One thing that has been certain over the past several months for us – just give it a minute, and it will all change again. Our teams have become incredibly adept at being able to pivot and adjust. For that, we couldn’t be more proud to work with this team.
Recently, we were given the go ahead for outdoor visits. While we did announce this on our social media channels, we didn’t get that done here on our blog. With everything changing so quickly, we missed posting here.
When the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) made the announcement, we were given very little time to work out the details on outdoor visits. We knew staffing would be a concern, and keep our residents in the shade was also a concern. And of course, keeping with all of the infection control processes we have been utilizing to this point. Our teams jumped on a Zoom call and started figuring out the process and procedures. Just like when salons and restaurants opened, we needed a few days to come in to compliance with MDH requirements.
That included designated spot outdoors that is easily accessible, staffing, PPE requirements (masks) and sanitizer to name a few. The part that will take the longest is getting the RSVP system and staffing in place.
Our families were wonderful to work with, giving our teams a tad of patience to get the staffing lined up. Now that our processes are in place, we have been given guidance that we can bring in volunteers to manage the outside visits. This will also open up the possibility of weekend hours, as long as we have volunteers available. If you have an interest in volunteering for this role, please contact the Executive Director to set up infection control training.
We also continue to allow window visits and visits that take place using alternative methods of communication, such as the telephone and Zoom/Skype/Facetime.
Over the past couple of weeks, we also removed the quarantine requirement for health related visits, such as doctor visits and dental visits.
We have also begun communal dining and small group activities.
As we continue to move through this pandemic together, we ask that you continue to give our teams that patience to make adjustments as we continue to see the dial turned back slowly, but surely.
Thank you, from the bottom of our heart, to our teams, and to our families for being so supportive through all of this.
Roman Bloemke, COO