Blog Post

Thanksgiving Update

Dear Families of Residents at The Cove and The Willows:

Recently, the U.S. Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services released new guidance for visitation at nursing homes and congregate care settings. This comes just in time as families are planning to gather for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Following is a summary of the new guidance protocols:

• All visitors are welcome at any time with no pre-scheduling required
• All visitors will be screened upon entry; please follow the screening instructions listed at the entrance
• If you wish to take your loved one offsite, please call us in advance so we can properly administer medications and plan their meals
• There is no age or time limit restriction for visitors
• There is no limit on the number of visitors at one time, however we ask that you use good judgment and consider our space limitation to accommodate large groups – larger groups should consider visiting outdoors if possible
• Masks must be worn in common areas or areas where interactions can occur with other residents and staff members
• If fully vaccinated, visitors may sit in their loved one’s room without a mask; please bring your vaccination card for verification

You may bring food and beverages for your own enjoyment or to share with your loved one. Please note that the Chef is preparing a special Thanksgiving dinner only for the residents. 

The temperature is expected to be in the mid-50s on Thanksgiving Day, so we recommend considering holding your visit outdoors to take advantage of the fresh air, nice weather and grounds.

All residents and staff remain COVID-free. To keep it that way and to prevent transmission of any germs, we ask that you consider a virtual visit if you’re not feeling well, and that you remain vigilant with hand and cough hygiene to keep everyone safe.

As healthcare providers, we thank you for getting vaccinated to reduce community spread of the coronavirus and flu, and to help put a stop to these viruses finding their next host. Please extend every courtesy to our staff members working on this holiday. We are grateful to their continued commitment, excellence and skill in taking care of the loved ones who are in our care, every day.

Thank you for putting your trust in Grace Barker Health. Wishing you and yours a very happy and healthy Thanksgiving holiday.

Sincerely,

Mark Lescault, Administrator
Benjamin Lescault, Assistant Administrator
Mary Beth Lescault, Director of Nursing Services