Need to Know Guidance For Families

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September 21, 2023

Flu & Covid Vaccine Administration Sept 29

RockMed Pharmacy will be administering Flu and Covid vaccines to residents Fri, Sept 29 at all RidgeStone Assisted Living communities.

As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Administrator Christina Kiesel

July 30, 2023

Power Restored at RidgeStone Terrace, Elkhorn

The power at RidgeStone Terrace, Elkhorn, was restored late Saturday night after being out following severe storms Friday, July 29. No other RidgeStone communities were affected and all are operating normally.

We appreciate the patience of our residents in our care and their concerned families. Our team actively worked to maintain a safe environment for everyone.

Administrator Christina Kiesel

July 29, 2023

RidgeStone Terrace Power Outage

The power has been out at RidgeStone Terrace, Elkhorn, since 11 pm, following severe storms Friday, July 28. After contact with WE Energies, we learned that power may not be restored until possibly Monday, July 31. Our team is actively working with our residents and staff to maintain a safe environment for everyone. No other RidgeStone communities are affected and are operating normally.

We appreciate the patience of all involved as well as the families of those in our care. We are all hopeful for a resolution sooner, however, have no control over the work that can only be completed by WE Energies. We will keep you up to date with any changes.

Administrator Christina Kiesel

April 17, 2023

Four Covid-19 Positive Cases at The Gardens of RidgeStone*

The Gardens at RidgeStone has had four residents test positive for COVID-19 and is in a 28-day quarantine. We will continue to monitor all residents and test if symptomatic and as recommended by the Department of Health. If a resident tests positive, we will call and inform the resident's HCPOA or main contact.

During this time, it is recommended that we limit visitors and understand residents reserve the right to visit with friends and family. With that in mind, families and friends may still take their loved ones out for visits or may come into the building to visit, but we ask that visits are restricted to their private rooms and masks are worn in all common areas, regardless of vaccination status. Please keep in mind there is a risk of potential exposure to yourself when entering the building.

As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions. We will try to keep you as up to date as possible with any changes.

Thank you for your understanding,

Emily Krueger, Resident Service Manager
The Gardens at RidgeStone

*Updated from one case April 13.

October 26, 2022

RidgeStone Terrace Under Quarantine Until Nov. 21

RidgeStone Terrace had five residents test positive for COVID-19 and is in a 28-day quarantine. We will continue to monitor all residents and test if symptomatic and as recommended by the Department of Health. If a resident tests positive, we will call and inform the resident's HCPOA or main contact.

As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions. We will try to keep you as up to date as possible with any changes.

Thank you for your understanding,

Christina Kiesel, Director
RidgeStone Assisted Living Communities

October 3, 2022

Quarantine Ends, Visitation Resumes at The Gardens at RidgeStone

The Gardens at RidgeStone, Elkhorn, no longer has any residents in quarantine due to Covid-19. All residents have tested negative. Normal visitation may resume. Visitors may still choose to wear masks as a precaution.

We will continue to monitor all residents and test if symptomatic and as recommended by the Department of Health. If a resident tests positive, we will call and inform the resident's HCPOA or main contact.

As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions. We will do our best to keep you as up to date as possible with any changes.

Thank you for your continued understanding,

Emily Krueger, Resident Service Manager
The Gardens at RidgeStone

September 19, 2022

Wide Spread Covid-19 Outbreak at The Gardens of RidgeStone

RidgeStone Assisting Living management strongly advises against having visitors at The Gardens of RidgeStone, Elkhorn because of a wide spread COVID-19 outbreak. Residents reserve the right to visit with friends and family, however, it is strongly discouraged at this time.

As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions. We will try to keep you as up to date as possible with any changes.

Thank you for your continued understanding,

Emily Krueger, Resident Service Manager
The Gardens at RidgeStone

September 12, 2022

The Gardens at RidgeStone Under Quarantine Until October 11

The Gardens at RidgeStone had a resident test positive for COVID-19 and is in a 28-day quarantine. We will continue to monitor all residents and test if symptomatic and as recommended by the Department of Health. If a resident tests positive, we will call and inform the resident's HCPOA or main contact.

As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions. We will try to keep you as up to date as possible with any changes.

