August 2, 2021 – Effective August 3rd, COVID-19 Guidelines
Updated Meth-Wick Masking Guidelines
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) now lists Linn County in a High transmission category for COVID-19 cases. You can access the information here: Covid Data Tracker. The recommendations from the CDC for areas in High transmission include masks for both vaccinated and unvaccinated in all public spaces. Private businesses are allowed to maintain mask policies that differ from the guidance or adopt the guidance. Much of the taskforce time has been spent on erring on the side of caution in keeping our residents and staff safe.
The taskforce at Meth-Wick has reviewed the guidance and has made the decision to require masks for everyone (staff, residents, visitors, and vendors) again in our indoor public spaces beginning Tuesday August 3rd. This policy will be reviewed on a weekly basis.
Healthcare areas (Woodlands, Arbor Place and Custom Care) all require masking in accordance with directions from CMS and due to the transfers that happen between the healthcare areas. Those areas will be returning to masks being worn by visitors and residents in resident rooms, whether you are vaccinated or not.
At this time, we are not changing any of the programming already scheduled nor are we limiting resident guests in the dining room, but rest assured we are tracking the current spread of the Delta variant in our county.
While most of our residents are vaccinated, we are still encouraging staff to be vaccinated. We are over 80% on employee vaccinations and we continue to offer the vaccine to both employees and residents.
If you have not gotten a vaccine and would like one, please contact Deb Tisue, RN, 297-8634 to complete the paperwork and get on the list for a FREE vaccine.
By adopting this policy now, we hope to safeguard you and avoid more restrictive measures. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 297-8611.
Thank you all for your support.
Sincerely,
Robin K. Mixdorf
CEO/President
June 3, 2021 – Effective June 7th, COVID-19 Guidelines
Residents and Visitors
Fully Vaccinated – no mask needed but if you are comfortable wearing a mask, please keep wearing it!
Unvaccinated – must continue to wear a mask (per CDC guidance)
All employees, residents, visitors, and vendors will continue to screen into the campus.
Public spaces are open (except dining rooms) but if you do not feel well, please do not visit any public areas of campus.
Employees will continue to be in masks, and we will continue to offer access to the vaccine.
Visitors to The Woodlands must wear a mask and continue to follow the guidance appropriate for the healthcare area.
Thank you all for your support.
Sincerely,
Robin K. Mixdorf
CEO/President
May 9, 2021 – CDC Masking Guidelines for COVID-19
The CDC recently announced public health guidance for those considered fully vaccinated for COVID-19.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently revised their guidance for mask wearing in public settings. They recommend that unvaccinated individuals continue to wear masks, but that fully vaccinated individuals can make the decision to go without a mask in public – indoors or outdoors. Private businesses are allowed to maintain mask policies that differ from the guidance and many local and national companies are leaving their mask policies in place for the time being.
The taskforce at Meth-Wick has reviewed both the guidance and our current policy and have made the decision to leave our mask policy in place for our indoor public spaces. This policy will be reviewed on a weekly basis.
Healthcare areas (Woodlands, Arbor Place and Custom Care) all require masking in accordance with directions from CMS and due to the transfers that happen between the healthcare areas.
While most of our residents are vaccinated, we are still encouraging staff to be vaccinated. We are over 70% on employee vaccinations and we continue to offer the vaccine to both employees and residents.
If you have not gotten a vaccine and would like one, please contact Cindy Scott, Home & Health, 319-297-8611 to complete the paperwork and get on the list.
Thank you all for your support.
Sincerely,
Robin K. Mixdorf
CEO/President
April 30, 2021 – New CDC Infographic for Independent Living Residents
March 11, 2021 – New Guidance on Visitation at The Woodlands
We have received new guidance on visitation at The Woodlands. As anticipated, the new guidance is much less restrictive! We have outlined below the main points of the new guidance.
• Visitors must be screened in for signs and symptoms of COVID-19.
• Visitors must perform hand hygiene (use of alcohol-based hand rub is preferred).
