Thank You to all Our Physicians on National Doctor’s Day

We want to thank you for your continuing commitment to our senior patients.

Our #1 Priority is Still Prevention at NHC

3.26.20

The majority of our healthcare centers and assisted living communities have no reported cases of COVID-19.  We continue to restrict all visitation except in center-approved emergency situations.  Knowing the importance of connecting to loved ones, we are encouraging family and friends to communicate through phone, text, email, Facetime, Facebook, or other digital means.

Under the guidance of our in-house infection preventionists, our partners are practicing universal precautions including:

• Frequent hand washing
• Not coming to work if they show any symptoms of illness
• And social distancing

Given the national spread of coronavirus however in the last few days we had a small number of patients test positively for COVID-19. When that has occurred, we have followed the guidance from the CDC, CMS, and state and local health departments.

When a positive test occurs, the healthcare center, or assisted living community, will promptly

• First – Notify the family of the patient
• Second – Alert center partners there has been a confirmed case of COVID-19
• Third – All patients there and/or their families are informed that a patient has tested positively in the center
• Fourth – A notice is placed on the operations website.

Obviously, if symptoms dictate, the patient testing COVID-19 positive will be transferred to the hospital.

These are challenging times and for those of you who have entrusted a loved on to the care of an NHC Healthcare Center or assisted living community. We pledge to our very best efforts to overcome this challenge.

03.24.20

We would like to recognize the overwhelming support we continue to receive from our friends and families. Keeping morale high and expressing gratitude during this time is as important as the safety measures we continue to maintain in every center.

On Facebook, you will see two methods of boosting spirits for our partners and patients.  One is focused on #MakeASeniorSmile.  Many of you are sending cards, letters and drawings to our patients.  Others are posting photos or scheduling a virtual date with a patient.  Some are singing songs and posting those. Please keep it up. It makes our days brighter.

The second is honoring the work of our healthcare heroes. Everyday our partners show up to clean and sanitize, cook and serve, teach and listen, nurse and care for our patients. Take a moment to thank them for their work online or send a card of appreciation.

And many thanks to those of you who willingly follow the precautionary restrictions so necessary during this health crisis.

Frequently Asked Questions

We understand you have questions during these uncertain times, so click here for some frequently asked questions and answers to help keep you informed.

Prevention is Priority #1 at NHC

As the situation surrounding COVID-19 rapidly evolves, the health and well-being of our residents, patients and partners remains our top priority. Additionally, we are equally committed to providing you with frequent updates about the proactive steps we are taking to ensure the safety of everyone concerned.

NHC has implemented the following precautionary measures in accordance with guidelines set forth by the CDC, CMS and local health departments:

• Restricting ALL visitors – including family members, volunteers and non-essential healthcare personnel – except for end-of-life circumstances
• Restricting vendors except those with critical deliveries and needed for plant operations
• Practicing social distancing in activities and communal dining
• Daily monitoring of all residents, patients and partners for symptoms related to COVID-19
• Mandatory screenings for all partners, healthcare providers and vendors prior to entering an NHC facility

We understand these limitations might be distressing to our resident and patient families, but we are doing so out of an abundance of caution in order to protect the health and safety of those in our care. We realize the importance of staying in close contact with your loved ones, which is why we are encouraging families to utilize alternate forms of communication, including phone calls, text, email, video chats, social media and other means.

Finally, in the midst of an ever-changing health crisis, unprecedented times call for unprecedented measures. Rest assured that our partners are devoted to maintaining normalcy for our residents and patients while simultaneously taking the necessary precautions to protect their health, safety and wellbeing. We greatly appreciate everyone’s support, understanding and cooperation as we navigate these uncertain times, and we will continue to update this page with new information as it becomes available.