Blog Post

Important Visitation Information and Updates

Dear Families of Residents at The Cove and The Willows:
 
As the summer season winds down, we would like to provide you with an update on the current situation regarding COVID-19 visitation at Grace Barker Health, and the new Delta variant that is circulating in our state. 
 
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) has provided guidance to all nursing and assisted living homes throughout the state in an effort to clarify some restrictions on visitation. 
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has conducted research specific to the new Delta variant of COVID-19. Their experts advise us that Delta is more contagious than previous variants, and poses a greater risk to unvaccinated individuals.
 
To read more about the Delta variant, please use the link found below:
 
As a healthcare organization governed by state protocols, we must remind you that protocols and restrictions do remain in place per the RIDOH, as follows:
  • Well-fitting masks must be worn at all times for indoor visits. Masking of visitors is not required for outdoor visitation if the resident is fully vaccinated. 
  • Mandatory screening will be conducted at the main entrance for all visitors. 
  • Visitors are expected to follow screening procedures listed at entrance.
  • Indoor visits will be restricted to 3 people at a time with physical distancing observed.
  • Visits should take place in private predetermined areas, away from other residents and staff, such as the front foyer, the resident’s room, or outdoors. Ask a staff member for assistance when determining where a visit should be conducted.
  • Visitors are expected to socially distance themselves from other residents. Please remember this is a healthcare setting and the wellbeing of everyone is our main priority.
  • Visitors aged 12 and older are allowed to enter the building. Those under 12 years of age may visit outdoors or see their loved one through a window, as individuals below the age of 12 are not currently able to receive any form of COVID-19 vaccine. This is to protect both the residents and children. 
Although visitation appointments are not required, we ask that you provide us with a courtesy call in advance if you have a unique circumstance or special request so we can better meet your needs. For example, if you want to take your mother out to lunch, we need to know in advance so you don’t arrive and she is already eating. If you are planning a birthday party or other celebration, we can section off an area of our backyard to be used for the gathering with required advance notice.
 
Offsite visits in the fresh air and sunshine are good for our residents’ well-being. Outings are allowed, and we ask that you call us a few days in advance so we can plan meals, clothing needs, medical appointments, etc. Family members can accompany residents on any offsite healthcare or other appointments.
 
The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us all many lessons. Perhaps most important among them is cherishing the time spent with our loved ones. As healthcare providers, we thank you for getting vaccinated to reduce community spread of the coronavirus and to help put a stop to the virus finding its next host. Be proud to carry your vaccination card, as we don’t know if or when it will need to be shown in the future. 
 
Our priority is to keep our residents, staff and visitors safe, and we sincerely appreciate your continued understanding and personal responsibility in this goal as well.
 
Sincerely,
 
Mark Lescault, Administrator
Benjamin Lescault, Assistant Administrator
Mary Beth Lescault, Director of Nursing Services
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