitation policy changes to everyone as they become available pertaining to Long Term Care Facilities.

As always if you have any questions/comments/concerns, please feel free to contact Heather Hefren hhefren@beechwoodhome.com (Director of Social Services), Scot Harmon sharmon@beechwoodhome.com (Administrator) and/or Patricia Clark pclark@beechwoodhome.com (CEO).

Sincerely,

Scot Harmon, Patricia A. Clark, DM
Administrator CEO, Administrator

Click on date to see previous communications

May 21, 2020

May 15, 2020

May 8, 2020

May 1, 2020

April 24, 2020

April 17, 2020

April 14, 2020

April 13, 2020

April 6, 2020

April 3, 2020

March 24, 2020

March 23, 2020

March 18, 2020

March 15, 2020

March 13, 2020

March 11, 2020

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May 21, 2020

Residents/Family/Friends,

1) We continue to have no known cases of COVID-19!

2) For those on isolation precautions, we have added a couple additional precautions. Only staff members from the nursing department and Housekeeping will be entering the room during the 14-day period. If your family members is participating in our video chat program, please allow greater flexibility in the time window that the call is initiated. In an attempt to conserve PPE, a representative from Nursing if their time and if the staffing allows will be initiating the video chat when they are in the room. If your family member is part of our family laundry program, it will be suspended during the 14-day period. If clothing has labels adhered, we can perform the laundry if requested during this period. Otherwise, the laundry will remain in the hamper. A special pickup day can be arranged when the window expires.

Sincerely,

Scot Harmon, Patricia A. Clark, DM
Administrator CEO, Administrator

May 15, 2020

Residents/Family/Friends,

1) We continue to have no known cases of COVID-19!

2) Initially enrollment in our Emergency Communication Platform was not required, however in order to meet the recently established regulatory reporting guidelines pertaining to COVID-19 we request that at least one family member/friend complete enrollment to this platform for each resident. Ideally this would be the Responsible Party. If you are currently receiving text updates, you are already enrolled in the emergency communication platform. Sometime next week, the Responsible Party/POA will be directly contacted for residents who do not have someone on record enrolled in the emergency communication platform. Everyone is welcome to enroll in the Emergency Communication Platform though. Simply text ezbwh to 484-848.

3) For the last month, The Beechwood Home has conducted a weekly facility wide riddle competition. While Patti reads riddles over the intercom, Geraldine manages the hotline waiting for the first caller (Residents/Staff) to submit their guess which is read aloud until there is a winner. It has been a fun adventure to identify the riddle experts amongst us.

4) On Tuesday, Mary and Chelsea from Housekeeping lifted the spirits of all by roaming the halls of the facility dressed up as tyrannosaurus rex and a unicorn. Another fun example of how we are all working together to keep things interesting during these atypical times.

5) We would like to announce the retirement of 1st floor Receptionist Carolyn Rainwater. Carolyn has been with The Beechwood Home for 19 years and will be greatly missed. Going forward please contact Geraldine Scott at 513-321-9294/ gscott@beechwoodhome.com regarding management of Resident Trust Accounts and any task that Carolyn may have been doing for a resident.

Sincerely,

Scot Harmon, Patricia A. Clark, DM
Administrator CEO, Administrator

May 8, 2020

Residents/Family/Friends,

#1- We continue to have no known cases of COVID-19 at the facility!

#2- For the residents that The Beechwood Home is the Rep-Payee with Social Security for, stimulus checks have started to trickle in. Please be aware that we have no way of knowing when these funds will be received on behalf of a resident. Additionally, the stimulus checks that are being distributed by paper check could take up to four months to arrive.

After a check arrives for a Resident, our Finance Department will deposit the funds into their Resident Trust Account at the facility. This money is to be spent by the Resident in a manner that they choose. No part of these monies will be calculated into the Patient Liability assigned by Hamilton County Job and Family Services and directed to the facility.

Please be aware that a majority of those residing at the facility utilize Ohio Medicaid as their primary insurance for Long Term Care. As a result, it is important to recognize that in order to maintain eligibility for this program staying below the $2,000 resource limit is critical. For many, when the stimulus check arrives, it will put them over the allowable threshold. We encourage everyone to be mindful of this situation and spend down the monies ASAP.

Accounts at the facility are monitored monthly and when an account surpasses $1,700 an over resource warning letter is distributed. If/when you receive this letter, please act as potentially losing the Ohio Medicaid Benefit would not be in the best interest of those who reside here.

