Visitation Update: July 2nd, 2021

Posted on:

July 2, 2021

Dear Patients and Families:

On March 25, 2021, Potomac Falls Health & Rehab Center re-opened its doors for indoor visitation following a year of restricted visitation associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of our ongoing efforts to evaluate our ability to safely facilitate visitation inside the Center, I am pleased to announce further re-opening of visitation for vaccinated individuals in accordance with guidance from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Beginning July 7, 2021, we will be implementing the following changes to indoor visitation:

Vaccinated Patients/Residents

Unvaccinated Patients/Residents
  • Scheduling is not required.
  • Visits are permitted DAILY between the hours of 10:30 am–2:30 pm and 4:00– 7:00 pm. These times will allow for essential functions such screening procedures to be performed by Center staff.
  • If both the patient and visitor have been fully vaccinated, close contact is permitted, and no mask is required in the visitation area.
  • If a visitor is not vaccinated, a face mask is required for the entirety of the visit. The patient may choose to have close contact.
  •  Online scheduling is required: Click Here to Schedule a Visit
  • Both parties are required to wear a face mask for the entirety of the visit with social distancing required at all times.
  • If the patient is in a semi-private room, we encourage outdoor visitation or the visit may be scheduled in a designated visitation area. Social distancing is required during the entire visit.

 

 

Federal regulations require the Center to ensure infection control principles continue to be observed. Below are key infection control principles that are required for visitation:

  • Upon entering the Center, all visitors must sign-in and comply with the screening process to include observation for signs and symptoms of COVID-19, temperature check and answering screening questions, including vaccination status. Visitors who are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 are asked to remain at home and will not be allowed to visit until their symptoms resolve.
  • All visitors will be required to wear a face mask, covering the mouth and nose, during screening and when traveling to and from the visitation area.
  • Patients and visitors are required to practice good hand hygiene by using alcohol-based hand sanitizer or vigorously washing with soap and water.
  • The number of visitors per patient at any given time and the total number of visitors in the Center at one time must be limited. Each patient is allowed two visitors per visit.
  • Visitor movement within the Center must be limited to the designated visitation area.
  • Patients located on our Quarantine Unit will continue to be offered virtual or window visits until the patient has met the criteria for discontinuation for transmission-based precautions; however, we are able to offer compassionate care visits during the quarantine period, if requested. Social distancing, use of an N95 mask and gown are required at all times during the visit.
  • Outdoor visits will take place in the courtyard area only.
  • Visitors who are unable to adhere to the core principles listed above will be asked to leave.

Patient outings and leaves of absence from the Center must be scheduled in advance. The purpose and location of the visit should be disclosed at the time of scheduling, and the patient must sign out when leaving. Overnight visits will require additional notice to procure the necessary medications to send with the patient.

Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Brenda K. White, LNHA
Administrator