April 3, 2020: UPDATES Shared with Residents and Families

We have had a few updates since our last communication. The most notable being our changes in dining arrangements for Sapphire and Alex residents. Based on recommendations from Centers for Disease Control, Public Health, and Department of Health Services, communal dining is discouraged and should be eliminated if possible.

Our new dining procedure is to serve meals in a resident’s room. Meals will be delivered to residents by our staff. We know that dining is a great social activity, and communal dining will be missed. However, to continue on our path to provide the best protection for all, we have made this change.

As the weather gets nicer, everyone is looking forward to getting out to enjoy the sun and warmer weather. We ask that you do not come to visit your family, even though your visit would be outside. We have had inquiries from some families asking if they could take their family member for a walk, or visit outside if they observed six foot distancing. While this doesn't seem like a big deal on an individual basis, we have over 90 residents, so if it happens for one, it could quickly spread and become unmanageable. (And, this would not be in the spirit of the Governor’s Safer at Home and social distancing policy). Our staff will be helping residents get out and enjoy the warmer weather. The Life Enrichment team will be accompanying residents on short walks and rides in the van to check out our community.

We will continue to work hard to keep you connected with your family member through Skype, FaceTime, or other social media methods! The residents really enjoy the contact!

Thank you for being patient, and understanding all the changes we make to comply with recommendations—all with the intention of keeping our residents and staff safe.  If you have questions, don't hesitate to contact me or Angela Franz, Administrator.

For the most up-to-date date information on COVID-19, visit the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/covid19

Sincerely,

Theresa Pichelmeyer, President and CEO

 

March 27, 2020: UPDATED Guidelines Shared with Residents and Families

As we navigate our way during these uncertain times, and circumstances seem to change on a daily basis, we will continue to provide updates every Friday.

We do not have any cases at Valley VNA, and we are working diligently on preventing the spread of this illness in our facility. Valley VNA is doing our best to follow the recommendations of the CDC, Public Health Department, and Governor Tony Evers. Please note that there have been, and may continue to be, changes to these recommendations based on current conditions within the state and nation. We understand the hardship this places on both the residents and family members.

In addition to the item listed below, we continue to follow the guidelines from March 20:

• We are looking at ways to implement a no communal dining recommendation by the Department of Health Services and changes may occur in the coming days.

We will help to facilitate any communication you would like to have through the use of technology for example: Skype, FaceTime, email, or phone calls. If you would like to bring items for your family member, you may drop them off at the front desk and we will be sure to deliver to the resident.

If you have any questions, please contact Angela Franz, Administrator or   Theresa Pichelmeyer, President and CEO.

For the most up-to-date date information on COVID-19, visit the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/covid19

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Sincerely,

Theresa Pichelmeyer, President and CEO

 

March 20, 2020: UPDATED Guidelines Shared with Residents and Families

Valley VNA Senior Care is concerned for the ongoing welfare, safety, and health of our residents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is monitoring the outbreak due to a new virus, COVID-19. The people that are most likely to become severely ill from COVID-19 are older adults and those with underlying medical conditions.  Governor Tony Evers has declared a public health emergency due to COVID-19. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared this a pandemic.

We do not have any cases at Valley VNA and we are working diligently on preventing the spread of this illness in our facility. Valley VNA is doing our best to follow the recommendations of the CDC, Public Health Department, and Governor Tony Evers. Please note that there have been, and may continue to be, changes to these recommendations based on current conditions in the state and nation. We understand the hardship this places on both the residents and family members. Please know our residents are doing well as we try to keep routines as normal and possible. They are being well cared for and keep up your phone calls, cards, letters, Skype, and FaceTime!

These are the guidelines shared with residents:

• We will continue with the “no visitor” policy at this time.
• There may be extenuating circumstances for visits, but they would address compassionate care , end-of-life care, or visits for the safety and well-being of a resident. Each case must be approved by Administration.
• We request that residents not leave the building unless medically necessary. However, residents may go outside to get fresh air--keeping social distancing (six feet apart from another person) in mind.
• We encourage the use of technology like Skype and FaceTime, or phone calls to connect with residents.
• If a resident does not have someone to do shopping and drop off items at the front entrance, connect with Angela who will assist with online ordering.
• Social distancing will be practiced during meals and activities. At all meals only two residents will sit at a table across from each other. We ask that residents continue to practice good hand hygiene and wash their hands before and after each meal.
• Staff will be coming to each apartment daily to take your temperature in the morning. If you have a temperature of 100.4 or higher you will need to stay in your room. We will encourage you to call your doctor and update them if you have a temperature and any other symptoms of illness. You will need to stay in your apartment until you are fever free for 24 hours. Symptoms of elevated temperature, productive cough, sore throat, body aches and congestion may be indicators of  COVID-19. We recognize that these are also symptoms of influenza and other maladies. If you exhibit any of these symptoms, Valley VNA may require you stay in your apartment and call your doctor for further direction.