#3- Various research organizations are researching the viability of COVID-19 on various surfaces. During this time, we have decided to keep our care package/laundry drop off program in place with no changes except for one request. We ask that anyone who is experiencing sign/symptoms of respiratory illness or is just feeling a little off in general, refrain from dropping off any packages until they have been symptom free for 72 hours to reduce the potential for transmissions of the virus. We appreciate in advance your assistance with continuing to do all that is possible to keep the facility COVID-19 free.

#4- Activities has been conducting routine grocery shopping trips to help Residents obtain desired personal/grocery items during these challenging times. A great aspect of this service is that we can obtain items that family/friends are not able to drop off such as temperature sensitive food items.

If a family member/friend would like to give a resident an item for a special occasion that does not meet our current drop off criteria, please contact Heather to determine if we can help obtain this item on your behalf during one of these trips.

#5- On Tuesday, bartenders Megan and Rob served up margaritas in celebration of Cinco de Mayo which was enjoyed by many.

#6- Mother nature has been kind and provided many sunny days since we opened the porch and courtyard last week.

#7- Keeping Cincy Close contributor Buz who has been sending us daily letters (as mentioned in the update on 4/17/20) and read over the speaker system by Patti each morning has been featured in the local news and the facility was mentioned too. Click here to see the article.

Wishing everyone a happy socially distanced Mother’s Day this weekend.

Sincerely,

Scot Harmon, Patricia A. Clark, DM
Administrator CEO, Administrator

May 1, 2020

Residents/Family/Friends,

#1- We continue to have no known cases of Covid-19 at the facility!

#2- As Governor DeWine begins to SLOWLY open businesses in Ohio, we too are happy to report some easing of restrictions! Beginning on Thursday, we opened the porch and courtyard areas from 9AM - 4 PM to the residents. Initially we will be opening these areas up by resident floor and access will alternate each day of the week. This will continue to provide some isolation by floor and exposure to non-clinical staff members. Areas not currently open to residents will be marked off with caution tape. While traveling to the courtyard/porch and enjoying these spaces we continue to ask that residents be mindful of their proximity to others with social distancing, utilizing PPE such as masks as tolerated and limiting their time to 30 minutes in each area, allowing everyone to have some fresh air and hopefully sunshine. Appropriately spaced resting areas will be marked on the floor in the porch/courtyard and we ask that residents aim for these areas for everyone’s wellbeing. The current visitation policies remain in place as Governor DeWine has made no announcements pertaining to this topic to date.

Areas on the first floor that are NOT currently open to the residents are:

-Front desk receptionist

-Any office on 1st floor

-Therapy/Gym

-Activity Areas

-Hair Salon

-Main dining room for meal service

#3: Box meals will continue on the weekends only for dinner. We are making some changes and are enhancing the process to hopefully take in the comments and suggestions we heard from the residents and staff last weekend:

The resident should be involved in their menu selection to be assured that what they receive is their personal choice (please ask for assistance if needed)

A limited alternative cart will be available in lieu of the wrong selection being delivered, or someone did not have the correct meal listed/selected. The cart will contain alternatives such as a selection of sandwiches.

#4- Telemedicine appointments are going well as all parts of the healthcare system gain more experience with this process. In collaboration with community specialists, we will transition appointments back to in-person format when deemed medically appropriate.

#5- In the next few weeks we are required to have the air filters changed throughout the building. A minimal number of contractors will be granted permission into the facility to complete this task. The contractors will be assessed prior to entering the facility and will be wearing Personal Protective Equipment.

#6: The number of family/friends participating in our video session program continues to grow. We encourage everyone to reach out if they are interested in scheduling a session and ask that you pass along to any family/friends we may not have contact information for about this program.

Friendly reminder: If we are delayed in contacting you for a scheduled appointment or are unable to contact you at all, typically this is related to your loved one receiving personal care. We will try to contact you to reschedule for later in the day however this is not always possible.

#7: Friendly reminder regarding care packages: A care package may be in the drop-off bin for 24 hours before we have the opportunity to deliver it. As a result, please do not put perishable items into these packages. So far, the most common items we are having to throw away are salsas and various chip dips that require refrigeration. We also request that you refrain from asking any staff member other than Megan and Rob to grab a package from the bin and delivering it as these individuals may not be aware of the food safety and clothing labeling policies in place.

After all of the April showers, wishing you lots of May flowers!

Sincerely,

Scot Harmon, Patricia A. Clark, DM
Administrator CEO, Administrator

April 24, 2020

Dear Residents/Family/Friends,

#1- We continue to have no known cases of Covid-19 at the facility! We want to thank everyone once again for their understanding of the policies in place to help keep everyone healthy.