Thank you for your understanding,

Emily Krueger, Resident Service Manager
The Gardens at RidgeStone

August 17, 2022

The Gardens at RidgeStone Quarantined Until Sept. 14

The Gardens at RidgeStone, Elkhorn, is now under quarantine for COVID-19 due to one resident testing positive. The department of health still recommends a 28-day quarantine for any ‘outbreak’ and even one individual within a facility constitutes an outbreak. We have tested all of the other residents upon knowledge of one being positive and no one else has symptoms or has tested positive thus far. We will continue to monitor all residents and test if symptomatic and as recommended by the department of health.

During this time it is recommended that we limit visitors. We understand all of the residents reserve the right to visit with friends and family. With that in mind, families and friends may still take their loved ones out for visits or may come into the building to visit their resident, but we ask that during this time. visits are restricted to their private rooms and masks be worn in all common areas, regardless of vaccination status. Please keep in mind the risk of potential exposure to yourself by entering the building. As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions. We will try to keep you as up to date as possible with any changes. Please feel free to visit our website with updates as well.

Thank you for your understanding,
Emily Krueger, Resident Service Manager
The Gardens at RidgeStone

July 16, 2022

RidgeStone Terrace Quarantined Until August 13, 2022

Due to an outbreak of COVID-19, RidgeStone Terrace, Elkhorn, is now in quarantine until Aug 13.

As shared in our July newsletter, per the CDC, anytime we have ONE positive COVID case, whether staff or resident, we are in OUTBREAK status. This automatically puts us into quarantine status for 28 days (2 incubation periods). We will do initial testing on everyone and then retest 7 days later (or when symptomatic).

During quarantine status, the positive individuals will stay in their room/apartment until retesting or fever free, with diminished symptoms for 7 days (if vaccinated, or 10 days if not). Everyone else is free to go about daily business, attend appointments, go out with family and accept visitors in room/apartment only. Please note that visitors ARE allowed during quarantine, but they do accept and acknowledge the risk of exposure. All visitors should continue wearing masks regardless of quarantine status.

July 13, 2022

RidgeStone Village RCAC Quarantined Until July 20,2022

Due to an outbreak of COVID-19, with two residents testing positive, RidgeStone Village RCAC, in Delavan is now in quarantine. Retesting will take place July 20.

May 31,2022

RidgeStone Terrace Quarantined Until June 28, 2022

Due to an outbreak (one resident) of COVID-19, RidgeStone Terrace, in Elkhorn, is now in quarantine for 28 days (2 incubation periods). Indoor visits are discouraged per CDC guidelines. We will re-open to visitors on June 26, as long as no one else tests positive. Again, you may visit in resident's rooms/apartments ONLY if you feel it is necessary. You are free to take your loved one out or visit them outdoors. Thank you.

May 29,2022

The Gardens at RidgeStone Quarantined Until June 26, 2022

Due to an outbreak (one resident) of COVID-19, The Gardens at RidgeStone in Elkhorn, is now in quarantine for 28 days (2 incubation periods). Indoor visits are discouraged per CDC guidelines. We will re-open to visitors on June 26, as long as no one else tests positive. Again, you may visit in resident's rooms/apartments ONLY if you feel it is necessary. You are free to take your loved one out or visit them outdoors. Thank you.

May 20, 2022

RidgeStone Village RCAC Quarantined Until June 15, 2022

Due to an outbreak (one resident) of COVID-19, RidgeStone Village RCAC is now in quarantine for 28 days (2 incubation periods). Indoor visits are discouraged per CDC guidelines. We will re-open the RCAC to visitors on June 15, as long as no one else tests positive. Again, you may visit in resident's rooms/apartments ONLY if you feel it is necessary. You are free to take your loved one out or visit them outdoors. Thank you.

May 17, 2022

RidgeStone Village CBRF Quarantined Until June 10, 2022

Due to an outbreak (one resident/one staff) of COVID-19, RidgeStone Village CBRF in Delavan is now in quarantine for 28 days (2 incubation periods). Indoor visits are discouraged per CDC guidelines. We will re-open the CBRF to visitors on June 10, as long as no one else tests positive. Again, you may visit in resident's rooms/apartments ONLY if you feel it is necessary. You are free to take your loved one out or visit them outdoors. Thank you.