• Visitors must wear a face covering or mask (covering mouth and nose).
• Visitors must social distance at least six feet between persons.
• Visitors should not walk around to different halls of the facility: to limit visitor movement, visitors will go directly to the resident’s room or designated visitation area.
• Resident rooms allow for two visitors at a time in order to social distance at least six feet between persons.
• Visitors are encouraged to conduct visits outdoors during nice weather.
• Indoor visitation restrictions remain for those residents in quarantine.
• At this time, indoor public spaces at The Woodlands remain closed to visitors. If the visitor prefers to conduct the visit in The Woodlands multi-purpose room or one of the four Sunrooms, these visits will need to be scheduled with our Recreation and Wellness Department by calling 319-297-8629.
The CDC and CMS acknowledge that there is no substitute for physical contact, such as the warm embrace between a resident and their loved one. Therefore, if the resident is fully vaccinated, they can choose to have close contact (including touch) with their visitor while wearing a well-fitting face mask and performing hand-hygiene before and after. Regardless, visitors should physically distance from other residents and staff in the facility.
Please let us know if you have any questions.
March 9, 2021 – CDC Recommendations for Those Fully Vaccinated for COVID-19
The CDC recently announced public health guidance for those considered fully vaccinated for COVID-19.
Please keep in mind the guidelines are not intended for healthcare settings such as The Woodlands, Custom Care and Arbor Place. Meth-Wick public spaces currently remain closed to visitors.
According to the CDC, fully vaccinated individuals in a private setting, such as a private home, may:
• Visit with other fully vaccinated individuals indoors in a small group without masking or social distancing.
• Visit with non-vaccinated individuals from a single household indoors without masking or social distancing, provided none of the non-vaccinated individuals or their household members are at increased risk for severe COVID-19 disease.
• Refrain from quarantine and testing after exposure to COVID-19, provided the vaccinated individual remains asymptomatic.
Updated guidance for fully vaccinated individuals in health care settings, such as nursing homes, assisted living and inpatient hospice, is expected to be released soon from the CDC and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Leading Age provides more information about the CDC guidance and current recommendations within healthcare settings: CDC Issues First Set of Guidance for Activities of Fully Vaccinated Individuals.
Please let me know if you have any questions about the CDC announcement and the procedures in place at
Meth-Wick Community.
Thank you all for your support.
Sincerely,
Robin K. Mixdorf
CEO/President
February 22, 2021 – Post-Vaccine Visitation Guidance
With the vaccination process nearly complete for Meth-Wick residents who wanted to receive the vaccine, we’re hearing a common question: “When will nursing homes open up and begin to get back to normal since residents are getting vaccinated?”
Evan Shulman, Director, Division of Nursing Homes, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently shared the latest guidance during a recent podcast call with LeadingAge.org.
He outlined three reasons why the visitation guidance can’t be changed yet and reiterated that the current guidance does not prohibit all visitation. He also stated that as community cases continue to fall, more visitation will be possible; however, changes in visitation will be made at the facility level.
Click to listen to the full interview: Post-Vaccine Visitation Guidance
Thank you to everyone— residents, families and staff—for your continued vigilance over the past year. We’ll continue to provide updates as they become available. If you have any questions, please let me know.
Sincerely,
Robin K. Mixdorf
CEO/President
February 15, 2021 – COVID-19 Vaccination Update
We’re happy to report that as of February 13th, all Meth-Wick Community residents who wanted the COVID-19 vaccine have received at least their first dose. We’ll continue to update you with more information as it becomes available.
Thank you all for your support. If you have any questions, let me know.
Sincerely,
Robin K. Mixdorf
CEO/President
January 26, 2021 – COVID-19 Vaccination Update
With Iowa’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout plan soon moving into a new phase, we wanted to share the latest information.
On February 1st, Iowa will begin Phase 1B, which includes Iowans age 65 and older. However, state officials caution it may take weeks longer for people to receive vaccines because there is currently not enough supply to meet demand.
