05/15/2020
To our valued families and loved ones:
By now, you have likely heard that the Wisconsin Supreme Court on May 13 overturned Wisconsin’s “Safer-at-Home” Order, which had prohibited many businesses – like restaurants, nonessential retail stores, and bars – from allowing customers to enter their premises. Those businesses are now able to begin reopening, unless a local county/municipal order dictates they remain closed.
This communication is to notify families that a federal directive to restrict visitation at nursing facilities remains active. The federal directive is not affected by the Wisconsin Supreme Court decision. The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a formal memo on March 13 related to restricting visitation in nursing homes, except for certain compassionate care situations, such as end-of-life situations. Further, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to recommend restrictions on visitation in all LTC settings.
We are doing everything we can to prevent the spread of COVID-19, a virus which poses serious health risks to frail elderly residents. We know that the current federal directive on visitation is difficult, but right now, these interventions are needed to slow the spread of COVID-19 to vulnerable nursing home residents.
Please know that we are here to support our wonderful residents, their families, and their friends. We will continue to find ways to help you have meaningful interactions with your loved one