January 10, 2022

UPDATE: The Gardens at RidgeStone, Elkhorn

Unfortunately, The Gardens at Ridgestone is again under quarantine as we have had a resident test positive for COVID-19. At this time, with the Omicron variant spreading so rapidly in the community, we are asking that families limit or hold off on visitation within the facility and taking residents out during this time.

We require all visitors to wear masks for the duration of their visits within the facility. Please pass along this information to any other family members or friends who may want to visit. We will be testing any symptomatic residents and will let you know if your family member tests positive.

The length of time for this quarantine is dependent on whether any other individuals test positive going forward. Another email will be sent out once the quarantine period is over. Please be aware that, due to the nature of our building being Memory Care, it is very challenging to isolate residents to their rooms. Please feel free to reach out with any questions.

Also, keep in mind that staff are very busy and it may be challenging at times for them to answer the phones while caring for residents. We appreciate your understanding.

November 4, 2021

Covid 19 Booster Shot Update

The Moderna booster will be administered on Tuesday, November 9th. All residents with activated HCPOAs will need to sign the consent form prior to vaccination.

October 26, 2021

Covid 19 Booster Shots

Rockmed pharmacy will be onsite within the next several weeks to administer the Moderna booster vaccine. Managers will be in contact soon with families to get permission for the booster.

Further update from September 10, 2021
The Gardens at RidgeStone will be quarantined through October 23, 2021.

September 10, 2021

Update on Covid at The Gardens at RidgeStone

We are happy to report that there are no additional, positive, Covid tests in The Gardens at RidgeStone community in Elkhorn. Per CDC guidelines, The Gardens will continue to be under quarantine through September 30, 2021. Residents and staff will continue to be monitored and everyone will be tested again, prior to the end of quarantine. Families and friends may continue window visits, outdoor visits and offsite visits. Medical appointments will be at the doctor's discretion.

September 7, 2021

The Gardens at RidgeStone is Quarantined

The Gardens at RidgeStone in Elkhorn is in quarantine because of a covid positive staff. This is ONLY the Gardens community. All residents and staff are currently being tested. Essential visitors only; no group activities/dining at the current time. Please call ahead if you need to drop off supplies. Doctor (MD) appointments only if that Doctor is aware of the situation and still wants to see a resident.

June 29, 2021

JUNE UPDATE FOR FAMILIES

Dear RidgeStone Family and Friends,

Today we had a zoom meeting with the DHS/BAL to give us some updated information on COVID testing, visitation guidelines, etc. Unfortunately, the guidelines have not really changed. The following guidance is still in effect:

*Any new unvaccinated admission will need to quarantine for 14 days.

*All residents should wear masks when an unvaccinated resident or staff is present.

*Communal dining is allowed, however, masks should be worn and social distancing should be observed when an unvaccinated resident is present.

*Group activities are allowed, however, masks should be worn and social distancing should be observed when an unvaccinated resident is present.

*Pet visits are allowed but must go directly to the residents' room.

*Common area visits are still prohibited.

Many of our residents feel that now that they are vaccinated they no longer need to wear masks. That is not the case. Due to the vulnerable population we have, it is important that they continue to wear masks and socially distance when around unknown people, unvaccinated people or when out in public.

Any encouragement you can give to your loved one to wear the mask would be greatly appreciated. Please do not hesitate to contact a manager with any questions.

Sincerely,
Christina Kiesel, Director

May 17, 2021

VISITOR UPDATE

Starting May 18, the doors to RidgeStone Terrace RCAC, Elkhorn, and RidgeStone Court RCAC, Delavan, will be unlocked for visitors during the daytime hours.

We ask that you still continue to fill out the required attestation form, take your temperature, wear a mask and only visit in your loved one's room and not in any common areas.

Please do not visit if you are feeling ill or have any symptoms. Face masks are still required during visits if anyone in the party is unvaccinated.

May 11, 2021

A LETTER FROM THE RIDGESTONE DIRECTOR

Dear RidgeStone Family and Friends,

I just wanted to keep you updated as things are starting to open up a bit more. The majority of our residents have been vaccinated. New admissions coming in will need to quarantine if they have not been vaccinated; those that have will not.

