As a precaution against the spread of COVID-19, aka the coronavirus, Handmaker Jewish Services for the Aging has canceled all outside programs and events at least through the end of March.
Handmaker is also limiting visitation, as per recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid. Visitors are asked not to enter the facility to reduce outside exposure to their family members and others in the community. Specific cases of need, such as a loved one receiving end of life services or someone who is extremely dependent on family visits, may be discussed with Vicki Hensley, RN, infection preventionist, or Becky Norsworthy, director of nursing, so that reasonable accommodations can be made.
On March 11, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey issued a Declaration of Emergency and an Executive Order to combat the continued spread of COVID-19, which requires symptom checks of healthcare workers and visitors at skilled nursing facilities, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities.
Preserving the health and wellbeing of residents and patients is paramount, says Elie Pollak, Handmaker president and CEO. “Our protocol is strictly per the guidance of the CDC and CMS,” Pollak said in an email to residents, family members, and others. “We are currently on a ‘Limited Visitor Status,’ which can be upgraded to a ‘Restricted Visitor Status.’”
Hensley can be reached at 209-2593. Pollak can be reached at 547-6006. To receive emails with up to date information, contact Teresa Forkum at 322-3622.
