Sarah Benbow, Executive Director of Communications | Mar 17, 2020
March 17, 2020
Because of the growing number of COVID-19 cases throughout the country, Walker Methodist is enacting the highest levels of precaution and taking all appropriate measures to ensure safety for our residents.
Walker Methodist is strongly recommending residents to practice self-isolation in each of our communities. We are asking all residents to stay in their apartments or rooms to prevent possible spread of illnesses. Employees will be required to enact social distancing and end communal gatherings of residents at this time.
No later than by evening meal on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, all communal dining will be suspended. We will continue to serve meals in skilled nursing communities. Those residents in Independent and Assisted Living housing communities will receive door-to-door deliveries to those on meal packages, and they can order a meal anytime of the day by calling the front desk or the culinary department.
Residents may still go to essential doctor appointments; please call your clinic to confirm that it is an essential visit. Only family members who have already been providing an essential care service before the COVID-19 crisis, and who are approved by the facility’s Executive Director or Director of Nursing will be allowed to enter. For residents in skilled nursing, family must continue to allow Walker Methodist's team to provide all services--this is in the best interest of all residents, as they are the most vulnerable to infections. Visits are allowed for compassion care at end of life. These family members will undergo heightened active screenings at the front entrances of our communities.
Because residents should not be leaving their communities, families of those living in Independent and Assisted Living communities are encouraged to bring groceries or other items to the front desk of the community, and our team will deliver door-to-door.
It is important that residents continue to have interaction and correspondence with their families and friends, so we strongly encourage the use of Facetime and video chatting technology. Walker Methodist staff is able to assist residents with these technologies. And for residents who do not have a smart phone with these technologies, we can give them a sanitized iPad to use and communicate through Zoom. Family and friends are encouraged to call the front desk of their loved one’s community if they need any help setting this up.
We know these restrictions are difficult for everyone, but we thank you for your understanding and cooperation in helping us protect our residents. Stay tuned to walkermethodist.org/coronavirus for the latest news and updates, and like our Facebook page to see ways that our residents, families, and employees are making adjustments to daily living.