We have allowed small group religious services back in with vaccination at this point. Residents with spouses in alternate buildings are also able to visit at the other’s location. New guidance was put out by the CDC that stated if all residents were vaccinated we could go back to communal dining (4 to a table) with no face coverings and also group activities with the same guidance. At this time we still have unvaccinated residents therefore, we will need to continue the current guidelines (dining/small group (10 or less), socially distanced with masks) and small group activities (10 or less), socially distanced with masks. We have re-started country rides. As the weather gets nicer residents are being encouraged to walk and sit outdoors.

Family and friends are able to visit in their loved one’s room or apartment. We love having all the visitors back in the buildings and I know the residents are so much happier seeing you all. I wanted to remind everyone that face coverings are still mandatory for entrance and travel to your loved one’s room/apartment. Staff will ask you to fill out the attestation form and take your temperature. As always we ask that you delay your visit if there are any symptoms of COVID, cold, flu, etc. Please do NOT loiter in common areas or visit in common areas. Visits are limited to IN ROOM only. We greatly appreciate your cooperation with this. We know that many of you have developed relationships with other residents in the buildings, but at this time we are following the guidance from the CDC and the Bureau of Assisted Living, and common area visits are PROHIBITED.

While visiting in your loved one’s room/apartment, masks are not necessary if all parties are fully vaccinated. The guidance states that face coverings are still required if any of the party is unvaccinated.

We have heard some concerns about the timeliness of answering the doors and phones. Please know that our staff is doing the best they can with all the added duties they now have. Their top priority is taking care of our residents. The best way to ensure a quick response is to call ahead of time and alert the staff that you’ll be visiting. We do keep visit lists at the nurse’s stations so that the staff is aware and can be better prepared for your visit. Scheduling these visits with a manager Monday through Friday is also the best way to schedule. Please do not leave voicemail messages to schedule these. We also realize evening and weekend phone calls are slow to be answered. The staff are not always near a phone. The best time to reach a staff member is around meals when they are in a common area (noon to 1pm and 4 to 5pm) or after 8pm when most of the residents are resting comfortably in their rooms/apartments.
Hopefully the next letter I send out will have us back to normal. I’m hopeful that we are moving in that direction. Please do not hesitate to call with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,
Christina Kiesel, Director

March 10, 2021

INDOOR ROOM VISITS BEGIN

Indoor room visits are available by appointment starting on Monday, March 15th. There will be an attestation form to be filled out prior to your visit. Two visitors will be permitted at a time and no pets will be allowed.

The private visitation rooms will be still be available, if you prefer, by appointment.

February 26, 2021

UPDATE ON SECOND DOSE AND VISITATION

Both doses of the Moderna vaccine have been administered to residents and staff who chose to be vaccinated. All guidance from the CDC, Public Health and The State of Wisconsin Bureau of Assisted Living procedures remains the same.

Guidance includes social distancing, wearing a mask, and no indoor private-room visits. There is a ‘visitation’ room in all RidgeStone buildings. Please call a manager to set up a visitation time. Visitors will continue to check symptoms, have their temperature taken and wear a mask at all times. Full details for visits can be found below, in the January 28, 2021 update.

Thanks for your continued patience.
Christina Kiesel, Director

February 4, 2021

UPDATE ON PHONES & SECOND VACCINE DOSE

All phones at RidgeStone Terrace and the Gardens at RidgeStone in Elkhorn are working again. Thank you for your patience as we worked through the outage to have it corrected.

The second dose of the Moderna vaccine will be given to all RidgeStone residents Thursday, February 25, 2021.

January 29, 2021

NOTICE

Phone service at RidgeStone Terrace and The Gardens at RidgeStone is down temporarily. If families have urgent needs to communicate, they should call RidgeStone Village, (262) 728-2960. Staff in Delavan will be able to relay messages to the staff in Elkhorn.

January 28, 2021

VACCINE UPDATE

Residents and staff were vaccinated with the first dose of the Moderna vaccine at all Ridgestone properties today. Indoor visits will start in designated rooms, at all buildings, with very strict guidelines that MUST be followed, starting Monday, February 1st.

Designated rooms include:

The room at the Gardens building in Elkhorn is at the side entrance in front, closest to Terrace. Enter at the front door.
At the Terrace in Elkhorn, Apartment 149 will be used, so you will enter at the entrance closest to the Gardens.
In Delavan for the CBRF, you will enter through the front door and turn left into room 116.
In Delavan for the RCAC apartments, you will enter through the side door nearest the service drive to Apartment 202.