#2- Effective Monday 4/20/20, facility and contracted staff who can provide services only at The Beechwood Home are permitted to enter the facility until further notice. Anyone who was unable to meet this criteria is either temporarily not providing services at the facility or is conducting services through tele-medicine appointments. As the number of Covid-19 cases increased in Hamilton County Long Term Care facilities, this was the next step in infection control measures to minimize the spread within the healthcare industry.

#3- Happy Root Beer Float Day at The Beechwood Home. Thank you to everyone who provides support to the facility and helps make these moments possible.

Sincerely,

Scot Harmon, Patricia A. Clark, DM
Administrator CEO, Administrator

April 17, 2020

Dear Family and Friends,

Our whole world is dealing with an unprecedented crisis related to the highly contagious novel coronavirus (COVID-19). We are all pulling together to try to “flatten the curve” so that we can make sure that there are sufficient resources to protect those who are most vulnerable. We remain to-date here at The Beechwood Home having no known cases of COVID-19. Leadership is responding to any new or changing protocols that are passed down from CDC and the ODH. We are continuing to engage with your loved ones within the limitations we are facing due to safety precautions. Megan and her staff continue to touch base with all the residents in multiple ways…most recently I heard the coffee cart was serving morning Mimosas.

Next weekend (Saturday & Sunday), we will begin serving the evening weekend meal as a “Box Dinner”, the box dinners will be filled with all the nutritional requirements and made appropriately for your loved one’s diet. This change is based on changing the hours of the kitchen staff to 12 hour days while we are in the midst of the pandemic. Once all the restrictions are lifted, we will go back to regular served dinner.

“Keeping Cincy Close” continues to shower the Beechwood Home with letters, pictures, and cards from all over. Each morning we read one of these letters, but most recently a UC English professor named Buz, is sending us 7 letters a week and they are in sequence…like a story. Each letter tells a little about himself, his family and he adds humor based on being stuck at home with his wife, who he has been married to for 35 years.

Remember to keep The Beechwood Home in your thoughts and prayers as we will persevere through these unusual times.

Sincerely,

Scot Harmon, Patricia A. Clark, DM
Administrator CEO, Administrator

We have been so blessed by our “Friends of The Beechwood Home” ….today I received a wonderful surprise of 2 boxes filled with face shields for my nursing staff. Until today, we had a very limited supply due to most PPE equipment going to other parts of the United States. Scott Fields from LaFollette, TN is our neighbor, our friend and a person who doesn’t need to hear praise or accolades…but he is getting one from all of us. Scott has blessed those who work and live here at The Beechwood Home with his talent, generosity and humble heart. We thank you for these gifts which have no price tag when it comes to saving a life! All of us here THANK YOU!

April 14, 2020

Family and Friends,

We continue to realize that this is a serious unsettling time for all of us. Currently, The Beechwood Home has no known cases of COVID-19. Although, saying this we are aware of recent data indicating that there are 40 cases in Skilled Nursing Facilities within Hamilton County. Effective Tuesday, April 14^th, we are implementing additional measures to be responsible to our staff and residents.

The front-line staff will remain on one designated floor and will not float between the floors unless of an urgent situation.
The residents will now be asked to remain on their designated floors and not move throughout the facility, if a resident needs assistance with their resident account they should feel free to contact the front desk.
The restorative and Therapy staff will go to the residents floor for their sessions.
All residents will be given a procedural/surgical FDA approved facemask to use as they deem appropriate.

These measures will allow us to continue to protect those who reside and work here. We look forward to the day when we can lift these restrictions and attempt to find some normalcy to our everyday operations.

As always, if you have any questions please contact hhefren@beechwoodhome.com (Director of Social Services), Scot Harmon sharmon@beechwoodhome.com (Administrator) and/or Patricia Clark pclark@beechwoodhome.com (CEO)

Scot Harmon, Patricia A. Clark, DM
Administrator CEO, Administrator

April 13, 2020

Family/Friends,

#1: We continue to have no known cases of COVID-19 at the facility!

#2: Until further notice if a Resident leaves the facility for any reason, upon their return they will be on droplet/contact isolation precautions and quarantined to their room for 14 days. Those on droplet/contact isolation precautions have increased medical monitoring for signs/symptoms of respiratory illness, increased room cleaning in addition to a limited number of people/supplies entering the room.

