Important Coronavirus Information
Visiting guidelines:
Visitors are welcome any time during our visiting hours. Be aware that there is a risk for becoming infected by COVID-19 when there are active cases in our building.
- Visitors are encouraged to follow the Core Principles of Infection Control, including practicing good hand hygiene, wearing a face covering or mask that covers the mouth and nose, and physically distancing at least six feet from other residents and staff.
- Visitors who have had a positive viral test for COVID-19 or have symptoms of COVID-19, or who currently meet the criteria for quarantine, are asked to delay their visit until their quarantine period has ended.
- While CMS does not recommend visitation when a resident is actively infected with COVID-19 or in quarantine, residents may still choose to have visitors. The Core Principles of Infection Control need to be followed.
You can further help protect our residents and staff by taking an over-the-counter COVID-19 test prior to visiting. This strategy helps to keep those who are ill from carrying COVID-19 onto our campus to our residents and staff. Thank you for your cooperation with all these safety measures.
COVID-19 Update
At Benedictine Living Community-Northfield, our priority is protecting the health and wellness of our residents and employees. We provide COVID-19 testing as needed for employees or residents who have symptoms and transportation to community testing for our independent living residents. Testing provides peace of mind for our residents and employees and helps to identify those who may have the virus and may not show symptoms so we can care for them and potentially limit transmission to others.
Infection Control Measures
Since March 2020, we have followed all recommended guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Centers Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and our state and local health departments. Because we have taken this situation very seriously, our campus continues to:
- Monitor residents for symptoms of respiratory illness.
- Provide face masks for residents to wear if they chose.
- Encourage employees to monitor themselves for illness. If experiencing symptoms, to obtain a COVID-19 test, self-quarantine at home and/or seek medical care.
- Require all employees to wear personal protective equipment as directed by state and federal guidance.
Protect yourself and those you love with the COVID-19 vaccine!
COVID-19 vaccines are the best protection against serious illness. We recommend that everyone stay up to date with the COVID-19 vaccine and boosters to protect themselves and those they love. The COVID-19 vaccine is free and readily available. Not sure where? Check out www.vaccines.gov, text your zip code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233 to find a location near you.
Frequently Asked Questions regarding COVID-19
How are staff being screened for COVID-19?
Employees are asked to monitor their health and self for symptoms. Those with symptoms or known exposure are instructed to self-quarantine at home and/or seek medical care. We encourage them to monitor themselves for signs and symptoms of COVID-19.
Why are your residents wearing masks?
Our top priority is to protect the health and safety of our residents and staff. We provide a face mask for each resident, as the CDC recommends face masks as a way to reduce the likelihood of virus transmission. Residents are encouraged to wear the face mask, especially when the community transmission rate is high.
Can I visit my parents?
Visitors are welcome. When community transmission rates are high, we may ask visitors to wear a face mask.
Can I drop off care packages or supplies for my parents?
Yes, we will gladly receive deliveries for our residents at the front door, and our staff will bring them to the appropriate residents’ apartment.
My dad enjoys walking around the campus and flower gardens. Can he still go outside?
Yes, our residents can go outside and walk or sit as long as they are safe in doing this activity.
My grandma just moved in last week. What are you doing to help her settle in to her new home and make friends?
We will be working closely one-on-one with your loved one to make sure she feels right at home, including welcome visits by key staff, giving her an orientation to key locations within our community, and introducing her to her new neighbors and activities.
How can I protect myself?
Make sure you protect yourself and loved ones by using the “best practice” infection prevention strategies every day like washing your hands, covering your cough, and monitoring yourself for symptoms of respiratory illness.
- COVID-19 vaccines are the best protection against serious illness from COVID-19. We recommend that everyone stay up to date with the COVID-19 vaccine and boosters to protect themselves and those they love. The COVID-19 vaccine is free and readily available. Not sure where? Check out www.vaccines.gov, text your zip code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233 to find a location near you.
Thank you!
We sincerely thank our residents, their families and our staff for their patience and dedication as we keep the safety, health and wellness of our residents and associates our top priority.