The following are the guidelines for these visits:

You must schedule your visit at least 24 hours in advance. This must be scheduled with a manager (Marcia at the Terrace, Emily at the Gardens, and Shar or Ammie at the Village).
All weekend visits need to be scheduled by noon on Friday.
The hour before and after meals is blacked out.
Visits will start at 9am and then every 45 minutes thereafter to allow for sanitizing the area. (9am, 9:45am, 10:30am, 1pm, 1:45pm, 2:30pm, 3:15pm, 6pm, 6:45pm, 7:30pm and 8:15pm.)
Visits will be half (½) an hour with a maximum of two (2) visitors. NO pets allowed.
Staff will present a questionnaire about symptoms and take your temperature. Anyone presenting with symptoms will be asked to delay their visit.
There will be no access to a toilet; only a sink to wash your hands.
Face coverings must be worn by both residents and visitors. Social distancing of at least six (6) feet should be maintained. No touching is allowed.
Outdoor visits and window visits remain an option as long as the weather cooperates.

These guidelines are in accordance with the CDC, Public Health and The State of Wisconsin Bureau of Assisted Living procedures.

January 14, 2021

VACCINE UPDATE

The Covid-19 vaccine will be administered to RidgeStone Assisted Living residents Thursday, January 28, 2021.

January 4, 2021

VACCINE UPDATE- DELAY

RidgeStone Management has been notified by Walgreens that the State of Wisconsin has a delay in the distribution of the Covid-19 vaccines, potentially a couple of weeks. The State of Wisconsin is responsible for distribution of the vaccine. Please watch this website and our social media for further updates as it relates to our RidgeStone Assisted Living communities.

December 29, 2020

A LETTER FROM RIDGESTONE'S DIRECTOR

Dear Family and Friends,

We continue to receive emails and calls regarding COVID-19 rules and restrictions. Please know that we are following CDC, Public Health and The State of Wisconsin Bureau of Assisted Living's guidance for quarantine, visits, etc. We are updating our website as things are ever-changing and mailing out memos is time-consuming and not always up to date. You can also check our Facebook page for updates.

Currently, a resident must quarantine for 14 days if they have been out overnight for a hospital stay or an overnight family visit and also if they have transferred to us from a nursing home (whether they’ve had a negative COVID test or not). If we have ONE positive resident or staff, that is considered an OUTBREAK, which constitutes a 28-day quarantine (two (2) incubation periods). Residents must stay in their room/apartment. They may come out to check mail, get a little exercise and change of scenery as long as they are wearing a face covering and are not interacting with other residents.

Residents are strongly discouraged from going on personal outings with families (lunch, shopping, family gatherings, weddings, funerals, vacations); however, under Resident Rights, they have every right, just like you and I, to go out when they choose to do so. Doctor visits should continue as needed. We do not have the right to stop them. We also cannot quarantine them when they return from these outings as this would be the equivalent to a "punishment."

The COVID-19 Moderna vaccine will be administered to staff and residents as they choose. We are awaiting a date. All skilled nursing home staff and residents must be vaccinated before they can move along to assisted living. See the FACT sheet regarding the vaccine. When you go in to our website, www.ridgestonevillage.com, go to the bottom of the home page and click on, “Need to Know Guidance For Families During Covid-19," for updates. Please share this information with other family members and friends.

As always, if you have any questions, please call the resident service manager for your loved one or reach out to me. Thanks for your patience and understanding as we continue to navigate this pandemic!

Christina Kiesel, Director

We want to express a huge thanks to all the families and friends of RidgeStone for all the wonderful gifts, treats, pizzas and goodies that have been delivered for the staff. We appreciate it very much!

December 22, 2020

A LETTER FROM RIDGESTONE'S MANAGEMENT TEAM

Dear Families and Friends of the RidgeStone Family,

I’m sure you have all been watching the news and hearing about the vaccines that are now approved for COVID-19. I wanted to update you on the current situation and where we stand.