We will help to facilitate any communication you would like to have through the use of technology for example: Skype, FaceTime, email, or phone calls. If you would like to bring items for your family member, you may drop them off at the front desk and we will be sure to deliver to the resident.

Each of our staff members continue to follow the CDC’s recommendations to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. These include strict hand washing procedures, and in many circumstances, wearing a face mask, gown, and gloves when interacting with residents who are sick.

We will continue to monitor the CDC and Department of Health Services and their recommendations. If there are changes we will provide updates, so check our website frequently.

If you have any questions, please contact Angela Franz, Administrator or Theresa Pichelmeyer, President and CEO.

For the most up-to-date date information on COVID-19, visit the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/covid19

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Sincerely,

Theresa Pichelmeyer, President and CEO

 

March 17, 2020: Meals on Wheels

The Meals on Wheels program is continuing service as scheduled.

Meals are delivered during the noon hour from Monday-Friday.

The cost is $5.25. Call Valley VNA Senior Care at 920.727.5555 for more information.

We will continue to post updates as this information may change.

 

March 16, 2020: Cancellation Update

• Memory Care Respite Partners-Neenah: Cancelled through April 13, 2020
• Memory Care Respite Partners-Oshkosh: Cancelled through March 24, 2020

We will continue to post updates as these dates may change.

 

March 15, 2020: UPDATE - No Visiting Guidelines

Current guidelines from the Department of Health Services and CDC for Long Term Care facilities recommend NO VISITING except for times of end of life support and visits essential for the emotional well-being of residents. It is also strongly recommended that residents do not leave the facility unless it is a medical emergency or necessity.

Effective March 16, 2020 Valley VNA will be following these guidelines. Decisions for visit exceptions will be made on an individual basis based on the recommendations.

We understand the value of family visits both for the family and the residents and did not make this decision lightly. We will help to facilitate any communication you would like to have through the use of technology, for example: Skype, FaceTime, email, or phone calls. If you would like to bring items for your family member, you may drop them off at the front desk and we will be sure to deliver to the resident.

Each of our staff members continue to follow the CDC’s recommendations to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. These include strict hand washing procedures, and in many circumstances, wearing a face mask, gown, and gloves when interacting with residents who are sick.

We will continue to monitor the CDC and Department of Health Services and their recommendations.  If there are changes we will provide updates, so check our website frequently.

If you have any questions, please contact Angela Franz, Administrator or Theresa Pichelmeyer, President and CEO.

For the most up to date information on this topic, please visit the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/covid19

Thank you for your understanding and patience.

Sincerely,

Theresa Pichelmeyer, President and CEO

 

March 15, 2020: Cancellations

For the health and safety of our residents, staff--and everyone--the following programs and events have been cancelled.

• Job Fair: March 17
• Lyrics and Laughter: Cancelled until further notice
• Volunteer Program activities cancelled until further notice
• Foot Care Clinics at Valley VNA: Cancelled until further notice                                                                                                                                                  

Thank you for understanding.

 

Information for Valley VNA Visitors

Valley VNA Senior Care is concerned for the ongoing welfare, safety, and health of our residents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is monitoring the outbreak due to a new virus, COVID-19. The people that are most likely to become severely ill from COVID-19 are older adults and those with underlying medical conditions. Governor Tony Evers has declared a public health emergency due to COVID-19. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared this a pandemic.

We do not have any cases locally and are diligently working on preventing the spread of this illness in our facility.

To reduce the potential introduction of this virus into our facility, we are limiting visitation and actively monitoring admissions and all staff entering the facility.

If you will be visiting please follow these guidelines effective March 14, 2020:

• Monday through Friday: All visitors will need to enter the building at the Main Entrance on Lyon Drive from 8:00am until 6:00pm
• Saturday and Sunday: All visitors must arrive between 9:00am and 1:00pm at the Main Entrance.
• You will be asked to sign in, respond to several questions, and have your temperature taken.
• Once you have been screened during the hours listed you may visit as long as you like.
• We request that only immediate family visit and no more than two at a time.
• No one under 18 years may visit.
• No pets are allowed.
• We are recommending that visitors not wear masks.
• Consider if your visit is essential. Visit frequency should be limited to reduce possible introduction of COVID-19.
• We request that residents not leave the building unless medically necessary.
• We encourage the use of technology like Skype and FaceTime, or phone calls to connect with residents.
• Key fobs of residents will remain active and all others will be deactivated until further notice.

We want to ensure that you are kept well-informed of this situation. For your information, we have enclosed a fact sheet from the CDC. For the most up-to-date information on this topic, please visit the CDC website  at https://www.cdc.gov/covid19

- Valley VNA Staff