#3: We accept care package drop offs Monday - Thursday. This time period ensures that we are able to deliver and open packages with a Resident if requested. Within the Garden Level entry doors there are two bins. Please place care packages in the bin marked “Clean Laundry/Care Package Drop-Off”. Friendly reminder that items within care package cannot be temperature sensitive as the items may be in the bins for an extended period of time before delivery. We ask that family/friends refrain from sending flowers. Similar to food deliveries, flower delivery drivers are not permitted into the facility. Additionally the care package drop off carts are not intended for delicate items such as fresh flowers. Advanced notice of a care package drop off is not necessary unless you plan to drop off an item of large monetary value (such as an I-Pad). For these items, we will arrange expedited retrieval/delivery.

#4: When we initially rolled out the video conferencing campaign, we accommodated any platform a family member wanted to use. With experience, we have identified scheduling issues with platforms that require meeting IDs/passwords in addition to those that require contact information to be saved to a device prior to initiating a session. Due to this, going forward we will only accommodate FaceTime (Apple devices), Duo (Android/generic) and Skype (generic) as they are the simplest to initiate a session and enable us to complete more sessions with family/friends during the allotted windows.

#5: For those with scheduled video sessions, we will initiate the call when our staff member is with your loved one. From time to time, we may be a little late to initiate a session however I assure you we will do so as soon as possible. If we entirely miss initiating contact during your window, your loved one was likely unavailable during the scheduled appointment time (usually due to personal care needs). If this happens, we will try to arrange a later appointment however the schedule may not permit it. Many Residents are able to independently participate in a video session after setup and due to this staff will exit the room to accommodate a private conversation. From time to time, a video session loses connection and the session is dropped. Due to staff not being nearby for the entire session, we may not be able to reinitiate the call. If you have scheduled a video session with me, it has been identified as weekly unless otherwise requested. If your availability changes, we can work together to schedule one-time appointments are often as desired.

We thank you for your incredible compliance and understanding of the policies in place to keep everyone healthy!

As always if you have any questions/comments/concerns, please let us know.

Scot Harmon, Patricia A. Clark, DM
Administrator CEO, Administrator

April 6, 2020

Family/Friends,

#1: We are not permitted to allow any delivery drivers from restaurants or grocery stores to enter the facility. Delivery drivers who come to the facility with food will be asked to leave and take the intended delivery with them.

#2: We are pleased that our video communication campaign is popular with everyone. Please be aware that scheduled appointments need to be arranged with me. During these unprecedented times, please do not contact/request a Nurse or STNA to assist with this task as their focus needs to be on personal care. During first shift Monday- Friday, the Activity Department (Megan and Rob) follow the schedule I distribute every morning which is routinely updated. While Megan and Rob during open windows in the schedule will initiate spontaneous sessions with family/friends, they too should not be contacted to schedule a desired appointment. The purpose of this streamlining is to ensure that everyone is able to have a successful video chatting opportunity with a Resident. Family and friends can reach me by phone/text @ 513-702-8301 or through email HHefren@beechwoodhome.com or covid-19@beechwoodhome.com. One time appointments and routine appointments are available.

#3: Please encourage all family/friends connected with a Resident to enroll in our text based communication platform to ensure that as many people as possible are aware of updates as they occur. To enroll text EZBWH to 484-848.

As always if you have any questions/comments/concerns, please let us know.

Scot Harmon, Patricia A. Clark, DM
Administrator CEO, Administrator

April 3, 2020

Family/Friends,

Wanted to give you an update before heading into the weekend. As I am sure you are all aware, the covid-19 pandemic is amplifying across America and during this time it may be harder than ever not to be able to spend time with your loved one. Our video conferencing campaign has been very popular and we encourage everyone to seek assistance connecting with a loved one if they are not able to do so independently.

On a positive note, there continues to be zero cases of covid-19 at the facility. All Residents are monitored for s/s of respiratory illness daily. All staff and vendors must pass a temperature screening before entering the facility every time they enter the doors. The benefit package our Emergency Preparedness/Leadership Team approved has resulted in strong staffing despite school and daycare closures. All staff providing direct care to Residents are wearing surgical masks in an attempt to prevent any asymptomatic transmission to Residents. Almost all medical appointments into the community have either been rescheduled or are converting to tele-medicine appointments. For the Physician’s that are conducting tele-medicine appointments, our scheduler is assisting with coordinating and initiating these appointments as needed.