Originally our pharmacy, RockMed, was going to administer the vaccine. They however, have not been approved through the State as an approved vaccinator. The state re-assigned us to Walgreen’s as our vaccinator. I have been in touch with the coordinator for our area, and they have all of our information, contacts, and number of vaccines needed for both residents and staff at both of our locations. We will be receiving the Moderna vaccine. She said they have to vaccinate all the skilled nursing facilities (nursing homes) first before they can move along to assisted living facilities. I asked for a guess as to the date, and she was unable to tell me. We are trying to get as prepared as we can so when they give the green light we are ready to go. The following is what I DO know:

The Moderna vaccine is a two-dose vaccine.
Walgreen’s will schedule three visits approximately 28 days apart. Visit one will be to administer the first dose to as many residents and staff as possible. Visit two will be to administer the second dose and also to vaccinate anyone missed or not able to receive the first dose on their initial visit. Visit three will be to administer the second dose to those who got the first dose on Visit 2.
Side effects for a day or two after injection can look just like the symptoms of COVID-19.
The COVID-19 vaccine may not be given to anyone currently diagnosed with COVID-19.
The vaccine should not be administered if you’ve had a severe allergic reaction to another vaccine.
The vaccine should not be administered if you currently have any signs or symptoms of COVID-19.
The vaccine does not require a physician order. The vaccine is free of charge, however Walgreen’s will bill insurance for the administration fee.

Please review the fact sheet on the vaccine. If your loved one has an activated power of attorney for healthcare, we will be reaching out for your consent. All others will be vaccinated based on their own wishes. If you have concerns please call the appropriate Resident Service Manager for your loved one.

Just a reminder ZOOM meetings are available in all buildings. Indoor visits are available at RidgeStone Terrace, Elkhorn and the CBRF at RidgeStone Village, Delavan. The RCAC at RidgeStone Village, Delavan, remains on quarantine through January 7th and the Gardens at RidgeStone, Elkhorn, remains on quarantine through January 11th. Please call with any questions you may have.

Sincerely,
The Management Team at RidgeStone Assisted Living

December 11, 2020

TEMPORARY CHANGE: THE GARDENS AT RIDGESTONE

All visits have been suspended in our Elkhorn Gardens for at least 28 days as the entire community quarantines. The separate Terrace community in Elkhorn will be open for visits starting 12/13. Please continue to check Facebook and this website for updates.

December 10, 2020

TEMPORARY CHANGE: DELAVAN RCAC

All visits have been suspended in our Delavan RCAC for at least 28 days as the entire community quarantines. The separate CBRF community in Delavan will be open for visits starting 12/16. Please continue to check Facebook and this website for updates.

December 10, 2020

A LETTER FROM RIDGESTONE'S MANAGEMENT TEAM

Dear Family and Friends,

What a year 2020 has been! A roller coaster ride for everyone!
First, the management and staff at RidgeStone want to thank you all for your continued support and encouragement during these difficult to navigate months. We are in an ever-changing situation daily!

Over the last few weeks, we have had several people calling or emailing asking what is happening, and if visits can happen. While we try to send out letters periodically to our primary contacts to keep everyone updated, we realize that as soon as we send something out the status can change.

In lieu of mailing letters, we are asking you to please look at this website or our Facebook page for updated information. You are always welcome to call and speak with a manager to get your questions answered as well. Please share this information with any family and friends who may be interested.

See our Facebook page and visit this website often. On the website, you'll get to the current guidance by scrolling to the bottom of the home page and clicking on, “Need to Know Guidance.”

As we look forward to a NEW YEAR, we are excited for what is to come. At some point we are excited to bring back the normal which we so often took for granted. We are excited to have family and friends come back into our buildings, when we are able to do so!

Again, we cannot thank you all enough for your patience. As we have said before, we will get through this together!!

We want to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year!!!

Sincerely,
The Management Team at RidgeStone Assisted Living Communities

December 4, 2020

INDOOR VISITS TO RESUME

Indoor visits with RidgeStone residents will resume as follows:

Fri, Dec 11 The Gardens at RidgeStone, Elkhorn
Sun, Dec 13 RidgeStone Terrace, Elkhorn
Wed, Dec 16 RidgeStone Village, Delavan

We will have a designated room in each building for these visits along with some very strict guidelines that MUST be followed.

At the Gardens building in Elkhorn, the conference room will be used, so you will enter at the front door.
At the Terrace in Elkhorn, Apartment 149 will be used, so you will enter at the entrance closest to the Gardens.
In Delavan for the CBRF, you will enter through the front door and turn left into room 116.
In Delavan for the RCAC apartments, you will enter through the side door nearest the service drive to Apartment 202.

