Published on September 02, 2020

WoodHaven set to resume modified visitation on Sept. 8

Lori Dove and Suzanne Jackson

Southeastern Health’s WoodHaven Nursing, Alzheimer’s and Rehabilitation Center plans to resume modified visitation for residents on Tuesday, Sept. 8, based on guidelines released by N.C. Department of Health and Human Services on Tuesday, Sept. 1.

WoodHaven is in the process of performing a round of COVID-19 testing that was mandated as a safeguard by NCDHHS and CMS for all employees. The visitation plan will be implemented once all employees receive negative COVID-19 test results. If any staff member tests positive for COVID-19, according to the guidelines set by NCHDDS, no visitation will be allowed for the facility.

As part of the visitation modification guidelines, each facility is required to have a plan to ensure all requirements are in place, including continuing to follow established infection control guidelines, and adequate staffing is available to screen and transfer residents to the designated areas.

“There are still many restrictions that we must follow in order to accommodate outdoor visits, but we are working as quickly as possible to make sure all the mandates and safeguards are in place,” said WoodHaven Director Suzanne Jackson.

According to Jackson, visits will include, but are not limited to, the following guidelines:

  • Designated outdoor areas for visits
  • Mask to be worn by visitors at all times
  • Only two visitors who are family members per visit
  • Six-feet social distancing
  • No physical contact
  • 15-minute visitation increments
  • Screening and temperature monitoring

“We are working hard to get these measures in place as quickly and as safely as possible, knowing that our residents and their family members are anxious to reunite after a long period of visitation restrictions due to COVID-19,” said SeHealth VP and Chief Administrative Officer Lori Dove. “Resuming modified visitation on Tuesday will give us the time we need to ensure that all of our staff receive negative COVID-19 test results and that all measures are in place to reunite our residents and their families in a compassionate and safe manner.”

For more information about the latest skilled nursing facility visitation guidelines, visit www.ncdhhs.gov.