Dear residents, staff, families and supporters,

As we progress through the pandemic, there continue to be changes and updates to regulations. At this point, many of these come with questions instead of answers. There are many rules regarding those who are fully vaccinated and those who are not vaccinated. At the current time, there is not a way to fully understand who is and who is not vaccinated, or control if someone not vaccinated encounters others putting those individuals at risk. I will continue to work through these details with the leaders and keep everyone informed. The following are a few updates:

Everyone is still required to screen in at the kiosks at all entrances and wear a mask when entering the buildings. For both staff and visitors, a question has been added to the kiosks regarding vaccination status. Currently, this is for statistical information only but is being encouraged by local and federal authorities. For visitors, it is very important you wear your identification sticker, as this alerts all staff you have screened in, which is still required.

Masks are required to be worn at all times in the nursing area (Woodland Terrace and Evergreen Arbor), no matter the vaccination status, by all visitors to prevent any break-through infections or new outbreaks. We are so happy to have family and friends back visiting and we want to keep it this way. We encourage you to enjoy outdoor visits or take your loved one on an outing for a little more flexibility.

This week the positivity rate continues to be around 2% for Bremer County. When the positivity rate is below 5%, we test staff once a month. The testing for all staff will be May 13 from 6-9 am and 1- 4 pm. The residents will only be tested if symptomatic or if a staff member is positive. There will be continued surveillance done on the variant strains and ongoing communication if there would be any positive cases.
Residents who come in from the hospital, go out for less than 24 hours and who have not been exposed and are fully vaccinated are no longer required to quarantine! This is another step in the right direction.

Leaders will continue to work through special celebrations or special circumstances on an individual basis.

For Independent Living, Aspen Cottage and Linden Place, family members and residents will be allowed to discuss their comfort level with their families and visitors and make their own choice for wearing a mask within their own apartments. Small groups are allowed, however, people should wear masks to and from events.

If you remember last year, we had a lot of fun with the Mother’s Day parade! This year we are thrilled to be open to visitors for Mother’s Day weekend.

Everyone, including myself, would like to wish all Mothers, Grandmothers or those who played this significant role a very Happy Mother’s Day!

Paula Geise, RN, MSN, CEO

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