To help balance the vaccine supply, Phase 1B has five tiers. This video and article from KCRG outline the timeline of the vaccine distribution across the five tiers:
Gov. Reynolds outlines Phase 1B of COVID-19 vaccine plan, expands to those 65 and older.
We also encourage you to check the Linn County Public Health website for the latest information:
COVID-19 Vaccine in Linn County.
We’ll continue to update you as we have more information on vaccine availability for our Meth-Wick community residents.
Thank you all for your support. If you have any questions, let me know.
Sincerely,
Robin K. Mixdorf
CEO/President
January 15, 2021 – Resiliency and 2021
In a recent article by LeadingAge board chair, Carol Silver Elliott, she talked about beginning the process of bouncing back. Thinking about how we rebuild and restore, how we re-energize and renew. The reality of the vaccine gives us the opportunity to think about what the future can and will be.
Let us start with the vaccine. January 11th was the first of our vaccine clinics on campus. We had 125 staff and residents vaccinated at The Woodlands and 64 staff and residents vaccinated at Arbor Place. January 24th will be the vaccine clinic for Custom Care residents and staff. We will then repeat the process three weeks later for a second vaccine shot for those already in the process and hopefully encourage more staff to get their first vaccination. There is hesitancy among our staff members – we will use this time to offer further information about the vaccine and I am sure many are in a wait and see mode on the side effects, if any, that occur. Almost 100% of the residents of The Woodlands and Arbor Place got their vaccinations.
While the vaccine clinic for our healthcare areas has been exciting – the future is still unknown for vaccination availability of our independent living population. Access to the vaccine for 75 and older population has been different in other states and has been the headline for many newscasts, but Iowa continues to hold them in the second phase of vaccination. Uncertainty still surrounds the how of the distribution, but it most likely will be done through each person’s primary care physician. We remain in contact with our regular pharmacy for any changes they might have in access to the vaccine and distribution. When we know more – you will know more.
Vaccination does not change the precautions we continue to use; testing, wearing PPE, hand hygiene and social distancing. Nor does it erase the anxiety or uncertainty of COVID, but the vaccine does give us HOPE. It does allow us to move forward and start to imagine what the future may look like. That future will certainly arrive slowly and look different than our past and the planning process for both physical plant changes as well as resident daily life experiences is under way.
I agree with Carol Silver Elliott – we will look forward to 2021 as a time when we can build on the lessons of 2020, find our resilience and continue to move The Meth-Wick Community forward.
Sincerely,
Robin K. Mixdorf
CEO/President
December 21, 2020 – COVID-19 News: Vaccine Information
With so much news coming out daily about the COVID-19 vaccine, we wanted to share two informative Q & A videos featuring healthcare experts from Iowa.
The first was created by our friends at Oaknoll Retirement Residence in Iowa City. It features several physicians and educators from the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, and the Johnson County Department of Health.
Topics include:
Safety and efficacy of the vaccine
Logistics and distribution of the vaccine
Potential side effects from the vaccine
Click to watch: Oaknoll Q&A Session on COVID-19 Vaccine
The second video is from the Iowa Health Care Association and the Iowa Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine. It features medical directors serving long-term care residents in the state of Iowa.
Topics include:
How the vaccine works
Who needs to get the vaccine
Any concerns due to the rapid development of the vaccine
Click to watch: IPALTC COVID-19 Vaccination Update for Long-term Care Employees
You can also find helpful information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Click to read: Importance of COVID-19 Vaccination for Residents of Long-term Care Facilities
We’ll continue to update you as more vaccine information becomes available.
Thank you for your continued support. If you have any questions, let me know.
Sincerely,
Robin K. Mixdorf
CEO/President
December 3, 2020 – The news outlets reported yesterday and today about The Meth-Wick Community (Meth-Wick Health Center) now being on the outbreak list for nursing homes. This should not be “new” news to you as you have been receiving the updates from me regarding the number of residents who have tested positive at The Woodlands. The news coverage was not a surprise to us as we report our numbers to Linn County and the federal government daily. It was surprising that it took so long for the data to finally be updated in the system and this data will unfortunately always lag behind the information that you as a resident may have already received.
