August 7th Update
As many of you are aware, Govt. Abbott released an update on 8/6/2020 in regard to opening up our facilities. I want to share a few of the specifics that I do know as of today 8/7/2020 as many of you have reached out with questions. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) announced limited visitation rules for Assisted Living Facilities. We will be required to enhance emergency rules requiring additional action to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 as this continues to be a rapidly evolving situation and are constantly assessing what actions are necessary to keep our residents and staff safe in our facilities. Our goal is the reunite our residents with their families and friends.
As we know the access to family and loved ones is an important part of every resident’s health and well-being we also recognize the need to balance the emotional and physical health impacts of isolation against serious dangers that COVID poses to our vulnerable residents.
Although visitors are not allowed in at this time, I will be working diligently over the next several days to prepare for visitation. There are several items I need to have in place per HHSC that are required in advance to assure our residents, families and staff remain safe. My hope is that by mid next week you will all be able to see your loved one at some point.
For the health and safety of our facility residents and staff, public visitation will be limited to outdoor visits only. Physical contact between residents and visitors will not permitted. Additional conditions we will be required to conduct during outdoor visitation include:
- No confirmed positive COVID-19 case in staff in the last 14 days.
- No active positive case in residents.
- Adequate infection control procedures.
- Facility staff MAY be required to test weekly.
- 6ft social distancing between resident and family member.
- Resident and family member must wear mask at all times.
Further information will be sent out next week as I receive information additional information from HHSC.
I want to thank all of you for your patience, love and support during this unforeseen pandemic. It will be a joyous day for us all to allow our families to return and especially the day you all get to wrap your arms around yours and our precious residents.
If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to your Administrator or myself.
Tessa Wilson
Director of Clinical Care and Operations
tessa@newhavenassistedliving.com
