Long term care allows visitation

With the blessing of the state, family members will once again be able to visit their loved ones at the long term care facility within Crook County Memorial Hospital.

However, those who would like to spend time with a resident should be aware that guidelines have been put in place to continue protecting the health and safety of some of the county’s most vulnerable people.

“We understand how difficult it is to have these restrictions,” says Jamason Schmidt, nursing home director. “With our population being the highest at risk, we will continue to follow direction given to us and evaluate how we implement our guidelines as we move forward and hope for the best.”

State health officer Dr. Alexia Harrist announced last week that restrictions will remain in place but limited outdoor visits will now be possible. Harrist recognized that long term care staff have had a difficult burden through the pandemic and said, “I consider them to be heroes”.

At the long term care in Sundance, guidance has been created for visits to the LTC by Schmidt, the facility’s doctors and staff and infection control.

Visits must be scheduled beforehand with staff at the LTC and each resident will be limited to only two people, to be determined either by that resident or the person who holds power of attorney on their behalf.

Residents either suspected or confirmed to be infected with COVID-19 will not be able to receive visits. Visitors will be met by staff members at the back door to be screened for COVID-19; if the screen is positive, the visitation will not take place.

During the visit, physical distancing must be maintained to the greatest extent possible. Hand sanitizer will be used prior to the visit by residents, staff and visitors.

If you visit the LTC, you will need to wear a mask at all times. Staff request that, if you have a mask, you bring it with you and wear it. If you do not have one, a cloth mask will be provided.

In accordance with the state’s guidelines, the visit will happen outside and will take place under the supervision of a staff member trained in infection control measures. Before and after the visit, the table and chairs will be wiped down with a bleach solution.