Test results as of yesterday have taken us to a total resident confirmed positive count of 26 residents. We have 8 Woodlands residents who have recovered, and we have had one Woodlands resident pass away – an outcome that leaves us broken-hearted. We do anticipate 8 additional residents moving onto the recovered list on Friday.
We have been in an accelerated testing pattern for all residents and staff of The Woodlands and will remain in this testing pattern until we go 14 days without a positive test result in either residents or staff. We will continue to be in outbreak status until we have gone 28 days without a new positive case.
Arbor Place and Custom Care have no current positive cases in the resident population, and we continue to screen and test staff on a regular and routine basis. Additionally, we have been informed that there has been a confirmed positive COVID-19 diagnosis in our independent living population. The resident(s) lives in Brendelwood Village and is in isolation at home and doing well. All resident health information is protected by HIPPA – names of affected residents will not be released. Meth-Wick staff who have a need to know will be informed.
In-person visitation in all healthcare areas continues to be suspended during this timeframe. We do still encourage virtual and window visits and when appropriate offer compassionate care visits for the Woodlands residents.
Thank you all for your support. If you have any questions, let me know.
Sincerely,
Robin K. Mixdorf
CEO/President
December 3, 2020 – Housekeeping services will remain on a limited basis through the end of this year. We will review the status of housekeeping services on 1/3/21.
Rules for cleaning do not change for residents in quarantine/isolation – cleaning in emergency situations only.
Listed below are changes you should note:
- Only one housekeeper at a time in a living unit – no exceptions.
- No annual cleanings until after the first of the year.
- Resident(s) must leave the living unit during cleaning.
- The following are the only areas that will be cleaned: bathroom, trash removed, and unit vacuumed.
- Residents in The Manor can refuse service. If you refuse the service, you will receive a credit on the next month’s billing.
- Ridgewood’s housekeeping staff will contact each resident with scheduled cleaning to allow the resident the option of cleaning.
Within Ridgewoods (Highland Park, Deer Ridge, Brendelwood Village, Greenwood Terrace and Oakwood) annual cleanings are still paused. We will work on rescheduling annual cleanings for after the first of the year.
Housekeeping staff will still be available for an emergency cleaning situation within a living unit. If you have an emergency, please contact the front desk and housekeeping will contact you.
In The Manor, if you choose to refuse services, you may still put your garbage in a bag outside your door and it will be picked up.
Thank you all for your support. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me directly at 297-8601.
Regards,
Robin K. Mixdorf
CEO/President
November 24, 2020 – We understand there may have been some confusion over a recent news story regarding staffing care at long-term care facilities during the current pandemic.
To clarify, while the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) guidelines allow the practice of staff with COVID-19 to continue working in a crisis staffing situation, Meth-Wick is not allowing COVID-19 positive staff to care for residents.
Please be rest assured we have detailed staffing measures and contingency plans in place to protect residents and staff during these challenging times. Our focus is always on the health and well-being of our community.
Thank you all for your support. If you have any questions, let me know.
Sincerely,
Robin K. Mixdorf
CEO/President
November 19, 2020 – While the current COVID-19 positivity rate in Linn County continues to be high we do realize some individual living unit services need to be completed. Therefore, housekeeping services will resume on a limited basis effective Friday, November 20th.
We will reevaluate the county situation on Thursday, December 3rd and make decisions on moving back to a full cleaning schedule or continuing our abbreviated service. Rules for cleaning do not change for residents in quarantine/isolation – cleaning in emergency situations only.Â
Housekeeping staff will still be available for an emergency cleaning situation within a living unit. If you have an emergency, please contact the front desk and housekeeping will contact you.
Please note these important changes:
- Only one housekeeper at a time in a living unit – no exceptions.
- No annual cleanings until after the first of the year.
- Resident(s) must leave the living unit during cleaning.