The following are the guidelines for these visits:

You must schedule your visit at least 24 hours in advance. This must be scheduled with a manager (Marcia at the Terrace, Emily at the Gardens, and Shar or Ammie at the Village).
All weekend visits need to be scheduled by noon on Friday.
The hour before and after meals is blacked out.
Visits will start at 9am and then every 45 minutes thereafter to allow for sanitizing the area. (9am, 9:45am, 10:30am, 1pm, 1:45pm, 2:30pm, 3:15pm, 6pm, 6:45pm, 7:30pm and 8:15pm.)
Visits will be half (½) an hour with a maximum of two (2) visitors. NO pets allowed.
Staff will present a questionnaire about symptoms and take your temperature. Anyone presenting with symptoms will be asked to delay their visit.
There will be no access to a toilet; only a sink to wash your hands.
Face coverings must be worn by both residents and visitors. Social distancing of at least six (6) feet should be maintained. No touching is allowed.
Outdoor visits and window visits remain an option as long as the weather cooperates.

November 3, 2020

TEMPORARY CHANGE:

All in-person, inside visits are canceled. Managers from each community have been calling each family to explain the situation. ZOOM meetings, window visits and outdoor visits are still allowed. This is temporary until COVID-19 cases in Walworth County are better under control. The safety of all residents and staff drive these decisions. Your understanding is appreciated.

October 10, 2020

Happy Fall to Everyone! I wanted to continue our updates and let you know we remain COVID-free since the last memo.

DISINFECTANT STUDY

I’m also excited to announce that we have partnered with a group that makes a long- lasting disinfectant called "Q Shield Professional Surface Protector.” It is an antimicrobial surface protector that can kill pathogens on contact and can adhere to surfaces for up to three months. We will be using the product and doing some efficacy testing for them in the assisted living realm. We are excited to be a part of this study!

INDOOR VISIT PROCEDURES

I know you have all been waiting for some visitation changes and I’m happy to announce that we will begin having indoor visits as of October 19. With the colder weather on its way we realize that visiting outdoors is no longer feasible. We will have a designated room in each building for these visits along with some very strict guidelines that MUST be followed.

At the Gardens building in Elkhorn, the conference room will be used, so you will enter at the front door.
At the Terrace in Elkhorn, Apartment 149 will be used, so you will enter at the entrance closest to the Gardens.
In Delavan for the CBRF, you will enter through the front door and turn left into room 116.
In Delavan for the RCAC apartments, you will enter through the side door nearest the service drive to Apartment 202.

The following are the guidelines for these visits:

You must schedule your visit at least 24 hours in advance. This must be scheduled with a manager (Marcia at the Terrace, Emily at the Gardens, and Shar or Ammie at the Village).
All weekend visits need to be scheduled by noon on Friday.
The hour before and after meals is blacked out.
Visits will start at 9am and then every 45 minutes thereafter to allow for sanitizing the area. (9am, 9:45am, 10:30am, 1pm, 1:45pm, 2:30pm, 3:15pm, 6pm, 6:45pm, 7:30pm and 8:15pm.)
Visits will be half (½) an hour with a maximum of two (2) visitors. NO pets allowed.
Staff will present a questionnaire about symptoms and take your temperature. Anyone presenting with symptoms will be asked to delay their visit.
There will be no access to a toilet; only a sink to wash your hands.
Face coverings must be worn by both residents and visitors. Social distancing of at least six (6) feet should be maintained. No touching is allowed.
Outdoor visits and window visits remain an option as long as the weather cooperates.

RISKY ACTIVITY

It has been reported that some visitors are NOT following the social distancing and the no touching rules during outdoor visits. They are also not always wearing masks, usually when they are in vehicles.

We have also had cases of families taking residents out to appointments when they have not been feeling well and then subsequently tested positive for COVID. These actions are putting everyone’s loved one at risk. PLEASE FOLLOW THE GUIDELINES for everyone’s sake.

I understand that this is a very frustrating time for all of you. It is equally frustrating for us. Our staff have now become the cable and phone repair people, grocery delivery people, doorman, I-Pad instructors and temperature checkers, all in addition to being the great caregivers they are.