In the event s/s of respiratory illness are detected at the facility, we are fully prepared to coordinate with all government agencies to ensure that best practices are followed to limit exposure to others. Additionally, the facility has lowered our census during this pandemic to 78 which ensures that every resident of the facility is now residing in a private room. Additionally the stable population the facility has results in few admissions each year which further protects our Residents.

Our team is contacting vendors and searching online stores daily to obtain PPE as it becomes available. A federally supplied shipment of medical equipment arrived in Ohio and we are in contact with the necessary organizations to obtain needed PPE.

Many Residents have received a care package from people in the community and it is obvious how much these deliveries mean to them. I feel I must stress though that your thoroughness of adhering to social distancing/stay-at-home orders to the fullest extent possible will continue to protect our Residents. If you are feeling sick or have been around someone who is feeling unwell, please delay dropping off any items at the facility as there is increased data indicating the ability of covid-19 to survive on surfaces such as plastic bags and cardboard. Everything and anything you do to reduce your risk of contracting covid-19, will in turn help protect all that reside here.

Keeping Cincy Close, a group of heartfelt community members, has begun sending daily greetings to our residents and staff. Patti has started reading them over the intercom as an additional way to let our Residents and Staff know that they are on the minds of many each and every day. The outpour of sewing hands has continued to keep us well stocked with “homemade” masks which are being given to our staff as secondary protection while at the facility and personal protection to keep in their cars while out in the community.

Please know that we are always here to answer any questions and discuss any concerns you may have during these unprecedented times.

Scot Harmon, Patricia A. Clark, DM
Administrator CEO, Administrator

March 24, 2020

Every Resident received a vase of Spring yesterday for their room!

If you are wanting to lift a Resident's spirit during this difficult time you are welcome to send over/drop-off a care package which could include a card, personal care products or any non-perishable items you can think of.

If the care package is not assigned to a Resident upon receipt, we will pick the best Resident to receive your care package.

Thank you to all of the family and friends who have been so patient and understanding during this difficult time. We sincerely miss your presence at the facility and look forward to the day when life is back to normal for us all.

If you have any questions, please let us know.

Scot Harmon, Patricia A. Clark, DM
Administrator CEO, Administrator

March 23, 2020

Family/Friends,

After reviewing Governor DeWine’s Stay At Home order issued on Sunday, we have concluded that dropping off personal items/laundry for a Resident falls under permitted essential activities- care to others and therefore will continue to be accepted. We ask that if you are experiencing any signs/symptoms of respiratory illness, that you refrain from dropping off items for delivery to a Resident. Friendly reminder that items dropped off for a Resident must be received Monday- Thursday, in a bag clearly marked with the Residents full name and room number.

Any family member who launders clothing for a Resident needs to coordinate with Heather for this process. Speaking to any other staff member may result in an unsuccessful exchange.

Please let me know if you would like to schedule a phone call or video chat with a Resident. We are here to assist Residents and their loved ones connect during this difficult time.

I have transitioned our Emergency Communication Group to a different platform that is better suited to our needs.

If you were already enrolled, no action is needed as the transition was automatic.

If you are enrolling for the first time, please text EZBWH to 484-848.

If you have any questions, please email covid-19@beechwoodhome.com or text 513-702-8301.

Thank you,

Scot Harmon, Patricia A. Clark, DM
Administrator CEO, Administrator

March 18, 2020

Hello Everyone,

We are in the process of developing a system to assist with communication between Residents and family members during this difficult time. If would be helpful if you could provide the information below to help us determine what the Resident needs are and develop a schedule to assist with connecting everyone together. Once this data has been compiled, I will reach out to everyone to discuss arrangements.

Resident Name:

Your Name:

Video chatting:

Do you have an interest in video chatting with Resident?
Does the Resident own a device that has video chatting capability?
What is the brand name of the device owned by the Resident?
What is the brand name of the device you own?
Do you feel the Resident is able to participate in video chatting independently?
Does the Resident have an appropriate application already on their phone/laptop to facilitate video chatting?
Does the Resident need assistance downloading/setting up a video chatting application onto their device?
Are you flexible when it comes to day/time to have a video chat if you knew about it in advance?

Phone conversation:

Do you have an interest in phone chatting with Resident?
Does the Resident own a phone?
Do you feel the Resident is able to operate a phone independently?
Are you flexible when it comes to day/time to have a phone conversation if you knew about it in advance?

Thank you for your time!

Scot Harmon, Patricia A. Clark, DM
Administrator CEO, Administrator

March 16, 2020

Until further notice:

Group activities have been cancelled. Activity staff will be spending 1:1 time with Residents. As a result, the gym will also be closed.