- The following are the only areas that will be cleaned: bathroom, trash removed, and unit vacuumed.
- Residents in The Manor can refuse service. If you refuse the service, you will receive a credit on the next month’s billing.
- Ridgewood’s housekeeping staff will contact each resident with scheduled cleaning to allow the resident the option of cleaning.
Within Ridgewoods (Highland Park, Deer Ridge, Brendelwood Village, Greenwood Terrace and Oakwood) annual cleanings are still paused. We will work on rescheduling annual cleanings for after the first of the year.
In The Manor, if you choose to refuse services, you may still put your garbage in a bag outside your door and it will be picked up.
Thank you all for your support. Please continue to check this page for updates. If you have any questions, let me know.
Regards,
Robin K. Mixdorf
CEO/President
November 18, 2020 – We have heard from some residents who are interested in guidance on celebrating Thanksgiving.
Of course, staying HOME and gathering ONLY with people in your own household is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 during the holiday.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has helpful information on how to celebrate safely. Click the links below to read, or you can find printed copies of these documents in the Meth-Wick libraries.
Holiday Celebrations and Small Gatherings:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html
Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-during-covid19.html
Please consider the safety of yourself, your families, and your fellow residents as you make your holiday plans this year.
Regards,
Eryn Cronbaugh, CTRS
Director of Wellness and Recreation
November 11, 2020 – After serious consideration for both resident and staff safety we will be suspending in-home cleaning for our independent living residents for seven days effective Thursday November 12th.
While we understand this may be a disruption to your normal schedule, the current COVID positivity rate in Linn County pushes us to consider the wisdom of staff moving from living unit to living unit. We will reevaluate the county situation on Thursday, November 19th and will make decisions on resuming a cleaning schedule or continuing to suspend this service.
Housekeeping staff will focus on repeated cleaning of common spaces. They will be available for an emergency cleaning situation within a living unit. If you have an emergency, please contact the front desk and housekeeping will contact you.
Within Ridgewoods (Highland Park, Deer Ridge, Brendelwood Village, Greenwood Terrace and Oakwood) both weekly cleaning and annual cleaning will be paused. We will work on rescheduling annual cleanings for after the first of the year.
In The Manor, all weekly cleanings with the exception of Custom Care will be paused.
Thank you all for your support. Please continue to check this page for updates. If you have any questions, let me know.
Regards,
Robin K. Mixdorf
CEO/President
November 9, 2020 – It’s been nearly ten months since we began adapting our daily living around the dangers of a global pandemic. But the holidays will present new challenges with the traditional gatherings with family and friends.
There are ways to modify plans to greatly reduce your chances of getting COVID-19, yet still provide an enjoyable and memorable Thanksgiving. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends these lower risk activities:
- Having a small dinner with only people who live in your household.
- Preparing traditional family recipes for family and neighbors and delivering them in a way that doesn’t involve contact with others.
- Having a virtual Thanksgiving dinner and sharing recipes with family and friends.
- Shopping online rather than in person on Black Friday.
- Watching sports events, parades, and movies from home.
For more tips on how to make your Thanksgiving holiday safer, check out these tips from the CDC: Celebrating Thanksgiving.
Thank you all for your support. We will continue to provide updates regularly. If you have any questions, please let me know.
Regards,
Robin K. Mixdorf
CEO/President
October 6, 2020 – Today, at Meth-Wick Community, a third resident tested positive for COVID. The COVID-positive resident was identified during Meth-Wick’s antigen testing process. All three residents are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms and live in the same assisted living building.
All of the nursing home COVID policies recommended by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, the CDC and The State of Iowa were mirrored and adopted for Meth-Wick’s assisted living facilities at the beginning of the COVID pandemic to ensure the safety of all staff and residents.
All COVID-positive resident rooms and any common areas in the community will be UV-sanitized. Meth-Wick is suspending in-person visitation at the assisted living facility until the residents and staff have gone 14 days COVID-free.