Therefore, please be patient when you are waiting at the front door. The staff is doing the best they can to meet everyone’s needs. Also, please don’t be offended when we deny your entrance to the building. We are following the guidelines from the State of Wisconsin, the Bureau of Assisted Living and the CDC. We cannot allow people in to use the bathroom, to pick out clothing, to move furniture or any other non-essential tasks.

Please note that the Department of Health Services and the Bureau of Assisted Living still advise that virtual visits are the safest, followed by outdoor visits. With flu season just around the corner it is strongly recommended that only essential appointments are being attended and that families are extremely cautious while out with your loved one. Observing frequent hand washing, limiting contact with others while out, maintaining social distancing and wearing a protective face covering are all good practice.

If a resident or staff member test positive for COVID then all residents in that building will be subject to a 28-day quarantine.

Any building on quarantine cannot allow visitation. Please help us keep everyone safe by following the guidelines. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions, comments, concerns or suggestions you may have.

WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER!

Sincerely,
Christina Kiesel, Director

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August 31, 2020

Dear Family and Friends,

I hope this finds you all well in these difficult times. With the pandemic still holding strong, our day-to-day operations continue to be challenging. We have had to re-think the way we do many things, from dining to activities, beautician services and family visits; just to name a few. We are not only monitoring our residents daily for signs and symptoms of this virus, but our staff as well. As many of you may already be aware, there was a shortage of health care workers before the pandemic hit. That has not changed. The staff in all of our buildings have really stepped up to the challenge to cover open shifts, to cover for co-workers out with symptoms, to cover for co-workers needing to quarantine due to a spouse or other family member coming into contact with a positive case. I don’t know how many of you have worn a surgical mask for an eight-hour period, but I can tell you it is not comfortable. Our staff have been working tirelessly to care for our residents and I applaud their efforts.

The guidance from the CDC, Public Health and the Wisconsin Bureau of Assisted Living changes on almost a daily basis. Sometimes the guidance conflicts between these entities, and we have to navigate through it which is not always an easy task. While we are licensed under the state of Wisconsin, our local Walworth County Public Health Department is the final authority on certain practices. I am in constant contact with them. All managers also listen to a weekly webinar hosted by the Bureau of Assisted Living and has an MD, ombudsman, the Director of the Bureau and several RNs in attendance to talk about new information, guidance and to answer any questions we have.

OUTDOOR VISITS

At the present time we are allowing outdoor visits only. We have decided that we will no longer have set days and time periods, but would ask that you call and schedule an appointment. Please be mindful that staff is quite busy around mealtimes (between 11:30am to 1pm and then again from 4:30pm to 6pm). Please schedule a visitation time with the Resident Service Manager (Marcia at the Terrace, Emily at the Gardens, and Shar or Ammie at the Village). Staff will be taking your temperature and having you fill out a Visitor form. No physical contact should occur during the visit and both the visitor and the resident should have a face covering on and maintain social distancing during the entire visit.

SUPPLY DROP OFF

Supplies can be dropped off at any time now. We ask that you call ahead to give the staff some notice. If the items are non-perishable, please label the bags and leave in the lobby entryway so staff can pick up at their leisure.

APPOINTMENTS/OUTINGS

Residents may attend essential appointments (doctors, dentist, etc). If you are going to be transporting them, please be sure you are symptom-free and wearing a mask during transport and while with them. The Bureau of Assisted Living is strongly discouraging outings that are NOT essential (beauty shop, lunch, shopping); however, residents maintain their rights and may choose to do what they please. If residents and families choose to go on non-essential outings, we ask that a face covering is worn at all times and that hand washing and hand sanitizing is done prior to returning to the facility. Please be aware that if a resident is hospitalized overnight or is out overnight for any other reason they will need to quarantine for 14 days. Any resident who tests positive for COVID-19 puts the entire building in an outbreak status and ALL residents must then quarantine for 28 days (two incubation periods).

I want to express my sincere appreciation for all the wonderful treats, pizza parties, gift cards and other goodies that we have received from you! That means a lot to the staff. Thanks for your generosity and kind words!

As always, the staff will contact you if your loved one is in need of supplies, medication, etc. They will also notify you of changes in physical or cognitive status or other health emergencies. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact your Service Manager. Please be aware that due to the managers being on call 24/7 they may take a day off during the week. If you have left a message, please be patient for their return call. If it is more urgent you may contact me. We will continue to make you aware of any changes.

Sincerely,
Christina Kiesel, Director