FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: May 11th, 2021

CHI LakeWood Health Care Center and Parker’s ARC COVID-19 Update

LakeWood sees COVID-19 regulation changes impacting much of the Care Center and Parker’s ARC resident daily life. “We are excited to see the changes that are happening, giving a glimpse of what daily life was like before the pandemic hit,” says Jeffry Stampohar, President of CHI LakeWood Health. “In order to promote a safe environment for all, we ask that visitors please follow the expectations and guidance that we have put in place.”

The Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Service (CMS) and the Minnesota Department of Health released new guidance impacting the following areas at the Care Center and Parker’s ARC.

Indoor Visitation

  • Will only be suspended if we have an outbreak within the facility. An outbreak is classified as one positive employee or resident. In the event of an outbreak, visits will be suspended until one round of outbreak testing has occurred.
  • Visitation must take place in the resident room or in an outdoor setting such as our courtyard area.
  • Visitors must wear their masks at all times when moving through the facility.
  • If a visitor and resident are both vaccinated they may remove their masks when in the resident room or courtyard area. They also do not need to practice social distancing.
  • If at all possible, please avoid visitation during resident meal times which are 11:30 am and 5:30 pm.

Non-Medical Outings

  • Residents are able to enjoy non-medical outings when our county CMS positivity rate remains below 5%.
  • Residents will be required to wear masks while on an outing and practice social distancing when able.
  • Resident/family member must sign out at the front desk and notify the nurse on duty when leaving.

Resident COVID-19 Testing

  • Residents who are vaccinated will no longer need to participate in routine facility COVID-19 testing. However, if LakeWood has an outbreak, all residents will be tested regardless of vaccination status.

Communal Activities and Dining

  • Communal activities and dining have resumed for our residents.
  • Social distancing and mask requirements for communal activities and dining are dependent on vaccination status. For example if all residents at an activity are vaccinated they do not need to wear a mask, nor social distance. If a non-vaccinated resident is present for a communal activity, all residents must wear a mask and social distance.
  • Visitors are not allowed to attend communal activities, including church and bingo at this time.
  • Visitors must not congregate in areas where communal activities are happening, this includes church and bingo. All visitation must take place in the resident room or outdoor area.

Although vaccination is not required for visitors, LakeWood encourages all visitors to get their vaccine. LakeWood’s Public Health Department continues to hold COVID-19 vaccine clinics – it is free, safe and effective. Anyone over the age of 16 is now eligible to receive the vaccine. Please call 218.634.3457 to schedule your vaccine appointment.

CHI LakeWood Health has been an integral part of the Baudette community since 1950. The campus includes a 15-bed acute-care Critical Access Hospital, a Skilled Nursing Facility, a family-practice Rural Health Clinic and a 10-unit Senior Living Facility. LakeWood offers a variety of medical services including: Cardiac Rehab, Behavioral Health, Public Health, Physical and Occupational Therapies, Telemedicine, Visiting Nurse and Ambulance Services. LakeWood is a member of CommonSpirit Health, a faith-based national health care system which was formed in February 2019 through the merger of Catholic Health Initiatives and Dignity Health.

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Contact: Carrie Davidson

Email: carriedavidson@catholichealth.net

Phone: (218)634-3454