The COVID-positive residents have been moved to an isolation area in a separate wing within their building. Meth-Wick will continue testing residents and staff weekly until all results remain negative. Meth-Wick will continue to notify the Linn County Department of Health, residents, family members and staff members of any additional positive results.
We ask that our residents, families and staff do all that they can to support our community by continuing to follow the recommendations set forth by the CDC as follows:
• Social distancing/staying home if possible
• Wearing a face mask
• Washing hands for 20 seconds with soap and water
• Self-isolating if showing any signs or symptoms of COVID-19
• Seeking medical assistance as necessary
Thank you all for your support. We will provide updates regularly. If you have any questions, please let me know.
Regards,
Robin K. Mixdorf
CEO/President
September 8, 2020 – Yesterday, a case of COVID-19, the illness resulting from the novel coronavirus, was diagnosed in a staff member. The staff member is at home and will be not be returning until the individual is through the recommended isolation timeframe. This staff member had limited contact with only staff and residents of Custom Care. We have notified those residents with whom the individual had direct contact with.
We have also notified public health officials as required and are following procedures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. We are taking every step as recommended by authorities to contain the spread. We want to make residents, their families, and our dedicated staff aware of this situation and reassure everyone that we are on top of it.
Coronavirus cases are changing day by day through community spread throughout our county. Our focus remains on the health and well-being of our community. We must also recognize our team for the concern and commitment they have shown to our residents during this challenging time. Our mission has never been more meaningful.
We ask that our residents and staff do all that they can to support our community by continuing to follow the recommendations set forth by the CDC:
• Wearing a mask
• Social Distancing/staying home if possible
• Washing Hands for 20 seconds with soap and water
• Self-isolating if showing any signs or symptoms of COVID-19
• Seeking medical assistance as necessary
Thank you all for your support. We will provide updates regularly. If you have any questions, please let me know.
Regards,
Robin K. Mixdorf
CEO/President
August 7, 2020 – Yesterday, a case of COVID-19, the illness resulting from the novel coronavirus, was diagnosed in a staff member. The staff member is at home and will not be returning until the individual is through the recommended isolation timeframe. This staff member had limited contact with only staff and residents of Arbor Place. We have notified those residents with whom the individual had direct contact with.
We have also notified public health officials, as required, and are following all procedures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We are taking every step, as recommended by authorities, to contain any possible spread. We want to make residents, their families, and our dedicated staff aware of this situation and reassure everyone that we are on top of it.
Developments are changing day-by-day, minute-by-minute. Our focus remains firm on the health and well-being of our community. We recognize the tireless efforts our team has made over the past months to care for each and every Meth-Wick resident; the concern and commitment they have shown to our residents during this challenging time has been heroic. Our mission has never been more meaningful.
We ask that our residents, families and staff do all that they can to support our community by continuing to follow the recommendations set forth by the CDC as follows:
• Social distancing/staying home if possible
• Wearing a face mask
• Washing hands for 20 seconds with soap and water
• Self-isolating if showing any signs or symptoms of COVID-19
• Seeking medical assistance as necessary
Thank you all for your support. We will provide updates regularly. If you have any questions, please let me know.
Regards,
Robin K. Mixdorf
CEO/President
July 31, 2020 – As of this date, we have no positive COVID-19 cases with our residents or staff.
July 22, 2020 – Yesterday, a case of COVID-19, the illness resulting from the novel coronavirus, was diagnosed in a staff member. The staff member is at home and will not be returning until they are through the recommended isolation timeframe; please note, this individual had very limited contact with other staff members and residents. The staff member did not work in the following healthcare areas: The Woodlands, Custom Care or Arbor Place. We have notified those residents with whom the individual had direct contact with.
We have also notified public health officials, as required, and are following all procedures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We are taking every step, as recommended by authorities, to contain any possible spread. Communication during these unprecedented times is key in order to maintain everyone’s safety. Making Meth-Wick residents, their families and our dedicated staff aware of the current situation is of the utmost importance to us. Rest assured, we are taking every measure possible to keep residents and staff members healthy and safe.