The Restorative team will be working 1:1 with Residents in their rooms and/or in public areas individually.

Therapy disciples will continue to work with Residents 1:1.

All meals will be served on the 2^nd and 3^rd floors. Residents who are able to feed themselves will have their trays delivered to their rooms. Those who need assistance with meals will be seated farther apart than normal.

For family/friends who do personal laundry for a Resident, please contact Heather to discuss updated procedure.

For family/friends who do personal shopping for a Resident, the items need to be placed in a bag that is clearly labeled with name and room number and placed on the identified cart at the Garden Level between entrance doors Monday- Thursday. Items will be delivered the following day. No perishable items will be accepted.

Please let us know if you have any questions.

Scot Harmon, Patricia A. Clark, DM
Administrator CEO, Administrator

March 15, 2020

Afternoon Everyone,

Per a recently published Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services directive, group activities are canceled until further notice. The Activities Department will be at the facility checking in on Residents and offering any assistance as needed. The Activities Department is also in the process of assessing what kind of programming they are able to provide under this new order.

Due to current visitation order, family participation in care conferences will be available by phone only.

Please let us know if you have any questions.

Scot Harmon, Patricia A. Clark, DM
Administrator CEO, Administrator

March 13, 2020

TO: OUR RESIDENTS, FAMILY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS
PLEASE READ THIS NOTICE IN ITS ENTIRETY.

DUE TO ORDER FROM THE OHIO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH WE ARE NOT PERMITTING ANY VISITORS, EXCEPT THOSE VISITING FAMILY MEMBERS WHO ARE RECEIVING CONTINUOUS CARE HOSPICE. FOR THOSE WITH FAMILY MEMBERS RECEIVING CONTINUOUS CARE HOSPICE, NO CHILDREN 13 AND UNDER ARE PERMITTED IN THE BUILDING UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR THOSE WITH FAMILY MEMBERS RECEIVING CONTINUOUS CARE HOSPICE, THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA MUST BE MET BEFORE ENTRANCE TO THE FACILITY WILL BE GRANTED:

Please share this information with family and friends who visit ASAP.

Sincerely,

Scot Harmon, Patricia A. Clark, DM
Administrator CEO, Administrator

March 11, 2020

To Our Residents & Family Members:

Due to Ohio Department of Health guidelines we are requesting we have no visitors, except for continuous care hospice and absolutely no children 13 and under are allowed in the building.

We are putting extraordinary protocols in place to ensure we were doing everything possible to protect our residents and staff from infection.

For those who meet the protocols, you will be required to present a photo ID and sign in by providing your name, address and phone numbers. If you answer yes to any of the posted questions, you will not be allowed to enter the facility. If any of the criteria are met to warrant a visit, we ask that you limit movement in the facility – specifically – go directly to resident's room and maintain social distances (stay 6 ft away from others). Families will not be able to accompany residents to activities, dining rooms, etc., to reduce the risk to other residents. Social Services and Activities staff are happy to assist with phone calls etc. so you can stay in touch with your loved one. Residents love getting mail - consider sending cards. All entry will be through the Garden Level rear entrance, there will be no admittance through the front 1st floor door until the order is lifted.

If your current cell phone number is not enrolled with our Emergency Communication Platform (group text), we strongly advise that you text BWH to 1-760-670-3130. If you are uncertain about the status of your enrollment, we recommend that you re-enroll. This platform will be used to communicate information to lots of people quickly if needed.

Older adults and individuals with heart disease, lung disease and diabetes are at high risk of becoming very ill with COVID-19. The CDC is recommending that high risk individuals avoid going out into
the community.

If there are COVID -19 cases in Hamilton County or additional recommendations from the Health Department or Governor, additional restrictions may be added.

We will be notifying resident representatives of cancellations and updates via group text. If you are not enrolled in the group text, please let us know the best way to reach you.

We request that you do not visit the facility if…
1. If you have any symptoms of respiratory illness. Those symptoms include cough, fever, sore throat, runny nose, and/or shortness of breath.
2. If you have traveled internationally within the last 14 days to countries with sustained community transmission.
3. If you had contact with someone or you yourself have a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 or are under investigation for COVID-19.
4. If you reside in a community where community-based spread of COVID-19 is occurring.
5. In the last 14 days, if you have taken any recent trips on a cruise ship or participated in other settings where crowds are confined to a common location.

Please share this information with family and friends who visit ASAP.

Sincerely,
Scot Harmon, Patricia A. Clark, DM
Administrator CEO, Administrator