Developments are changing day-by-day, minute-by-minute. Our focus remains firm on the health and well-being of our community. We recognize the tireless efforts our team has made over the past few months to care for each and every Meth-Wick resident; the concern and commitment they have shown to our residents during this challenging time has been heroic. Our mission has never been more meaningful.
We ask that our residents, families and staff do all that they can to support our community by continuing to follow the recommendations set forth by the CDC as follows:
• Social distancing/staying home if possible
• Wearing a face mask
• Washing hands for 20 seconds with soap and water
• Self-isolating if showing any signs or symptoms of COVID-19
• Seeking medical assistance as necessary
Thank you all for your support. We will provide updates regularly. If you have any questions, please let me know.
Regards,
Robin K. Mixdorf
CEO/President
June 4, 2020 – The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA) released Iowa Guidance on Phased Easing of Restrictions for Long-Term Care Facilities. They have outlined a three phase process of reopening.
Linn County is currently in Phase 2 and all Nursing Facilities are currently in Phase 1. Phase 1 is designed for vigilant infection control during periods of heightened virus spread in the community, which include factors such as staffing, hospital capacity, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and baseline testing.
It is important to understand facilities will be required to move backwards in phases based on positive cases. As a facility, we are required to fall back to Phase 1 when there is one positive case in the building. Yet, Linn County, if meeting their baseline, could still progress forward to the next Phase.
While we begin the process of working towards Phase Two there remains many questions about the requirements that must be answered in order to move forward with confidence.
Linn County’s website (see below) is utilized to track real time data.
Link to the website:
https://covid19-unifiedcommand-cityofmarion.hub.arcgis.com/pages/phased-reopening-metrics
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- Tuesday, May 26, 2020 – The Fitness Zone reopened for staff and residents on Tuesday, May 26. It is open by appointment only, Monday-Friday, with fitness staff letting patrons in and out of the room. Only one person is allowed to exercise at a time, for a maximum of 45 minutes to ensure plenty of time for sanitizing between each person.
- Wednesday, May 13, 2020 – Governor Reynolds announced re-openings during her press conference today. Effective Monday, May 18, the Hilltop Dining Room at The Manor will re-open. Specific guidelines have been put in place to help maintain a safe environment for both residents and staff. Contact Dining Services (297-8632) for more details. Please note: Hilltop Dining will be the only dining area that will re-open beginning Monday, May 18 and it will only open to Meth-Wick residents at this time. In addition, we are still restricting visitors from The Woodlands, Arbor Place and Custom Care.
- Governor Reynolds is also allowing Beauty Shops to re-open with restrictions on operations; Meth-Wick beauticians will be responsible for establishing appointments. Meth-Wick will re-open The Manor on Monday, May 18 and Deer Ridge on Friday, May 15.
- Effective Monday, April 27, 2020 – During her press conference today, Monday, April 27, the governor extended current restrictions for Linn County. Therefore, all current restrictions will remain in place at Meth-Wick through at least May 15.
- Effective Friday, April 17, 2020 – New orders from the governor: in Region 6, which includes Linn County, Governor Reynolds has ordered stricter gathering rules. In accordance with these new rules, no groups of any size should be congregating in Meth-Wick common areas from April 17 through April 30.
- Effective Thursday, April 2, 2020 – Iowa’s governor, Kim Reynolds, has extended the State Public Health Emergency Declaration until April 30th. This declaration extends closure dates for various businesses including, but not limited to, senior centers, beauty salons, restaurants, etc. through April 30, 2020 in order to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. We will continue to monitor updates and make any necessary changes accordingly.
- Effective Saturday, March 28, 2020 – In addition to our standard precautions, we have been instructed by Linn County Public Health to have all Woodlands staff wear protective masks at all times. This includes direct and non-direct care staff. So, if your loved one tells you all the staff are now wearing masks at all times, they are correct. This is one more step we are taking to help protect the residents while providing quality care.
- Also, staff will continue to be screened when they come on shift and will also now be screened when they complete their shift. This screening will now include taking their temperature, testing their oxygen levels as well as screening for signs and symptoms of possible illness.
- Effective Saturday, March 21, 2020 – The Linn County Department of Public Health held a press conference at 11:00 a.m., indicating the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Linn County. With this announcement, unless it’s an emergency, we ask all visitors refrain from visiting The Meth-Wick campus. We appreciate your consideration and understanding.
- Effective Saturday, March 21, 2020 – Coffee and hot water will no longer be available in Manor Brew.
- Effective Thursday, March 19, 2020 – Meth-Wick’s Hilltop Dining Room at The Manor is closed. The kitchen remains open and the dining services staff led by Dianna Young, General Manager, has done an exceptional job switching us to meals delivered to each apartment in The Manor and on demand in the other living areas. Meth-Wick Community operates the dining room under a restaurant license in Linn County. Governor Kim Reynolds has announced tighter restrictions on public spaces including a ban on dining in at restaurants and the closing of various other recreational and fitness facilities to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. This includes Meth-Wick’s fitness zone and other recreational areas on campus.
- Effective Wednesday, March 18, 2020 – We will be restricting non-resident visitors in The Manor. Individuals that live on the Meth-Wick campus will be considered resident visitors and will not be restricted at this time.
- Effective Tuesday, March 17, 2020 – We began restricting visitors at Arbor Place and Custom Care Assisted Living. This difficult decision has been made to protect both residents and staff and we appreciate your help in keeping everyone safe.
- Effective Saturday, March 14, 2020 – The Center for Medicare and Medicaid issued new guidance for the nation’s nursing homes. These new guidelines included no visitors into the facility as well as group gatherings and communal dining restrictions. Meth-Wick thanks you for abiding by these restrictions. Effective immediately we will not be allowing any visitors in to The Woodlands. If you have any concerns or questions please do not hesitate to contact Robin Mixdorf (297-8601 or rmixdorf@methwick.org).
Non-resident visitors will be restricted from all common areas at The Manor. This will include but is not limited to Hilltop Dining, The Brew, The Key Club and all fitness areas.
Non-resident visitors will still be allowed to visit with their loved one in their living unit and still must go through the screening process at the front door.
Please share this information with your family and friends who plan to visit The Manor. If there are any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact Robin Mixdorf at 297-8601 or rmixdorf@methwick.org.
Additional Changes
The Hilltop dining room is now set up with social distancing. Tables and chairs have been placed in Live. Laugh. Learn to accommodate more space between diners. You will be receiving additional information directly from Dianna Young, Sodexo General Manager regarding dining at Greenwood Terrace and Deer Ridge. Please do not hesitate to contact Dianna at 297-8632 or dianna.young@sodexo.com.
There is a great deal of news regarding the presumptive cases in Johnson County and about the potential spread and risks. This development triggers heightened infection control practice and protocols as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Please know that maintaining the health, wellness and safety of our residents and staff is our number one priority.
Effective March 10, 2020, we will limit visitation in The Woodlands as recommended by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS). Anyone entering the building will be screened daily and we have clear protocols for staff to stay home and not come to work if they are symptomatic.
Effective March 11, 2020 we will be screening anyone entering the building in our Assisted Living areas – Arbor Place and Custom Care. Everyone visiting The Manor will be asked to enter through the main door for screening.
We continue to monitor information and guidance from Iowa Department of Public Health, CDC, and CMS as well as working with local public health and emergency preparedness officials to prevent the spread of the illness and strengthen our preparation for a possible outbreak.
The Meth-Wick Community has many different living areas on campus and if you have questions or concerns please feel free to contact us at 365-9171. We continue to communicate with our residents directly and with responsible parties in our health care areas but are always happy to speak with you personally about your loved one.
Remember that you are a key partner in keeping our residents and staff healthy. This is also flu season in Iowa so focused attention on washing your hands often, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth and of course, do not visit your loved one in any of the residences on campus if you feel sick.
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